Stretched!

As a dance minister, stretching is important because it gives you an opportunity to warm up your muscles.  Proper stretching increases your flexibility, range of motion and strengthens your muscles.  However pushing the muscles too far is counter-productive and can result in serious injury.  Sometimes the damage is permanent and limits movement, the very thing you were trying to gain.

This concept not only applies to our physical bodies, but in life as well.  In order to grow as a dance minister you need to be stretched.  Do a Bible search on the word “stretch”  (I’ll wait.)

See how often it is used prior to a demonstration of God’s power?  Stretch out!

I love this quote by John Maxwell:

“If we're growing, we're always going to be out of our comfort zone.”

 If you want to grow, if you want to increase your range of motion, if you want to be flexible….you have to be stretched!

I love it when I’m in class at the Anointed Feet Academy, my instructor Ms. Patricia knows how far she can stretch me.  I’ll be on the floor and she’ll come over….I take a deep breath in and exhale as she stretches me a little further.  She encourages me to hold it until I am comfortable in my new position.  It’s time to move out of your comfort zone.  Increase your range.

As a conference host, I have the opportunity to speak with many dancers regarding upcoming events.  Usually I receive several calls from people that are discouraged that there is not a similar conference in their area.  When I ask why they don’t travel to a conference, I can hear the fear in their voices as they dismiss the thought.  Dancers that won’t stretch out will only surround themselves by the familiar.  This comfort keeps them from moving to another place.

Don’t Over Do It

Stretch too much too fast and you risk serious injury!  Leaders should stretch those that are under them, however they have to be careful not to exert too much pressure on their subordinates before they are ready to handle it.  Often times, leaders will encounter passionate followers, full of zeal and ability (every leader’s dream).  However, it is important not to overtax them to the point of injury.  It is just as important for the person being stretched to know when to “say when”, hold, relax and get comfortable before going any further.

Many dance ministers today find themselves stretched thin. They have exerted themselves to the point of fatigue and they are nearly immobilized.  Remember, the point of stretching is to improve your movement…so you’re no good if you’ve stretched so much that you can’t perform.  It’s important to maintain balance between family, ministry, work, school, etc. 

Stay flexible, agile, and mobilized!  Walk (and dance) in Kingdom Authority!

 

 

Share on Facebook

What exactly is liturgical dance?

 

photo credit: PBoGS

 

Earlier today I posted a challenge on Facebook to define liturgical.  The responses were all great and I realized I only had a basic understanding of the word myself.  But since it was a challenge, I figured I’d dig a little deeper.

Movement ministers have taken on a lot of labels: praise dancers, worship dancers, lyrical dancers, movement ministers, and liturgical dancers to name a few.  For the most part, these terms can be used interchangeably without hesitation.  There are subtle variations in definition.  If we were to take a poll, most people would be able to define praise, worship, lyrical and movement, however; the definition of liturgical continues to elude most.

 

Liturgical Defined

Of or relating to or in accord with liturgy. (dictionary.com)

Great….so what is liturgy?  I’m glad you asked!

 

Liturgy Defined

A form of public worship; ritual.

 

Etymology (history of word)

The word comes from the Greek leitourgia meaning a "public work".

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Acts 13:2

 

It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
Romans 15:27

 

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
Hebrews 10:11

In Christianity, the word liturgy transitioned and is commonly used to refer to a standard order of events.  I don’t know how or why the transition came about, I believe it is related to Catholicism.  (If you have more information, please leave a comment!)

So what is liturgical dance?

By strictest definition, it would be dance performed as public work. 
By common definition it would be dance that is part of an order of events.

 

Now what?

Do you agree with the definition of liturgical dance?
Do you use the terms interchangeably?
We’d love to hear from you!  Leave your comment below!

 

 

 

Share on Facebook

abunDANCE

 From the Latin word “abundantia” which means “fullness” or “to overflow”.  The definition is extremely plentiful or over sufficient quantity or supply.  Overflowing fullness. The word ‘abundance’ in Hebrew literally means dripping with fertility!

