Usher Training System 101 Instructions

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“A Ministry That Helps The Local Church”

PO Box 27366 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74149 Phone (918) 245-5768 Fax (918) 245-2466
www.mohi.org e-mail [email protected]
© Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc.
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itself may be copied for the use of training purposes for your organization only.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME LETTERS from Rev. Buddy Bell

Pastor.....................................................................................................................Page iii
Instructor ................................................................................................................ Page v
Students ................................................................................................................Page vii

USHER TRAINING No. 1:

WHY YOUR MINISTRY IS IMPORTANT
Scriptural Foundation for Ushering......................................................................... Page 1
Tasks Involved in Ushering .................................................................................... Page 3
Reflection / Discussion Questions .......................................................................... Page 7

USHER TRAINING No. 2: LIFESTYLE USHERING

Spiritual Preparation............................................................................................. Page 10
Reflection / Discussion Questions ........................................................................ Page 13
Natural Preparation .............................................................................................. Page 15
Reflection / Discussion Questions ........................................................................ Page 17

USHER TRAINING No. 3: DOWN TO BASICS

Pre-Service Preparation ....................................................................................... Page 19
Mid-Service Duties ............................................................................................... Page 20
People with Special Needs................................................................................... Page 20
Reflection / Discussion Questions ........................................................................ Page 24

USHER TRAINING No. 4: SPECIAL DUTIES

From Seating Tips to Special Events ................................................................... Page 25
Emergencies ........................................................................................................ Page 28
Creative Solutions for Your Church’s Needs ........................................................ Page 32
Reflection / Discussion Questions ........................................................................ Page 34

Usher Training System 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page i
USHER TRAINING: REVIEW
Usher’s Prayer ..................................................................................................... Page 35
Review Outline: 25 Principles & Precepts ............................................................ Page 37
Questions & Answers ........................................................................................... Page 41
Suggested Reading List ....................................................................................... Page 45
Quick Reference Index......................................................................................... Page 47

TEST AND FEEDBACK

Final Exam ........................................................................................................... Page 49
Answer Sheet....................................................................................................... Page 55
Feedback Sheet ................................................................................................... Page 57
Course Completion Acknowledgment Sheet ........................................................ Page 59
Instructor’s Input Sheet ........................................................................................ Page 61

HEAD USHER’S MANUAL

Head Usher’s Manual........................................................................................... Page 63

PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL
Bulletin Inserts...................................................................................................... Page 69
Sample Poster Ideas ............................................................................................ Page 71

STUDENT AWARD CERTIFICATE

Student Award Certificate Master......................................................................... Page 80

Usher Training System 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page ii
 TO THE PASTOR

It is a delight to be invited by you to teach your staff on the biblical and practical aspects of
church ushering. This course is designed to bring organization and efficiency to your ministry
as well as to develop a committed and godly ushering staff. Understanding the scriptural role
of ushering, I believe, will revolutionize the hearts and minds of your current and potential
ushers.
For too long, the church has ignored the ministry of helps as described in the Apostle Paul’s
first letter to the Corinthian church. “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles,
secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, HELPS,
governments, diversities of tongues” (I Corinthians 12:28).
I believe as you realize the importance of this God-ordained and God-anointed ministry of
helps, you will see your local church blossom with the excellence the Lord intended. My
intention is to motivate your congregation to support you and assist you in fulfilling your divine
calling.
As the pastor, I encourage you to constantly communicate your vision for the church and
ministry to your people and place great emphasis on what the ushers and other “helps”
ministries are doing. Trusting your workers and placing great value on their work within the
church will motivate them to continually improve their level of dedication and service. After all,
positions like ushering should be a privilege and not a “have-to.”
Motivating your people is as simple as telling them how much you want them to be a success
and how greatly you desire them to fulfill everything God has planned for them. If you give
your workers a positive goal to attain, you will see greater and greater results. In the early
eighties, the Lord spoke these prophetic words at a pastor’s conference. I believe they still
minister today.
“‘There are those of you here,’ saith the Lord, ‘who wonder how to inspire in your workers the
loyalty and dedication you have seen demonstrated here. Here is the key: If you will submit
yourself to Me, and discipline yourself to follow Me closely, showing unto Me the same loyalty
and commitment you desire your workers to show toward you, then I, the Lord, will inspire your
workers to show that same loyalty and submission to you. To the same extent that you submit
yourself to Me, I will inspire them to submit to you. Do not try to force them or manipulate them
into being submissive. If you will simply set your eyes on Me and follow Me closely, then
without any conscious effort on your part, I the Lord, will move upon men’s hearts to follow you
as you follow Me and serve you as you serve Me. It is that simple,’ saith the Lord.”
In closing, please try to be present at the first class session. This will enable you to follow
through and reinforce the precepts set forth. May you see lasting fruit and renewed
commitment as you launch this course on church ushering.

Sincerely,

Rev. Buddy Bell

Rev. Buddy Bell
“A Pastor’s Friend”

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Usher Training System 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page iv
TO THE INSTRUCTOR
from Rev. Buddy Bell

What a pleasure to introduce you to our course on ushering. You will enjoy teaching this
instructional course and observing the harvest that emerges from it. This notebook contains
several sections with which you should familiarize yourself.

VISUAL
Viewing this two-hour video or DVD before your class session will help you understand the
goals I would like you to accomplish and prepare you for any possible questions or discussion.

PASTOR’S LETTER
Please give your pastor this introductory letter and encourage him to participate in the first
usher’s training session. This will familiarize him with the goals of this course and assist him in
nurturing volunteers in this area of ministry.

HEAD USHERS
This section is not for general distribution. If you are not the head usher, please take time to
review the information in this section with the head usher. This individual also might benefit
from a preview of the video or DVD. I encourage you to have him add to the selected
categories and customize this section to fit the specific needs of your church.

COURSE STRUCTURE
Try to structure this course for one three-hour session on a weekday evening or Saturday.
The enclosed advertising flyers can be posted with a sign-up list two weeks in advance. Also
publicize it in the church bulletin. Copy the following letter to the student and pages 1-46 of
this master manual and collate an adequate number of workbooks since each person is
encouraged to take the workbook home and periodically review it.

Show the two-hour video or DVD without distraction. As you lead the discussion, encourage
attendees to follow along in the manual and take notes in the note section on each page if they
desire. The reflection / discussion questions at the end of each section can be utilized
according to your time frame.

Before administering the test, take time to review the 25 principles and precepts in the outline
review and the question / answer section. Allow the students to ask questions in areas they
didn’t understand or in which they still feel inadequate. Please try to defuse any apprehension
about test taking. Assure the student that the test is a simple true-false test with five essay
questions. It is not designed to try to “flunk” anyone. It will help the student reevaluate his
personal and ministry goals within your church structure and define his suitability as an usher.
Give at least one half-hour for completion and have each person complete the feedback sheet
which you will gather up and return to the Ministry of Helps International office.

If you feel you do not have the time to grade the tests individually, read the answers and allow
the students to grade the papers and return them to you. The test results will enable you to
see how effective the course was and how you might improve in your role as an instructor.

Usher Training System 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page v
Note that each student has the opportunity on the course completion form to opt out of an
ushering position. If a person does not feel “called” to this ministry, don’t pursue or pressure
this person to participate. You must believe that the Lord raises up the individuals He intends
for this ministry.

CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION
Xerox a certificate for each graduate. They look especially nice when xeroxed on parchtone
paper.

After the pastor signs the ushering certificate, discuss with him how he would like to distribute
the course certificate. You might like to honor you new “graduates” by handing out certificates
at the beginning of a service, or you might choose to mail them to individuals.

GOALS TO ACCOMPLISH
♦ Advertise course in advance
♦ Arrange a convenient date for course session
♦ Present the course
♦ Administer and grade tests and hand out award certificates (time of your choosing)
♦ Return feedback sheet by students and instructor’s feedback sheet to Ministry of Helps
International office
♦ Integrate new ushers into system. Congratulations!

A servant well-equipped for service

Usher Training System 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page vi
TO THE STUDENT
Welcome, Potential Ushers!

You are about to embark on one of the greatest and most challenging areas of ministry in the
church today. I like to sum up your responsibilities in five words—leaders, greeters, meeters,
seaters and helpers. There is never a dull moment when you commit to this area of the helps
ministry.

You not only assist the pastor in accomplishing his goals for the congregation, but you will
function in a crucial public relations role for the church. Your love for serving others and
commitment to excellence in this area will manifest untold fruit in the lives of others.

I also encourage you to be honest with yourself. You must truly feel God wants you to minister
in the area of ushering in order to be truly effective. Don’t accept the responsibility because it
just seems like “the thing to do” or because your best friends are doing it.

Yet don’t be discouraged because you feel inexperienced or lack the ability to quiet screaming
babies. The best ministers of helps are people like you with a servant’s heart. If you serve
with a humble heart, God will abundantly bless you with ability for the job and surround you
with His favor.

And never get so involved in small details that you forget that you are doing more than
straightening chairs, seating people and passing offering buckets. You are an anointed,
supernaturally equipped doorkeeper in the house of God, a servant well equipped for service.

Sincerely,

Rev. Buddy Bell

Rev. Buddy Bell
“A Pastor’s Friend”

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Usher Training System 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page viii
C H A P T E R 1

YOUR MINISTRY IS IMPORTANT

The Role of Ushering in the Body of Christ

THE SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION FOR USHERING

Ushering in your local church involves much more than shaking hands and shining your shoes.
You have been selected as a ministry of helps employee by the Almighty. According to I
Corinthians 12:28, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets,
thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, HELPS, governments, diversities of
tongues.”

