Interview with EQS 2010 Speaker – Minister Rekesha Pittman
It was my pleasure to conduct a phone interview with Minister Rekesha Pittman in preparation for the Equipping the Saints Conference. Minister Rekesha is no stranger to the worship arts community and we are honored to have her as a speaker, facilitator, and dance minister at EQS 2010.
In our discussion we talk about:
- The Vision behind Rain Rein Reign Ministries
- Her product line: Reignaissance LLC
- Reign Dance Company
- Her new book! Company Keepers: Dance Ministry Daily
- What conference attendees can expect from her classes: Make Me An Instrument (Prophetic Dance), Touch NOT Mine Anointed, and About My Father's Business
- Upcoming events & projects
Click PLAY on the player below to listen to the interview in its entirety. Below are links to all the resources mentioned during the interview.
[mp3player width=177 height=150 config=fmp_jw_widget_config.xml playlist=fmp_jw_widget_playlist.xml]
Resources & Links
Rain Rein Reign Ministries (Contact Minister Rekesha, Upcoming Ministry events, etc)
Reignaissance, LLC. (The product line: books, praise tees, bags, etc)
Get WRITE, Church! (Register for the book publishing and writing Workshop)
I hope to continue this interview series with some of the other dynamic speakers that will be attending Equipping the Saints this year. We'd love to see you there!
You can register using the form below:
Meet the Equipping the Saints 2010 Staff!
Kingdom Greetings!
Every year the Lord blesses me with a phenomenal group of volunteers to assist with conference operations. This year is no different! We have an awesome group and have been preparing behind the scenes so when September arrives we may serve you with excellence!
Below is a group photo from our last staff meeting. If you find yourself at the conference and needing assistance, look for one of these familiar faces or myself and we'll be happy to serve you!
Top (left to right): Andre, Meri, Dee, Lisa, Adrienne, Ronda, Anthony
Bottom: (left to right):Tyean, Kelly, Lakita, Serease, Lonnie
Not pictured: LaTonya, Vickie, CaSaundra, Charles, Saundra, Regina, Sheila
Serease Hamtpon (Asst. Director / Hospitality )
Serease has been faithfully serving with the EQS staff since the beginning (2007). She is always eager to lend a helping hand. This year she'll be assisting in a variety of conference operations and also making sure the needs of our speakers and facilitators are met.
Adrienne Stewart (Staff Manager)
Adrienne has also been at Equipping the Saints since the beginning, though she joined the staff in 2008. She serves the staff / volunteers so they can effectively serve you all!
Evangelist Tyean Boyd / Min. LaTonya Thomas (Conference Intercessors)
Ensure we are spiritually prepared for the assignment! Equip the staff by organizing and facilitating teaching, training, prayer calls etc. Saturate the atmosphere with prayer and praise before each evening service with the praise warrior crew!
Rhonda Love / Kelly Shaw (Registration)
These ladies have also been involved since EQS began in 2007. As leaders of the registration team they will be some of the first faces you see at Equipping the Saints. They are preparing administratively for a smooth process for you all!
Min. Lonnie Hampton / Charles Heard (Photos / Videos)
You may not see Lonnie and Charles face as much because he spends a lot of time behind the cameras! They capture the history of the conference with still images and videos
Elder James Clemmons (Sound)
Romans 10:14 says How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Elder Clemmons is our sound technician and makes sure we can HEAR the preached word and worship music.
Minister Anthony Fane (Transportation / Security)
Anthony joined the staff in 2009. He oversees our offsite transportation and the safety of our guests.
Lisa Johnson (Daily Sessions Coordinator)
Lisa is another staffer that's been around since the beginning! This year she'll oversee daily operations and keep us running smoothly and on time.
Min. Meri Wrest (Atmosphere & Processions)
Meri reached out to me and I am so glad she did! This is her first year with the EQS staff but you wouldn't know it! She will be working with Pat Anderson, Banners of Praise to create a visually AMAZING environment for worship! She'll also be working with 15-25 dance ministers to participate in the opening procession (more information to come)
Andre Dansberry (Program Coordinator)
Andre works with everyone "on program" during the evening worship services. He makes sure ministries are in place so the service transitions are seamless.