John 10:10 says The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

AbunDANCE means to have more than enough!

Dance ministers – it is time to start claiming the resources that are rightfully ours.  Stop operating in lack!  Reach up and get what is yours!!  No longer allow “lack” (or perceived lack) to hinder you from fulfilling the vision that God has given you!  I want to share a portion of Bishop Neil Ellis’ personal prayer that I received at the Dancing Preachers Int’l Conference:

I declare and decree that the wealth is no longer stored up for me but that it is being released right now.  I command satan to loose it, spit it out, cough it up and do whatever he has to do to release it.

Now, once it is released….are you ready to receive it?  This takes faith and obedience!  I love the story of Elijah and the widow found in 1 Kings 17. 

The Lord speaks to Elijah: “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you."

Elijah does not ask questions, he moves on faith.  It doesn’t make sense how a poor widow is going to supply for him.  When his natural eyes allow him to evaluate the circumstances he doesn’t waiver, instead he boldly makes his request for food and water.  Not only was this widow poor – she was on her last meal and was preparing for death by starvation.  Elijah instructed the woman to make a small cake for him and afterward use the rest to prepare a meal for herself and her son.  This is what the Lord says:

The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.

That’s abunDANCE!  It was manifested because of obedience on the part of Elijah and the widow.  Dance ministers, the Lord want us to operate in abundance.  Be prepared to move when He says move, and give when He says give.  Remember, if the Lord gives you a vision….he will give you the provision!  It may not make sense to you – in fact, it probably wont — this is where faith takes over!

DANCE in abunDANCE!

Share on Facebook

Whole Person Concept

 

Ever heard of the “whole-person" concept?  It is a military factor used by senior leadership when qualifying prospects for promotion.  It is subjective and highly based on the opinion of the governing board.  The whole-person concept does not look at metrics such as how many awards you’ve won, fitness test scores, or commanders’ ranking, it looks at what is done outside of military duties such as volunteer work, education goals, and other types of activities.

While praying about what to write this month I kept hearing “whole”.  I started to ponder on the whole-person concept as I know it.  It is based on “filling a square”, which means doing what needs to be done in order to progress to the next rank.  As dance ministers, I propose to you, – to apply the "whole" person concept, not based on the military standards, but rather 1 Thessalonians 5:23:

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord is the one doing the promoting; not your boss, not my boss, not your seniority but God!  Psalms 75:6 says For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.  But God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another.  Not only is the Lord about to promote us in the natural but spiritually as well.  Are you ready for promotion?  Have you applied the “whole-person" concept to your life?

Look at the scripture above again…”your whole spirit AND soul AND body”.  You can’t take care of one without the other.  In fact, what you do to one affects the other.  Below are a few examples:

As an active dance minister you may exercise regularly and be disciplined to eat nutritious, balanced meals, but are you feeding your spirit through prayer, reading, and studying the Word of God?

Let’s say you read the Word of God on a regular basis, have a good prayer life, and on top of that you exercise and eat healthy.  Sounds good so far — but you’re a worrier.  You may pray, but you do not leave your problems at the altar and continue to carry whatever burden instead of releasing it to the Lord.  Did you know that worrying and anxiety can have an affect on your body and affect how you minister???

The combinations could go on – but the point is to be whole.  Apply the whole-person concept to your life.  Do a self assessment.  Be always conscious that there is more to YOU than your outward body.  Take care of your body, mind, and soul.  The Lord is waiting to promote His children…but we have to be ready!  Are you ready???

Share on Facebook

Raising the Standard

Even though I am no longer an active duty United States Air Force officer, I still work full-time on a military base and continue to receive revelation about the nature of God through every day events.

