31 Dance Ministry Choreography Tips
I challenged my friends on Twitter & Facebook to come up with dance ministry choreography tips in 120 CHARACTERS or Less. These tips were then published everyday during the month of November on Twitter & Facebook using Tweet Later to schedule my posts in advance and the Twitter Facebook Application that pulled my tweets to Facebook. The responses have been very positive, and there have been many requests to have all the tips in one place. Here you go! All 30 (plus 1) dance ministry choreography tips!
If there is a name following the tip, then that is the person that authored that tip. (FB) means the tip was submitted via Facebook. If there is no name, it is a tip that I contributed. A special shout out to the top 2 contributors: Poetry Daughter & Dawn Churchill! Thank you to everybody who contributed!
| Tip 1: Be conscious of your spacing |
| Tip 2: PoetryDaughter (FB) – All movements should be clear and clean! |
| Tip 3: SarondaJackson (FB) – Be conscious of the skill level as a group and individually |
| Tip 4: Cearthur Clavon Moore (FB) – seek your performance/song that ministers to you first |
| Tip 5: Antionette Thompson Turner (FB) – seek ye first the Kingdom of God |
| Tip 6: Antionette Thompson Turner (FB) – Know who you are ministering to |
| Tip 7: Telleha Howard (FB) – Don't rely too heavily on the technical |
| Tip 8: @PraiseDancer -Use simple steps for beginner dancers so they are not required to master more than they can handle. |
| Tip 9: Poetry Daughter (FB) – Better to do simple movements well than complex ones poorly. |
| Tip 10: Poetry Daughter (FB) – make sure that everyone knows the movement and is doing it the same way. |
| Tip 11: Desiree Griffin-Berry (FB) – With every movement, give HIM reverence. |
| Tip 12: Poetry Daughter (FB) – Encourage those who are not confident, don't put them down! |
| Tip 13: Dawn Churchill (FB) -ALWAYS find scripture(s) that correlates to your chosen song" |
| Tip 14: Amanda S. (FB) -Utilize the nuances in the music / don't focus on movement for every word being sung. |
| Tip 15: @DancingMinister -Choreography is not about teaching technique. Include flags, banners and other tools. |
| Tip 16: Poetry Daughter (FB) -avoid straight line across..use windows, diagonals, circles, triangles, and levels! |
| Tip 17: @PraiseDancer – Break the choreography into sections. Begining, chorus, ending etc. |
| Tip 18: @PraiseDancer Choreograph a strong ending, so your dance is memorable leaving a lasting mental impression of worship. |
| Tip 19: @Vioree: Spoting is very important… |
| Tip 20: Poetry Daughter (FB) Generally, anytime your foot leaves the floor, it is either pointed, or flexed |
| Tip 21: Sukky (FB) Factor the garment in. Overly long and superfluous garments can trip you. |
| Tip 22: Sukky (FB) Make sure space is large enough to accommodate dancers, and tall enough to accommodate flags. |
| Tip 23: Sukky (FB) Don't choreograph around one person in group presentation. |
| Tip 24: Don’t worship the dance…worship HIM that created the dance |
| Tip 25: Remember, you do not need a move for every word |
| Tip 26: Use all 8 directions (front, back, left, right and angles) |
| Tip 27: Don’t look at the floor when you dance unless that is part of the choreography |
| Tip 28: Dawn C (FB) Make certain to research the WORD for scriptures that correlate to your chosen song. |
| Tip 29: Dawn C (FB) ALWAYS choreograph instrumental parts of music. |
| Tip 30: Dawn C (FB) ALWAYS choreograph your entrance and exit. ALWAYS dance as soon as the music begins |
| Tip 31: Krishondra G (FB) You don't need words to dance. Dance to The Word that's in your heart. |
This was challenging to do in 120 words or less!
I'd love to hear from you! Do you have a dance ministry choreography tip that was not mentioned? Do you have a comment or suggestion on a tip mentioned above? Let us know in the comments!