This scripture reveals several important truths.

1. Your ministry is ordained and anointed by God Himself. You have been divinely set in the
church for a purpose.
2. It is just as important as other leadership offices such as those of the apostle and prophet.
3. It is a supernatural ministry like miracles and healing.

The word “helps” comes from a Greek word antilepsis or antilempsis which means “a laying
hold of, an exchange, to lay hold of, so as to support.” Its literal meaning is “one who gives
assistance.”

Godbey defines the ministry of helps like this, “OH! The infinite value of the humble Gospel
helpers, thousands of people who have no gifts as leaders are number one helpers. How
grand revival work moves along when red-hot platoons of fire-baptized helpers crowd around
God’s heroic leaders of the embattled hosts!”

Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words says “helps” describes “one of
the ministrations in the local church, by way of rendering assistance, perhaps especially of
help ministered to the weak and needy.” In other words, if you are helping anyone in the
church or assisting the weak and needy, you are operating in the ministry of helps.

NOTES:

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IS USHERING BIBLICAL?

Envisioning an usher usually conjures up an image of a white-shirted, gloved man wandering

through a movie theater with a flashlight. Or church people think of bucket passers and hand
shakers.

But the Bible reveals ushers as trusted men who handle the many details of ruling and serving
God’s people. The Greek word diakonos used in I Timothy and throughout the New
Testament describes the first deacons in the church. Their responsibilities included waiting on
tables, feeding widows in the church and relieving the church leaders from the encumbering
details of daily church operation. Today the usher most commonly fills this office of the
deacon.

Just like first century deacons, today’s deacons rarely hold policy-making power. Their
commission entails faithfully carrying out the desires and instructions of the pastor through the
power of the Holy Spirit.

Remember the biblical account in Acts regarding the disciples’ search for men to serve tables?

“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the
Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give
ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased
the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, A MAN FULL OF FAITH AND OF THE
HOLY GHOST…” (Acts 6:3-5)

This passage in Acts 6 sets the divine pattern for ushering in the church. If Stephen was
known and chosen because he was “full of faith and the Holy Ghost,” how much more should
you strive for this status and reputation?

NOTES:

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But Stephen didn’t stop there: “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and
miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). In Acts 7, he boldly preached the Gospel to the
Sanhedrin, the supreme council of the Jewish people, that condemned Jesus and imprisoned
Peter and the other apostles in Acts 5:17-40. But he started with waiting on tables and taking
care of widows. …he that is faithful in the least is faithful in much.

TASKS INVOLVED IN USHERING

Many churches seem to demoralize an usher’s duties by categorizing them as bucket passers
and hand shakers. But your duties range far beyond these two responsibilities and
encompass weighty and meaningful tasks. I specifically define these duties in four areas.

ASSIST THE PASTOR

You are to assist your pastor and help him bring his vision for the church to fulfillment. Your
presence will build up and add to the well being of your church.

MEETING & GREETING

You are God’s public relations man and represent the church to every new visitor. Because
the pastor of a large church cannot personally meet all the people before a service, it is your
responsibility to make visitors feel welcomed and important.

You should greet visitors with the same warmth and love as the pastor would himself. You
have the unique privilege to make the first and usually lasting, impression on a person. You
can ease the visitor’s transition from uneasy curiosity to security and enjoyment.

I’ve seen nervous visitors track down a friendly usher before they leave the service and say,
“We’ll be back. You can count on us!” Why? They know they have a friend with a warm smile
waiting when they return. You can make a difference in someone’s life!

NOTES:

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If you flow in your role, you will become the world’s greatest salesman because you have what
the public wants. In other words, you will be a Johnny-on-the-spot. Your love and efficiency
will impact visitors because you have:
• warmly welcomed them with an outstretched hand and smile.
• seated them in comfortable, accessible seats.
• provided them with bulletins, song sheets, and all necessary information on your
church.
• even gone the extra mile and told them you enjoyed their presence in the service
and how much you would like them to come to a service again.

MAINTAIN ORDER

You are to maintain order and orchestrate movement during the service and prayer ministry
lines. Doesn’t I Corinthians 14:40 clearly read, “Let all things be done decently and in order”?
To achieve this harmony, you must know your spiritual authority and be a “watchman on the
wall.” After all, you are one of God’s main safeguards against Satan’s devices of confusion
and distraction.

Consider yourself as a guardian of God’s anointing—the one who prevents needless human
interruptions in the form of talkers and rovers. You are the first line of defense against the
diversions that can separate people from God’s Word and the flow of the Holy Spirit.

Note the exhortations issued in I Thessalonians 5:14-15. They provide an excellent basis for
maintaining order.
• WARN them that are unruly,
• COMFORT the feeble-minded,
• SUPPORT the weak,
• Be PATIENT toward all men.

NOTES:

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Maintaining order also involves being alert for any suspicious movement toward the stage.
Don’t allow anyone to make an unauthorized movement toward the pastor’s platform. If they
do, escort them out quickly and quietly.

Be especially alert during:

• Times of crisis
• Spiritual conflict in your community
• Special meeting with well-known ministers

A pastor’s stand for community righteousness, or a guest speaker’s reputation for supernatural
ministry, can generate potentially violent actions.

RECEIVE OFFERINGS

You are to receive offerings in a cheerful manner. I believe your attitude will affect the
congregation’s willingness to give to the Lord. Offerings actually have increased in churches
after ushers were taught how to properly receive them.

In other words, don’t wear a look on your face that indicates bankruptcy! And if the pastor
announces a second unexpected offering, don’t groan or let your face express disappointment
at the break in your routine. You are a leader in the church, so be cautious that you do not
reflect wrong attitudes to others. If God loves a cheerful giver, He also loves a cheerful
pickerupper!

When you serve people, you must leave your burdens at Jesus’ feet and let His love radiate
from your face. Victorious ushers inspire supernatural giving by reinforcing everything the Holy
Spirit has performed in the service.

NOTES:

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Your preparedness affects the outcome of the offerings. If your unpreparedness forces delay
and causes the pastor to fill time by ad-libbing, you are giving Satan an opportunity to remind
the congregation of their bills. (Ephesians 4:27)

I also believe every usher should tithe and give offerings in his personal life before helping to
gather offerings. Otherwise you are being hypocritical and not setting a proper example.
Acting, or pretending to believe in tithing if you don’t, will eventually show.

NOTES:

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REFLECTION / DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. a. Do I represent Jesus and His church to the public to the degree that others enjoy and
remember my relationship with them?
b. Do I represent Jesus to unsaved people with my God-like manner?

2. Everyone is special to God, so do I strive to make everyone feel special?

3. a. Is my sole desire in seating people to preserve order?

b. Do I situate people safely and reverently?

4. Am I accommodating when seating people by trying to meet their requests, or do I provoke

them and cause them to avoid me?

5. Are visitors treated with tender loving care and a follow-up greeting after the service?

6. Do I receive offerings with reverence and cheerfulness, and keep the confidentiality
involved in counting offerings?

7. Am I invisible when I am assigned to take attendance, or do I like to stir up attention with

my presence?

8. Do I try to flow with and accommodate my pastor during altar calls and ministry times?

NOTES:

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USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 8
C H A P T E R 2

LIFESTYLE USHERING
Leadership by Example
I am a firm believer that God places spiritual qualifications and priorities first. Ushering
techniques only work after your heart is made right before God. You must set a visible,
realistic standard of servanthood in the church of Jesus Christ. Because your ministry is highly
visible, you hold a greater responsibility to serve without any appearance of evil before saint or
sinner. A supernatural usher is motivated by a servant’s heart and is honored to be a servant
to the Lord, the pastor, and to the members of the church.

Your example of humility, love, diligence, faithfulness and pure-heartedness will bring praise to
the Lord, honor to the church, and the power to minister to needs at every level.

I’ve seen ushers operate supernaturally while greeting visitors before a service. Sensing a
need by the Holy Spirit, they asked people if they needed prayer and subsequently brought
about miraculous healings, salvation and deliverance in the lobby even before the church
service started.

I’ve observed Spirit-sensitive ushers seat a couple with marriage problem next to a happily
married couple and help to mend a marriage. I knew an usher who stopped a man from
searching through the pastor’s desk after God audibly spoke to him. You must expect God to
use you in your capacity as an usher. Your ministry is just as important as anybody else’s.

NOTES:

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The lifestyle of an usher is outlined in Titus and I Timothy where the qualifications of deacons
and elders are defined. And since you are operating as a deacon, you should live by biblical
standards.

You may feel I’m overemphasizing the importance of your role. No! Church is a life and death
situation. You never know:
• What type of need a person has,
• What life-threatening illness a person is battling,
• What homes are being destroyed, or
• What husbands and wives are contemplating divorce.

People’s souls are on the line, so don’t pretend to play church if you don’t have the genuine
needs of people in mind. Didn’t Jesus consider Himself a servant of the Father? That means
that those in the ministry are servants regardless of the level of authority at which they serve.

You can only minister supernaturally by renewing your mind to God’s word and submitting
yourself daily to the cross of Jesus Christ. So how do you prepare for such an awesome
responsibility?

PART ONE

SPIRITUAL PREPARATION
The first key to effectiveness is spiritual preparation in the form of prayer. Hopefully, the usher
team will spend time in unified prayer before the service, so Satan won’t gain a foothold during
the service. We battle not against flesh and blood, but principalities and powers…

Prayer is the foundation of all anointed actions and deed in the church. It will bring you in tune
with God’s heart and thoughts, and remove the roadblocks that Satan tries to set up in your
church. Prayer also prepares men’s hearts to receive God’s saving word.