Recently I was walking to my car after a long day at work, somewhat unconscious of the time, I heard a loud trumpet over the radio.  I continued walking knowing I wasn’t going to make it to my car in time.  I was tired and mildly frustrated by the inevitable delay.  The trumpet that I heard is a familiar sound to those who have spent any time on a military installation.  It is a 12-measure introduction to the Star-Spangled Banner.  Once the National Anthem begins, civilian pedestrians that are outside are to face the nearest flag and either place their hand over their heart or at their side as a sign of respect, while those in uniform are to render a salute towards the flag, and those in their car are to come to a full stop.  For the duration of the song all traffic rules on the base are abandoned!  Green lights don’t matter, if you are in the middle of the intersection it doesn’t matter.  Where will you be when the trumpet sounds?

As I stood there looking at the flag that represents America, I heard the Lord say “I am raising the standard”.  I began to analyze the actions that took place.  First, the trumpet sounds.  Trumpets, or shofars are often used in the bible as a precursor to another action: coming together in unity, preparing for war or an awakening.  There is a unity that comes over the entire military installation during the Anthem.  Conversations cease and all activity stops while the anthem plays over the “giant voice” (a public address system that can be heard over the entire base and several miles off base).

The Lord is speaking to His people!  To all the ministry leaders….remember the Word of the Lord as recorded in Luke 12:48: to whom much is given, much is required.  Teachers and leaders ARE held to a higher standard.  Those that are moving into the area of teaching and leadership WILL be held to a higher standard! 

As I begin to meditate on this message, I realized this is a “relative elevation”.  In other words, the standard is being raised for those which the Lord is elevating.  Please understand that Godly promotion comes with another level of consecration, prayer, fasting, and studying.  Too often we operate in today’s promotion with yesterday’s anointing.  THE "GRACE PERIOD" IS COMING TO AN END.  Do an evaluation!  Were you recently promoted, given a new position or larger scope of responsibility?  The trumpet has sounded, the standard has been raised…are you ready?

 

photo credit: kevygee

Share on Facebook

Attention Soldier

I’m sure many of you have heard the song “I’m a soldier in the Army of the Lord”, we sing it in our churches with such passion and authority.  But do we really know what it means to be a soldier?  I served three years as a United States Air Force Officer so I know what it means to be a soldier!  As I reflected on my training as an Air Force officer, I realized there are some comparisons to being a soldier in the Lord’s Army that I’d like to share with you.

The first principal is in the TRAINING itself.  Before becoming a commissioned officer (a soldier) I went through 4 years of training.  I also was required to attend a 4-week intensive boot camp.  The military recognizes that effective training is crucial.  Saints of God I submit to you that as crucial as military training (sometimes faced with life or death situations) may be….it is nothing compared to the training and equipping of a soldier in the Lord’s army!  Our battle is a spiritual one

….for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph 6:12)

Some of us are in spiritual boot camp right now!  What area do you need intensive training in?  Patience, humility, discipleship?  Is the Lord requiring formal training or mentor relationships to perfect the gifts He has given you?

But when he saw the wind boysterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Saints of God I want to leave you with this point…when obstacles come in your way MARK TIME….don’t stop moving, don’t get discouraged.  You keep moving until that obstacle is moved or until you get new marching orders.  Soldiers put a great deal of trust in their commander when they drill….their eyes are fixed straight ahead so they are relying on their commander to keep them safe and watch out for their surroundings.  A soldier that comes upon an obstacle will MARK TIME until the obstacle is moved or they receive another command.  How much more so should we trust  JESUS!

photo credit: Sean-Beijing

Share on Facebook

Spiritual Dance Techniques Pt 2: Alignment

 

Galatians 5:16  “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh”

 

Proverbs 3:5-6  “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”

 

Psalms 37:23  “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”

  photo credit: peg5450

Share on Facebook

Standing Ovation

This is a guest post from Evangelist Tracy Gibson, founder and director of Done Unto the Lord Ministry.  The original text was sent as an email April 29th and is reprinted with permission in it’s entirety.