I'm thinking about a part 2 of this "project" for January 2010….stay tuned…
Black Friday Discounted Registration for Conference
November 27, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under News and Updates
This Black Friday sale won't require you to leave the house or stand in long lines. Register for Equipping the Saints on Friday November 27th at the lowest registration price that will be offered…$35.
There are only 10 registrants that can use this discount code….first come, first served. Registration opens at midnight on November 27th (CST) and closes at 11:55pm (CST) or when 10 people register using the code.
To register, enter the code: blackfriday or click on the link below:
http://equippingthesaints.
Equipping the Saints Conference Recap
September 15, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Event Recaps, News and Updates
I am constantly amazed by how the Lord continues to manifest HIS splendid presence at the Equipping the Saints conference in St. Louis, MO. Worshippers came together from across the rivers and across the ocean with one purpose: To lift up the name of Jesus!
As we praised and worshipped on one accord, He manifested HIS presence in such a tangible way. There were testimonies of physical healings, deliverance and revival.
This year, we welcomed International guests from Bahamas, Barbados, Antigua, and Bermuda! It was a special pleasure to fellowship with you all. I count it an honor that you would travel to the United States to attend Equipping the Saints. It is my prayer the conference exceeded your expectations and you left spiritually full, armed and equipped. Ready to take new knowledge and inject it into your respective community.
Thursday Night
Enter into HIS gates with thanksgiving and into HIS courts with PRAISE!
Wings of Praise started us off Thursday with a wonderful procession. This was followed by congregational praise & worship led by Minister Rekesha Pittman. Kudos to all the congregational dancers that volunteered!
Silent Praise from Omaha, NE ministered Praise Him in Advance by Marvin Sapp. This ministries testimony truly blessed me! (Read it in full below!) Since the conference, they have started a praise dance, mime, African, and flag ministry. They are truly doing the work of the ministry. To Dr. Anderson and the rest of the Allen AME leadership….keep up the GOD work! I see the Lord all over those youth and the best is yet to come!
Patricia Burnett you touched my son’s chest during your prophetic dance and he has been seeking the Lord every since. Thank you so much for allowing God to use you in such a might way!!
- Miriam A. , St. Louis, MO
Ms. Lauren Brown ushered us into the Holy of Holies with an anointed worship medley. This P.K. (that is "preacher’s kid) is the daughter of our evening speaker Pastor Tanya Brown. At 14 she is letter the Lord use her mightily through song, prophecy and the preached word!
Our speaker, Pastor Tanya Brown from Bethesda Temple of Alton, IL stepped into an atmosphere that was charged for worship. As she shared her testimony of the Lord’s grace, mercy and miraculous power the Spirit of the Lord began to fall and His people. To God be ALL the Glory!
Friday – Breakout Sessions & Dance Intensives
This year we introduced several new sessions and a 4-hour dance & mime intensive. Some of the new classes include Preparing to Meet the Bridegroom, Understanding the Times: Issachar & Israel, Raquad! Step it Up, Processions & Pageantry, Streamers in the Desert and About My Father’s Business.
The facilitators were all phenomenal! They eagerly shared scripturally sound advice, revelations and knowledge. Thank you all for sharing your gifts.
The dance intensive we just that….INTENSE! Those that braved the 4-hour workshop learned foundational techniques that they could apply in movement. I peeked in both classes and they covered conditioning, positioning, posture, walking, body alignment, choreography and so much more. Everyone definitely looked as if they received a full body workout!
For His Glory Dance Ministry started our evening service with Anthem of Praise. These girls ministered with flags under the anointing.
The few students from the Mime Intensive session along with facilitator Minister Robert Hayes reminded us that We Need the Glory. Their cry for the GLORY to fall resonated with the attendees as we shifted into worship.
Pat & Gary Anderson of Wings of Praise blessed us with Let the Veil Down Let the Praise Go Up by Judy Jacobs. They used the billows in such a way it felt like the Lord was breathing on us!