Evg. Sheila Williams (Praise & Worship Leader)
Evg. Sheila and her team sets the atmosphere through praise and worship! Like many already listed….she's been with EQS since 2007!
Elder Vickie Williams (Administrator)
Elder Vickie has been coming to EQS since 2007, but this is her first year on staff. She is assisting with a variety of administrative functions.
In addition to the team of officers listed above, there are room captains, ushers, greeters, runners, set-up tear down crews and many more! If you would like to volunteer, please contact us!
We can't wait to meet and greet you in St. Louis! September 9-12, 2010!
Until then,
MARANATHA!!!!
Lakita
Equipping the Saints, Conference Host
Saturday Only Registration is Back!
Are you contemplating coming to Equipping the Saints but aren't sure if you can miss school or work? Back by popular demand is the Saturday only registration! Spend all day Saturday with us getting equipped! You'll be able to choose from over a dozen sessions on a variety of topics including movement disciplines, evangelism, youth tracks, leadership and more.
Because the evening sessions are open to the public, you are welcome to join us on Friday night and stay through Sunday morning.
Use the registration form below and choose "Saturday only" registration.
During the month of July EVERY registration $10 OFF the regular price. So you can register SATURDAY ONLY for just $40!
Order Your EQS2010 DVDs
Equipping the Saints Conference 2010 DVD
Maranatha!
ORDER Please allow 6 weeks for production and delivery
The worship services recorded live at the Doubletree Hotel at Westport Plaza
September 9-12, 2010
Multi-DVD set. Speakers include:
- Elder David Hollis
- Dr. Ann Higgins
- Elder Cecilia Beasley
- Minister Rekesha Pittman
- Minister Lakita Humber
Also includes Bonus DVD highlighting some of the daily sessions!
Updates & Discounts!
Did you miss Paneh's latest newsletter? If so, you can receive it at the link below!
But to receive the information right away and special discounts and promotions, be sure to sign up using the subscribe link at the right!
It has been too long since I've written you all! This is in fact the first newsletter since switching over to the new system…I hope you like it! To say this season has been busy would be an understatement! If you're connected with me on Facebook, you've probably seen some or all of these announcements, so feel free to scan and jump to the next part if that's you! I'll try to update you all below….and go in chronological order!read more >>>
Dance Blogs to Watch in 2010
At the suggestion of Darren (aka Problogger), I am creating this Dance Blogs Watch list. Look for great things from these blogs in 2010! Check out their sites and subscribe to get updates. Happy surfing!
Company Keepers Dance Ministry Talk by Rekesha Pittman is my absolute favorite dance minister’s blog. She has a unique way with words that make reading her articles entertaining as well as educational. Everything is written from a Biblical perspective and solidified with scripture. Be on the lookout for more great articles from Rekesha throughout 2010.
The Praise Dance Life w/Jocelyn Richard is another one of my favorites. Jocelyn is a natural teacher & networker. She uses her blog as a launching pad for other projects such as tele-seminars, tele-classes and interviews. Jocelyn has also released a couple books for dance ministers, and I don’t think she plans on slowing down in 2010.
His Hem Ministry is a blog I stumbled upon in the latter half of 2009. Not only does the author post devotions, but she does a good job of sharing current news and events in the dance ministry world. Most recently, she shared what is on her prayer agenda for 2010 and encouraged others to do the same.
Dance Advantage by Nichelle continues to share awesome articles and tips for all things related to dance! Most of her articles can be categorized as for students, teachers or parents. She has said she had plans for 2010…I believe it!
What about you?
What dance blogs did I miss? Any that should be included? Let me know in the comments below!
2009 Year in Review
In April 2009 this website was transformed into the blog you are reading today. It is still a work in progress, but the new format has allowed me to share more content with you all. In the past 9 months we have posted 112 articles and logged over 200 of your comments!
