Dance Ministry Ethics #3: Self Promotion

October 26 – 30, 2009 is Dance Ministry Ethics Week here on Paneh’s site.  Each day a new topic will be featured for discussion.  The scenarios presented are based on real events however no actual names will be used. 

The topic for day 3 is Self Promotion or Creative Marketing?

 

The Lord has graced us with many gifts to be a blessing to HIS people.  The bible tells us in Matthew 28:19 to go and make disciples...this involved sharing what they were taught.  The bible also says in Ephesians 4:11 that He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry.  He bestows gifts on us to share with the world.

The Bible also says

A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.
Proverbs 18:16

In this Information Technology Age, we have another media to spread the gospel that was not available to the disciples. I’ve heard it said before that God’s message doesn’t change but the method does.  We have social networking, e-mail, cell phones, and much more at our finger tips.  How do we leverage the zeal to do the work of the ministry with the promises of God?

Creative Marketing or Self Promotion?:

• Typically, I’ll receive several e-mails or phone calls from people letting me know they are available to minister (teach, preach, sing, dance) at an upcoming conference.
• I find myself "subscribed" to various newsletters that I have never signed up for
• Asking to be placed on program
• Posting their own event flyers on my "wall" (Facebook / Myspace) when I am not affiliated with it
• Harvesting contact information from someone for your own use (This is why I encourage using the BCC field with email.  When someone sends and email and the address is shown in the TO block….any recipient can take all the email addresses and send their own information.)
  

It’s your turn!

I’ve listed several examples above.  Do you believe that behavior is OK from a Christian ethical standpoint?  Why or why not?
Share your own stories / testimonies, insights and questions below!

 

Share on Facebook

Dance Ministry Ethics #2: Contracted Ministry

October 26 – 30, 2009 is Dance Ministry Ethics Week here on Paneh’s site.  Each day a new topic will be featured for discussion.  The scenarios presented are based on real events however no actual names will be used. 

The topic for day 2 is ministry contracts.  

The Bible says:

for the laborer is worthy of his wages. – Luke 10:7

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.  For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages. – 1 Tim 5:17-18

 

The bible supports that ministers (or laborers) should receive compensation.  The question is should there be a price tag or contractual requirement before agreeing to minister (dance, teach, sing etc)?

I’ve had the opportunity to serve on a variety of Christian event committees and some of the requests are surprising:  1st class air accommodations, 5-star hotel, limo service, 50% deposit, and the list goes on.  Again, it is my belief that accommodations should be covered, but when we expect luxury have we gone too far?

One the other hand, some full time ministers feel obliged to have a contract because they have often experienced giving through ministry with little to no compensation.  They feel it is necessary to set minimum guidelines to event planners because often times they are unaware of the financial responsibilities.  It is easier to send a contract than have an uncomfortable conversation about financial expectations.

So where do we draw the line?

It’s your turn!

Is it OK for ministers to issue contracts? Why or why not?
Leave your comments below

 

Share on Facebook

Dance Ministry Ethics #1: Leaving After Ministry

October 26 – 30, 2009 is Dance Ministry Ethics Week here on Paneh’s site.  Each day a new topic will be featured for discussion.  The scenarios presented are based on real events however no actual names will be used.  

photo credit: ttoehk

The first topic for discussion is ministries that leave a service after their "turn" on program.  Whenever I sponsor an event, it is disheartening to see invited dance and/or mime ministries leave immediately after their selection.  When accepting an engagement to minister in dance, is it too much to ask for ministries to stay for the entire program?  Should an invitee consider the length of the entire service when considering whether or not accept an engagement?  Is asking the guests to stay for the entire service too much?

There have been occasions where invitees have asked to be moved to a particular spot on program because they are either coming from or going to another engagement.  This lets me know their intention is not to stay for the duration of the event.  I understand circumstances may come up after a commitment has been made and appreciate the communication and compromise.  However, I don’t understand accepting multiple engagements on the same day, or worse…leaving for no apparent reason at all.

On one hand:
Invited guests should stay for the entire service.  You never know when their will be a shift in the program and the hosts or organizers may need you to minister again.  Ministry means to serve and that should extend to the entire service.

On one other hand:
There are only so many hours in a day!  If a ministry’s schedule is demanding, sometimes the only way to support various services is to only attend in part.

Personally, when accepting an invitation I do everything possible to make sure my schedule allows me to stay for the duration of the service.  There have been occassions, especially with the children & teen dance ministries that they are not able to stay for the entire duration.  During those instances, I make sure the host knows before confirming the invite to ensure this is acceptable and also try to position ourselves near the exit so we can leave without creating a distraction.

