A Spiritual Leader’s View of Dance Ministry
April 24, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Encouragement
A Spiritual Leader’s View of the Ministry of Dance
by Lady Joyce Ann Wells (foreward by Lakita Humber)
![:: [ AljnonKelah ] ::](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3471981346_2ab05bc9be_m.jpg)
Foreword: During the summer of 2007, I was blessed with the unique opportunity to be the subject of a field study observation on "praise dance". My pastor’s wife, 1st Lady Joyce A. Wells master’s class assignment was to choose a culture to observe and report on, providing a field-study non-objective type of approach.
- Dance ministry is a sub-culture of the church. Too often times we (as ministers of dance) get frustrated with our leaders because they don’t "get it". They may not understand your passion. But they aren’t the ones that have invested in the ministry books, videos, conferences etc. Ever heard of "church speak"? It’s those terms we (the church) use and understand but don’t make much since to someone who is not a part of the church culture. It’s the same thing in the dance ministry!
photo credit: » Zitona « [09]
photo of Metro East Sacred Dance Company at Equipping the Saints Dance & Worship Arts Conference
Starting a Dance Ministry (Part 2 of 3)
April 21, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Practical Advice
The first part of this series, Starting a Dance Ministry (part 1 of 3) dealt with the spiritual aspects of starting a new ministry. This portion will explore the practical applications necessary to begin on a solid foundation.
Spreading the Word
Once you have the go ahead from the church leadership and come to an agreement on the vision, mission and purpose of the dance ministry. It is time to plot out the logistics for rehearsal. Consider these things before you announce anything:
- Who is eligible to participate in the ministry? Age range? Gender? Church membership status?
- Where are you going to conduct rehearsals? When? Frequency of rehearsals?
- What do you require the new dance ministers to wear to rehearsal? What should they bring?
- When can people join the ministry? Certain times of year or anytime?
- Will rehearsals be open or closed?
Once you have this information, you should be ready to start your announcement campaign. Start early enough to allow people time to sign up. Here is a sample announcement:
Dance Ministry Rehearsal
Starting June 1st
Every Saturday
10am – 12pm: Ages 5-15
12pm – 2pm: Ages 16 & up
What to bring:
Bible, Notebook, Pen, Water bottle
What to wear:
Modest clothing suitable for movementFor More Information or to sign up:
Your contact information
Use whatever is at your disposal to spread the word: church announcements, bulletin, projectors, phone tree, email distribution, etc
Dance Ministry Rehearsal
It’s important to have a plan in place for the rehearsal period. Be sure to convey the mission, vision, purpose and expectations of the ministry and revisit them often. Review the biblical foundation dance. When was it used? Why? How is it applicable to us today?
Additionally, inform everyone of any garments & accessories that they will need for ministry.
Allow an opportunity for people to ask any questions they may have. It is also a good idea to ask the members questions to see if you have anybody experienced in dance ministry or other gifts (administration, seamstress, intercessors) that can be of assistance to the ministry.
Movement Ministry!
Play whatever song you are using in its entirety and spend a time discussing the song. What is the message the song is trying to convey? What scripture(s) supports the message of the song (required)?
Be sure to stretch & warm-up properly before any strenuous movement. Once everyone is properly warmed up, then it is time to move on to ministry exercises & choreography. One exercise I frequently use to build our ministry’s “dance vocabulary” is to simply call out a word and have everyone display it. When we first started, I would give them the word and about 10 seconds to think of what they were going to do. Here are some words you can use: prayer, protection, worship, joy, fear, love, and victory. A variation on this exercise is to pair up the members and have them collectively express the same words.
Another exercise (this works especially well with mime ministries, but dance can use it to) is to express the Word through movement! Some scriptures frequently I frequently use: Genesis 1, Psalms 3, and Psalms 23.
Finally, effective choreography should match the mood of the song to effectively convey the message. In other words, a song about worship may confuse people if you are running, leaping and clapping your hands! (Hint – Look up the Greek & Hebrew words for worship using a Concordance for insight on worship movement).
The final part in this series will deal with the administrative side of Starting a Dance Ministry as well as list a few sample administrative documents.
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Praise Dancing: Performance vs. Ministry vs. Entertainment
April 20, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Encouragement
How many times have you heard the phrase "We don’t perform, we minister!"? It has become somewhat of a universal dance minister’s motto. I have personally instilled this concept into the youth dancers that I work with. To many, it is an ongoing frustration when people ask us
Are you going to perform today?
Let’s change OUR mindset!
As dance ministers, we should desire to be like Jesus! If that be the case, we must realize that JESUS PERFORMED!
Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.
- Matthew 11:20This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
- John 2:11This was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed, having come from Judea to Galilee.
- John 4:54
Another translation says "mighty works" or "miracles". The Greek word used in Matthew 11:20 is DUNAMIS. It’s definition is strength, power, ability; more specifically, the inherent power, residing in a thing by virtue of its nature or the power for performing miracles. Dunamis is the implied ability or capacity to perform
The good news is we are granted that same DUNAMIS power!
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
- Luke 24:49For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
- 2 Timothy 1:7
We have been given power! Let’s exercise it through our ministry.
Performance Today…
Today, performance has taken on a new definition and carries the connotation of ENTERTAINMENT. There is nothing wrong with entertainment; however, it should not be confused with ministry.
It’s no secret that not everyone receives dance as ministry, and view it as entertainment. Don’t let that frustrate you another day! Do what the Lord called YOU to do! Perhaps that Lord wants to set them up for a blessing through you, but you can’t deliver it effectively because they "don’t understand your ministry". They may be seeking a performance (entertainment), but you ask the Lord to help you to PERFORM (display of His power).
Equipping the Saints
April 9, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Events List
Title: Equipping the Saints
Location: St. Louis, MO
Link out: Click here
Description: Equipping the Saints Dance and Worship Arts Conference: THY KINGDOM COME
Start Date: 2009-09-10
End Date: 2009-09-13
Join us for the 3rd Annual Equipping the Saints Dance & Worship Arts Conference. Our theme this year is Thy Kingdom Come. We are calling for the kingdom-minded ministers to join us for praise, worship, exhortation and equipping!
Meeting of the Mimes
April 8, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Events List
Title: Meeting of the Mimes
Location: Fairview Heights, IL
Description: One day mime workshop / intensive for mime ministers
Start Time: 9:00
Date: 2009-05-30
End Time: 17:00
IDC Midwest Region Revival
April 8, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Events List
Title: IDC Midwest Region Revival
Location: Des Moines, IA
Description: Theme: Flood Watch – Moving to Higher Ground
Date: 2009-05-16
Workshop classes during the day designed to equip dance ministers
During the evening we will evangelize and worship in the park!
For more information
http://www.regonline.com/idcmidwest