Minister Rekesha Pittman encouraged us to FLY! The Lord used her to minister to people prophetically and set the platform for our evening speaker Prophet Barbara McClain to bring the Word!
Saturday- Breakout Sessions, Five Fold Ministry Panel & Prophetic Wedding Feast
I was overwhelmed with the number of people that showed up for Between the Porch & Altar intercessory prayer! Under the leadership of Dr. Ann Higgins we strategically prayed for our nation, Jerusalem, our visiting nations, and dancers everywhere to name a few.
We continued with our daily breakout sessions including new sessions: God’s Order for Garments TM, Streamers in the Desert and Challenges in Ministry (taught by my pastor!).
After the last breakout session, we held a 5 Fold Ministry Panel Discussion. This was an opportunity for the attendees to ask their questions directly from those operating is various areas of ministry. There were some great questions…I’ll post the Q&A that I can remember on the website, so be sure to bookmark this site and check back!
Dr. Ann Higgins blessed us with a ministry selection in the evening before our speaker. The selection was so appropriate for Equipping the Saints – fill us up & send us out!
Elder Cecilia Beasley was our evening preacher. The Lord allowed her to release a prophetic song…only 7 words, but it is still in my spirit: Thy Kingdom Come…Thy Will be Done. It still brings tears to my eyes every time I think of it!
Immediately following her sermon was the Prophetic Wedding Feast. Wings of Praise created a beautiful depiction of the Marriage of the Lamb. There were streets paved with gold, beautiful banners, and communion. It was such a personal worship experience as we were individually escorted through a canopy to ascend the the wedding feast. It was an awesome reminder of the glory that awaits those of us whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life!
Sunday – Morning Worship & Fellowship!
On Sunday we caravaned across the river to my church home, O’Fallon Apostolic Assembly, for our 8:00 am service. Dr. Ann Higgins preached a RHEMA WORD! She encouraged us to step into position so we could continue to see Jesus.
After service, we traveled to one of my favorite restaurants (Bristol’s Seafood Grill) for an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch. We ate, laughed, and recapped all the events that took place…officially marking the end of EQS2009.
Special Thank You!
Equipping the Saints 2010!
Many of you have contacted me about pre-registering for Equipping the Saints 2010. Once all the information is finalized early registration will open. I hope to have the dates and location confirmed and available by the next newsletter release.
Heads up! There will be an "Early Registration" challenge. All I’ll say now is community effort will be necessary for it to work.
I has been my honor to serve as your conference host for a 3rd year and I am looking forward to the 4th should be Lord delay His return.
Conference Photos!
Class Descriptions for Equipping the Saints 2009
September 2, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under News and Updates
Below you will find class descriptions for the daily breakout sessions offered at the 2009 Equipping the Saints Dance & Worship Arts Conference. Registration starts at $25, registration form is below!
Choreography / Movement
Acting Out! (Mime)
Learn the fundamental techniques use in mime as well as the spiritual requirements to minister effectively.
African Dance
You’ll learn African Dance that you can use in your warfare & upbeat choreography
Congregational Movement
Worship is not a spectator sport! This class will show you how to lead your church congregation in movement. Those that take this class will assist in leading choreography during praise and worship at one of the evening services
Davidic Dance
David danced before the Lord with all his might!"(2 Sam 6:14-15) We too can dance before our God as David did. This class will focus on learning some traditional Jewish folk dance steps so you can learn how to choreograph your own dances. I will teach choreographed dances to Messianic music as well. Beginners are welcome.
Intensive! Dance (All Levels | Ages 10 & up | Friday 12:30 – 4:30pm)
Dance Ministers will learn to exemplify body placement, ballet positions, movements and will strengthen in their muscle development. Learn Ballet exercise combinations and across the floor combinations. Intermediate & advanced dancers will perfect such movements as arabasque, tendue, roun-de-jaun, rounded arms, turn-out position and more.
