| A look at Ushers and Hostess from a biblical perspective It was David who said in Psalms 84:10 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. He found honor, privilege, responsibility and opportunity in serving at Gods house! In what others would or may see as just a lowly unrecognized job or position, he saw it as an honor and grave responsibility. He saw it as a ministry. ( Your attitude makes all the difference) In biblical times the task and duties of what our modern day ushers and hostess now perform where once performed by the ones called deacons. And even further back than that in the O.T. by the Levitical family itself primarily the Kohathites.. . Note: That it is indeed a ministry we should see it as such. If you are placed in the position as an usher or hostess you should see it as a call of God on your life for his service. For his Glory and Honor. Remember the doorkeeper not only greeted and welcomed people to the house of God but they also acted as guardians and watchmen over Gods house and people. ( to keep the enemy out and to keep order in the house.) In 1 Tim. 3: 8-13 We find the qualifications for deacons, Overall they must be grave and given to hospitality and friendliness. Not ones to hold a grudge, or stay angry, gravity and sobriety is a must they must be firm yet gentle in exercising their authority. (read) Numbers 4: 15-20,37 A look at the Kohathites and Gershonites from the family of Levi (The Levitical priesthood) These families performed the functions similar to our modern day Ushers and Hostess, sort of like priest in training? ( take note of this, somewhat like our ministers /deacons in training?) But notice they were to have the greatest respect for the house of God and the minister of God etc! Numbers 4:20 “ But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die. “ ( We need to take this ministry more seriously! with more respect and not so casually) Notice the Gershonites: it was said they were called to serve and to bear the burdens. vs. 24, This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens: Hence service and burden bearing are part of the calling to the ministry of ushering. We need to have a burden for souls, for the lost, for the hurting, If you don’t have one you either need to pray for one or find another calling. Compassion and concern are essential to your position not only in Ministry but in Christ. God doesn’t just call anybody to the task of ushering, its a solemn duty. Notice the ones who were called in the O.T were from the direct line of the Levitical priesthood. Did you know that in the N.T you are called “ a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people..” If one desires the office of usher or hostess it is more than likely that they also desire to be used of God. And that they may desire a higher calling in God albeit Preacher, Pastor, Evangelist, teacher etc. Thus the qualifications are greater, the requirements more demanding. Read:1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 a bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Notice some of the good qualities as found in scripture that would bless your ministry and service. 1 Thess. 5:9 Edify one another, lift and encourage each other up. vs 12, Know one another, this means godly fellowship and spiritual discernment. vs. 13 Be at peace with one another. vs. 14 Warn others, comfort each other. vs. 15-22 Learn to rejoice in all things. pray, be thankful, abstain from evil, quench not the spirit, prove all things. Did you know that a servant or usher should also be a good witness. Should also care for the Lost. Should have a burden for lost souls.. (Matter of fact its a good idea for ushers and hostesses to go out witnessing every once in a while, Keeps their burden fresh..) With that in mind let us look at a few notes and thoughts concerning the service of witnessing, outreach and preaching. Effective witnessing or preaching: First and primarily we should have a burden. It is essential that we be concerned about the condition and destiny of the lost. Unless our heart has felt their pain and hurts we will not be able to relate to their frustrations or critical and negative comments. Thus we will take it personal when rejected. Remember they have not rejected you but rejected God. Luke 10:16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent me. A. Some of you are going through some things only because God wants to use you to minister to others but you cannot minister where you have not been. Some do’s and don’ts. A. Again never take any critical or negative comments as a personal attack against you. Always be ready to respond in love and gentleness. And how do you do that. Jude 1: 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. B. Never take personal problems into the pulpit, never name or point out sinners specifically or individually. 2. Be prayed up and burden filled. Before hitting the streets or the pulpit you should hit your knees. Before knocking on their door you should knock on the Lords door. Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost 3. know your bible or at least some of the bible promises regarding salvation, deliverance and comfort. John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. To many times we feel uncomfortable or fearful and hesitant simply because we lack a knowledge of the bible. “but they that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits” Another scripture to consider and reflect upon. 2 Timothy 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. ( Notice there are two principles of interest here) 1. When your out there you need to be careful not to waste your time with careless and unproductive conversation? don‘t waste time debating or arguing on non essentials, leave for that for follow up bible studies or a return home visit remember your main purpose is to plant the seed, give an invitation, then move on to the next soul. Don’t let the devil distract you with idle conversations. 2. Make sure you are studied up and full of the Holy Ghost ... It is our responsibility to read, digest, understand and applicate Gods word to our lives. However to many times we feel like we have to give them a scripture or quote a promise. While yes if you know one that may help. However it is not always necessary, that is why you must learn to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Remember the most important thing is that they FEEL and KNOW, that you care and love them with the Love of Christ. Else your words won’t mean a thing to them. Remember people especially the lost are very sensitive to the phony, the unconcerned, the just doing it cause I have too type of people. 4. Always accentuate the positive and common not the negative or critical. In other words always try to find common ground when you approach them. For instance if you meet a Jehovah’s witness or Later day saint etc. Instead of pointing out their flaws and incorrect doctrinal beliefs compliment their faith in God. Say something like this: Were from so and so Church and were in the neighborhood and would like to let you know that if you should have any needs we as your neighborhood Church are here for you, we want to share Gods promises with you! Say by the way do you believe in God? Wow that’s nice you believe in God too! ( remember even most sinners believe in God so if you can get them to acknowledge a belief in God your foot is in the door then you say something like this ) I bet you believe Gods power to, huh? Isn’t God great and powerful, how he heals and delivers people from sin, why just the other day in Our Church God healed a lady of cancer, or delivered a young man from drugs, etc. (whatever move of God has taken place at your Church share with them) More than likely they will be amazed and captivated cause God doesn’t move in their Church’s like that and you will have their attention. It is here where you take the opportunity to invite them to visit your Church and see it for themselves. Or suppose one saids they are atheist and don’t believe in God? So you say Oh that’s so sad, May I ask what do you do or where do you take your problems, troubles and sickness or disease to. ( most times they will say something like I just go to the doctor or the bottle, or drugs or I just try to forget them ) Then you can say but does that really do anything for your problems, because when you finish they are still there. Does the drugs or bottle ever really satisfy or change those troubles. Sometimes not even the doctor can help. You know in our Church we have people who have been delivered and even healed from sickness and disease. Hey you tried all those things why cant you at least try God one time and see if he is real? 5. Never go out dressed sloppy, dirty and unkempt . Remember you are not only representing your Church but you are representing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. For that matter sloppy jeans, dirty tennis shoes, and tee shirts are a no no. As is any material that criticizes or contradicts what we claim to believe. ( by that meaning any jeans or tee’s which may have certain emblems or writings on them, any C.D’s you may be carrying or playing etc.) So watch what you say by what you wear. 6. Always make and keep eye contact: This projects confidence and tells them you that know what your talking about and that you are not afraid but rather willing to share your God because you care and believe in what your doing & what God can and will do for people who are hurting and in need. 7. Always be prepared. Bring your bible, Church tracts, a note pad and pencil or pen, etc Some invalid excuses or reasons why some refuse to witness. 1. Its not my responsibility, besides I’m not called to that kind of ministry, I don’t have the know how. “Mark 16: 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. The call and responsibility falls on everyone who proclaims the name of Christ. Who claim to be born again. 2. I just don’t know if it’s right to go out like that & bother people in the privacy of their homes. Don’t be intimidated, but be confident, remember your there in the will of God. Doing God’s will. “ For it is the will of God that none should perish but that all should come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ ” And how does he accomplish his will? Through the vehicle of the Church. And who may I ask is the Church? you are the Church! Prepared by : Rev. George R. Nava 2170 E. Market St. Stockton, Ca. phone 46-59731 web page: http://www.oocities.org/some1caresforu/index.html |