Event Recap: Dance for Joy

 

I am still in awe of the GREAT things that took place at the Dance for JOY workshop!  JOYED UP! Youth praise dance ministry really took ownership of their event from beginning to end.  They picked the movement disciplines, the menu (pizza of course), and ministered through teaching and dance. 

The day started with their class "Dance for JOY" in which they spoke about why they choose to minister in dance, Bible verses supporting dance, and perhaps their favorite topic – Ministry vs. Entertainment, where they compared and contrasted ministry with entertainers their peers are familiar with (America’s Best Dance Crew, Hannah Montana, and Cheetah Girls to name a few). 

At an age where peer approval is priority, I commend them for standing in front of a group of their peers and teaching a foundational truth of ministry.  The revelations God downloaded into these teens, pre-teens (and pre-pre-teens!) was direct from His mouth to theirs.  Nuggets such as:

"When we minister we are not concern with making people happy – we want to make God happy"

"Ministry is letting God take control and move through you and with entertainment you stay in control"

"With entertainment you get the glory and with ministry God gets the glory"

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The breakout sessions were full of energy as the youth learned a variety of movement disciplines such as Step, Mime, African, and Praise.  There were classes for the Parents / Leaders as well such as: Pulling the Gifts out of your youth, Starting & Maintaining a Dance Ministry and the "Un-Blushable" Generation.

 

The energy poured into the afternoon service as we all came together to lift up the name of Jesus.  JOYED UP ministered an Israel Medley with the help of some of the workshop dancers! 

Sidebar: Let’s not underestimate our youth!  These kids learned choreography for a 12 minute song in less than an hour!!! 

We witnessed the Spirit of the Lord fall upon one of our youngest members as she Danced before the Lord and led us to a higher place of worship!  And a child shall lead them! 

Each ministry (all youth) came to give God glory!  Our speaker, Tearra Vaughn blessed us with praise dance too ~ GLORY!  She spoke directly to the youth to meet them where they are.  She was engaging an kept their attention…not always an easy task!

At the end of the day the altar was filled with youth that desired to walk closer with Jesus – to God be ALL the GLORY!

On behalf of JOYED UP! I would like to thank every participant & attendee for your loving support.

To JOYED UP (and their parents!) ~ I am honored to serve as your dance ministry president.  I love you all very much!

 

 

View JOYED UP! Ministering at the Workshop

 

 

 

Dancing for JOY!
Lakita

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