The term Usher is derived from ush, meaning “to enter into.”
It also comes from the Latin term ostiarius (“porter”, “doorman”) through Norman French, and is a cognate of the French huissier. Ushers were servants or courtiers who showed or ushered visitors in and out of meetings in large houses or palaces.
Ushers are also referred to us attendant, guide, helper, assistant, supporter, escort, doorkeeper, doorman, gatekeeper, doorperson, aide, commissionaire, usherette or conductor.
An usher is a person who welcomes and shows people where to sit, especially at a church, theatre or when attending events.
The ushering and protocol unit of the church is one that is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring orderliness, security and the smooth running of church services. The ushers are seen as the extension of the Pastors’ hand as they provide the first impression of the church and the ministry of the Pastor.
The concept of ushers is very biblical actually, and very necessary. God was the very first usher – as he ushered in day and light (Gen. 1:3-4). God ushered man into the Garden of Eden (Gen 2:15). Ushers or forerunners are depicted throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, they were there to collect money (2 Kings 22:4), to guard the gate of the temple (1 Chronicles 9:19) and ushers were even present in Ezekiel’s vision of the future temple (Ezekiel 40:45-46).
The doorkeepers guarded the gates of the house of Yahweh (1 Chronicles 9:23), closing and opening them at the proper times (1 Chronicles 9:27) and preventing the unclean from entering the sacred enclosure (2 Chronicles 23:19); they had charge of the sacred vessels and of the free-will offerings (2 Chronicles 31:14)
In the scriptures David in Psalm 84:10 ESV said “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. ”
In the new testament the disciples of Jesus served as ushers in a lot of cases like in the Cana of Galilee during the wedding John 2:1-11and when Jesus fed the 5000 men Matthew 14:13-21.
You have been selected as an usher; you are in the ministry of helps, employed by Almighty God. “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, HELPS, governments, diversities of tongues” (1 Cor. 12:28).
Ushers work in a wide variety of environments. Among the most common locations are theaters, arenas, sports stadiums, Worship places and event venues. Common job duties include checking tickets, handing out programs, helping guests find their seats, and answering questions.
Without them the church service cannot be held. Furthermore, ushering is an important factor in the church’s public relations. The ushers are the representatives of the church to the people who come to worship there. Visitors receive their first impression of the church from the ushers.
Although an usher’s love is no stronger than the love found in the whole congregation of the body of Christ, nevertheless the usher performs a major role in ensuring that people see and experience that love. An usher is a spiritual ambassador for the local church – God’s ordained and organized body of believers.
The Usher will be responsible for ensuring that guests have an enjoyable experience while attending events. They will assist with seating, directing guests to their seats, and answering any questions they may have. The Usher will also be responsible for maintaining a safe and clean environment for guests.

ELEMENTS OF BUILDING EFFECTIVE CHURCH USHERING MINISTRY
 Calling
 Character
 Competency
 Chemistry

THE 4O’S OF EFFECTIVE CHURCH USHERING
Opportunity
Opposition
Obedience
Outcome

THE 4 A’S OF EFFECTIVE CHURCH USHERING LEADERSHIP
 Appreciate
 Accentuate
 Alleviate
 Activate
The aspects of appreciating how you are created and understand how experiences continue to develop you. Discern how accentuating allows you to prioritize.

ABCD OF EFFECTIVE CHURCH USHERING
 Able
 Believable
 Connected
 Dependable

An usher is equipped for his or her ministry by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to make their ministry effective and build up the body of Christ.
There is no minimum education requirement across the board to become an Usher in most cases.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD AND EFFECTIVE USHER
1. Punctuality
2. Humility
3. Graciousness
4. Kindness
5. Submissiveness
6. Flexibility
7. Cleanness (neat)
8. Sensitiveness (alert)
9. Faithfulness (dependable)
10. Availability
11. Dedicated
12. Poised
13. Prayerful

SOME RESPONSIBILITY OF CHURCH USHER
I. Greeting and directing members and visitors
II. Assisting with seating
III. Collecting offerings
IV. Providing assistance to those in need
V. Providing information about the church and upcoming events
VI. Maintaining order during the service
VII. Preparing the sanctuary before and after the service

A good usher must embody and embrace these values
1. Teachable
2. Thoughtfulness
3. Tactfulness
4. Timeliness
5. Teamwork

As leaders, the ushers are empowered to take ownership of the section of seats they serve in and give leadership where needed. Each usher should do everything in their power to ensure that the people have the best opportunity possible to connect with and hear from God.
Ushers should be on time and also timely in bringing assistance to others. An effective usher does not wait to be asked or wait for others to help but is keenly aware of what is going on in the church and allows the flow of the service to continue without distractions. S/he should be good in anticipating.
Ushers have a goal of minimizing distractions during the event or sermon. Ushers stand ready to assist anyone in the congregation who might need help, to aid latecomers in finding a seat, and to inform those in the sanctuary of any urgent matters. Church ushers are well-versed in emergency procedures.
Ushers should be dressed neatly and appropriately for the worship of God. They should be courteous, pleasant, and kind. They should always “be on the job”. When their duties require them to be on their feet, they should be erect and tending to business.
Be friendly, smile and make everyone feel welcome leaving a lasting/long positive impression. You are the first person a visitor sees, so look your best and be warm and welcoming!
The purpose of ushering in church is not merely to serve people, as in a theater or restaurant. Its purpose is to serve God. When the ushers see to it that an atmosphere of reverence and order is maintained before, during, and after the service, they do it for God.
“Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Col. 3: 23, 24.
As a church ushering coach I Provide teaching and training for all ushers, security, protocol, sanctuary keepers, traffic controllers, hospitality and catering teams and ministry which includes, greeting others, how to handle emergencies, how to assist congregational needs, offering duties, and provide courteous and thoughtful attitude in their role and my mission is to help them serve in a manner that is Safe, Prompt and Effective with Understanding, Passion, Love, Knowledge, Wisdom, Right Attitude, Revelation and Spirit of Excellence.
For more details, you can reach me via email info@ambstevembugua.co.ke, Whatsapp +254724036078 and as well as read https://www.ambstevembugua.co.ke/the-art-of-effective-church-ushering-revised-edition/