NOTES:

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Pray before you usher in the church so you can tackle your task with spiritual strength and
power. Only prayer will bring this. Also, by making praise and worship a vital part of your
prayer time, an anointing will come upon your life. Never put your call to serve as an usher
above your spiritual relationship and time with God. If you try to appear spiritual or servant-like
without prayer, your hypocrisy will find you out.

I Corinthians 13:1-13 sets forth the standards you should live and serve by. Liberally season
all you do and say with love. Your commitment to pray for the unlovable in your congregation
will bring the answer on how to reach them.

One man wouldn’t shake my hand or acknowledge my presence on Sunday mornings. God
gave me the creative idea to greet him cheerfully by name. He progressed over the weeks
from taking my outstretched hand, to shaking my hand, to actually giving me a brotherly hug.
Most importantly, he came to the point where he could receive love from another member of
the body of Christ.

Also, cultivate the five “T” qualities: teachability, thoughtfulness, tactfulness, timeliness, and
teamwork.

TEACHABILITY

The teachable usher is willing to learn demanding functions and responsibilities over years of
dedication, training, and practice.

THOUGHTFULNESS

The thoughtful usher develops a good memory for names. By using concentration, association
(connecting a name with a person you know or object that sparks your memory) and practice,
you will grow in your ability to make people feel special by remembering names.

NOTES:

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TACTFULNESS

Tactfulness is your ability to do and say that right thing without offending a person, especially
in awkward situations. You must be able to react while keeping your flesh under control.

TIMELINESS

Timeliness is knowing when, how, and what to do in every situation. Cultivate your level of
alertness and ability to take initiative. And trust your intuition or human spirit, which should be
sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting. Listen to your spirit and flow with it, being ready for
change when it comes. Also, learn timing from seasoned ushers and, above all, learn from
your past mistakes.

TEAMWORK

Ushers work better as a team. Even Jesus knew this when He told the disciples to seat 5,000
men and their families before miraculously feeding them with five loaves and two fishes (Luke
9:14). Jesus knew that two men could seat a crowd more efficiently than one.

A typical usher team should have a head usher (the traffic usher), a lead usher (assistant
traffic usher stationed at the front or back of a row) and the usher who escorts and seats
people.

NOTES:

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REFLECTION / DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Am I willing to learn and lead with a servant’s heart?

2. Am I willing to be an example to God’s flock:

a. Even when people don’t sit where I want them to?
b. Even when people are unfriendly and unloving?

3. Am I willing to develop a helpful attitude and go the “second mile” with people?

4. a. Am I dedicated to the task of ushering?

b. Will I allow faithfulness and dedication to take precedence over my talents or outward
qualifications?

5. a. Can I keep a positive attitude?

b. Can I be an inspiration and not an inflammation?

6. Can I set a tone of calm reassurance in emergencies and move into action with
composure?

7. Am I willing to let God shape, mold and prepare me to be a better usher, or do I always feel
like I can do the job better than others and refuse instruction?

8. Do I have the resolve to serve my pastor even when it is inconvenient and difficult?

NOTES:

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USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 14
 PART TWO

NATURAL PREPARATION
Your manners, physical appearance, and personal hygiene are crucial as an usher. Don’t
cause others to avoid you because of correctable situations.

MANNERS

Never embarrass another person. Learn to be sensitive to people’s needs and limits so you
can build lasting relationships. Also guard against favoritism. The poorest church member
deserves the same warm greeting as the richest member.

Use direct eye contact and a firm handshake (not limp or crushing) initiated by you. Such
actions signify warm heartfelt greetings and make people feel like royalty. But don’t be too
familiar with people, especially with the opposite sex. Some people do not like hugs so let
others set the boundaries.

HAIR

Always keep your hair clean, neat and free from dandruff. Also, meticulously trim your beard
and mustache before services.

CLOTHING

Pay careful attention to the condition of your suit or clothing. Clothes actually reflect attitudes
like honesty, rebellion, poverty or “I don’t care” attitudes. If your suit is dark, watch for dandruff
or loose hair on the shoulders. If you have handled babies or toddlers, check your clothing for
milk or food stains. Make sure your pants, shirt and coat are pressed and your tie is straight.
* Use your Pastor and his wife as an example of what you should wear.

NOTES:

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BREATH

Overcome bad breath or coffee breath by brushing your teeth before the service and keep
mints in your pockets at all times.

BODY ODOR

Due to a strenuous workload, use an effective deodorant or anti-perspirant. But don’t

overwhelm people with fragrant colognes, powders or after-shave lotions. You don’t want to
be responsible for handing out headaches to people sensitive to fragrances!

SHOES

Cleaned and polished shoes are a must. If you don’t have an appropriate pair, talk to your
head usher. He might be able to make or arrange for the needed investment.

SICKNESS

If you’re feeling feverish or coughing, ask for prayer from the pastor and elders. Do not serve
as an usher if you are not healed instantly. Protecting and honoring others means you will not
purposely expose them to any type of health problems.

NOTES:

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REFLECTION / DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. a. Am I sensitive to each individual’s limitations and do I allow them to set the boundaries
when I greet them?
b. Do I insist on hugging people regardless of their preferences?
c. Do I extend my hand first in friendly greeting or do I wait for others to respond to me
first?

2. a. Do I guard my reputation as an usher when I greet the opposite sex?

b. Do both my hands and eyes signify purity and respect for others?

3. a. Do I take time to be warm and caring toward the unlovable?

b. Do I heed Jesus’ command that sick people (weak and needy) need a physician, thus
allowing my church to be a refuge for the infirmed, hungry, and wounded?
c. Do I tend to prefer the well-established, upper-class individuals and shun those
individuals who don’t fit into my standards of acceptability?

NOTES:

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USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 18
C H A P T E R 3

DOWN TO BASICS
PRE-SERVICE PREPARATION

PUNCTUALITY

Try to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the service to prepare yourself. Also, check to see if
everything is in order in the sanctuary. It’s hard to serve someone who arrives at church
before you!

ASSIGNMENT

Report to the usher in charge and learn your duty assignment. If you are not familiar with your
assignment area, refresh yourself by glancing through any applicable manuals and walking
through the area. Even know which aisle you are expected to walk down during your
assignment. Know the locations of the nursery, telephones, restrooms and Sunday school
classrooms. Also read the church bulletin for the latest information.

POCKET SUPPLIES

Always keep extra pens, pencils, breath mints or hard candy in your coat pocket to loan or
distribute to those in need. Anticipate the needs before they arise.

CHURCH SUPPLIES

Check for the proper location of offering plates or buckets, offering envelopes, visitors’ cards
and other applicable forms that are passed out during a service. Oftentimes mid-week service
ushers can perform resupply duties.

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 19
 MID-SERVICE DUTIES

Preventing distractions during a service may be one of your greatest challenges. People are
easily distracted and often the unsaved are looking for any excuse to escape the wooing of
God’s Spirit. The enemy often uses innocent children and unruly, disobedient or noisy adults
to distract the lost and grieve the Holy Spirit. Disturbances create unhappy listeners who are
unable to receive anything from God.

Distractions amount to double-mindedness. James 1:7-8 says a double-minded man is

unstable in all his ways and will receive nothing from God. Your job as an usher is to eliminate
distractions so people do receive from God. Christians should not have to leave a service with
their spiritual cup half full.

If a person causing distractions is not seated at the end of a pew, use an index card to relay a
message instead of trying to whisper. And don’t allow disturbances to get out of hand before
you address them.

PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Particularly important is learning how to handle people with special needs. Have someone
speak on this to the ushers.

CHILDREN

Learn how to present the availability of all nursery and children’s activities that coincide with
regular services. Try to meet incoming parents before they enter the sanctuary. Encourage
parents to take their babies to the nursery, especially if the pastor doesn’t want children or
babies in the sanctuary. If the parents insist on keeping the child (which is often necessary
with a newborn), seat them in the back of the sanctuary and explain how important it is that
they exit if the baby makes noise or becomes restless. This is better received from a female
usher.

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 20
VAGRANTS

Alcoholics, panhandlers and various types of street people will drift into your church, expecting
to reap the benefits of Christian charity—usually on their terms. Whenever possible, take them
to a private place without involving the pastor and assign two seasoned soulwinners to them.

HALLWAY / RESTROOM ROAMERS

Always have an usher assigned to these two areas. Use spiritual discernment and common
sense. If adults refuse to cooperate, ask them to leave the church building before you call the
police. Oftentimes, the troubled person will allow you to pray for them. Handle children by
escorting them to their parents or assigned Sunday school classroom.

DISTRAUGHT INDIVIDUALS

Mentally distraught or demonically controlled people are often characterized by rhythmic

rocking, rolling eyes, irrational movements and constant mumbling or talking to one’s self. But
whether dealing with mental or spiritual problems, such people are extremely unstable and
should be handled immediately. Contact the head usher and agree in prayer immediately for
God’s power to manifest itself. Then ask the person to leave. If the person refuses, ask the
head usher to notify the platform.

Your pastor must make the decision whether he wants to handle the problem from the pulpit or
have the usher team bodily carry out the person. Such removal can be done so smoothly that
only the people near a disturbance need to know.

For example, one pastor noticed demonic activity during a Sunday service and paused during
his sermon to ask the congregation to stand for a time of greeting and fellowship. When the
congregation stood, the ushers removed the problem person to a counseling room so quickly
that no one was aware of the situation.

