Lessons for a Decade

I decided to embrace the ministry of movement 10 years ago. At that time in 1999, I was not sure of all of the "rules and regulations" of dance ministry, but felt an intense desire to move in Him. What is amazing is that I have always been involved in the Worship Arts, and served in church as a choir director, sang on the praise team, directed the drama department, and served as dance ministry leader. Sometimes, I tried to do all these things at once! Those were the days...

As I continued in dance ministry, more doors opened up for me in the area of teaching. I am blessed to travel and teach, and sometimes do so at my own expense. It's not about the money, but the assignment. What I have learned over the past 10 years is that there are unique challenges and benefits to the multiple facets of movement ministry. Not every movement minister is a liturgical dancer. Mime ministers and contemporary movement artists abound and have another unique set of obstacles and blessings.

Not only have I been fortunate to experience several scenarios in the dance ministry, I have also been transformed from being a praise dancer-to a worship dancer-to a prophetic dancer: All to the glory of God! I pray that these tips over the past few years will bless you as much as they have helped me...

HOW I GOT INTO THE MINISTRY OF MOVEMENT...
I did not exactly start out with the knowledge that I would become a movement minister. At the age of 15, I wrote a production for my church entitled, "The Ultimate Sacrifice." At the time I was assistant director of the choir and singing on the praise team. There were a few ladies and girls at our church who danced from time to time, so I incorporated a praise dance scene into the production.

Several years later, another church asked me to assist with the drama department for Resurrection Sunday. I again took the liberty to incorporate praise dance into the production, but this time I laced up my dancing shoes and gave it a try. I called for dancers, and seven young ladies stepped up to the challenge. We rehearsed in my apartment (yes!) and during the evening service, we joyfully danced to Tri-City Singers "When Sunday Comes." From that moment, I knew that I wanted to praise dance on a regular basis.

I asked the same girls if they wanted to continue praise dancing. Of the seven, only two of us decided to continue. As I was standing in the hallway of my apartment, the word "Envision" dropped into my spirit. I immediately called my remaining partner, and thus my official journey of dance ministry began.

THE DANCING DUO
My partner and I not only shared a passion, we shared a similar appearance. The novelty of our ministry was that we looked so much alike that no one could focus on just one of us. The challenge was that we were not looked at as individuals outside of the ministry.

Duets can also be a husband and wife team, relatives, or great friends. Dancing as a duet often requires closeness and fellowship beyond dance rehearsals. Duets should watch out for divisive people who come to separate the ministry. On the other hand, when the season for a particular type of ministry has ended, we must recognize it and move forward according to the will of God.

Tips for Duets:
-Pray together and study the Bible
-Make sure that you are in agreement with your partner
-Strive to not let one "outshine" the other. You must both be anointed!
-Ensure that song selections work for fewer numbers of people
-Avoid competing with each other

Amos 3:3
Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

THE SOLOIST
After the duet ministry came to a close, I obeyed the Lord's leading and began to dance solo. At first, I was not sure that I could do it after having been a duet for 4 years. The lessons that I learned were valuable.

The most challenging aspect of the solo is to develop a story or message with only one person. Divine creativity is needed indeed! As a group/duo, I was able to "see" the choreography on someone else to know what worked or not. As a soloist, my comfort zone was gone and I had to completely rely on the Lord for confirmation.

When dancing alone, it is important to have a good support system. For females, venturing out alone may take some extra "forward-thinking" in order to stay focused and safe! Often, I would take a trusted, praying friend along with me when I went out to minister. If a friend was not available, I would usually make sure that I knew someone at the location that could assist me when needed.

One of the pitfalls of soloists is maintaining a dedicated rehearsal time. It is easy to put things off until later... tomorrow... a few days from now... and then "Oh, no! I have to dance tomorrow!" Staying faithful pays off in the end. Although no one may know you are "winging it," the experienced dancer or discerning person will be able to pick up on it.