In case you missed some of the content, here is Paneh’s website year in review! There is a lot here, so I suggest you bookmark it and refer back to it from time to time.
Top Posts of All Time
1. The Starting a Dance Ministry Series continues to be the most popular page on this site. There are 3 parts: Part 1: The Spiritual, Part 2: The Practical, and Part 3: The Administrative. I am also working on my first E-book, Starting a Dance Ministry: Prepare Now or Repair Later. This guide will go into even more detail and include a high level flow chart to assist in the decisions that must be made from the very beginning. If you would like to receive more information about the E-book when it becomes available…you can sign up here:
2. What to “Wear”: Praise Garment Resource List quickly rose to the top of the list. I compiled this list later in the year and the number of views skyrocketed!
3. 3 Tips & Resources for New Dance & Mime Ministries was also very popular among those seeking information
4. I was surprised at the interest in A Spiritual Leader’s View of Dance Ministry. But this observatory report that started as an academic project by my pastor’s wife, Lady Joyce A. Wells has helped leaders and dancers see things from the other’s point of view.
Most Community Involvement
As much as I enjoy writing articles, I enjoy interacting with you all even more. These posts had the most community involvement
1. The Dance Ministry Ethics Series was something we did at the end of October. Each day a topic was launched for discussion, some were considered breach of protocol, while others were unanimously unethical. Read over each discussion and the comments. By the way, even though the “week” is over, comments are still open and you are welcome to leave yours!
Day 1: Invited Guests Leaving After Ministering
Day 2: Contracts Required for Ministry
Day 3: Self Promotion or Creative Marketing
Day 4: Praise Dance Competitions
Day 5: Inspiration or Imitation?
2. The 31 Dance Minister’s Choreography Tip Challenge is something I did for fun on Twitter & Facebook. I asked my friends to submit choreography tip in 120 CHARACTERS OR LESS. These were posted on Facebook & Twitter (1 per day) for the entire month of November. At the end of the month, they were all compiled into one post. This could not have been done without you all!
3. The 2009 Equipping the Saints Conference Recap was one of my personal favorites to write as it gave me an opportunity to reflect on such an awesome event! It’s not awesome because of anything I did…but because the Lord himself manifested HIS presence. Writing the recap is a way for me to reflect on the event, thank you for sharing your miraculous testimonies. To God be ALL the Glory!
My Personal Favorites
These are the ones I enjoyed writing the most. I hope you enjoy reading them as well!
The Dance Minister’s Choreography Devotion Series. This was done in two parts. Each part ran Monday – Friday with a new dance choreography technique was explained how to execute properly as well as how we, as ministers, can reflect on the awesome God we serve while moving for His glory! Part 1 cover the five ballet positions, while part two will beginner / intermediate ballet techniques:
g. Releve'
h. Piroutte
i. Jete
j. Chasse'
2. As I mentioned earlier, I love event hosting and planning so writing How to Plan Events and The Truth About Hotel Room Blocks was a pleasure. If you’re planning an event at a hotel in 2010 and you’re unfamiliar with hotel contracts, rules and the lingo, you should read those articles.
3. My other passion is personal finance. I am working on a project on that very topic that I hope to release at the end of 2010. In the interim, check out D.A.N.C.E. Out of Debt and read about the DUMBEST (Financial) Move I’ve Ever Made.
Worth a Second Look
These articles were either written early on or during a down time. For some reason or another they didn’t get many views. So in case you missed them, here they are again:
1. Miriam: Praise Dancer, Prophetess, Leader and More
3. The Spiritual Side to Technique series: Balance & Alignment
4. Tips for Ministry Excellence Series: Appearance & Communication
5. Tips for Traveling Dance Ministers
6. What Exactly is Liturgical Dance?
This is less than ONE THIRD of the content currently on the site and the goal is to constantly add more! If you never want to miss an article, I suggest you sign up for e-mail or RSS subscription. This is different from the monthly newsletter. You’ll receive an email as soon as a new article is published.
