New Praise Dance Classifieds Service

Have you ever wondered where to purchase garments?

Have you ever needed books on dance ministry and worship arts but didn't know where to turn?

Are you looking for a dance ministry school or upcoming praise dance & worship arts events?

Are you a business owner that provides garments, flags or other products of need to the dance ministry community?

Looking for a place to publish your products / services in front of niche-specific customers?

Praise Dance Classifieds is your answer!

Praise Dance Classifieds is your comprehensive resource exchange for all of your praise dance and worship arts needs.  Marketplace ministers, vendors, business owners, service providers, event planners, and individuals can list there information in front of a targeted audience.

Praise dancers & worship artists can browse for all of their resources in one place.

Introductory Offers:

- The first 25 listings are FREE for 90 days
- Upgrade to a FEATURED LISTING for the low introductory price of $15
 

30 day listings are always FREE!

Browse the ads or publish your listing today! >>>

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My Interview on “The Praise Dance Life” hosted by Jocelyn Richard

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Dance Ministry Ethics #4: Competitions

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 4 is Dance Ministry Competitions

I must admit that this is a topic I have been wanting to discuss and avoid discussing at the same time.  I purposely put it near the end of the week because I "ranked" it as a more difficult discussion.  The topics for the first three days had a general consensus, even if we all did not agree on the finer details.  Typically, praise dance competitions generate a variety of responses that can be narrowed down to two categories:

Praise Dance Competitions are OK

Praise Dance Competitions are NOT OK

Before listing the arguments for each category, let’s define "Praise Dance Competition"

Praise (in the Biblical context) - Expression of approval, extolling or exaltation of our Lord
Dance – To move rhythmically usually to music, using prescribed or improvised steps and gestures.

Praise Dance - A way to praise the Lord through movement

Competition – a contest for some prize, honor, or advantage.  A rivalry between two or more persons or groups for an object desired in common, usually resulting in a victor and a loser

Then by definition, a praise dance competition is a contest where the factor determining victory is how well you express approval of our Lord (praise) through dance.

Arguments supporting praise dance competitions

- It keeps the dance ministry motivated with something to strive for
- They are great fund raisers for the competition host (charging entry fee) and cash prize for winning team
- Competition is everywhere!  There is nothing wrong with friendly competition
- The level of exposure for entering and winning can be high
- It is a way to fellowship with other dance ministies
- An opportunity to gain constructive criticism regarding choreography
 

On the other hand…
- How can "praise" be measured in a contest?  The entire nature of a competition is to determine who is better by ranking and labeling a victor.

It is in our human nature to want to know who is "the greatest" , here is what Jesus said:

Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest.  And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him,  and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”  – Luke 9:46-48

Competitions, by design, have winners and losers.  How do the "losers" feel?  Inadequate? Insecure?

Can you focus on pleasing God (with your praise) and pleasing man (the judges)?

What does the Bible Say?

Competition can be found in 1 Kings 18:20-40. This is a great story of how Elijah defeats the false prophets.  Not only did he shamelessly annihilate them, he boasted in it!  The difference in this competition is that it was about bringing glory to God.  Elijah realized where his power and authority came from. I do not see a biblical precedence for vessels of God competing against each other using the very same gift that is used to glorify God.

It’s your turn!

Do you believe there is a place for praise dance competitions?  Why or why not?
Vote in the poll below! 
Share your own stories / testimonies, insights and questions below!

 

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Carnival of Praise Dance #3: Personal Finance Edition

 

It is my honor & privilege to present Carnival of Praise Dance #3: The "Personal Finance" Edition!  While a "carnival of praise dance" may be new to some of you, the concept of blog carnivals has been around for a while.  Like a real carnival, a blog carnival puts a lot of interesting "stuff" in one place.  Eventually, this carnival will travel to other sites as it gains momentum.  Read this article for more information on blog carnivals and how to participate or host future carnivals of praise dance. 

If you’re a new visitor to Paneh Praise Dance & Mime Ministry, I’d like to welcome you!  You can stay connected by subscribing to our RSS feed (What is RSS?), Twitter, and/or Facebook

Below you’ll find the submissions to this month’s carnival.  Aside from dance ministry, I am interested in personal finance, so I thought it would be fun to publish a Personal Finance edition. Enjoy!

Go to the ant, sluggard; consider her ways and be wise; who having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provides her food in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest. 
Proverbs 6:6-8
 

Rekesha Pittman, author of Dance Ministry Talk writes Don’t Break the Bank.  This article offers practical advice for dance ministers spending and budgeting while traveling to conferences and various events.

Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”
-2 Kings 4:7

Jocelyn Richard, author of The Praise Dance Life submits David’s dance and the Michal syndrome, which discusses the reason for David’s praise and Michal’s reaction.  