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 21
ELDERLY

Offer your arm to assist elderly people to their seats. If they prefer to walk on their own, walk
slowly to the accessible seat you’ve chosen for them. Don’t show any impatience or irritation.
If they take your arm, tell them how far you are going as you walk slowly. Ask them if they
have any special needs or might need assistance to the restroom. Above all, always treat the
elderly with respect.

HANDICAPPED

Ask handicapped persons if they need assistance to their seats. Never try to grab the arm of
persons using a cane or walker since they may be concentrating on keeping their balance.
Also, be aware that stroke victims may lack feeling on one side or may have hearing, visual, or
communication impairments.

If a person is in a wheelchair, introduce yourself and ask him if he/she needs assistance.
Don’t be overeager in your attempt to help. Assure them you have sufficient space by the end
of a pew and give them a preference as to how close they want to be wheeled near the front of
the sanctuary.

Always be aware of a person’s comfort and safety when transporting an individual in a

wheelchair. Know the mechanics of a wheelchair—adjustable footrests, restraining straps,
how to lock and unlock brakes and how to move it safely. Make sure the person’s arms are
resting inside of the armrests (not hanging down) and secure the feet. Avoid jolting or jerking
steps that would throw a person forward. Stay alert!

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 22
Never give a handicapped person the impression that he or she is burdensome, frightful or that
you are unable to accommodate them. Disabilities are not contagious diseases. Talk directly
to the disabled individual. Try not to focus completely on the person’s disability, yet don’t
ignore it as if it doesn’t exist. Sensitivity and common sense instead of pity will help you
establish a relationship. If the person doesn’t need assistance, then just offer your
encouraging presence.

Also tell the person to please signal you or another usher during the service if a special need
arises. And try to make provision by the side or rear of the wheelchair for the person’s
assistant or relative.

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 23
REFLECTION / DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Am I conscious of the needs of different individuals and do I try to meet them at the point of
their need?

2. Is punctuality and dependability a top priority in my ushering commitment?

3. Do I have the ability to deal tactfully, kindly and swiftly when distractions occur?

4. Do I have an efficient system worked out between other ushers for removing problem
people?

5. a. Am I sensitive to the needs of the elderly and the handicapped?

b. Do I try to educate myself with information that will help me specialize my service to
them?

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 24
C H A P T E R 4

SPECIAL DUTIES
SEATING
God is a God of order. Order will be reflected in a church when His servants are well trained
and listen to His voice. Doesn’t the miraculous feeding of the crowds illustrate His desire for
order during His supernatural provision of human need?

It is your responsibility to help people safely and reverently enter and exit the sanctuary. Don’t
permit your church to have people who fight for seats. One 600 member church was known
for the uproar that followed as worshipers entered the Sunday school area at the same time
and through the same doors that other worshipers were exiting. The free-for-all actually drove
people from the fellowship because the searching souls were hurt and dismayed over the
display.

Your mission is clear:

Preserve godly order and protect the weak, needy and infirmed. Be sensitive,
but don’t be intimidated.

Develop a seating system between ushers. For example, when the head usher (who is
standing at the entryway to the sanctuary) sees a party of four enter, he catches the eye of the
lead usher in the center aisle and holds up four fingers. The lead usher in turn will find four
seats. After locating the seats, the lead usher will nod yes, and the head usher will then
release the people to go to the lead usher. The lead usher then greets the party quietly as he
leads them to their seats.

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 25
PRACTICAL SEATING TIPS
• Your assignment should be centered around a certain area of the sanctuary.
• If seating people before service, ask them for their seating preference. After the
service begins, don’t ask for preferences. Seat them where it doesn’t cause
disturbances.
• Reserve the back seats for early departures, latecomers and special-need people,
• Don’t outrun the people you are seating. Walk only a few steps ahead.
• If your party stays with you, place your hand on the row or pew in front of the one
you’ve selected and face them. Then the guest knows which row to enter.
• Watch for vacant seats as you walk back down the aisles. Know your area so you
don’t escort people toward the front only to find the seats filled.
• Don’t reprimand people who slip by you. Stay positive.
• Your responsibility doesn’t end after seating takes place. Be alert for discomfort or
physical distress among elderly people under a doctor’s care.

During the seating process, try to fill up the front section first while keeping the back section
roped off. It is proper to always escort the ladies. But don’t disturb a service or embarrass a
person being seated by forcing them to sit in the front after the service starts. Don’t seat
people during prayer time or if the gifts of the Spirit are in operation. It is irreverent. And don’t
get so personally involved during the service that you are distracted from your responsibilities.
You are to maintain surveillance.

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 26
 VISITOR’S WELCOME
Although each church has its own method, most churches greet and welcome visitors with a
visitor’s packet. Be prepared with these so when guests raise their hands, you can offer them
the appropriate materials. Carry extra pens and pencils for filling out visitor’s cards.

After the service, seek out the visitors in your section and personally greet them. Thank them
for their attendance and invite them to the next service. And try to remember their name after
meeting them!

OFFERINGS
Techniques for receiving offerings are as varied as church buildings. Most churches station
ushers at the front of the church and work toward the back. Larger churches station additional
ushers along the aisles. Pass the collection plate to one side of the aisle while receiving the
plate from the other side. Then reverse the pattern at the next row. Usher attitudes during this
time will effect the giving of some people. One dear saint shared with me how when she
looked at the usher his attitude made her say to herself, “If you don’t want it I have bills to pay!”

COMMUNION
Since communion was specifically given to the church by Jesus, it is important that the
believer’s attention is devoted to Christ and not the ushers. Always serve with dignity and
revere the presence of the Lord. The congregation will often copy your behavior.

Double the servers since you must distribute both bread and wine. The wives of married
ushers make excellent backup ushers. They also display the importance of a family church.
Backups do the same work as the regular ushers during communion. You also may need to
assign an aisle supplier. This person ensures that the trays of bread and wine are
continuously filled. A tray should be considered empty when there are not enough cups or
elements to serve a complete row. The aisle supplier should be summoned when a tray is
dropped or spilled. Never serve a spilled tray.

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 27
Many churches begin communion with the ushers lined up before the podium. They face the
pastor while he prays over the two elements. Other churches leave the elements in the back
of the sanctuary and have the ushers walk to the front to serve after corporate prayer. Follow
your pastor’s preference.

Always serve the wafers before the juice. Didn’t Jesus give the disciples bread first? Some
churches assign one set of ushers to serve the bread and another set to serve the juice. I
suggest using the women to serve the bread and using the men to serve the juice. Always
serve the individuals in the podium area as well as audio/video workers and musicians. You
should stand at your assigned position until everyone receives the elements. Then you may sit
down unless you have to gather glass communion cups. Glass communion cups can be
gathered efficiently by passing empty trays down each row while having the aisle supplier pick
up the full trays or by placing trash containers by the exits.

EMERGENCIES
Clear emergency procedures and quick action can mean the difference between life and
death. Your church should establish guidelines for medical emergencies, power failures, fire
evacuation and severe weather. Prominently display emergency phone numbers by every
telephone.
• Always assign one person to call 911.
• Station one or more persons outside the building to direct paramedics to the
patient’s location.
• Keep one usher with the afflicted person at all times. Pray for the person’s recovery
in faith and don’t allow a crowd to cluster around the person.
• Assign one person to stay with family or friends.
• Don’t leave your usher station, unless called upon by the head usher.

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 28
Help any person in the midst of a medical emergency (heart attack, stroke, seizure, onset of
childbirth, exhaustion, fainting or any peculiar symptom) to a private room. Talk to the person
about how they feel and what they think the problem is. Relay the answers to health care
professionals by telephone or when they arrive. Immediately dial 911 if you have access to
this emergency medical response system. Otherwise call the operator. Follow these simple
guidelines in order to prevent any trauma or complications.

HEART ATTACKS

If the person complains of a squeezing chest pain, indigestion, arm pain, nausea, sweating,
weakness, lightheadedness or a feeling of “impending doom,” have the person sit or lie down.
Loosen any restrictive clothing and administer oxygen if available. Calmly reassure the
patient. If the person’s heart stops, administer CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). I advise
all ushers to take this invaluable Red Cross course offered in every community. This simple
procedure saves thousands of lives per year.

SEIZURES

Seizures are caused by high fever, infections, brain injury, stroke, epilepsy, and, in rare cases,
by demonic oppression. Call for professional help immediately, but take measures to keep the
person from hurting himself during convulsions. Don’t be alarmed, and at all costs, keep the
person’s airway clear until they gain full consciousness. Gently lay the person on the floor on
his side in case he vomits or salivates. Loosen restrictive clothing around the neck and chest
and place a padded bite stick or piece of leather between the person’s teeth only if there
seems to be a danger of the individual biting his tongue. But don’t use force—you might break
teeth or be bitten. Convulsions usually last 1-5 minutes. Hold the arms and legs tight enough
to prevent injury, but don’t try to hold the person completely still. Some movement allows
muscles to move. The person might be drowsy or confused afterwards and won’t remember
what happened.

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 29
BLEEDING

Always apply pressure directly over the wound with a clean cloth or your hand. Try to raise the
injured part above the level of the heart whenever possible. You should have a universal
health care kit available.

BREATHING DIFFICULTIES

Call 9-1-1. Unless you have a certified CPR person present you should not try to perform
CPR. You may be held liable if you do perform CPR without being certified. Follow the
direction of the 9-1-1 operator.

BROKEN BONES

Never move the victim because you must immobilize (keep still) the broken bone. Apply a
splint carefully only if help will be delayed, but don’t attempt to reset the bone.