Tips for Soloists:
-Don't always rely on a formula (flags, props, etc.) for a quick fix
-Make sure that someone knows where you are ministering, and take a partner if possible
-Avoid waiting until the last minute to put pieces together
-Never assume anything, ask questions until you have the answers you need

Isaiah 6:8
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

THE DANCE GROUP
This applies to groups of 3 or more people that are not necessarily from the same church. This can be even more challenging for groups with both males and females. Getting an understanding early will help maintain unity.

It is a good idea to make sure that everyone agrees that Jesus is Lord. Another item to consider is dressing room space. When attending concerts and larger events, it may be a challenge to get dressed and remain modest when in mixed company. When journeying over distances, trying to carpool or caravan may help build unity and assist with preparation before arriving to the location. When this is not possible, establishing a prayer focus and listening to the music to be ministered may keep everyone on one accord.

Tips for Groups:
-Determine beforehand what the plan of action will be for attire
-Plan your travel route for safety and on-time group arrival
-Keep the lines of communication open
-Make sure to have a "point person" or leader for music and business matters

Acts 2:46
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart

THE CHURCH DANCE MINISTRY
Yes, church protocol applies here! As a church dance group, there may be more restrictions as to what is or is not permissable. Ministering before the congregation as a church dance ministry means that the members or group should come in line with the teaching of the church. We must also consider to whom we are ministering. For instance, if the congregation is mostly made up of senior citizens, it may not be a good idea to dance in jeans and t-shirts to a heavy beat-laden song.

The criteria for joining a church dance ministry may include becoming a member, attending Bible study, being a tither or giver, etc. Some churches have an open door policy, while others have auditions. Usually a dance ministry leader organizes the ministry, but sometimes a parent or musician will provide oversight.

Tips for Church Ministries:
-Align with the vision and message of your local congregation
-Obtain permission before attending outside engagements on behalf of the church
-Ask the Pastor what his or her vision is for the church dance ministry
-Encourage every member to have a personal relationship with the Lord

Acts 9:31
[The Church Prospers] Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

THE COMMUNITY DANCE MINISTRY
Similar to the group model, this type of ministry usually has several participants. A community dance ministry may often dance "outside of the four walls" for outreach events and concerts. These dancers usually belong to several different churches. The rehearsal location may be a church, dance studio, community center, or even a garage!

The communty dance ministry is not a replacement for the church dance ministry. Although some church situations may prevent dancers from participating, we must make sure that rebellious thinking is not the reason for linking with the community. There is a need to ask some questions to determine what the motives of the dancers are. This is not to say that all community dancers must participate in the church dance ministry (if they have one), but is a way to ensure that all hearts and minds are in the right place.

Tips for Community Ministries:
-Define the vision of the ministry that aligns with God's Word
-Establish general criteria for community participation
-Select a name that is appropriate to the vision and types of people represented
-Keep members informed through clear comunication, newsletters, emails, phone calls, etc.

Psalm 102:21-22
To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem, when the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.

THE DANCE MINISTRY OVERSEER
This person may not necessarily be a dancer, but may serve as a Minister of Music or Worship Arts Director at church. At times, this can even be the Pastor. The dance ministry leader usually reports to this person and obtains approval to minister both inside and outside of the church.

It is important that the person who oversees the dancers has an understanding of the ministry. Too often, the dance ministry is neglected or has unrealistic expectations placed upon them when the overseer is unsympathetic concerning dance. Often, this person has an understanding of worship in general, but there is a need to be aware of how dance fits into the congregational model. A controlling personality may hinder the progress of those under this type of leadership, so much prayer is needed to lead without dictating.

Tips for Dance Ministry Overeers:
-Become educated in the ministry of movement through personal Bible study and books
-Select a leader that is qualified to run the dance ministry (this may not necessarily be the "best" dancer on the team)
-Assist in guiding the ministry to align with church beliefs and attire protocol
-Give the ministry space to be "imperfect" while encouraging excellence and growth

Acts 20:28
Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

REFLECTIONS
In the ministry of movement, I have served in all of the above positions. I praise the Lord for the privilege of dancing before Him. Sometimes this journey has included pain, loss, sadness, grief, and agony; however, the joy inexpressible, miraculous moments, liberty, deliverance, and edification it has brought to the church far exceeds the struggle. As the Lord continues to move me forward in ministry, I understand that my tenure in the ministry of movement may be seasonal. In the meantime, I will continue to dance before the Lord with all my might!

