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Once the doors open for a service, it is too late to make new plans or to give detailed instructions to the ushers. The usher's job has now begun! By this time, all instructions should have been given according to the plans that have been organized. It is time to work the plan that has been set forth for the particular service.

What time does the service start?

Where are the restrooms?

Is this seat reserved?

You may have your mind on the things you have been assigned to do, but these questions are important to the ones asking them. You must remember that you are in a public relations position as well as in a position of ministry. Therefore, you must:

1. Walk in love, and let the love of Jesus Christ radiate through you at all times.
2. Take time to smile and be friendly. Take people's hands and greet them (even if they have already been greeted at the door) be cause a TOUCH of love is important!
3. Answer their questions to the best of your ability. If you don't know the answer, don't be embarrassed to say you don't know. However, check on their questions and give them answers
4. Look sharp! Have your coat buttoned, shoes shined, tie in position, fresh breath, etc.
5. Watch your actions! A hurried usher with a worried look does not minister peace. If you have the joy of the Lord, let your face know it! If you don't, stop for prayer before the service begins.
6. Watch your words! Minister love, faith, and hope. Let Philippians 4:8 govern your words and actions

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely; whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

7. Remember that you are in charge, so walk with the authority that God has invested in you. The real challenge of an usher usually begins as he attempts to maintain authority and walk in love at the same time.
8. Remember to work as a team, for it's not a one-man show! Teamwork sets an atmosphere for a stronger anointing to flow in the service.

Your chief purpose as an usher is to see that everyone who comes to the service receives what he has come for from the Lord before he leaves. To do this, you must carry out an orderly system of enforcing certain rules and regulations. You must be ready for last-minute changes, but don't let changes upset you. Be flexible. Be able to shift either to a higher or to a lower gear, depending upon the instructions from the one ministering. Whenever you receive instructions from the speaker or the one ministering to do something at the last minute, respect him and submit to those instructions, as he is the higher authority. Don't complain, don't pout, and don't feel inferior. Just know that the speaker hears from the Spirit of God, and there is a reason for the last-minute changes. Even in situations where you feel the instructions of the speaker are wrong, submit and obey them. If they are wrong, he will correct them later, if necessary. You are assigned to assist and be of help. Do your job to the best of your ability and all will go well.

The first challenge you may face as the doors open is people running to get good seats. Deal gently and lovingly with these people, and guide them to the best seats that are available to them. The second challenge is sometimes the order in which you fill certain sections of seats. Some guidelines that will help you in seating people are:

1. Fill the front rows first.
2. Have people move together (sit together) and do not leave any single seats between them.
3. Know how many seats you have in your section, and fill it from the front to the back.
4. Know how many seats you have in the first three rows. When you have three empty seats in the first row and a party of three comes in, you will know exactly where to seat them. By knowing your sections and the availability in each you will then be able to fill them expediently! Do not be concerned with any section other than the one to which you have been assigned.
5. After you have filled the front three rows, then do the same with the next three rows, etc.
6. As you seat from front to back, you will keep latecomers from disturbing people. All of the empty seats in the front rows will already be filled.
7. Keep open to your special sections, as they cannot always be filled in the same order as the regular sections. (This would include sections, such as those for visitors, staff, guests of the ministry, employees, deaf, blind, wheelchairs, cots, etc.)
8. There will usually be reserved seats for the ushers. However, seats are usually not reserved for spouses or special friends. You will need to go by the rules of the particular ministry or speaker.
9. There should be no seating allowed in the first three rows or on the side front sections for babies and small children. This is especially important when TV video taping is being done.
10. Attempt to get to know the people in your section so problems can be prevented BEFORE they occur.

Once the singing or worship begins, the ushers and all people working with the service need to shift into another gear. It is now time for the entire body of believers to get their minds on God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and become aware of the presence of the holy Spirit with respect and reverence. There are many things that the ushers, hostesses or greeters and the ones leading the music can do to create a worshipful atmosphere.

During the worship, praise, and prayer portions of the service, the ushers should spread out around the walls and get involved with the service. As an usher, you are part of the service, and your actions will affect the service.

You can help the people on the platform as follows:

Don't stand around like wooden soldiers. Be sincere. Don't fake it. You may have to start in the flesh, but you will quickly be caught up in the Spirit as you join in with the activities of the service. Remain alert to your duties, however, as you continue to welcome and seat the people until the worship begins. You will need to keep your eyes open as you worship since your duties have just begun. You are expected to worship and to get involved in the service, but you must remain alert with your eyes open. If you close your eyes, you may miss any one of the following situations:

1. The speaker may be trying to get your attention.
2. The musicians may be trying to get your attention.
3. A situation may he developing that you need to take care of immediately.
4. There may be someone out of order who is trying to approach the platform.
5. A guest of the ministry may he arriving late.
6. Wheelchair or cot patients may come in late and need your direction to find
   their designated area for seating.

