Praise Dancing: Performance vs. Ministry vs. Entertainment
April 20, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Encouragement
How many times have you heard the phrase "We don’t perform, we minister!"? It has become somewhat of a universal dance minister’s motto. I have personally instilled this concept into the youth dancers that I work with. To many, it is an ongoing frustration when people ask us
Are you going to perform today?
Let’s change OUR mindset!
As dance ministers, we should desire to be like Jesus! If that be the case, we must realize that JESUS PERFORMED!
Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.
- Matthew 11:20This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
- John 2:11This was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed, having come from Judea to Galilee.
- John 4:54
Another translation says "mighty works" or "miracles". The Greek word used in Matthew 11:20 is DUNAMIS. It’s definition is strength, power, ability; more specifically, the inherent power, residing in a thing by virtue of its nature or the power for performing miracles. Dunamis is the implied ability or capacity to perform
The good news is we are granted that same DUNAMIS power!
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
- Luke 24:49For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
- 2 Timothy 1:7
We have been given power! Let’s exercise it through our ministry.
Performance Today…
Today, performance has taken on a new definition and carries the connotation of ENTERTAINMENT. There is nothing wrong with entertainment; however, it should not be confused with ministry.
It’s no secret that not everyone receives dance as ministry, and view it as entertainment. Don’t let that frustrate you another day! Do what the Lord called YOU to do! Perhaps that Lord wants to set them up for a blessing through you, but you can’t deliver it effectively because they "don’t understand your ministry". They may be seeking a performance (entertainment), but you ask the Lord to help you to PERFORM (display of His power).
Posted by Lakita Fane
Lakita Fane serves as the founder of Paneh Praise Dance & Mime Ministry. Find out more about her or follow her on Twitter (@Paneh).
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Dance as the HOLY SPIRIT moves