Psalm 149:3
Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.

Looking forward to another decade in His service,
Rekesha Pittman

(All Scriptures taken from the New King James Bible Version)

I Cite

It's a good practice to give credit where it is due. It is also helpful to know the Word of God concerning the pieces that we minister and being able to apply truth accurately. Neglecting to take the time to gather information can make us look ignorant, or in the most extreme sense, land us in trouble (with others or even the courts!)

The Bible
There are still too many praise dancers and movement ministers who do not have a basic understanding of the Scriptures concerning dance, and are even less studious concerning the Word of God in general. In my experience, reading the Bible on a regular basis allows the Word to come alive during rehearsals and ministry opportunities. What's on the inside comes out! It's amazing to me how a dance move can become "alive" to a group when Biblical application is clear. Choreography itself may not be spiritual, but when we make the connection through the Word, people are able to witness a mighty move of the Spirit.

We should take the time to make sure that every song we minister "rightly divides the word of truth" by comparing it with Scripture. When we study the Bible regularly, we do not have to rely on internet search engines to produce the Scripture references for us! We will instead know which words we are looking for to find the correct application of Scripture.

Not only should we be knowledgeable, we should make sure that each dancer is able to articulate meaning for themselves. Often, dance ministry leaders spend time researching and teaching, but may not empower other dance team members to know the Word personally. It is indeed awesome to witness an entire dance ministry operating in the power of the Spirit and understanding of the Word, instead of focusing on the few in ministry who "shine."

Job 22:22
Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.

Psalm 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Songs and Artists
Because many are ministered to through the songs we use, it is important to be able to share with them the name of the artist or group, title of the song, and the album that the song can be found on, if possible. Why does this matter? Giving away burned copies of the CD single only helps one person (and may hurt the proceeds of the artist). Many times I have been able to share this information and was later informed by the same people that they purchased the CD and were blessed by it. Obtaining the CD for themselves allowed the ministry to continue beyond the initial minutes of the piece!

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Kudos and Credits
The Lord is the Ultimate Movement Creator. He imparts instructions through vessels that include us. Although we do not serve for accolades, it is important to thank people and appreciate them for their service unto others.

If we use choreography from someone else, we should obtain permission first. If we have been inspired by someone else, we should say so. When we are blessed by teaching that we received from a conference or workshop, we should be mindful to correctly quote and refer to others whose insight we may use to share with others.

Songwriters must properly obtain permission when using samples or words from other artists. Writing requires that we properly cite the sources we may have used. Even photographers are credited with the images they capture in the media. Why is this important? It limits the offense that can take place between us, keeps us accountable, and hinders us from being deceptive in any way. Let's keep our hands clean!

Proverbs 3:27
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

Romans 13:7
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

All Scripture references from the King James Bible Version.

No Means Yes and Yes Means No

Sometimes along our ministry journey, we have to make decisions that will determine promotion, no motion, or moving in reverse. There are many who seek to travel the world, dance on national platforms and be celebrated without making the choice to follow God wholeheartedly. The truth of the matter is, there are some things we must say "No" to in order to say "Yes" to God... and sometimes our "Yes" to God means that we have to say "No" to our own desires.

Are we willing to compromise in order to gain a platform?

Are we using others as a means to an end to make connections that we believe will get us further in ministry?

Do we seek out relationships with "powerful" dance ministers in order to get ministry invitations and special favor?

Are we joining large churches with large dance ministries in order to be seen on television or by thousands?

Have we remained friends or associates with people or joined organizations just because we want to be invited back to an event at which we once had the opportunity to minister?