How do you hold people or stop them in the back in a gracious manner? It is all in how you say it!
You know, "your approach".

Let the person know why you cannot seat them and tell them when you will seat them, for example: "Good morning, it is so good to see you today! Communion is currently being served therefore we are unable to seat anyone at this moment, but you will be served communion here in the back and then I will seat you as soon as communion is finished."

Some people are brand new to Immanuel's and they don't know what is going on.

In sum, you are also an impression of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, therefore, let the joy of the Lord shine through you - smile, be warm, be interested in people - even when you have to do something difficult.

The first part of the service usually involves singing, worship, praise, and prayer. Many times singing is used to get people in their seats so the service may begin. Music should not be used in this way, but with some congregations it may be mandatory. During the first phase, the music is usually more outgoing, such as with the clapping of hands or movement of feet. It is used to create an atmosphere of peace and well being, as many of the people who have come into the service have rushed around In their daily routines and are still uptight.

During this time, it is still permissible to seat people. At this stage of the service, the people are usually happy, friendly, and are free to greet one another.

The tempo of the service will begin to change as the music is changed to worship as unto the lord. This type of singing will normally go into praise and singing in the Spirit, many times followed with prophecy and prayer.

During the worship, praise, and prayer portions of the service DO NOT SEAT ANYONE. Late comers should be held at the doors until this part of the service is concluded. Some of the reasons why you need to hold the people at the doors and control the movement at this time are:

1. It is difficult to worship the lord when people are stepping on your toes, or when they are tapping you on the shoulder to ask you to move so they can he seated.
2. When people realize that they can worship with their total attention on Jesus, there is more freedom to worship; and it lays the groundwork for a higher level of praise.

The following suggestions should he helpful in seating people once the service has begun:

1. Seat people near the front during the opening songs if there are any seats left at the front. (Front seats, as discussed earlier, should always be filled first.)
2. DO NOT seat people during the worship and praise portions of the service.
3. DO NOT allow movement during messages in tongues and interpretation or prophecy. (This is a very sacred time, and distractions must not be allowed.)
4. Never just stand and watch when people come into the service, whether the service has begun or not. Immediately move to help people.
5. When people are held at the doors during these special times of worship, they should not be seated until the ushers receive a signal from the shift leader that it is now permissible to do so.

1. Do not let the people take their seats until the second phase of the service or until the shift leader has given the signal.
2. Normally there will he a release in your spirit when it is permissible to seat the people; however, it is still best to wait for the signal from the shift leader.
3. When you have latecomers in walkers or older people who find it difficult to stand, attempt to seat them near the back if seats are available.

1. During prayers, altar calls, and offerings, the same procedures should be followed in stopping people from entering the services. At the conclusion of each of these portions of the service, they may be seated.

There should be no picture taking (other than the regular televising of the service) during the service, other than what is appointed by the speaker himself. There are several reasons for this.

1. Flash bulbs many times disturb people in the congregation.
2. When flash bulbs go off, they sometimes cause the anointing to lift from the speaker.
3. The moving about with the picture taking is sometimes distracting. (People will many times watch the photographer and will not hear what the speaker is saying.)
4. Only one person if any approved by the one ministering will be allowed to take pictures. All others will be asked to keep their seats.
5. No one will be allowed to go on to the platform to have their pictures taken.
6. A 35 millimeter camera will usually be allowed as long as the people using it remain in their seats.

Ushers in the back of the auditorium must remain alert at all times, pray in the Spirit continually, and be of help in the following areas where possible:

Open and close the doors for people, especially for the latecomers, for those leaving early, to avoid slamming or squeaking of the doors which can be very distracting.

1. Be responsible for handling these areas:

To minister supernaturally means that you are in a service where the Spirit of the Lord is having His complete way . . . He is free to have His way!

As an usher, you need to stay in the Spirit during the entire service, as there is no way to predict the moving of the Holy Spirit. You must listen carefully to what the speaker is saying. Watch constantly what he is doing, and the Lord will show you the direction that will be taken. The one ministering will be sensitive to the direction of the Holy Spirit and will follow the guidelines as the Holy Spirit sets them forth. For example, if the one ministering is listening to the voice of the Lord, he may give an altar call for salvation at the beginning of the service rather than at the end of the service. If the Lord tells him to lay hands on someone and pray for them at the beginning of the service, he will do so. Most churches that are obeying the Spirit of the Lord are growing by leaps and bounds. If you are in this type of church, you can surely see the necessity of praying in the Spirit at all times. And because the Lord has anointed you to minister as an usher, He will prepare you thoroughly for this position.

