Comments on: Dance Ministry Ethics #3: Self Promotion

By: Lakita

Lakita — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:38:05 +0000

@StephNIE: Better late than never! Thanks for your input

Kita

By: StephNIE

StephNIE — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:40:22 +0000

Hello again its me the newcomer with the late comments. I don't believe you should promote a ministry event on another person's page wall etc… with out their permission. That is not Christ-like at all. The comments posted by dancer246 is very much on point about the topic….. God led, God inspired. Everything we do should be because God has led us to or God has led someone to us. We are ministers, and we should remain humble. So that they see Christ and not us.

By: Lakita

Lakita — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:34:28 +0000

@His Hem Ministry ~ I echo everything Minister Dawn said!

By: Dawn Churchill

Dawn Churchill — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:36:47 +0000

His Hem Ministry ~

I am sooooo impressed with the honesty and transparency you have shown in your posted response!

It is a true rarity in the Body of Christ for Christians to admit they may have erred.

WOW…..God will reward your humiity!!!

By: His Hem Ministry

His Hem Ministry — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:27:44 +0000

I am so busted!
Have I ever “harvested” email-addresses from emails I found in emails that others sent on to me? Yes, definitely!
Have I ever posted anything about my blog onto other people’s websites or social networking sites? Yes!
I never had a problem w/the email question, but can now understand how posting my blogname onto other people’s websites/social networking sites could be a violation of their ’space.’ For those I offended, I humbly apologize.
OK, OK, so this is why, Sis. Lakita, I thank you for this discussion. I will reform my wayward ways.
Humbly submitted (His Hem Ministry)

By: dancer246

dancer246 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:14:05 +0000

there is a difference between making my presence known through networking, and self-promotion. i always have my business cards with me, and if someone asks me for my information, i give them a card, or if i am LED by God to give someone a card, i do so. but i don’t promote myself, i don’t believe in asking to be on a program, or to be part of an event. everything that i have done, i have been asked to do, and some of that i have had to turn down.
on MySpace, many of the people i have reached out to, have been through other people’s “friends” but even then, i reach out to those who i am drawn to, and not the ones with big names so i can be associated with them. as a matter of fact, i avoid those, because it is easy to get swallowed up in the mix. i like the networking because it gives me an opportunity to see what others are doing, and to be encouraged by what they have to offer. and…because i write, there are a lot of unsaved writers who have been moved by my writing. i was invited to be featured on a secular website. why? because i networked and made myself known wisely.
if we do things with the right motivation, it will work for us. however, a blind person can see through one who is only interested in promting themselves just for the sake of doing so.
blessings
d246

By: Jocelyn

Jocelyn — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:41:33 +0000

Wow, thank you Sister Lakita and Dawn, you ladies have said it all.
We all need to hear this wisdom. When I was younger, I was excited about alot of opportunities to minister. But, as I began to mature the Lord showed me how to focus on His purpose for me in worship dance.
I think when we are close to the Father, He will make it clear to us how and when we should share our ministry with others. Another thing, many times God will open a door that we had nothing to do with so, that He can get all of the glory.
Thank you so much for having this post.

By: Lakita

Lakita — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:58:01 +0000

@Dawn – Thanks again for your insight! You brought up some points I wanted to discuss: websites, newsletters, business cards, etc

I believe that when using the tools above are great so people can PULL FROM them instead of being PUSHED on them.

Newsletters are a great example. I have a newsletter that is double-opt in, that means the subscriber initiates the reply and confirms before their subscription is activated. The recipient’s actions indicated a desire for information. There is also an unsubscribe link so anyone can opt out should they change their mind later. This is a PULL. A push would be adding people to your mailing list and sending them information they did not request to receive.

Business Cards are another great example. I believe it is efficient to be PREPARED to provide business cards and materials if & when people ASK (a pull), however, it is not a good practice to push your information into everyone’s hands. A couple year’s ago some came to a dance event I was hosting and handed out flyers to everyone that was coming in the door without my knowledge or permission. Several people complained about this. In this case, the zeal to spread the word about your services created an offense.

Websites allow people to pull information. They can come and go as they please.

Blessings!

By: Dawn Churchill

Dawn Churchill — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:51:37 +0000

Well,again, I can only speak from my personal experience and preferences…

*I have NEVER asked to be put on program
*I have NEVER suggested someone invite me to minister at their event
*I only use contact information (email addresses and the like) that has been voluntarily given to me (usually by them signing up for my ministry communication)
*I have NEVER used contact information from other ministry’s lists
*I may post information on my own wall of FB or similar networks, but I NEVER post that info on other people’s walls (even my closest friends)

In other words, I feel that self-promotion is unnecessary altogether. I see nothing wrong with sharing ministry newsletters, event information, etc. with those you have already established a relationship with, and who wish to remain in contact with you. If God wishes to “expand your borders” He will do so Himself, and only for one reason, to exalt the name of Jesus and cover the earth with His glory!!!