Intensive! Mime (All Levels | Ages 10 & up | Friday 12:30 – 4:30pm)
NATURAL MAN – Mime Exercise, Facial Expression, Body Positioning (Inclination, Isolation), Illusuions: French Style Techniques: Mime. vocabulary words, Object Identification And Much More….SPIRITUAL MAN – Blood and testimony (Rev.12:11), Compassionate movements (Matt 9:36 & Mark 1:4)
The Art of Humility, Man in The mirror, Crucifying THE BIG EGO, The HIDDEN AGENDA, And Much More….
Raquad ~ Step it up!
The devil is under our feet! This class is designed to teach the fundamentals of stepping as a ministry. Participants will learn beginner and intermediate combinations as well as biblical scriptures they can declare as they take authority with their hands and feet.
Prophecy, Intercession, and Spiritual Warfare
Growing in the Prophetic
This class is designed to bring you to another level in your relationship with God. In order to be used as “God’s mouthpiece” you must clearly hear from HIM
Teach My Hands to War
Gain on understanding of the fundamental principles of spiritual warfare.
Unmasking the Ministry
It is time to take the mask off! Too many ministers are dealing with past hurts, unforgiveness, and insecurities. It’s time to face the issues that have kept ministries bound. Be free and learn how to set others free!
Preparing for The Bridegroom
This study will help those in attendance gain a better understanding of God’s plan for the church ,and how they can prepare for Christ’s return by drawing from the rich symbolism of a Jewish wedding. Discover fascinating biblical truths that point to the climax of history—the marriage feast of the Lamb!
Intercession & Dance
Class description coming soon
Classes designed with LEADERS in mind
Battle Scars pt1: The Wounded Soldier
Many leading soldiers on the battlefield have been spiritually wounded. In this 2-part intimate session the healing will begin. This is a closed door session and pre-requisite for part 2.
Battle Scars pt2: Scarred, But Not Destroyed!
Scars show where the wound USED TO BE! Leaders be prepared to be set free from past hurts so you can move forward in the fullness of your calling! This second part will continue uninterrupted from Battle Scars part 1.
Challenges in Ministry
This lesson will primarily deal with issues such as: How do you know God has called you? How do you respond to your call? How do you carry yourself at your home church? How do you handle yourself in another church? And more! The principals are relevant to all types of ministry. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A.
The Master Instructor’s Class
This class (half movement / half lecture) is designed to teach leaders how to become more effective leaders through spiritual devotion & technical instruction
Starting a Dance Ministry: Prepare Now or Repair Later
Build on a solid foundation. If the Lord has given you the vision to start a dance ministry this class will put you on the right path.
Classes designed with YOUTH in mind
Effective Choreography for youth
This class will teach children and their leaders how to build age appropriate choreography
The Five Positions of Worship (Youth)
This session will give youth a scriptural foundation for dance as they learn movements and corresponding scriptures to commit to memory.
Kingdom Kids: Walking in My Authority
This class is for the Joshuas, Daniels, and Esthers of today! Our youth posses authority! In this interactive class they will learn about their arsenal in a fun way they can understand
Flags, Pageantry & Processions
Processions & Pageantry
Has God called you into such a ministry as this? Topics include: Purpose of both men and women on the team, selection of appropriate costumes, the meaning of colors and their affect, an array of symbolic tools to use in pageantry, selection of the song to use and how to break it down and more.
Silk Flags (How to use & make them)
The title says it all! Learn techniques to effectively use beautiful silk flags in worship. A portion of the class will also discuss how to make your own flags.
Streamers in the Desert
Have you always wanted to dance with streamers but didn’t know how? Now is your chance to learn. This class will cover different moves and dance phrases to put together as choreography or as improvisational praise dance. Rev. Wendy Campbell’s method for using dance streamers will be taught. Please bring your own streamers to class.