These guidelines will be of help in having a smooth, yet successful altar call.

1. Do not try to line the people up. Let them stand in a group.
2. Do not look around. Keep your gestures to a minimum.
3. Unless you are an authorized counselor, remain in your seat when the counselors are called.

 

4. One usher should check the prayer or counseling room before the service begins. If this is not possible, check it right before the people are taken to this room for prayer and counseling.

1. Be sure it is unlocked.
2. Be sure the condition of the room is conducive to prayer and counseling.
3. Be sure lights and air or heat are on.
4. Be sure that proper handout materials are available.

1. If you are the usher assigned to lead the people out with the counselors, be sure that all of the people stay together. If you see one return to his seat, gently and lovingly encourage him to go with the group.

1. Be sure that all doors are open and that you have a sufficient number of ushers to clear the way for this group of people to go directly to the prayer and counseling room.
2. One usher should be assigned inside the counseling room door and one outside the door to keep spectators away. Ushers will remain at
   these doors until the counselors leave.
3. Only designated and qualified counselors will be counseling.

The following guidelines will help those who are responsible for helping the people up off of the floor after they have been slain in the Spirit:

1. Help the people up when they are ready to get up. (No person should ever have to get up alone. An usher should always be there to assist.)
2. It is best to have two men assist the people up when you have long lines, one on each side of the line.
3. You may need to assist some back to their seats once you have helped them up.
4. If several people are getting up at the same time, other ushers may need to come to the assistance of the regularly assigned ushers.
5. The two people assigned to pick up the people need to work as a team.
6. Once the one ministering is used to working with an assigned team, the anointing will be able to flow more smoothly and completely unhindered.
7. While the healing line is still in process, never allow anyone to walk behind the person who is catching or between the one being ministered to and the one catching.
8. After the speaker has ministered to the person who came forward for healing, if the one ministered to is not in the Spirit but is just standing and praising the Lord, you must get him back to his seat as quickly as possible to make room for others coming for healing. (In most cases, a person under the power of God will not he able to move, clap, sing, kick, jump, or do other gestures. Usually when a person opens his eyes, he is ready to be helped up and guided back to his seat.)
9. Let the person remain on the floor under the power of God as long as they are truly under the power of God. Never slap a person in the face, as if you are trying to bring him out of a deep sleep or try to get the person up while he is still under the power of God. Don't interrupt God's work, In your enthusiasm, you can break the anointing and keep the person from receiving all that God has for him.
10. Be polite (not pushy) as you encourage people to return to their seats. You can simply say, "If you like, you can go back to your seat now."
11. Watch your attitude and your motivation. The lines need to be cleared, but it must be done in love. Do not detract from what God has done in each person by a hurried attitude in getting them out of the altar.

Keep order in the service
(1 Corinthians 14:40-"Let all things be done decently and in order").

Prevent interruption of anointing.

Help those near the baby to receive

Help the parents of the baby to receive.

1. Intercession: before and during meeting.
2. Release of faith-speak the spirit of peace into manifestation.
3. Rebuke any spirits of disruption.
4. Placement: near the beck or on an aisle.

1. Parents not attempting to quiet a child.
2. Children standing in chairs.
3. Children turned around.
4. Noisy or distracting playthings.

IV. REMOVAL

1. When to remove

1. Listen to your spirit.
2. Before the platform is disturbed.
3. Disturbing those near the baby.
4. Parents not attempting to quiet a baby.

1. Technique

1. Be pleasant.
2. Remember: minister to the area. not just to the parent and baby.
3. First trip

1. SUGGEST alternate area.
2. If they want to stay, instruct that they MUST stop the disturbance.

1. Second trip INSIST on alternate area.
2. Be as quick as possible.
3. Wait in back while parent gathers belongings.
4. Don't create a hostile atmosphere.

1. Avoid feeling: of anger.
2. Avoid projecting condemnation.

1. If parents refuse to leave

1. Don't force the situation.
2. Contact the shift leader

Be courteous-open all doors.

1. Escort all the way to alternate area.
2. Project attitude of appreciation.
3. Don't apologize or act defensive.
4. Give reasons for removal only if questioned or if you sense tension. (Explain that others are not used to noise.)
5. When back in main room, check vacated area for dropped or forgotten items.

