The term usher is a modern term used by churches to describe individuals appointed to greet visitors, direct wedding guests, for example, and generally contribute to the orderliness of a service or event.
Sometimes ushers will also assist in the distribution of bread and wine, although this does tend to be mainly a duty of deacons.
As such, there are very few references in the Bible with regards to ushers, although some passages can loosely be transcribed to the existence and duties of ushers.
Acts 6:1-4, for instance, speaks of seven individuals being chosen to ensure fair distribution of food among disciples.
Ephisians 6:7 speaks of serving wholeheartedly, as though serving the Lord, rather than people, and, if taken out of its actual context, could be used in conjunction with ushers.
1 Corinthians 12:28 tells of God appointing various duties to members of his church in accordance with the gifts given to them. This includes those who are appointed to help or guide.
This passage in particular can be easily incorporated in a speech or sermon for an usher's anniversary.
1 Chronicles 9:19 onwards refers to the appointed gatekeepers, those guarding the, as verse 19 puts it, 'thresholds of the tent'. The following verses then list the various duties performed by the gatekeepers.
Another vague reference to an usher, or doorkeeper, can be found in Psalm 84:10.
Acts 7:47-48 makes the presence of elaborate churches, and the personnel therein somewhat questionable. The fact that these buildings do provide a place for believers to meet, however, consequently requires the assistance of those prepared to help.
Considering this, 1 Corinthians 12:28 is probably the most suitable scripture reference when referring to ushers and the service they provide to others within the confines of a church.
Sometimes ushers will also assist in the distribution of bread and wine, although this does tend to be mainly a duty of deacons.
As such, there are very few references in the Bible with regards to ushers, although some passages can loosely be transcribed to the existence and duties of ushers.
Acts 6:1-4, for instance, speaks of seven individuals being chosen to ensure fair distribution of food among disciples.
Ephisians 6:7 speaks of serving wholeheartedly, as though serving the Lord, rather than people, and, if taken out of its actual context, could be used in conjunction with ushers.
1 Corinthians 12:28 tells of God appointing various duties to members of his church in accordance with the gifts given to them. This includes those who are appointed to help or guide.
This passage in particular can be easily incorporated in a speech or sermon for an usher's anniversary.
1 Chronicles 9:19 onwards refers to the appointed gatekeepers, those guarding the, as verse 19 puts it, 'thresholds of the tent'. The following verses then list the various duties performed by the gatekeepers.
Another vague reference to an usher, or doorkeeper, can be found in Psalm 84:10.
Acts 7:47-48 makes the presence of elaborate churches, and the personnel therein somewhat questionable. The fact that these buildings do provide a place for believers to meet, however, consequently requires the assistance of those prepared to help.
Considering this, 1 Corinthians 12:28 is probably the most suitable scripture reference when referring to ushers and the service they provide to others within the confines of a church.
