Ushering

Because Scripture does not mention a service role like ushering, we find ourselves in the area of Christian freedom and the application of biblical principles.

What is helpful for your answering your question is knowing the job description of ushers: what are the responsibilities of ushers? Is it greeting worshipers, distributing service folders, assisting with the offering and taking part in the dismissal of worshipers? One has to ask: is there any authoritative responsibility in those actions that would violate the biblical principles of loving head and loving helper (Genesis 2:18; 1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:12)?

In the past (and perhaps still today, according to their job description in some churches), ushers had the responsibility of being the “gatekeeper” for the congregation’s close communion practice. In that way they assisted the pastor and the board of elders in controlling who would be guests at the Lord’s Supper. Today, many congregations have other means of addressing the implementation of their close communion practice, so there is often not any authoritative role for ushers in that part of the worship service. Again, a key is understanding what our congregations are asking and directing ushers to do. If the responsibilities for ushers change, the practice can also change.

If you are interested in pursuing this further, this subject is one of many discussed in more detail in A Bible Study on Man and Woman in God’s World. It is available from Northwestern Publishing House.