Business, Support, Finances and Administration
About My Father’s Business
Are we Non-Profit, For-Profit, LLC, or Sole Proprietor? How do we go about managing bank accounts, websites, phone numbers, advertisements, and a growing database of emails? The business of ministry can be a daunting experience if we are not aware of all of the possibilities that will help us survive and become profitable. This class is designed to clear up some common misconceptions about the business of ministry and inspire good stewardship concerning budgeting for conferences, garments, ministry travel, and more!
The Power of Change
Is your ministry hindered by finances? Do you find yourself counting the days until the next paycheck? Are you or someone you know plagued with debt? It’s time for CHANGE! It’s time to D.A.N.C.E. out of debt. You’ll hear the testimony of someone that was plagued by debt and has since CHANGED.
Practical Applications & Biblical Studies
God’s Order For Garments TM
A "Genesis to Revelation" teaching that unveils God’s pattern for garments according to the Word. This class will ignite the listener and reveal the intended significance of garments according to God’s order, and not man’s opinion. More than just a quick walk through Exodus 28, this is a must-hear and apply Word of deliverance for the Kingdom dancer of today!
Praise & Worship: Your Lifestyle & Ministry
If you want to see God’s Glory, Experience His Fullness and Behold Him Face to Face, it requires a life of Worship. This class is geared toward the inner man. It is designed to teach and take you through the different realms of worship and praise. Praise is a vehicle the leads you into worship. This class will instruct you and prepare you for ministry either in dance or song. It is what you do in private that make the reward greater in the open. See lives changed, people set free, yokes destroyed, burdens lifted, become a worshiper and watch how God will blow on your ministry.
Called, Now What? -Instruction for Women in Ministry
Class description coming soon
Register for Equipping the Saints by July 24
June 9, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under News and Updates
Note: The early registration rates have been extended to JULY 24th!
Kingdom Greetings!
The registration rates for the Equipping the Saints Dance & Worship Arts Conference are scheduled to increase after July 24th.
Register before then to take advantage of the low rates
This year’s conference THY KINGDOM COME will introduce new classes such as:
- A 4-hour dance intensive
- Twirl Flags
- Davidic Dance
- Prophetic Dance
- Banners & Processionals
- About My Father’s Business (Starting and operating a business)
- and many more!
Conference Facilitators:
- Dr. Gregory Wells Sr.
- Pastor Tanya Brown
- Prophet Barbara McClain
- Elder Cecilia Beasley
- Minister Sabrina McKenzie
- Minister Rekesha Pittman
- Minister Paulette Rolle-Alesnik
- Minister Robert Hayes (aka The Last Mime)
- Pat & Gary Anderson (Banners of Praise)
- Dr. Chena Anderson
- and many more!!!!
Use the form below to register, or visit our conference registration page for more information
Raising the Standard
June 3, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Encouragement, Practical Advice
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?
From the Mail Room: May 2009
May 12, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under From the Mailroom
Once a month 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!
Last month was the first implementation of this series. The question was in response to the D.A.N.C.E. Out of Debt article originally published in Paneh’s Newsletter (Kingdom Finance Edition: Feb 2009)
The first 4 questions were asked at the Dance for JOY Youth Praise Dance Workshop (April 25, 2009):
1.) How do you deal with a child that doesn’t want to be a part of the dance ministry but is only there because their parents are forcing them to come?
The short answer is I don’t! During the early forming phase of the dance ministry it is important to sit down with your spiritual leaders and share the vision, mission, direction and purpose of the ministry. If you have a written proposal (highly recommended), share that with your leaders. It should contain eligibility requirements for the ministry. One of those eligibility requirements should be something along the lines of a heart with the desire to minister through movement. A child that is coming because their parents are making them come does not meet the eligibility requirements. This is why manuals and other administrative aspects are important; they allow you to set a standard.
Another suggestion would be to create a covenant agreement sort of contract for the ministry. It should contain a spot for the youth’s signature as well as the parent / guardian. If the youth expresses a desire to be released from the ministry, have them re-read the original agreement and sign an exit clause if they desire.
