Lanterna Rally

Author: Joseph Brewer

Publisher:

Published: 2021-01-21

Total Pages: 90

ISBN-13:

What is an usher? He is the can do, will do, go-to guy for his pastor during the services at his church. He sets aside his personal desires to serve his pastor, the congregation, and the guests in attendance. He is the smile and extended hand of welcome as you enter the doors to his church. He's the guy ready with the answers to your questions or he knows where to get the answers. The professional manner in which he conducts himself creates a smooth and seamless worship experience for all those in his building. He's the watchman at the gate, keeping an eye out for dangers. He has a plan for when unforeseen circumstances arise. He is prepared to act decisively when called upon. He's the man who will show you to your seat and is entrusted to take up the offering.The decision to write this booklet came from the careful study of the somewhat-antiquated handout I have been giving my new ushers to read when they begin their role as an usher at our church. I ordered several more books on the subject to search for a book that embodied everything I wanted to instill in my team of ushers, but my search came up lacking. While these handouts and books were great literature, they did not quite offer the depth that I was looking to give to my ushers. Through this search, I found some to be more ritual than helpful, while others were very heavy on the theology of ushering and church boards but less practical. I wanted something practical and more to the point of how to deal with everyday circumstances in the role of an usher. I wanted to find a book that speaks more directly to the reader. Since my search result came up empty, I decided to write one myself. I approach this subject from over twenty years of ushering experience and thirteen years as a head usher. I also draw from my twenty-five years of working in industrial construction as what is called a Millwright and, for a time, as an Ironworker. During most of my time working in construction, I was the foreman on the job. Years later, I would take from these experiences and apply them in my role being the head usher of my church. After more than twenty years of being involved with various ministries in my church, all the while being a greeter and an usher, I can tell you that in my opinion and experience, being a greeter or being an usher is one of the most important ministries you can take part in at your church. Being an usher and/or a greeter is very rewarding and brings a substantial amount of joy if you approach it the right way. It can also be frustrating, heartbreaking, and at times, very intense.I have been the head usher in my church since 2007. I'm in charge of ushering, greeting, and security. I get to see many aspects of the ministry from various perspectives, and I will touch on all three areas in this book.My life verse is Psalms 84:10. It reminds me, every day, of where I want to be in my life and why I do what I do. "For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." Psalms 84:10 KJV