It’s your turn!

Is it OK to leave before the end of a service as an invited guest?
If you host events, how would you feel about guests leaving?  Would it bother you?
Leave your comments and participate in the poll below

Share on Facebook

Dance Ministry Ethics Week

Prepare to join us Oct 26-30, 2009 for Dance Ministry Ethics Week! 

Each day (Monday – Friday) during the week of the 26th will start with a "hot topic" in dance ministry.  Comments will be open for you to leave your view point on the particular topic.

Ethics defined:

That branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions

Why Discuss Dance Ministry Ethics?:

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6).

Ground Rules:

I’m sure some of us will agree, disagree, and agree to disagree.  That is the nature of ethics.  Let’s remember to let love abound!

Ways to Join in:
Each day I’ll begin by posting the topic of the day on this site.  Once you read the discussion, you can post your thoughts in the section below the article entitled Speak Your Mind

Get a Gravatar – A gravatar, or global avatar allows us to identify you when you post comments on this site or any other gravatar enabled site.  You can use your picture or logo for your gravatar.  Sign up here

Stay up to date on the discussion by receiving an e-mail notification on follow-up comments.  To do this, check the box labeled Notify me of followup comments by email under the Submit button.

Help spread the word about the discussion by using the "Tweet" at the top right to post on your Twitter page or the Share on Facebook icon at the bottom to add to your Facebook status.

Some articles will be accompanied voting polls, be sure to submit your response.   

************************************

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?

 

Share on Facebook

From the Mail Room: Oct 2009

Periodically, Paneh will post questions collected from the previous month.  If you have a question, feel free to send me an email with the subject "Question from the Mailroom."  Where applicable, I will supply Scriptures to support the answers.  Some items are matters of opinion and experience.  If that is the case, I will say that as well.  You all are welcome to offer your point of view on a given question in the comments.  Iron sharpens iron!

1. I wanted to know what type of dance do you recommend a dance ministry do during praise & worship? What is appropriate in a large setting?

 

There is no specific “type” (ballet, modern, etc) of dance that is exclusive for praise & worship. Whatever type is used should fulfill the purpose of ushering the people into the presence of the Lord. The dance ministry should compliment whatever it is the singers are ministering. The goal is not for people to look and see what it is the dance ministry can do, but see the Lord moving through them. My suggestion is to keep it simple during praise & worship. Simplicity does not mean repetitive however. You can march in a line or circle, face different directions etc. Also, when used properly, items such as flags, billows and streamers can be very effective during praise & worship.

 

When worshipping in a large setting, you can strategically position dance ministers in various locations throughout the church. Everybody does not have to dance in front of the people. For example, position some in the aisles and the balcony.

 

2. I have seen ministries, for example dance with 5 people, then when the next song is sung some dancers may leave and maybe 1 or 2 are left….so they are doing a solo or duet…then on the next song ..another transition comes where the dancers are switching out or all may come together and dance. Do you consider this appropriate or distraction?

If the dancers are transitioning with the psalmists and complimenting what it is they are doing I don’t see it as inappropriate. This is like during song ministry, the choir may sing 2 or 3 selections. If the second selection has a soloist or a different choir director they will adjust accordingly.

 

1 Cor 14:40 says Let all things be done decently and in order.

 

The ministry should make every effort to transition seamlessly. Those transition out should not be talking or going over choreography (that would be distracting)! They need to stay in a posture of worship even though they are not leading worship at that time.

 

 

3. Can you tell me what the difference is between a dance company and a dance ministry at church?
There are subtle differences between a Christian dance company & a dance ministry. Typically, a dance company’s priority if performing in various venues, while a dance ministry’s focus is…ministry. There is an expectation that a dance company possesses a certain skill level (there are professional and amateur companies) and typically there is a more defined level of commitment from the participants. Being a part of a company may expect members to pay some sort of fees or dues which normally goes towards operating costs and technical training. Company’s may also receive commission for their performances.

It is my opinion that every Christian Dance Company should also be a dance ministry. However, every dance ministry does not have to be a dance company.

For example, I am a student & part-time instructor at the Anointed Feet Christian Dance Academy of the Arts (AFCDAA), it is an academy, but it also has several companies that will travel and minister.

Minister Rekesha Pittman is the artistic director of Reign Dance Company. They are an excellent company, however they are definitely a ministry!

Now What?

We would love to hear from you!  How does your dance ministry operate during praise and worship?  Are you a part of a dance company?  Does it operate differently than a ministry?  Leave your comments below!

