A Spiritual Leader’s View of Dance Ministry
April 24, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Encouragement
A Spiritual Leader’s View of the Ministry of Dance
by Lady Joyce Ann Wells (foreward by Lakita Humber)
![:: [ AljnonKelah ] ::](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3471981346_2ab05bc9be_m.jpg)
Foreword: During the summer of 2007, I was blessed with the unique opportunity to be the subject of a field study observation on "praise dance". My pastor’s wife, 1st Lady Joyce A. Wells master’s class assignment was to choose a culture to observe and report on, providing a field-study non-objective type of approach.At first, she had no idea what culture she was going to observe. In her prayer time, she told the Lord that she wanted to observe a culture she knew little about and that would be used to advance the Kingdom.
She later on told me the Lord gave her to topic of "praise dance" and also to use me as the observee. Of course I was excited to share about the ministry of dance and she was excited to receive!
I shared several books, videos and websites regarding praise dance with her. She accompanied me to workshops, concerts and rehearsals. She also "interviewed" several of the members of our church dance ministry.
Her report truly blessed me! It was a unique opportunity to look inside the head of one of my spiritual leaders. I learned a lot as a read the report, but one thing stood out:
- Dance ministry is a sub-culture of the church. Too often times we (as ministers of dance) get frustrated with our leaders because they don’t "get it". They may not understand your passion. But they aren’t the ones that have invested in the ministry books, videos, conferences etc. Ever heard of "church speak"? It’s those terms we (the church) use and understand but don’t make much since to someone who is not a part of the church culture. It’s the same thing in the dance ministry! After she accompanied me to her first dance ministry workshop she came back with a page full of questions! "Kita..you all are a sub-culture of the church! You have your own garments & language that is unique to dance ministry"
Lady Wells has always been a supporter of the dance ministry. Since this report she has become a great advocate pushing and challenging me and assist in bringing a greater understanding of the ministry of dance into our church.
I share this report as a testimony! I receive many emails from dance ministers who are discouraged and frustrated because they feel their leaders don’t understand their purpose or their ministry.
Continue to stay the course and do what God called YOU to do! You may not become an observee of a field study, but however the Lord desires to open the door…be prepared to walk through it!
Click here to read the report (Adobe PDF File)
photo credit: » Zitona « [09]
photo of Metro East Sacred Dance Company at Equipping the Saints Dance & Worship Arts Conference
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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I really enjoyed the research article. Would to God that all pastors and worship leaders would have access and be thoroughly educated as to what Praise and Worship Dance really is and that it’s not a “new thing”. I have resolved to stay the course God has placed me on even though sometimes the frustration becomes almost unbearable. Then, out of nowhere comes a refreshing and a lifting and I go on. My focus is on perfecting that which He has given me and then place it at His feet and wait for that opportunity to be used. It keeps me humble in the process as I know I can do NOTHING aside from Him and all things are of Him and in Him. God is raising up the Tabernacle of David again in the earth – let the Bride dance before her Messiah-Bridegroom!
Amen! I think what blessed me the most was when the transition of thought regarding praise dance was revealed. I also learned so much being the “observee”. Especially that we are a sub-culture of the church!