Without paperwork in place, it may be difficult to implement a new policy. I suggest you start by talking with your pastor to make sure you are on one accord before implementing any changes. Next, you’ll want to place the new policies in writing and inform all current participants (that includes parents) of the new changes and when they go into effect.
2.) What is the difference between praise dance & mime ministry? Are there Scriptures to support mime ministry?
Mime is the expression of a thought or idea through gestures and expressions; bringing an abstract intangible concept to life. Therefore, mime ministry is simply using the art of mime to minister (serve God’s people). For a history on the origins of Mime and its place in today’s church, check out Mime Ministry by Susan Toomey
Praise Dance (also sometimes called liturgical dance or worship dance) is a generic term adopted to define dancing before the Lord. Psalms 149:3 says Let them praise HIS name in the dance!
Dance is defined as moving rhythmically usually to music, using prescribed or improvised steps and gestures.
Based on this definition, it is my understanding that when we dance (move) before the Lord with the desire to praise, worship celebrate HIM, we are generically speaking, "praise dancing." The type of art form you use to express yourself may be Mime, Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, African, etc. There are no Scriptures that explicitly mention mime, but the concept is certainly there. The Creation as recorded in the book of Genesis is the greatest example of something abstract (void / nothing) being brought to life. Also, the prophet Ezekiel acted out many of his prophecies (see Ezekiel chapters 4 & 5). Also Hosea 12:10 AMP says I have also spoken to [you by] the prophets, and I have multiplied visions [for you] and [have appealed to you] through parables acted out by the prophets.
3.) How frequently should you accept ministry assignments & rehearse?
There is not one standard answer for this as it depends on a variety of factors. The leader needs to be sensitive to the time of the people in the ministry. "Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back" – Harvey MacKay (Inspirational Speaker, Business Man, Author) We must realize that people have lives outside of the dance ministry! Marriages, homework, school, extracurricular activities, jobs, businesses, other church responsibilities, PTA meetings, soccer games, etc, etc, etc! What is more important than the frequency is the consistency of rehearsals. If you set a pattern, then it is easier for members to integrate it into their schedule. Also, remember that every opportunity is not an assignment. You will not be able to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. With JOYED UP (the youth dance ministry at my church), the general rule of thumb that I’ve adopted is not to have them minister more than 2x a month. We rehearse weekly for 2 hours. We also have a supplemental rehearsal time block that we use as needed. 4.) Is it OK to let people know you are available to minister?
The question is shortened, but the overall thought had to do with promoting ones own ministry.
This can be a touchy subject. Let’s start with some Scriptures:
I know thy works: behold I have set before thee an open door and no man can shut it Rev. 3:8
For not from the east nor from the west nor from the south come promotion and lifting up. But God is the Judge! He puts down one and lifts up another. Ps 75:6-7
Many in ministry have a genuine desire to share the gifts & talents God has given us. We just have to make sure we are channeling that zeal properly. Proverbs 19:2 (NIV) says it is not good to have zeal without knowledge. The Great Commission is the Go and make disciples (Matt 28:19) and this can be fulfilled without letting people know you are available to minister.
As a frequent event holder I receive several solicitations from people (that I do not know) letting me know that are available to minister in a certain capacity at a certain engagement. 1 Thes 5:12 reminds us to know those that labour amoung us. I find it troubling that the same people that want to come and minister are not available to attend the event as a supporter. Personally (this is Kita, not gospel), a major factor is relationship. This can be through phone, email or some other medium that gives me an opportunity the see the heart of a person. The first interaction should not be solicitation.
Be prepared, you don’t have to solicit people! They will find you.
2 Timothy 4:2 reminds us to be instant (Amplifed version says keep your sense of urgency, stand by and be ready).
It is OK to have a business card for your ministry ready to present when asked. This is different than pushing it into someone’s hand. Websites that define what services you offer allow people to find you. Support others in similar ministry without any ulterior motives. Participate in discussions about the topic of interest (most will allow you to leave your website in a signature tag). If you have information to share about a topic, start a newsletter (allow people to opt in/out – no spam!) and send information to people who have elected to receive it.
