The ministry of ushering

Have you ever thought about the role ushers play in the church?

Ushers are the welcoming committee. They are among the first people a person meets when they walk in the church doors. Their main job is to greet people and help them find their seats. If met by someone who seems genuinely happy to see them, people will feel comfortable and calm, which prepares them for the rest of the service.

Ushers are especially important when there are visitors to the church. That first impression can make an impact. A smile and a warm handshake can make people feel welcome and encouraged, and convince them to come back.

Ushers also have a part in the worship service. They help it run smoothly by keeping the temperature comfortable, turning on fans or closing windows as necessary. They give assistance, such as helping people in wheelchairs or directing visitors who need to find the washroom. They collect the offering and hand out bulletins. In some churches they make sure the pastor has a cup of water at the pulpit. An usher who is alert to possible problems and prompt to deal with them can make a difference in the service.

When I talked to people at my church about ushering, one name was mentioned repeatedly. Wilf Rempel, an organic farmer, ushered at Kelstern (Sask.) Community Church (KCC) for many years and made quite an impact on the people who have come through the doors of this church.

One man told how he and his wife went to KCC for the first time and were met by Mr. Rempel’s warm smile and firm handshake. When he ushered them into the sanctuary he recommended that they sit near the front, on the left side of the church, where the music sounded the best. He was caring and courteous and they knew that his welcome was sincere. Although they had never met him before, the couple felt they had a new friend for life and that they had made the right decision to come to that church that morning.

That is what ushering is all about – truly welcoming people into the church and making them feel at home. People should leave church encouraged from the whole experience, not just from the sermon.

Ushers are an important part of that experience. Praise God for people willing to serve as ushers, and next Sunday, why not take the time to let them know you appreciate their service.

Melissa Priebe lives on a farm with her husband Lawrence and baby Bethany and attends Kelstern Community Church in Hodgeville, Sask.