It is important to let God have His perfect way! How many of us will admit that we have desired good things in our hearts that we consider "Kingdom" but never took the time to see if it was His will or assignment specifically for us? Many plan ministry conferences, concerts, and gatherings with good intentions that may not have been ordered by Him. This is not determined by perceived failure or success from the outside eye. The Holy Spirit is a Revealer and we must allow Him to show us Truth.

On the other hand, how many of us are saying "Yes" to opportunities just because they sound good? Have we gotten excited about dancing at a large church or teaching at a popular conference because of the potential exposure gained? (I confess that I have done both in the past and have been greatly disappointed). Through it all, I have learned to desire what the Lord has appointed for me. Some of those assignments are large, and some seemingly small, but it is obedience that makes the difference.

Let's take inventory of all of the current assignments and calendar items that are ahead of us. Have we said "yes" to something when we should have declined? Did we say "no" to an opportunity because we have been overwhelmed by some of the tasks we should have let go of long ago? It's time to do the will of the Father and agree with His decree. Saying "No" to sin and disobedience at all costs means saying "Yes" to God. Submitting a "Yes" to His will means saying "No" to anything that will hinder us from pressing toward the mark.

Responding correctly will save us lots of pain and heartache in ministry and life. We must not let our mouths get us into trouble. We must mean what we say and say what we mean- but we should first check with the Lord! Our "Yes" to Him is not determined by what we say with our lips, but by what we obey in response to His word concerning our lives.

(New King James Bible Version)

Matthew 5:37
But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

2 Corinthians 1:17
Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No?

2 Corinthians 1:18
But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No.

2 Corinthians 1:19
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes.

Teacher's Edition

As I was driving in my car today, the words "Teacher's Edition" dropped into my spirit. Do you remember having had a chance to glance at the Teacher's Edition of a textbook in school? What was wonderful about the Teacher's Edition is that not only did it have the information given to the students, it contained the answers to questions asked!

What a challenge it is today to be a dance ministry leader! When someone accepts the challenge to lead, it is pertinent that we also have access to the right information and the answers needed to efficiently teach people. How many dance ministries are suffering today at the hands of ill-equipped leaders? More than we'd like to admit...

If given the opportunity to serve, leaders must not rely on someone else to provide the roadmap we need. We must each seek to know how to lead the ministry according to the Word. It is also practical to obtain experienced wisdom, but we must remember that what may work for one ministry may not exactly fit our circumstances.

In order to assemble the "Teacher's Edition" for dance ministers, we must include the following contents:

1) Charting the Course: Instructions

Provide clarity to your dance ministry team by providing clear communication (calendars, checklists, contact information). This can be done via email, through text messages, on paper, through online notification systems, or through all of the above. As it is often said, "Sharing is caring."

Is your ministry aware of requirements and upcoming dates far enough in advance to plan properly?

Are there general guidelines regarding ministry qualifications, expectations, appearance standards, conduct, garment requirements, etc?

Having a roadmap in place will minimize confusion, but not having one will guarantee roadblocks!

2) Lesson Plan: Information for the Student

Develop lesson plans to guide the ministry toward progress. For example, structured team studies will help the ministry be on one accord when studying the Biblical foundations of movement as a ministry (book readings, specialized workshops, directed group studies, research topics, etc).

Draft a plan to complete choreography before deadlines to assist us in knowing if we are using our time effectively or need to make adjustments (Are we projecting accurate completion times? Are we missing scheduled ministry engagements because we did not have time to complete the piece? Have we mastered the necessary technique needed to hasten the choreographic process?).

Forecast activities for the year and then establish regular checkpoints to see if adjustments need to be made (technique application, planned conference attendance, membership growth, etc).

3) Questions and Answers
Leaders should be more knowledgeable than the people we lead in our area of expertise. When a dance ministry leader has not studied or properly applied themselves to excellence, it will reflect on the ministry. Although the leader may not develop all of the choreography and select all of the garments, he or she should not be ignorant concerning these areas.

Pleading ignorance does not work for leaders! Each leader should make it a priority to become the "resident expert" and be able to provide accurate information to the team. (How embarrassing is it when dance ministry leaders are not able to provide Biblical references to dance beyond David? We've got to do better!)