 

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

Paneh Weekly Roundup #4: Carnival Edition

 

 

Share on Facebook

What to “Where”? Praise Dance Garment Resource List

Movement Ministers,

I’m sure we’ve all been there before….you have an upcoming dance or ministry engagement but have no idea what to wear.  A Google search on "praise dance garments" or "praise dance uniforms" will bring up most commercial vendors.  But sometimes, you’re looking for more…but you’re just not sure what or where to find them.   The list below is not an all inclusive list, but it should jump start your search on a variety of garments that are being crafted for movement ministers.

	Diane Ransom / Garments Fit for King Click for website Types of garments include hanky hem overlays (pictured at left), suspender pants, various palazzo pants, ephods, tunics and dresses. These garments are durable, professionally sewn and reasonably priced. Great to wear at dance ministry workshops / conferences, they also make great rehearsal or preparation garments and of course are well suited for ministry. In addition to the garments on her site, Diane can make custom garments like the one she made for me shown at the right (sorry, this is one of a kind!)
	Diane Grant (aka Ladie Di) / Church Streetwear Click for website Ladie Di’s mission is to infiltrate the Christian dance ministry with anointed, quality, and gracious praise dance garments for the edification of God regardless of size, age, or gender.   The overlay pictured to the left is called Fire.  Below on the left is a picture of fire being worn by Ms. Patricia of the Anointed Feet Christian Dance Academy while ministering at the 2009 Equipping the Saints Dance & Worship Arts Conference.  The picture on the right is a red 2 piece called Divinity that I also wrote at Equipping the Saints.
	Tabitha McGowan / Doxa International Click for Myspace Page Tabitha makes stunning priestly robes, tunics and ephods.  Her garments are usually 1 to few of a kind.  In other words, they are not repeated.  The garment at the right is called His Glory Surrounds Me.  In the picture above, I am wearing a Doxa International original called Thy Kingdom Come over my Divinity Set.  Yes, you can mix & match!
	Rekesha Pittman / Reignaissance TM Click for Website Rekesha’s garment line exhibits royalty and excellence.  The garment pictured at the left is called a Reign Jacket.  She also produces overlays, shawls and accessories that can make an all white commericial garment look unique. Recently, she launched Classy Classwear TM to give dance ministers something modest to wear while rehearsing in the studio or evangelizing in the streets.  Let people everywhere know all about "PRAISE DANCE" with shirts, tote bags, and more accessories. Below is a picture of Reign Dance Company in their Classy Classwear Praise Dance T-Shirts and Palazzos
	Michelle Vela / Waves of Glory Click for Myspace Page   Michelle & Debbie make some of the most beautiful overlays I have ever seen!  If I need something special for a solo piece, they come to mind.  Many of their garments are made from ornate materials or delicate silks.  Some garments include hand painted art.     In addition to the overlays, they offer beautiful silk flags!   The garment pictured on the left is called One Night with the King
	Theresa Gomez / HIS Praise Click for Website   Theresa makes a variety of garments, praise hoops, flags and banners.  Including garments for children like the one pictured at the left.

Additional Garment Resources

These are resources I know of but do not own any of their products (haha…yet!)  Their garments are beautiful and on my Christmas list (smiles!).

 

 

Commercial Vendors

Below are commercial vendors that mass produce garments.  These are great resources for your "staple" items (shoes, leotards, tights, lyrical sandals etc)

Full disclosure: The vendors listed below have been a sponsor of Paneh at some time, however I am not receiving any sort of compensation for including them on this list.

There you have it!  A "what" to "where" resource guide to help you find ministry garments! 

As I mentioned above, this is not intended to be an all inclusive list, so please don’t send me requests to add names to the list.   My intention is for this to be a resource guide, not a list that I have to manually maintain…though I may visit it a few times a year to make sure the links still work!

 

 

Share on Facebook

Paneh Weekly Round-up: Fellowship & Family Edition

 

Every Thursday, I will post a link round-up of articles I’ve found while researching the Internet.  While all may not be directly related to dance ministry or worship arts, I hope it will be of benefit to the dance ministers, mime ministers and worship artists that frequent this site.

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Exodus 20:12

 

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:7

 

Share on Facebook

The Pupose of the Dance Book Review

 

I recently read The Purpose of the Dance by Dr. Ann Higgins.  This book would be a great addition to any dance ministers library, but would be especially useful to ministry leaders and those new to ministry.  It covers items such as garments, taking authority with our hands and feet, movement, and types of dance to name a few.

Share on Facebook

« Previous Page — Next Page »