3 Tips & Resources for New Dance & Mime Ministries
If your dance ministry has not formally started yet, you may want to read Starting a Dance Ministry: Prepare Now or Repair Later first.
It is important for the new beginner as well as the seasoned dance minister to continue to learn & grow or the ministry will become stagnant. However, just like in the natural, the beginning stages of life require the most attention to mature into a healthy entity. The habits, guidelines and protocols set in place during the first year of ministry are crucial to growth and development.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men
Col 3:23
Tip #1: Prayer & Devotion Must come FIRST
All dance rehearsals & ministry assignments must start and end with prayer. Also, pray for the ministry on a regular basis. This may seem obvious, but it is very tempting to become task-oriented when time seems to be fighting against you! Allow the presence of the Lord to manifest at rehearsals as you worship HIM. If possible, the leader and assigned intercessors should arrive early to set an atmosphere of worship.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:6-7
Tip #2: Document, Document, Document!
Not only will documentation help keep the ministry organized, it serves as a “standard keeper” & “audit trail” should the need arise. Here are some suggested documents:
- a. A dance ministry manual: This should include the vision, mission, foundational scriptures, guidelines, and expectations for ministry. If you have an attendance policy, it needs to be documented and adhered to. Do you have a policy in place should suspension or dismissal become necessary? If you have this documented and then any perception of bias can be eliminated.
- b. Attendance roster: If you have an attendance policy this is definitely a necessity!
- c. Income / Expense report: Every ministry may not need this, but if you have money coming in through fund raisers or donations then you’ll want to document it properly.
- d. Garment order form: If you find yourself placing mass orders for garments, it would be nice to supply the vendor an itemized list. Alternately, if the members purchase the garments individually, if would be nice to provide a garment list with the product number & description to ensure the correct item is purchased.
- f. Calendar: Provide a calendar (monthly or quarterly) to ministry members and parents.
Tip #3: Invest in your calling
There is a wealth of information available on dance & mime ministry. There are books, DVDs, conferences, and newsletters that provide an abundance of information. Here are a few resources to get you started.
There is no endorsement implied, while I have used/viewed most of the items listed below, you should conduct the appropriate research to ensure the item is the right fit for your ministry.
Books:
For a more comprehensive list, check out my praise dance & mime ministry books list
DVDs:
Note: DVDs are a great tool to gain inspiration, however, unless the intent is to teach choreography, the presentations should not be copied.
Dance & Mime Conferences & Workshops:
ChristianDance.com is an excellent source for finding conferences, workshops and seminars. Pray and be open about traveling about traveling outside of your local area. The conference the Lord may want you to attend may be outside of your city, region, or even country!
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Hello Lakita,
Thank you for this wonderful post. You have given the Dance Ministry community essential foundational tools for serious worship dance ministers. I am so thankful to the Lord that you have this blog. I learn so much from what you write God bless you.
Jocelyn
Blessings Kingdom Minister!
Thank you for the kind words of encouragement. Your series on worship and videos are also a blessing to the body!
Lakita
Hello,
Everytime I come to this website I am blessed. I am a worshipper and with the help of the Holy Spirit have begun a community dance ministry. This information has helped tremendously. Thank you! Look forward to reading and learning more!
Be blessed!
Maria (Tennessee)
Greetings Maria!
I’m glad this site has been a blessing to you! I pray God’s favor on the community dance ministry.
Lakita
Lakita,
I found your site from google. I am so grateful to God for the information that you have on this site. Do you have any suggestions for a Praise Dance Ministry that includes ages 5-12? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Katrina
Greetings Katrina,
I work with a ministry called JOYED UP (http://panehpraise.com/2009/05/event-recap-dance-joy/) that is for ages 5-12.
Please email me any specific questions you have!
Blessings and Love,
Lakita