---

 

Greetings,

As I worshipped this morning and spent time in study, I was reminded of Stephen.  No, he was not a dancer, but he was a man who’s life and Spirit were sold out to Jesus.  Stephen surrendered his whole life to Christ’s will and purpose.  The more Stephen poured out his life for Christ, the more Christ poured His life into Stephen.  The word says Stephen was full of faith, grace and power doing great wonders and miracles among the people – so much that the people were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake (Acts 6:8-10).  

Stephen’s life was a great testimony to those of us who stand before the people of God to lead them into intimate places of worship, deliverance and freedom – that we must continue to walk worthy of our calling.  Stephen was faithful, righteous, powerful, honest, forgiving, committed, determined, a worshipper, a servant and allowed the Holy Spirit to lead him even into death.  Stephen had one brief performance (ministry), one time on stage (the dance floor) to shine (for Jesus), but it shaped the lives of many and changed the kingdom for ever.  There was one man holding the coats in the back who needed to see and hear Stephen on that day and his name was Saul (Acts 7:58).  Not only was Saul later converted to Paul, but on that day as Stephen gave his all – he received the best standing ovation anyone could ever receive.  The word of God says

"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.  And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." (Acts 7:55-56)

As dancers when we seek to surrender every part of our life to the Father and fulfill God’s purpose, allowing the Holy Spirit to have complete control we become the very image of heaven’s dance on earth.  Beth Moore puts it best, "A person full of the Holy Spirit cannot be full of one’s self."  Let us as the Levites live a life that will honor the Father and bring Him great joy.  Just as Stephen stood before the people and his face shown like an angel, when we stand to minister, let it be the radiance of the Holy Spirit that people see.  Let us loose ourselves in God so much that people are not able to resist the spirit by which we speak (the movement of our body for Christ).  Let us remember the testimony of Stephen and walk worthy of our calling.  Let us proclaim and decree that we will be faithful to our Lord and our ministry of dance.  Let us announce that we will walk in righteousness and power and live a life of integrity before a Holy King.

Let us shout to the world that we are a minister of the dance that is loving and forgiving, who is committed to the call on our life to be a Levite.  Let us stand and declare that we are determined to continue taking dance back from the world and build the Kingdom of God with it as we worship in Spirit and in Truth. Why? Because we are servant of the Lord.  When we move in Christ and for Christ if we reach one soul we will receive the most important standing ovation any dancer can ever receive – that of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  So, Minister as you dance and dance as you minister for the Father has need of your life – your whole life.

Take a look at the picture I have attached.  I captured this image of Deacon Bonnie Wilson on Sunday April 26, 2009 at the "Victorious In Motion" Praise Dance Anniversary Celebration.  Some may say "Yeah, it’s just the focus of the camera", but look around at everything else as it stays in focus.  I believe and others who have seen this photo – believe that this is how we look as we minister through the power of the Holy Spirit – which is the anointing we move in "Jesus Christ" Himself.  I believe this is what Heaven sees and those who are transformed by our anointed movement.  I believe this is what Stephen looked like as he stood before the people and the Heavens were OPENED!  Be blessed and continue to move for the one who moves you and "His Glory shall be REVEALED".  Great blessings.

His Servant,
Evangelist Tracy Gibson
Founder & Director
www.doneuntothelord.com

Share on Facebook

A Spiritual Leader’s View of Dance Ministry

A Spiritual Leader’s View of the Ministry of Dance
by Lady Joyce Ann Wells (foreward by Lakita Humber)

 photo credit: » Zitona « [09]
photo of Metro East Sacred Dance Company at Equipping the Saints Dance & Worship Arts Conference

 

Share on Facebook

Praise Dancing: Performance vs. Ministry vs. Entertainment

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 11:20

This, 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 2:11

This 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 24:49

For 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).

Share on Facebook