BURNS

Relieve the pain of minor burns with cold water and protect from contamination. Serious burns
need medical help but in the interim apply large sterile dressings to protect the area from
contamination. Also treat for shock.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Hot summer days and cold winter days may cause people to feel unusually weak or faint. If
they are faint, don’t administer food or drink. Have them sit or lie and apply cool compresses
to the back of the neck and forehead until medical personnel arrive.

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 30
CHILDBIRTH

Assist a woman with labor pains to a private place. Encourage her husband to stay with her
and reassure and calm her. Call her doctor immediately and summon an ambulance if the
woman desires. Don’t try to delay or restrain the delivery. Remember that nearly every baby
before 1900 was born at home or in places less sanitary than your church building. Relaxation
is the most important key to a healthy, natural delivery in situations like this.

DIABETICS

Diabetics must control their blood sugar levels through insulin and normal food intake. Insulin
without a normal meal may make their blood sugar too low. Then they need candy or a sugar-
based substance. If they fail to take their insulin, they may suffer from seizures, nausea or
other serious side-effects. Call medical care professionals immediately.

In each of these medical situations always call 9-1-1 first and follow their direction. Otherwise
you could be held liable. I would highly suggest having a medical proffessional address each
of these.

ATTENDANCE
Establish a non-distracting attendance tallying system you are comfortable with and stick to it.
Don’t use outrageous antics like telling jokes or distracting movements like slapping a friend on
the back while taking attendance. Be invisible. If possible, take your count from the back or
from a high vantage point unseen by the people.

OVERFLOW
The head usher should have a seating plan for overflow crowds approved by and complying
with the regulations of the local fire department. Know the plan by heart. Set up folding chairs
in the aisle, balcony or foyer according to the plan. Keep track of vacant seats all the time. Let
the head usher or a designated usher handle the traffic flow.

Immediately after the service, remove the folding chairs and carefully turn in any lost purses,
jewelry or Bibles to your church’s lost and found department.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 31
 ALTAR CALLS / PRAYER ROOM
Be your pastor’s extra eyes and ears during every altar call. People accepting Christ may be
shy and timid after raising their hand to make a commitment. And your pastor may not be able
to spot them because of bright spotlights or bad visibility. Always try to remember the people
who raised their hands.

If the pastor doesn’t see them, discreetly raise your hand to catch the pastor’s eye and point to
the unnoticed converts from the back of the room. If a person doesn’t rise when called, you
may gently approach him and offer to accompany him. But don’t force or embarrass people.

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR

YOUR CHURCH’S NEEDS
You are the helping hand of the body of Christ. As you serve the needs of people, situations
can often take an unusual turn. For instance, I built a unique corps of ushers at the large inner
city church where I presided as head usher. Many of the ushers were off-duty policemen.
When our parking lots became the targets of car thieves, our ushers carried handcuffs and
routinely stopped, handcuffed and brought thieves into services to hear the Gospel.

Another time a robber grabbed the offering money as the usher team was taking it to a
counting room. Much to the amazement of the police, one of the ushers chased, tackled and
handcuffed the robber.

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 32
You may not have to face these problems, but you may have areas that need creative
solutions. Larger churches should invest in police-style walkie-talkies with earphone
attachments. These battery-powered units fit under suitcoats and allow instant communication
over several city blocks.

Always anticipate needs. Store extra umbrellas on rainy days and keep a sturdy pair of jumper
cables available on cold winter days. Even store the necessary equipment to get people out of
snow and mud. If the usher team cannot take care of a problem, arrange for the person’s
transportation. Don’t leave a person stranded at the church.

In closing, never lose sight of the fact that your task as an usher is just as important as the role
of people in leadership. God’s rewards for your work will be based on your degree of
faithfulness. God cannot force you to be faithful to His will and plan for your life. You must
decide to be faithful and trustworthy. Doesn’t Proverbs 28:20 promise that the faithful servant
will abound with blessings?

When you set your heart to watch after other people’s welfare, God will take care of your
needs and welfare in ways you never imagined. Always be one of those loving people who
serve. God is looking for living sacrifices.

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 33
REFLECTION / DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What “mission” should I keep in mind when seating people?

2. What technique is most often used for ushers when receiving offerings?

3. Do I understand emergency procedures?

4. What does Proverbs 28:20 promise the faithful servant?

NOTES:

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 34
 The following prayer was designed for you as you undertake the challenging and rewarding task of ushering.

USHERS’ PRAYER
Father, I thank You that I’m involved in the supernatural ministry of
helps. You have placed me in the church to render help and assistance to the
weak and needy, to the body of Christ, to my pastor.
Help me to see that all things are done decently and in order. Make me a
hedge of protection about your sheep so they can be fruitful hearers and not
distracted double-minded listeners who receive nothing from You.
I ask for wisdom, Lord, to clearly see and know Satan’s devices. I know I
boldly represent Your kingdom of righteousness and truth. Make me a
person of prayer that is sensitive to Your spirit and able to thwart the
devices of the wicked one.
Allow me to view each of Your children as precious and holy because I seek
to be an extension of Your hands and heart. Grant me the right words in
due season and the ability to serve and meet the needs of others.
Father, I thank You that I am led by Your Spirit and made in Your image
and authority. You have given me the power to warn the unruly, comfort
the feeble-minded and support the weak. I believe you are cultivating the
mind and attitude of Christ within me.
Allow me to maintain the attitude of a joyful servant and give You all the
glory. Thank You for allowing Your perfect will to be done in this
supernatural ministry of ushering You have committed to me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 35
USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 36
 REVIEW OUTLINE
25 Principles & Precepts

1. You are ordained and anointed by God and divinely set in the church for a purpose.

2. An usher’s job is just as important as highly visible leaders in the church.

3. Biblical ushers are like the deacons described in the New Testament. You are to be a
trustworthy man who handles the duties of ruling and serving God’s people.

4. Ushers should strive for the reputation of men like Stephen, full of faith and the Holy Ghost
(Acts 6:3-5).

5. Ushering duties encompass four specific areas: assists pastor, meet and greet people,
maintain order and receive offerings.

6. Ushers represent Jesus and His church to the public. You delight in making people feel
special.

7. God places spiritual qualifications before

ushering techniques. Keeping your heart
right before God makes you a visible,
realistic standard of servanthood in the
church.

8. A supernatural usher is a servant to the

Lord, the pastor and church members.

9. An usher sensitive to God’s Spirit

expects God to use him and meet the
needs of people through prayer and
action.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 37
10. Ushers must view church as a life-and-death situation whereby souls are on the brink of
life-changing decisions.

11. An usher spiritually prepares himself through personal prayer and corporate prayer with
other ushers. You understand that prayer is the foundation of all anointed actions and
deeds in the church.

12. The ideal usher liberally seasons all he does and says with love. You make an effort to
love the unlovable.

13. Ushers utilize the five “T’s”—teachability (willing to learn), thoughtfulness (remembers
names), tactfulness (speaks right things without offending), timeliness (knows what to do
and when to act) and teamwork (able to work with others).

14. Ushers cultivate good manners, a pleasing and neat physical appearance and excellent
personal hygiene.

15. Ushers never embarrass other people,

show favoritism or insist on actions
(like hugging) that might irritate others.

16. Ushering involves preventing

distractions that would hinder people
from receiving God’s word.

17. Ushers learn to handle all types of

people with compassion and
wisdom—children, vagrants, church
roamers, mentally ill, elderly, and
handicapped.

18. An usher’s responsibility includes

helping people enter and exit the
sanctuary and be seated properly in a
safe and reverent manner.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 38
19. A good ushering team develops a workable seating system for the beginning and middle of
church services.

20. The ushering team understands and always improves the flow of specific events like
offerings, communion and water baptism.

21. A prepared usher knows the medical recourse for all emergencies.

22. An usher is a pastor’s eyes and ears during altar calls and special times of ministry.

23. Ushers are creative problem-solvers when it involves the special needs of the church.

24. God rewards ushers according to their degree of faithfulness.

25. When an usher sets his heart to watch out for the welfare of others, God takes care of his
every need.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 39
USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 40
 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q. The most difficult part of ushering is seating people who don’t want to sit where I
ask them. How do I handle this situation?

A. Roping off and opening sections as needed often solves this dilemma. Or else if you
have the manpower, use an usher to stand at a row until it is filled. But don’t panic over
the people who refuse to be escorted. Your only two choices for people who sit in
roped-off sections is to ask them to move or leave them alone. Remember, though, you
are dealing with all kinds of people with all types of burdens. Therefore you must
maintain a kind and peaceable attitude and try to prepare them to receive God’s word.
Your job is not to provoke or harass people. Difficult situations often test the fruit of the
Spirit within you.

Q. How do I handle problem people who constantly walk out during a service or
wander in the hallways?

A. Communication is the key to understanding a situation. Talk to the person privately

without embarrassing him. There may be a medical reason the person has to leave
during the service. If this is true, reserve a convenient, non-distracting seat for this
individual. Also kindly explain to them the distraction it causes when a person moves
around during a service.

Q. You mentioned the occurrence of actual physical attacks against ushers or

pastors. How do you prevent these incidences?

A. Ushers must move quickly in potentially threatening situations. If a person is acting

peculiar in actions and attitudes, follow your instincts and watch the person closely. Or
if the Holy Spirit puts a check in your heart about an individual, don’t ignore it.

