The first generation of Levites were specially chosen by God during the period of Moses and Aaron [1002 – 445 B.C] – [Numbers 8:5-26].
The second generation of Levites was organized during the reign of King David from around 995 B.C [I Chronicles Chapters 23 – 26] and the arrangements laid down by King David were followed within practicable limits and to a lesser extent up till the period of our Lord Jesus Christ.

During the time of our Lord Jesus Christ and the period of the Early Church, the Levites were not mentioned as a tribe or group in support of the gospel. However some individual Levites became active Christians supporting the Apostles with their resources [Acts 4:36-37] and many of the Levite Priests became obedient to the faith [Acts 6:7].

The third generation of ‘Levites’: Thus Church Wardens, Ushers, Stewards or other functionaries of the church by whatever name called, undertaking Levitical duties in modern day charismatic and pentecostal religious organizations may be said to belong to the third generation of ‘Levites.’ This covers all the various groups of church workers who offer voluntary spiritual and physical duties to God and His people not for monetary or financial rewards.

AMONG THESE GROUPS ARE:

• Church and/or Traffic Wardens; Courtyard guards and Security Personnel
• Vicar’s or Pastor’s Warden, People’s or Parish Warden etc.
• Ushers, Protocol Officials etc.
• Church Stewards
• Sides men
• Door or Gate keepers (Adena, Asona, Onibode etc.)
• Cross Bearers
• Incense Burners
• Church Porters, Sextons
• Choristers
• Welfare & Charity Officers
• Secretarial/Administrative Officials
• Mass or Altar Servers
• Army of Salvation (Afadurajagun or Omo Ogun Igbala)

In the Orthodox Churches, the office of Churchwarden/Sidesmen/Sexton/etc. dates from the 13th Century, and is thus one of the earliest forms of recognized lay ministry. The primary function of the office at that time seems to have been that of taking care of the Church building and its contents, including the responsibility of providing for the repairs of the nave, and of furnishing the utensils for divine service.

The Church Wardens had custody or guardianship of the fabric and furniture of the church, and even today, they are the legal guardians of the church’s moveable goods, such as moveable furniture, plates and ornaments. They are required to keep an accurate, up-to-date inventory of these items. The Sexton is usually charged with the maintenance of the church buildings and/or the surrounding graveyard. The Sidesman is responsible for greeting members of the congregation, overseeing seating arrangements in church, and for taking the collection. In the Cherubim and Seraphim and other Pentecostal Churches, Church Wardens/Ushers voluntarily serve as in biblical and early church periods.