In summary: It is my opinion and practice not to solicit people for ministry opportunities; however, I intend to prepare as best I can for assignments by focusing on the ministry vision and making information available for those who elect to receive it.
5.) As the leader of the Praise Dance Ministry at my church, it has truly grown over the last 3 years. Now we have a boy’s and girl’s praise step team. Some of the young ladies are interested in mime ministry and flag ministry. My question is does this all fall under the Dance Ministry? I heard you say for each ministry each one should have its own foundation/purpose/vision. Right now as the Leader, I feel like GOD is enlarging territory so I’m willing to be trained in these areas, but is it OK to have someone oversee the Mime ministry, Flag ministry, and Step Team?
- Rosalind
It is my opinion that these different entities would fall under the dance ministry or some worship/creative arts umbrella. As leader you should have an understanding of the needs of the different areas, but that does not necessarily mean you have to be trained in those areas if there is someone else willing to lead.
Here are a couple examples I’ve seen:
|
Pastor - Worship Arts Director – Drama Ministry – Puppet Ministry – Dance Ministry — Youth dancers — Adult dancers – Mime Ministry — Youth mime — Adult mime – Step Ministry |
Pastor - Dance Ministry Director (Advisor) – Dance Ministry President — Adult dance ministry leader — Teen dance ministry leader — Children’s dance ministry leader — Step team |
Make sure the roles and responsibilities are clearly defined to prevent misunderstandings
6.) I would like a bit of direction regarding instructional DVDs. Would you be able to suggest a good DVD for me to purchase? Also I wanted to know if you had any teaching suggestions for my dancers (ages 7-18)
- Pamela
Instructional DVDs can be a great tool to build your ministry vocabulary and gain inspiration. My direction would be to use them as a tool and not a crutch for choreography ideas. Too often people begin to rely on the DVDs for entire choreography when the Lord wants to give you a download. Use DVDs to enhance your vocabulary so you can better articulate the message.
These are some of the DVDs that I know of. I was asked to write an endorsement / review of "Till The Walls Fall" by Dawn Pruszkowski
- Pastor Lynn Hayden offers several instructional praise dance DVDs
- In addition to “Till the Walls Fall,” Dawn offers several other worship, lyrical, hip-hop and praise dance instruction DVDs
- Dance Leadership 101 by N-Him we move
- Dawn Churchill offers DVDs on pageantry, flags, choreography and basic dance
************
As for the second question, these are the suggestions that come to mind:
- Consistency & Communication is important! Develop a routine and stick to it. Keep the parents informed.
- 7 year olds learn differently from 18 year olds. If the group rehearses together, your challenge is to find a way to keep the attention of the entire age range without others getting bored or discouraged.
- Make time for them outside of rehearsals! Attend games, plan outings, but get to know them.
- Instill ministry from the start. Teach them about prayer, fasting and studying God’s word so they can become effective ministers.
7.) We have new youth in the dance ministry. Should they minister with the praise team? We are currently small in number. Do I need a large number to minister effectively with the praise team?
- Darlene
There is not right or wrong answer here, but again, I’m going to stress the importance of some type of manual or written procedure. Age should not be a factor if the person is spiritually equipped to flow with the praise team; however, I’d recommend some sort of orientation period to allow the person to get acclimated to the ministry.
You do not need a large number of people to minister effectively. Remember Gideon and the army the Lord cut from 22,000 to 300 (Judges 7). I visited what would be classified as a mega-church (over 20,000 members), yet only 4 ministers danced with the praise team and it was effective.
If the vision of the leaders is for a large team, submit to that and the Lord will honor your obedience.
Flood Watch Coming Soon
May 9, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under News and Updates
The International Dance Commission (Midwest Region) presents Flood Watch ~ Moving to Higher Ground
May 16th in Des Moines, IA
This is the first stop on The GLORY Revival Tour!