Of course, you don’t dismiss a person from the church without obvious reason. But
seat the individual where you have immediate access to him. If the person starts to
move, put a hand on his shoulder and address him immediately. I believe the larger the
church, the more Satan will bring in troublemakers to stir up disturbances.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 41
Q. I would like to usher, but I dislike dressing up. Why are clothing guidelines
necessary?

A. Each church department needs guidelines in order to maintain order. Because the
usher is responsible for greeting visitors and non-Christians, I believe he should set an
example. He is the individual who makes the first, and often lasting impression, on
others. But I believe the dress-code example set by the pastor is the highest authority.
What the pastor wears before the congregation is what the ushers should wear. He
sets the tone.

I also believe a person must make concessions in areas that are not particularly
pleasing to him. An effective usher must have a servantlike heart and be willing to
conform to the guidelines of the church, even if this involves wearing a suit and tie.

Q. After serving faithfully as an usher on my assigned days, it seems like I am

always needed to work additional services when others don’t show up. Then I
cannot sit with my family or hear God’s word. Am I wrong in starting to resent
this?

A. All workers need the opportunity to listen attentively to God’s word during a service.
Your works will die if your faith is not built upon the Bible. I never recommend working
people until they die spiritually or leave the church. The person in authority over you
needs to sensitize himself to your needs. Explain your situation to this person and
suggest the possibility of rotating workers.

Q. Why is teamwork among ushers so important?

A. Ushering in an organized way involves a team operation, not a group of individuals

following their own paths. You need to set up guidelines for every situation and try
practice runs until you get the operation down smoothly. For instance, if ushers are
bumping into each other while trying to seat people, confusion will enter in and
undermine the confidence of the people coming into the sanctuary.

Do not work against each other. And never wait until you have an awkward situation to
try to figure out how to handle it. Always know the who, where, what, why and when,
especially when you are expecting large numbers of people for a service.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 42
Q. How do I handle another usher who is trying to undermine me and push out of my
position in the church?

A. Pray for God to bring the situation to the attention of the head usher or pastor. Don’t
retaliate with similar actions. Keep your attitude consistent with the fruit of the Spirit and
continue to do your work in the most excellent way possible. God is able to take care of
the situation if you try to overlook the shortcomings of others. Always practice self-
examination with questions like: Am I where God wants me? Am I maintaining godly
attitudes and actions? Am I doing everything in my power to walk in peace with my
brother?

Q. I feel more qualified to lead our usher team than the person presently in charge.
Should I talk to the pastor or head usher about assuming more leadership?

A. Elijah, the mighty man of God, sets the perfect example. In I Kings 18:36-37, he
declares, “let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy
servant…” Elijah understood that God does not move on account of one’s status, title or
natural accomplishments. God moves on behalf of one’s faithfulness and service. God
will open the door of promotion for you—if that is His will—as you quietly and faithfully
serve under another person. God hears the prayer of servanthood.

Q. I am bored with ushering and feel like I am not appreciated in our church. Should
I leave and possibly start my own ministry?

A. First, I would pray for God’s direction. When God is leading you to do something, He
usually reveals enough to guide you in the right direction. But don’t move out of
boredom. You might be trying to mold and shape yourself. Let God fashion you into
what He wants as you serve in the church. It is not always enjoyable when you feel you
can find a more exciting position. But reaffirm your resolve to serve your pastor until
God clearly shows you where He wants you.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 43
USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 44
 SUGGESTED READING LIST
The Ministry of Helps Handbook
Rev. Buddy Bell, Harrison House, 128 pages
This handbook combines both spiritual and practical guidelines for serving in the church. Ideal
for motivating a person to faithfully fill a position in the local church.

Ushering 101
Rev. Buddy Bell, Harrison House, 210 pages
This handbook covers both the biblical and the practical aspects of ushering. Buddy Bell
combines humor with godly teaching to help you become more effective in your ministry.
Whether you are an usher with years of experience or someone who’s thinking about
becoming an usher, you will be challenged to serve with excellence.

Greeting 101
Rev. Buddy Bell, Harrison House, 138 pages
This handbook covers how to become an outstanding greeter in your local church. Greeters
have the awesome ability and opportunity to be ambassadors for the Lord. The pastor’s vision
is carried on and his ministry is extended through these everyday people. Sound exciting? It
is!

Management: A Biblical Approach

Myron Rush, Victor Books, 236 pages
This management-oriented book is based on the premise that people are God’s most valuable
resource. This helpful guide addresses issues like: communicating effectively, nurturing good
relationships, managing time, making decisions and solving problems. Recommended for
those who lead and manage others.

Your Gift of Administration

Ted W. Engstrom, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 171 pages
This practical handbook for Christian administrators stresses how to encourage and maintain
enthusiasm in others. In addition, it covers the importance of accountability to God, delegating
responsibility and the benefits of careful planning.

Church Growth: Everybody’s Business

E. LeRoy Lawson and Tetsunao Yamamori, New Life / Standard Publishing, 152 pages
Authors challenge ministers, deacons and elders to make disciples for Christ by understanding
the church growth process and the role of the church in a changing world. All phases of
church growth are covered from home to abroad.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 45
Leaders
Harold Myra, editor, CTI / Word Books, 208 pages
This twelfth volume in “The Leadership Library” series includes candid interviews with 16
proven Christian leaders. Each person honestly shares the triumphs and trials of leadership.
Interviewees include such individuals as U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield, Senate Chaplain Richard
Halverson, business executive Fred Smith and J.C. Penney’s retired CEO Donald Seibert.

Leadership Explosion: Maximizing Leadership Potential In The Church

Philip King, Hodder & Stoughton, 190 pages
This informative resource book for leaders and potential leaders is based on the premise that
healthy church growth is based on programs that develop people’s potential. Leadership
styles in different cultures, denominations and congregations are also explored.

Spiritual Leadership
J. Oswald Sanders, Moody Press, 255 pages
Encourages men and women of God to place their natural talents and spiritual qualities at
God’s disposal so He can create great leaders. Sanders uses biographies of men like Moses
to illustrate the principles of spiritual and temporal leadership.

Spiritual Leadership, Responsible Management

A Guide For Leaders Of The Church

Michael T. Dibbert, Zondervan, 207 pp.
This practical handbook is based on the premise that the church needs spiritual leaders with
management abilities. The author effectively unites New Testament models for leadership with
good management principles. All types of spiritual leaders—elders, deacons, and board
members—are addressed.

Church Alive
Peter Cotterell, Inter-Varsity Press, 127 pp.
Cotterell utilizes his experiences as an Ethiopian missionary for 20 years to share church
growth principles for ordinary churches. He offers searching questions as well as advice for
Christians seeking new levels of productivity within the church.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 46
 QUICK REFERENCE INDEX
A D
altar calls ................................................. 32 deacon’s role..............................................2
assignments, ushering............................. 19 diabetics ...................................................31
assisting, pastor......................................... 3 distraught people......................................21
attacks, physical ................................ 32, 41 duties, mid-service ...................................20
attendance............................................... 31 duties, special ..........................................25

B E/F
bleeding ................................................... 30 elderly.......................................................22
body odor................................................. 16 emergencies.............................................28
bones, broken.......................................... 30 foundation, biblical .....................................1
breath, bad .............................................. 16
breathing problems .................................. 30 H
burns........................................................ 30
hair ...........................................................15

C handicapped.............................................22
heat exhaustion........................................30
childbirth .................................................. 31 heart attacks.............................................29
children .................................................... 20
clothing .............................................. 15, 42 L/M
communion .............................................. 27
creative solutions ..................................... 32 lifestyle of usher .........................................9
manners ...................................................15
meeting & greeting .....................................3

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 47
O S
offerings............................................... 5, 27 scheduling ................................................42
order, maintaining ...................................... 4 seating, how-to.........................................25
overflow ................................................... 31 seating, problems .....................................41

P seating, tips ..............................................26

seizures....................................................29

prayer for ushers ..................................... 35 shoes........................................................16

people, problem....................................... 41 sickness ...................................................16

people with special-needs ....................... 20 supplies ....................................................19

preparation, natural ................................. 15

preparation, pre-service........................... 19
preparation, spiritual ................................ 10
T
punctuality ......................................... 12, 19 “t” qualities................................................11
tasks, ushering ...........................................3
Q teamwork............................................12, 42
tithing..........................................................6
questions & answers ............................... 41

V
R
vagrants ...................................................21
reading list, suggested............................. 45
visitors ......................................................27
reflection/discussion questions ....................
.......................................... 7, 13, 17, 24, 34
review outline........................................... 37
roamers ............................................. 21, 41

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 48
 FINAL EXAM
TRUE / FALSE QUESTIONS

STUDENT NAME:

PART ONE: WHY YOUR MINISTRY IS IMPORTANT

T F 1. God Himself set the helps ministry in the church.

T F 2. Ushering is less important that other leadership offices like the apostle and
prophet.

T F 3. Ushering is a supernatural ministry like miracles and healing.

T F 4. Ushers are trustworthy men who handle the many details of ruling and
serving God’s people.

T F 5. Today the usher most commonly fills the office of the deacon.

T F 6. It is not important that ushers be men like Stephen who were “full of faith and
of the Holy Ghost” according to Acts 6:3-5.

T F 7. An usher’s only duties should be hand shaking and bucket passing.

T F 8. An usher’s presence helps that pastor bring his vision to fulfillment.

T F 9. It is not an usher’s responsibility to make visitors and church members feel

wanted and important.

T F 10. An usher has the opportunity to make the first and lasting impression on
visitors.

T F 11. Maintaining order during a service is the pastor’s responsibility, not the
usher’s.