Props to the Top Referrers of 2009
Aside from search engines, Facebook, and Twitter traffic. Many readers arrive here from someone else’s website. This is to show some love to Paneh’s top referrer’s. Check out their sites as well:
2. Done Unto the Lord Ministries
I am looking forward to all that lies in store for you and me in 2010. I intend to write more articles and continue to encourage interaction. I'm also plan to continue to blog carnivals and weekly round-ups through out 2010. I also hope to publish more guest posts…so if you have an article or would like to write on a relevant topic…please contact me!
Blessings, Love and a Happy New Year!
My Interview on “The Praise Dance Life” hosted by Jocelyn Richard
I had privilege of being interviewed by Minister Jocelyn Richard, host of The Praise Dance Life. I have nothing but love and respect for this awesome woman of God. She is an anointed dancer, teacher, evangelist that shares gifts with others. This session of The Praise Dance Life was on “blogging & ministry”. I was humbled & honored to speak on the subject.|
Click on the PLAY button below |
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[3:40] – Why did I start blogging?
[5:20] – Why should someone else start a blog?1
[8:33] – How to get started?2
[18:00] – Shared additional tips & encouragement for ministry bloggers
3.
I mentioned RSS reader, I summarize RSS in this article.4. Here are some of the sites I mentioned in the closing minutes:
Equipping the Saints 2010: Maranatha! (Sept 9-12)
What about you? How are you using social media? Do you have a blog?
7 Must Reads for Praise Dance & Mime Ministry in 2010
When helping dance & mime ministries get started, I recommend books that they read as a group to sharpen their knowledge and remain effective in ministry. Here are a few books that should prove helpful to movement ministers:
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Dance Into the Anointing by Dr. Aimee Kovacs – This was the first dance ministry book I read and is the first I recommend the others. | ||
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The Purpose of the Dance by Dr. Ann Higgins is an excellent resource for new ministries. I did a full review on the book which you can read here. | ||
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Mime Ministry by Susan Toomey contains spiritual and practical advice for mime ministries. It covers starting a mime ministry, choreography techniques, group exercise and more. | ||
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The 360 Degree Leader by John Maxwell – OK, so this isn’t a dance book, but it has effective leadership principals that you can apply to any ministry. | ||
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Fasting for a Spiritual Breakthrough by Elmer Towns – Effective ministries pray and fast together. | ||
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Phenomenal Choreography for Worship is an Ebook by Minister Jocelyn Richard that I had a chance to review. It contains group choreography exercises. Side note: Minister Jocelyn is encouraging movement ministries to start the year off with a Biblical Study of Dance teleseminar series. |
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Coming Soon….
Sign up below if you would like to receive information on this project. You’ll receive more information, excerpts, select screening opportunities, early release & pre-launch discounts. This list will close after January 15th or the first 100 subscribers |
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Starting a Dance Ministry: Prepare Now or Repair Later (E-book) by Lakita HumberDisclosure: There are affiliate links in this article. That means that I will be paid a commission on purchases made directly from the links. That being said…these are genuine recommendations. I will only recommend or endorse products that I believe will be valuable to the readers of this site.
Could You Use a Free New Laptop?
The other day I was discussing the giveaway, benefits and promos that I come across being on Twitter and have encouraged people to check out Twitter for its wealth of real time information. While browsing through my tweets earlier, I came across a giveaway, with similar entry procedures to the professional mime make-up kit giveaway sponsored here.
However, this giveaway is being sponsored by HP.com and is for a brand new HP Envy 13 Notebook, currently valued at $1,899
The HP Envy 13
Friends will often contact me when purchasing a new computer to ask if a particular system is a good deal. I have not used Windows 7 so I can't vouch for the usability of the operating system, but every review I've read considers it a major step up from Windows Vista. I would not mind owning one, and if you'd like a chance to win this machine you should enter too!