This Revival / Crusade has 3 parts:
Part 1: The Daily Workshops:
We will present classes designed to educated, empower, impart, equip and REVIVE the movement ministers. Classes include: The HEART of an Evangelist, Dance for JOY (youth), Worship that God Accepts, Dance & Mime as Ministry (and not entertainment), Flags & Banners, and a special leadership session with the IDC Founder, Minister Sabrina McKenzie.
Part 2: Go YE!
We are going to take it to the streets! Spreading the Gospel and encouraging people to return for the evening celebration in the park!
Part 3: Soul Harvest
We are going to have Praise in the Park! Choirs, movement ministers, flags, step…all lifting up the name of JESUS in Unity.
If you are near the Des Moines, IA area we encourage you to join us! We are expecting a mighty outpouring of His Spirit
Check out our event page for more information
“Why We Dance” Ministry Workshop
April 20, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Events List
Title: "Why We Dance"
Location:
Shiloh Full Gospel Baptist Church
945 S. Dearborn Ave
Kankakee, IL 60901
Description: Praise Dance workshop sponsored by the Illinois & Missouri chapters of the International Dance Commission.
Date: June 20, 2009
Classes Include:
Prophetic & Mime Dance
Dance Technique
Flags/Colors & Garments
Choreography
Godly vs. Wordly Music
Registration is now open!
Visit http://whywedance.eventbrite.com or register below:
What’s “NEW” at Equipping the Saints 2009
April 16, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under News and Updates
Kingdom Greetings!
…and He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry
(Eph 4:11-12, NKJV)
Each year the Lord has divinely appointed awesome men and women of God operating in the 5-fold ministry to educate, empower, and equip us in all areas of ministry.
This year is no different. In addition to some familiar classes and faces, there are many new aspects of EQS2009 that are featured below. For full conference information, visit the Equipping the Saints Conference Website.
New Speakers & Teachers!
Pastor Tanya Brown – She collaboratively pastors Bethesda Temple Church of Alton with her husband, Bishop Lawrence Brown Jr. She is a "soul winner" that is being used mightily all over the world in crusades, revivals and conferences. Pastor Brown will be the keynote speaker on the opening night of the conference!
Patricia Kieffer (on right) – is the owner of Making His Praise Glorious which offers worship flags and shields. She has blessed us at EQS with her ministry products, and I’m excited that she will also bless us with instruction.
Suzanne Tushar (on left) – is the director and owner of Son Dance Ministry. She has blessed us with her products the last two years as well. This year she will teach us Davidic Dance & Ministering with timbrels
Karen Osbourne - Minister Karen Osbourne is "a teacher’s teacher"! She has a profound understanding of the times we are living in, what is going on in Israel, and why it is applicable to us today.
Chena Anderson - is the visionary behind the Esther’s Robe’s garments. These garments are unique and prophetic. She is a gifted craftsmen that was able to take the conference vision and transform it into a throne room setting. This year, she will teach on Twirl Flags along with her son.
New Classes!
Twirl Flags- Davidic Dance
- About My Father’s Business
- Timbrels & Tambourines
New Location!
EQS2009 will take place at the Doubletree Hotel at Westport. This hotel is absolutely stunning! Here are some added benefits:
- FREE parking
- FREE shuttle to/from airport
- Large meeting rooms
- FREE shuttle to/from Westport Plaza (restaurants & shopping)
- Conference rate only $99/night!
- Max occupancy of 4 people
Click on the link below or call 1-314-434-0100
Conference Code: EQS
Click here to reserve your room with NO MONEY DOWN
…and more new!
- Appreciation lunch for early registrants, speakers and staff
- 4-hour dance intensive training
- 5-fold ministry Q&A panel
- Opportunity to tour St. Louis (self-guided)
- Attend Sunday morning service (free congregational worship)
- Sunday fellowship brunch at Bristol’s (not included in registration)