T F 12. Ushers are the guardians of God’s anointing by preventing interruptions and
distractions.

T F 13. Ushers should remain long-faced and sad when receiving offerings.

T F 14. It is not important that ushers tithe and give offerings of their personal
income.

T F 15. Ushers represent Jesus to unsaved people.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 49
PART TWO: LIFESTYLE USHERING

T F 16. Ushering techniques work whether or not a person’s heart is right before
God.

T F 17. A supernatural usher is motivated by a servant’s heart.

T F 18. No one notices when an usher sets an example of humility, love, diligence
and faithfulness.

T F 19. The Holy Spirit can speak to an obedient, submissive usher who desires to
help others.

T F 20. Church is a life and death situation, which places awesome responsibility on
the usher.

T F 21. Prayer is not the first key to effectiveness and seldom brings about anointed
actions in the church.

T F 22. It is not necessary for the ushering team to spend time in unified prayer.

T F 23. Satan wants to set up roadblocks in the church.

T F 24. Spiritual strength for ushering comes from morning coffee and donuts, not
prayer.

T F 25. A hypocritical usher likes to appear spiritual and servant-like.

T F 26. Praying for unlovable church members is not part of an usher’s duty.

T F 27. The teachable usher is willing to learn his job even if it takes years of
dedication and training.

T F 28. It is not important for ushers to remember people’s names.

T F 29. Tactfulness is the ability to do and say the right thing without offending
people.

T F 30. Usher should never trust their own intuition when it comes to making timely
decisions in awkward situations.

T F 31. Ushers work best as a team.

T F 32. Manners, physical appearance and hygiene are crucial to the performance of
an usher.

T F 33. It is proper to show favoritism to certain church members.

T F 34. Direct eye contact and a firm handshake should be initiated by the other
person, not the usher.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 50
PART THREE: DOWN TO BASICS

T F 35. Punctuality means arriving at least 30 minutes before an ushering

assignment.

T F 36. It is not important that an usher stocks his pockets with extra supplies or
checks the location of all church supplies.

T F 37. An usher’s job is to allow disturbances to get out of hand before dealing with
them.

T F 38. It is important to be aware of the needs of special need people so an usher

can meet them at their point of need.

T F 39. Preserving godly order and protecting the weak or needy during seating is
critical.

T F 40. Developing a seating system between ushers is not important.

T F 41. It doesn’t matter if an usher disturbs a service or embarrasses latecomers by

seating them in the front of the church.

T F 42. The congregation often follows the lead of an usher during communion time.

T F 43. Guidelines for medical emergencies, power failures, fire evacuations and
severe weather should be understood by every usher.

T F 44. An usher should be the pastor’s extra eyes and ears during altar calls and
times of ministry.

T F 45. A good usher anticipates unusual needs and initiates creative solutions to
problems.

T F 46. An usher’s responsibility ends at the conclusion of the church service even if
people still remain in or around the church grounds.

T F 47. God’s rewards are based on an usher’s faithfulness.

T F 48. Watching out for the welfare of others brings God’s abundant blessings on
an usher.

T F 49. Communication is never the answer to solving problems with other ushers or
problem people.

T F 50. Each usher should establish a rapport and relationship with the head usher.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 51
 ESSAY QUESTIONS

1. What do you feel are your strengths or assets in serving as an usher?

2. Why do you feel the Lord wants to use you as an usher?

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 52
3. Explain why ushering is a scripturally based ministry.

4. In what ways have you made or renewed your commitment to serve in your local church?

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 53
5. What new concepts did you learn about dealing with other people?

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 54
 FINAL EXAM
ANSWER SHEET
1. T 20. T 39. T

2. F 21. F 40. F

3. T 22. F 41. F

4. T 23. T 42. T

5. T 24. F 43. T

6. F 25. T 44. T

7. F 26. F 45. T

8. T 27. T 46. F

9. F 28. F 47. T

10. T 29. T 48. T

11. F 30. F 49. F

12. T 31. T 50. T

13. F 32. T

14. F 33. F

15. T 34. F

16. F 35. T

17. T 36. F

18. F 37. F

19. T 38. T

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 55
USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 56
 FEEDBACK SHEET
(To be completed along with test and turned in to class teacher.)

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THIS COURSE?

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY LEAST ABOUT THIS COURSE?

WHAT NEW PRINCIPLE(S) DID YOU LEARN ABOUT USHERING?

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 57
WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR IMPROVING THIS COURSE?

WHAT OTHER AREAS OF MINISTRY WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN ABOUT?

WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU FEEL WERE LEFT UNANSWERED?

IN WHAT WAY DID THIS COURSE CHANGE YOUR LIFE OR THINKING?

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 58
 COURSE COMPLETION
ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I have completed the Ministry of Helps video course on ushering and understand
the responsibilities and privileges involved in this duty. I feel I would be an asset
to the ushering team and am willing to learn and offer my services to the church.

Date:

Applicant’s Name: _________________________________________________

After having completed the Ministry of Helps video course on ushering and
understanding the responsibilities involved, I do not feel that I can volunteer my
services to the ushering team at this time.

Date:

Applicant’s Name: _________________________________________________

Any comments on your withdrawal (totally voluntary):

Date:
Approval:
Class teacher signature: ____________________________________________

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 59
USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 60
INSTRUCTOR’S INPUT SHEET
NAME:

POSITION IN CHURCH:

PAID STAFF PERSON VOLUNTEER

IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME TEACHING A MINISTRY OF HELPS VIDEO COURSE?

YES NO

IF NO, HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU TAUGHT IT BEFORE? _____________

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE COURSE?

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY LEAST ABOUT THE COURSE?

DID YOU FEEL YOUR CLASS WAS RESPONSIVE TO THE MATERIAL?

YES NO

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 61
ANY COMMENTS?

IF NOT RESPONSIVE, WHY?

WHAT OTHER TYPES OF VIDEO COURSES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE OFFERED
TO YOUR CHURCH?

HOW MANY PEOPLE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THIS COURSE?

HOW MANY PEOPLE DROPPED OUT OR DECIDED NOT TO USHER?

HOW MANY TIMES A YEAR DO YOU PLAN TO OFFER THIS COURSE?

ANY TESTIMONIES OF COURSE’S EFFECTIVENESS?

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 62
 HEAD USHER’S MANUAL
Dear Head Usher,
You have a high and holy calling! Your example and leadership as an usher is what will
inspire others to serve. Your work actually corresponds closely to the duties of the early
deacons appointed in the first century. Using I Timothy 3:8-13 as a model for yourself and
others will help you train ushers at every level of spiritual maturity.

In like manner the deacons (must be) worthy of respect, not shifty and double
talkers but sincere in what they say, not given to much wine, not greedy for base
gain—craving wealth and resorting to ignoble and dishonest methods of getting it.
They must possess the mystic secret of the faith (Christian truth as hidden from
ungodly men) with a clear conscience. And let them also be tried and investigated
and proved first; then, (if they turn out to be) above reproach, let them serve (as
deacons). The women likewise must be worthy of respect and serious, not
gossipers, but temperate and self-controlled, (thoroughly) trustworthy in all things.
Let deacons be the husbands of but one wife, and let them manage (their) children
and their own households well; for those who perform well as deacons acquire a
good standing for themselves and also gain much confidence and freedom and
boldness in the faith which is (founded on and centers) in Christ Jesus. (Amplified
Bible, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1965).

I have included different topical segments that relate to your duties as the head usher. Please
feel free to adapt and add new sections as needs arise. As you create and build a workbook
customized to your church, you will be able to use it to train other head ushers for years to
come.

DECISION MAKING

Because the functions and responsibilities of an usher are demanding, not every person can
do the work of an usher. It takes years of dedication, training and practice to master all the
aspects. As the administrator over this department, you need to develop the ability to make
quality decisions and be on the alert for the type of individuals who would make faithful entry-

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 63
level workers. Simply accepting everyone who wants to be an usher is as dangerous as
accepting a person who can’t sing into the choir.

I guide my decisions in placing people in the ministry of helps with this motto: BE LEERY OF
THOSE WHO SEEK AUTHORITY BUT GRAB HOLD OF THOSE WHO WANT
RESPONSIBILITY.

Some people only want authority. If a person offers to usher let him read the guidelines you’ve
compiled for ushers. Then if he is still interested, require the person to take this course. If his
motives in wanting a position are impure or unsuitable, you will know before or after the
course. I believe a person should be willing to follow your specified guidelines and then bear
fruit in the position of an usher.

Ask God to give you the ability to lead others by example and with a servant’s heart. You want
to cultivate ushers who can blend love with firmness and not be weak-willed pushovers.
Training them to do everything in love even when they aren’t treated or respected properly will
develop men strong in Christ.

APPRECIATION
Never neglect the area of people appreciation. Always thank your workers for their faithfulness
and commitment to show up on time and handle their responsibilities in a professional way.
Try to devise ways to express your gratefulness. For example:
• appreciation letters acknowledging the person’s invaluable contribution to the
ministry
• a yearly appreciation banquet or luncheon
• quarterly newsletter featuring various ushers’ contributions
• birthday recognition activities (even sending a birthday card)
• summer picnics
• a holiday party

Be sincerely creative in devising your system of appreciation. Your gratitude for a “ job well
done” will encourage your staff to always put 100 percent commitment and loyalty into their
job.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 64
 COMMUNICATION

You must always maintain open communication with the ushers under your care. They must
feel they can approach you with their problems or concerns and not be criticized. Knowledge
eliminates fear because fear comes with the unknown. Giving your people knowledge will
eliminate the questions of “what if…”

You must also keep written guidelines updated and distributed to your ushers. People cannot
serve properly without knowing the rules and regulations of the job. The more lax you are in
establishing guidelines, the more situations will grow out of control. Let each person know
their responsibilities in accordance with your church policy. And never grow impatient with the
training process. I remember being involved in a church that took two years to train workers.

