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Our Mission
As ambassadors we shall be sensitive to the will of God and to the needs of his people. We shall strive to be effective dispensers of God’s Love. We shall be hospitable with openness to all, especially strangers. We shall be good listeners and friends to all. As ambassadors, we shall use the gifts and grace God has given us for His glory and for the good of others. We shall embody Christ in all the work we do in Jesus name.
History of the Ushers
The history of the Inspirational Church of God Ushers is synonymous with the history of The Inspirational Church of God itself, and is one of progress and perseverance.
The Inspirational Church of God first official church service was held on Tuesday, February 7, 1978 at its original facility in the Miami Lock Village located in Lake Harbor, FL. In 1979, our first ushers included the late Annie Martin who was the Head Usher. Serving with her was her daughter, Anita Martin Lockett, Missionary Angela McLeod, Sharon Willingham, Lasha Moore and Sharon Johnson.
In 1980, Sister Althea Jones became our first usher president. Serving under her leadership was Anita Martin Lockett as Vice President and LaVerne Martin as treasurer.
In 1994, the late Margaret Smalls became the second Usher President.
In 2000 Missionary Elizabeth Godfrey became our 3rd Usher President. Serving with her was Althea Jones, Ernestine Mitchell, Deacon Courtney Lowe, Deacon Jimmy Porter, Minister Godfrey, and Sister Lisa Porter.
In 2002 Deacon Lowe became our 4th Usher President.
In 2004 Deacon Porter became our 5th Usher President.
In 2005, Sharon Johnson became the 6th Usher President. Serving with her was Artisha Williams who was the Vice President, Iradene Barber, LaTarsha Harris, Demetria Dunson - Secretary, Ernestine Mitchell - Treasure, D’Arianne Williams, Jeralene Johnson, Janekia Johnson, MacKosha Sparkman, Lisa Porter, Althea Jones, Lisa Davis, Shandreka Horne, Amaad Morman, and Terrance Fashaw.
In 2006, LaTarsha Harris became our 7th Usher President. Sharon Johnson served as Vice President. All of the ushers who served in 2005 are still on active duty with the exception of Shandreka Horne, Lisa Davis, Minister Lowe, Deacon Porter, Artisha Williams, and Iradene Barber.
In 2007 Sister Jeralene Johnson became our 8th Usher President with Sister LaTarsha Harris now serving as Vice President. All of the ushers who served in 2006 are still on active duty. We also gained two new ushers, Tonya Burroughs, Cora Keith and Victor Blackmon.
What is Ushering?
According to the bible, Ushering is a ministry. What is a ministry? A ministry is any act of Christian service, which helps to direct men, women, boys and girls into fellowship with Jesus Christ. There are four prominent ministries in the church. Ushering is the fourth prominent ministry in the church. Most worshippers recognize it as the SERVICE MINISTRY. The usher is a servant for CHRIST, whose opportunity it is to do good unto all them who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). Ushering is a ministry that expresses GOD”S invitation to all mankind to come unto Him. The usher’s presentation speaks to the character of the Church fellowship. “Let all things be done decently and in order.” (I Corinthians 14:40) “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father in heaven”. (Matthew 5:16)
In the Old Testament, the usher is referred to as DOORKEEPERS, KEEPERS, GATEKEEPERS, WATCHMEN OR PORTERS.
Who may desire to become an usher?
Stereotypically, ushers are elderly men in suits who have honed their grumpy stare to a fine art. But ushers and greeters today are men, women, teenagers, and children. All ages can participate.
What do Ushers do?
Ushers are suppose to greet people before and after service, distribute bulletins, communicate Christian love, open doors, seat people, receive the offering, help strangers feel at home, represent Jesus and His love, and accept all people. Ultimately, the object of the usher’s service is to God.
Now that you have read the importance of ushering and the biblical aspect of what ushers do, now let me tell you what usher really do. At the door they greet people coming to the service and help them find a seat. They seat latecomers so they will not disturb the service. They tell the adults not to eat, drink or chew gum in the sanctuary so that the children will not do it too. They keep reminding those who do not respect the sanctuary that cleanliness is next to Godliness. They tell mothers with children to see about their own children when they are out of order instead ignoring them and then getting upset with those who do correct them. They tell the congregation to help keep the sanctuary clean by checking their area and their children’s area before leaving the sanctuary. They tell children and adults to stop talking and walking during the pastor’s sermon so others can hear the word. They say to the Pastor, “I’ve told them ninety-one times and they just will not obey the rules.” “Pastor, they only follow the rules and respect the sanctuary when you tell them to.” And so on and so on...
The Lord has chosen us, not only to be good but also to be good for something. That “something” for us is ushering—being an ambassador for Christ and His church. We have been granted the honor of the position, and we do recognize it as an honor, based on service rather than appointment.