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
- Romans 13:8

 

 

Roxi Author from The Rebellious Teacher submits The Power of Praise.  This is day 13 in the 30 days of praise challenge.  This post encourages you to allow the dunamis power of the Holy Spirit to flow through you 24/7!

 

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.
-Luke 6:38

Since the carnival is posted here, there really isn’t a need for me to include a submission.  But I don’t want to miss out on all the fun! I’m submitting What to "Where", a praise dance garment resource list classifying what garments are available and where to find them.

 

We’d love to hear from you!  Leave your comments below and on the sites of those that submitted an article.  Would you like to participate in the next carnival of praise dance?  Check for the latest schedule information here or on BlogCarnival.com

Past Praise Dance Blog Carnivals: 

#1: September 2009 – Animal Kingdom Edition
#2 October 2009 – Equipping the Saints Edition

 

 

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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!

 

 

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Equipping the Saints Conference Recap

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!

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Event Recap: Dance Ministry Detox

 

Dance Ministry Detox was a time of healing and deliverance.  The conference was ran with such a spirit of excellence.  The information was timely, relevant, and practical.

Being an effective movement minister means being whole.  Too often, we are satisfied with effective dancers.  Dancers ministering through hurt, unresolved issues, and financial turmoil to name a few.  D.Md dealt with these issues head on!  The no-nonsense candid approach of the facilitators set the tone for the "detox treatment program".

When you arrived at D.Md, you did not register…you "checked-in" to a treatment facility complete with a hospital tag that served as your registration badge for the weekend.  The room was draped white just like a hospital.  This was NOT your typical dance conference!

On the first night, we wore all black.  Minister Rekesha preached on the Spirit of Haman.  She broke down this spirit verse by verse so we can identify it as it tries to creep into our ministries.  The next time you read Esther….take a close look at Haman.  Many of us prophesy the favor of Esther…well watch out…because when you get Esther, you get Haman too!

It was refreshing to be surrounded by facilitators who were transparent and approachable.  Even the facilitators left refreshed.

As we continued our detox treatment, you could hear shackles being loosed.  The garment of praise was replacing the spirit of heaviness. 

The manifestation of HIS glory on the last night left everyone speechless!  For well over 15 minutes everyone sat still, completely silent in HIS presence.  The Lord himself applauded with 3 claps of thunder followed by rain!

The Lord used Rain Rein Reign Ministries (RRR) to bring rain to the desert!  A natural manifestation of what was taking place in the spirit realm!

Tremendous Kudos to Rekesha Pittman for hosting an outstanding conference and the ladies of Reign Dance Company blessed us tremendously through their ministry in dance and labor of love.   For future RRR events check out http://www.rainreinreign.com or http://companykeepers.blogspot.com

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Carnival of Praise Dance Schedule

Below is all the information you’ll need to participate in any upcoming Praise Dance Carnivals.  For now, submissions are due the 10th of every month and the carnivals will be posted on the 15th.  As the amount of submissions increase, we will change to a bi-weekly or weekly format.

If this is your first time reading this, you may want to browse all of the information to understand the benefits & purpose of the blog carnival.  Alternately, you can jump to the section on participation (hosting and / or submitting articles), or the schedules for upcoming carnivals.

 What is a blog carnival?
A blog carnival is simply a collection of links to articles on a particular topic.

Why a blog carnival?
There is SO MUCH information out on the Internet, but it is useless if people can’t find it.  Blog carnivals help those searching for information by putting it in a central place.  They help authors by putting their content in front of more people and providing a link back to their own site.

What do I need to participate?
A website with your original content (preferably a blog…if you don’t have one, you can set up one for FREE at wordpress.com or blogspot.com and submit your content)

Submitting an Article
Use the contact form to submit the following information by the 10th of the month

Subject: Praise Dance Carnival – YOUR NAME
Body:
Reply email:____________
Blog Home page: __________
Direct link to article: ___________
Description of article: _____________

Topics can be about anything related to worship arts / praise dance (choreography, garments, worship, how-tos, etc), or information beneficial to worship artists.

The carnival will be posted on Paneh’s website on Aug 15^th.  
Once that is done I will send all the participants the link.  Spread the word by telling others about the carnival and providing a link back.

Notes:
Content DOES NOT have to be new!  If you have an existing article, you can send a link to that.  The purpose is to centralize content and increase exposure. 

Submission does not guarantee inclusion (host’s discretion).  Articles must benefit the worship arts community, keep self-promotion to a minimum, please check for spelling and grammatical errors.

Hosting the Carnival of Praise Dance:
As the amount of submissions increase, we will need volunteers to host the carnival of praise dance.  Hosting guidelines & requirements will be posted shortly.  If you are interested in being a future host, send an email using the contact form.

Schedule:

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From the Mail Room: May 2009

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 , which is recorded on her website.  Other than that, there is no endorsement implied on any items listed:

• 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
  
  

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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. 

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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.

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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

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