4) Staff Development: Publisher's Notes
The Bible reminds us to know those that labor among us. Not only should we study dance ministry from a Biblical perspective, researching the progress being made by others today will help us to avoid "reinventing the wheel." Learning about other dance ministry leaders can both inspire us as well as teach us valuable lessons in what not to do.

In addition, we should take steps to get to know those we minister with, so that we may know how to pray and provide guidance unique to the people we lead. Exercising discernment will reveal to us if a situation is a behavioral problem or a spiritual one...

5) Giving Honor: Acknowledgments
It does not cost us much to be appreciative. Too many times, those who labor in ministry are encouraged to do a thankless job. Let not that be said of us. Dancers need to know that leaders are servants too! Taking the time to announce praise reports, birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones will make people feel appreciated and unified.

Beyond the movement ministry, we must show gratitide to our Pastors, supporting ministries, families, mentors, and other people who make what we do possible. In the forefront of all of this, we must not fail to give thanks to the LORD for making what we do possible!

Not only should we seek to be disciples, but we should be able to impart in a way that brings glory to God. We cannot take the mandate to teach lightly-- We MUST practice what we preach! Teaching others in the arts can be a challenge, but one that we can successfully navigate if we have the right reference guide: The BIBLE!

(New King James Bible Version)

Luke 2:46-47
Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

Romans 2:21
You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?

Hebrews 5:12
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

James 3:1
My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

Critical Condition

The dance ministry is in need of emergency assistance! The call to repentance is now! Movement ministers that once operated in liberty are now in bondage at the hands of our own. For many, the limits that we once faced were attributed to a church culture that did not understand the arts as having a place in the traditional setting. As the doors have opened to the creative arts, we are now faced with oppression within our own ranks.

Speculation, accusation, disenfranchisement, separation, offense, pride, self-promotion, envy, bitterness, hatred, unforgiveness, misunderstanding, ignorance, and greed have magnified in the worship arts over the last few years. This has not been limited to the local dance ministries, but has risen through the ranks on a national and international level. When will we turn from our ways and be healed, dance ministers?

If we are honest with ourselves, we know that there are some things that the Holy Spirit has brought to our attention that needs to be corrected. Whether we receive a word in our spirits, through a prophet, or through another person, we have been warned that it is time for us to address our behavior. We cannot walk in self-righteousness and expect goodness in return. Our disobedience regarding walking in love will result in our own demise.

For my critics, I praise God. Why? Either I will have to face the truth or thank God for reminding me to stay on my face before Him. Instead of getting defensive, I pray and ask the Lord to reveal to me if any of it is true. If it is, I then ask for Him to deliver me from anything in me that is not reflective of Him. (I am still a work in progress!) If it is not true, I know that His word concerning me will prevail and that my accusers will have to deal with their own souls. We sink into danger when we automatically perceive every criticism as an attack from the enemy. The Lord chastens those He loves, according to the Word (Hebrews 12:6).

If we consider others more than ourselves, our actions will continue to line up with the Word of God. When we become the center of attraction in our dance ministries, we can expect division to multiply. My heart aches at the pains that the dance ministries are facing in this hour. I can testify that I have experienced hurt and disappointment at the hands of others in this ministry, but continue to pray that the Repairer of the Breach restores that which has been damaged. I cannot allow myself to be guilty of the same abuses as an excuse for bad behavior.

Is there anything that we know we need to repent for concerning our behavior towards others in the dance ministry?

Have we cut off relationships with other dancers because of separation from other leaders and organizations?

Are we choosing sides in arguments based on likes/dislikes instead of praying?

Have our words through social networking sites, blogs, newsletters, and personal appearances caused irreparable harm?

Is there someone we need to reach out to and ask for forgiveness, even if we think that it will not be received?

Let us have clean hands and pure hearts! Let us return to a place where we only minister and do all to the glory of God! Lord have mercy on us, and revive us again!

(New King James Version)

Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Romans 12:17
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

Romans 13:4
For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

1 Peter 3:15-17
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

2 Corinthians 6:3
We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.

Sign On the Dotted Line?