Always distribute monthly ushering schedules (which include each individual’s area of
responsibility) in advance so each usher has an opportunity to submit any necessary changes
to you. Be flexible enough to make concessions if an occasional commitment prevents an
usher from serving on his appointed day. Remember—God did not appoint you to be a
dictator, but to follow Christ’s example as a shepherd.

Also, distribute an updated list of the names, addresses and phone numbers of the ushering
team. This allows the ushers to contact another usher as a substitute (unless you set up a
different system of notification for cancellations).

OVERWORK

Don’t overwork your ushers by utilizing the faithful ones for each and every service. Try to
develop a rotation system so if an usher has to work one service he is able to sit with his family
and hear God’s word during the second service.

I recommend an usher serve a one-year term of service with the option to renew his
commitment. You never want an usher to overcommit to the detriment or neglect of his family.
Be creative in your scheduling. If a certain individual is extremely busy but wants to usher,
perhaps you can use him for out-of-the-ordinary meetings, or as a last-minute substitute for
someone who might cancel.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 65
 BUDGETING

Your organizational skills have an impact on how efficiently your department runs. Work out
an appropriate budget with the finance department that allows you to purchase the necessities
used in your department. For example, if you hand out mints or cough drops to church
members in need, don’t expect each usher to purchase these with his own money. Or, don’t
make usher bring their own umbrellas to assist people from the parking lot on rainy days.
Keep a well-stocked supply area.

Always keep inventory of your supplies like offering envelopes, pencils and other needed
items. If necessary, develop a system that allows you to submit a request order to the church
office (or whoever orders supplies) at least two weeks in advance. Don’t be caught in a big
service envelope-less!

Have an area within the church that is the usher’s station. Keep it neat and organized so each
usher knows where to locate things. You also might want to post a copy of my “usher’s prayer”
enclosed within this workbook. This will keep each usher’s eyes on his goal of rendering help
and assistance to the body of Christ.

OFFERINGS

Most importantly, develop a watertight system of removing offerings from the sanctuary and
counting the money. Don’t allow your workers to set down buckets for one second, thus
tempting someone to steal the money. Always maintain accountability by having a minimum of
two counters in a room at one time. And keep tight security around this area, especially if your
church gathers large offerings.

SPECIAL EVENTS

It should also be your responsibility to keep abreast of special activities in the church and any
subsequent needs that might arise. For example, you might get overflow crowds for certain
speakers which will demand more ushers and special parking/seating considerations. Keep in
touch with the pastor or his secretary so you will know any upcoming needs. Also, consider
holding special informational workshops for your ushering team. For example, schedule CPR
classes or even a public relations speaker who can share insights that pertain to ushering.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 66
Once you discover the needs and interests of your ushering team, you can customize
workshops to their interests.

DEPARTMENTAL MEETINGS

Keep your pastor informed on the time and place of your organizational meetings.
Encouraging his attendance and input at your meetings on an occasional basis will be a great
morale builder for your workers. You will also know what is expected of you.

At your meetings, encourage your workers’ input. Write down areas of improvement as well as
areas of complaint. Keeping a record of your meetings and attained goals will give your group
a sense of accomplishment. Try problem solving as a group and listen to each person’s
concerns.

Even encourage the ushers to share success stories of how effective one of the ushering
methods has been. An usher may have a testimony about how his persistent love and
friendliness toward an introverted person finally brought that person around.

I also would send a meeting review sheet to the pastor if he isn’t able to attend your meetings.
Keep him informed of any changes and gain his approval for new proposed policies. In other
words, don’t restructure the entire church without his involvement!

START-UP

If you are just instituting an ushering system, you will need to set up the guidelines and
procedures for the following areas:
• Attendance—counting
• Children—dismissing, monitoring
• Communion—supply, distribution
• Emergencies—medical, weather
• Maps—visitor and staff maps with location guides
• Offerings—receiving, counting monies
• Praise and worship
• Sermon Activities—pre-service, interim, post-service

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 67
I also recommend that you write down your policy guidelines and distribute them to your
ushers. The following sample will give you an idea of how to lay out guidelines for your
ushering staff. Please modify them according to the needs of your church structure.
• Absenteeism—Please honor the day and time you are scheduled. If you are
unable to usher, please contact the head usher with a 24-hour notice,
whenever possible, so a substitution can be made.
• Confidentiality—Information and details concerning church members, the
church office or people’s contributions are private matters never to be
discussed.
• Dress Code—Please wear a neatly pressed suit and tie. Sandals and thongs
are not acceptable. No heavy colognes or perfumes.
• Health—Do not usher if you are fighting a cold or communicable disease.
• Incident Reports—Please report in writing if you are hurt on the premises or
witness an incident whereby another person is hurt.
• Sign-in—Please sign in and out for an accurate record of volunteer time
(helpful if you have an awards program)
• Training—Orientation procedures include successful completion of Ministry of
Helps International ushering video course, familiarity with church building
layout and several weeks working beside an experienced usher.
• A person may move to another department or change an assignment to
another area of interest after obtaining approval from the head usher.
• Termination—When an usher becomes counterproductive, the head usher
arranges a discussion session. If violations continue, dismissal occurs. An
open door policy for concerns or ideas is maintained at all times.

FEARLESSNESS

If God is calling you to be the head usher, He will give you the love, ability and fearlessness to
do it. Always look at your ministry with a fresh eye. When I worked in the church, I would
evaluate my department every three months. I would look at what I was doing and ask why. I
would also ask myself if God put me in the position or did I place myself there.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 68
 PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL
THREE SAMPLE BULLETIN INSERTS

Looking for your niche in the church? Have a ready smile, willing heart and busy hands? Now
is your opportunity to explore the scriptural and practical aspects involved in church ushering.
The three-hour course entitled “Ushering in the Local Church” by Rev. Buddy Bell of Ministry of
Helps International will be presented on (INSERT DATE). This exciting, informative and
humor-filled course includes both videotape teaching and an accompanying workbook.

Looking for an action-packed career in the church? A part-time position where variety know no
end? A job that offers eternal rewards? Then sign up for the three-hour video/workbook
course on USHERING IN THE LOCAL CHURCH by Rev. Buddy Bell of Ministry of Helps
International. The course will be presented on (INSERT DATE).

Dream about performing good deeds for others? Wish you could wait on tables like Stephen
of old? Want to put your hands to the plow? Then you sound like the right candidate needed
by the ushering team. Come join us for an unforgettable introduction to church ushering on
(INSERT DATE). This three-hour video/workbook course by Rev. Buddy Bell of Ministry of
Helps International will enlighten your heart in ways you never imagined.

FOUR SAMPLE POSTERS

The following four pages contain sample posters, which you can use to advertise your specific
usher-training workshop. Simply insert the workshop’s date and time, as well as any other
pertinent information, into the blank box on each poster. The use of color paper will help draw
attention to your posters.

USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 69
USHER TRAINING SYSTEM 101 © Copyright 2003 Ministry of Helps International, Inc. Page 70
Looking for promotion?
Tired of unemployment?
Unchallenged by your
level of responsibility?
THEN discover the great
opportunities available in the
profession of church ushering.
Come join us in an evening of
excitement and revelation from
God’s word as we present
Rev. Buddy Bell’s
Video course

USHERING IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
Learn why the God-kind of usher is more than the person
with shiny shoes and a big smile.
 Boy, just a
few ushers
Need a door of can help me
opportunity and service?
t thi
Want a job that
offers variety
beyond
description?
WE HAVE THE
ANSWER!

Then consider participating in the upcoming

videocourse on:
“USHERING IN THE LOCAL CHURCH”
This is an exciting and informative biblically based videocourse.
Sign up for an adventure in God you’ll never forget.
 WANTED
PERSONS WITH
4 SMILING HEART
4 WILLING HANDS
4 WHO ENJOY THE CHALLENGE OF A JOB WELL DONE
4 WHO LOVE TO ACCOMPLISH TASKS FOR GOD
If you are the person described above, you are
wanted by the pastor to give three hours of your
time. Pastor would like for you to enroll and
participate in Rev. Buddy Bell’s videocourse:
USHERING IN THE LOCAL CHURCH
Let God’s word make a new
person out of you as you are
ushered into a new role of
service in the local church.
 If you have time, talent and tolerance for
life’s little tasks
Then you are the perfect candidate for the
upcoming videocourse on
USHERING IN THE LOCAL CHURCH
Learn what the Bible declares about
ushering and be transformed by informative
truths presented by Rev. Buddy Bell in his
new ushering video workbook course.
Oh, the infinite value of the humble gospel helpers, thousands of people who
have no gifts as leaders are number one helpers. How grand revival work
moves along when red-hot platoons of fire baptized helpers crowd around
God's heroic leaders of the embattled hosts!
This certifies that:

has successfully completed the Usher Training System 101 Course

and has demonstrated proficiency in understanding the Biblical precepts and
practicalities involved in ushering in the local church
On this day of ,
Rev. Buddy Bell
Senior Pastor Rev. Buddy Bell

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward
His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10
You can buy this type of paper at Staples.
You can reach Staples:
Call 1-800-333-3330
Fax 1-800-333-3199
Online www.staples.com

This sheet is provided for you to make as

many copies of this certificate as you need.