1. Carry only misplaced items.
2. Don't remove any personal items.

G. Report any problems or confrontation to the shift leader after the service.

(Thoughts from Dee Bissell, a disabled person that attended services at Immanuel's)

1) Van Parking - Additional space needed to allow for the lowering of the ramp for getting in & out of the van alone. Other wise it requires the help of a second person, who many times is not available, and limits independence.

2) Entrance Doors to the Rotunda foyer: Need to have an usher monitoring this area as the doors cannot be handled from a wheelchair or motorized chair.

3) Double doors to the rest rooms: Need to be left open on at least one side so that the wheelchairs or motorized chairs have access to the hall areas that lead to the rest rooms.

This allows for independence of movement

4) Leaving before the actual service breaks up: This is necessary in order to get out of the crowds It makes it easier to access the van and get out of the way of incoming cars for the next service. If there is someone doing the pickup it is easier for them and a courtesy not to keep them waiting.

5) "Seeing" problems: Sometimes I move my chair more into the aisle because when people stand to sing I can't see the screen and if someone is speaking I can't See the person.

When functions are planned it would be a good idea to have a check list that would suggest areas that would need consideration for those in wheelchairs/motorized chairs. Example: Services in the new sanctuary and then eating in the old sanctuary. Making sure the person has a way to make the transition easily. Be sure functions are held on the first floor if the elevators are not working.

Suggested Reading Material for Understanding the Disabled

It is important that disabled people are able to share in the life of our congregation to enrich our Church by gifts they can offer and by the dimension they can add to the tapestry of our worship.

Disabled people need to be welcome into the church community, recognizing all that they have to share and recognizing their special needs.

The goal of the Episcopal Church as expressed by its Personal Task Force on Accessibility is to promote the inclusion of all persons with handicap disabilities into the Body of Christ and to enable them to find their places in the worship, education, fellowship and ministry of the Church.

Shortly after his election as Presiding Bishop. Edmond L Browning said. "Reconciliation is the fundamental message of the Church, and whatever we do - education, employment, outreach must reflect this" In his spirit may we join together incorporating all disabled persons into the Body of Christ.

• Always speak directly to the person who has a disability. (Don't consider a companion to be a conversational go-between).
• Don't hesitate to ask the person who has a disability if you can help him or her in any way
• Whenever possible seat disabled parishioners with their families or friends.
• Don't ignore disabled people. Acknowledge his or her presence normally as you would anyone else's and attempt to include him or her in whatever activity you are doing. A warm smile and a friendly conversation are very welcoming.
• Don't hesitate to use words like see, walk, listen, etc. with disabled people.
• Touch is often a very effective communicator of love, concern and understanding.
• Use positive language when referring to disabilities rather than using negative terms such as "crippled", "stricken", "afflicted" or "victims".

Ask a disabled person to usher.

• When greeting a person who has a visual impairment, be sure to identify yourself.
• Explain to a person who has a visual problem where things are located.
• If the blind person has a guide dog. ask how much room is needed.
• Offer a program to a person with a visual impairment (whether you think they can read
  it or not).
• Offer a Braille or large-print Book of Common Prayer of Hymnal if available.
• Direct a blind person to his or her seat.
• Explain the pattern of service and give clear, simple instructions. i.e., "go up the center aisle and down the outside aisle"
• Offer assistance during the Eucharist. Extend your elbow to guide: never grab or push

• Speak clearly and slowly. but don't exaggerate or shout (Sometimes it may be necessary to communicate in writing.)
• Try to stand in front of the light source in order to provide a clear view of your face. (Never speak directly into the person's ear.)
• Try to seat in an appropriate position in front of the preacher/celebrant (especially when there is no signer present).
• Look directly at the person and speak expressively; remember your facial expressions, gestures. and body movements help in understanding. Just relax you don't need to be an expert in sign language to do this.

• Try to give whole, unhurried attention to the person who has difficulty speaking.
• Remember the person with a speech impairment may have his or her own means of communication other than by speech, such as writing

• Try not to move a wheelchair or crutches out of reach of the person who uses them.
• A person who uses a wheelchair may be able to walk, that person still needs the wheelchair
• Ask the person who and where he or she wants to receive the Eucharist and make sure that the priest/element bearer is aware of this. If you have a wheelchair section,. Don't discourage the person from going to the front of the sanctuary steps or other stations to receive. The act of going forward may be an essential component of their spiritual being.
• If lifting a wheelchair, be sure to follow the person's instructions implicitly. They have been up and down the steps before. If there are any questions of your ability, look for stronger, more able ushers, helper. (We are all disabled in one way or another.)