This post originally appeared as my response to a blog topic posted by my friend Lakita Humber (Paneh Praise Dance & Mime Ministry) as part of Dance Ministry Ethics week:

TOPIC: Contracted Ministry

Here is the original link if you want to check out the original post and several responses:

http://panehpraise.com/2009/10/dance-ministry-ethics-2-contracted-ministry/


I have several areas that I would like to address, according to the Word of God:

1- In all your getting, get understanding (Proverbs 4:7).

Why a “contract?” Isn’t the purpose of a contract to have legal recourse?

Contract: In law, a contract is a binding legal agreement that is enforceable in a court of law. That is to say, a contract is an exchange of promises for the breach of which the law will provide a remedy. (Source: Wikipedia)

We understand the importance of having an agreement (understanding) in writing, but formulating a contract can become an area of contention. We may want to justify dance ministry as our occupation, but at this point, we need to determine if preaching and dancing the Gospel is a “job” to us or a commission from the Lord.

Proverbs 25:8
Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame?

James 2:6
But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?

Matthew 5:40
If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.

1 Corinthians 6:1
[Do Not Sue the Brethren] Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?

***Personally, I receive a letter of invitation to know what to expect. Usually, these items are provided, but if not, I move on and it is forgiven; however, I may hesitate to deal with that ministry in the future.

2- What exactly are we charging for?

Are we charging for the Gospel? Are we charging for our time? Are we charging for our experience? We should be led by the Word and by the Lord. Let’s look at Paul’s take on this:

1 Corinthians 9:18
What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.


2 Corinthians 11:7
Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?

What context are we being asked to come in? Could Paul have charged? Certainly, but to keep himself pure (cannot serve God and mammon), he opted not to. How many of us have seen ministries corrupted by the love of money?

I too travel frequently and am blessed to receive accommodations, travel and love offerings. I am also blessed when I do not receive travel, lodging, or finances. The reward will be awaiting me in eternity. I am not suffering lack and rejoice in the many testimonies of the people who the Lord sends me to serve.

I believe that the difference is being aware of the circumstances up front. I personally do not ever want money to be a factor in my acceptance of an assignment. There are conferences that I have attended in which I have paid for the entire trip and received no money. Personally, the Lord has not instructed me to charge for ministry, but gave me a way to return with additional income through a vendor table for dance ministry goods. If I feel that a conference host is taking advantage of instructors, it is my choice whether or not I will continue to participate.


3- FULL TIME?

Some may say, “This is what I do full time.”

***Food for thought: If we are not making enough money doing ministry, then should we look for a job (or business) to support our living expenses?

We should all be in full-time ministry as a life calling. Agreed, if we labor in the Gospel, we should live from it. The issue is that many of us have not reached the point where we are solely laboring in the Word to meet our financial needs. (Yes, I do “this” full-time, but the Lord opened the door for me to be able to do this exclusively— in His timing).

***More Food for Thought: Are we expecting our needs to be met or our wants too?

For example, I am blessed to run a praise dance company and I pay my technique instructor to show up on time twice per week and teach a progressive modern dance curriculum. She is not paid to show up and dance with us at ministry outings. She is not paid to attend Word classes. I am asking her to dedicate her time on a regular basis and be available to cover for me when I am out of town. But guess what the blessing is? She allows me to pay her whatever the Lord placed on my heart. Because I consulted Him, she is paid standard scale for dance instructors. (I also believe that by the same measure we sow, we reap. When we take care of people, God will take care of us).

It is up to us to treat one another well. Should we make demands for our service? Have we reached a level where we must be comfortable and happy to minister the Word of God? (WOW- How did Paul do it from jail?) Again, let the Word and the Holy Spirit guide. A few parting Scriptures for thought:

1 Timothy 5:17
[Honor the Elders] Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.


1 Thessalonians 2:8-9
“So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.”

Acts 20:34-35
“Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

1 Corinthians 9:13-15
“Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void.”

Luke 10:3-12
“Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’ But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.”

Let’s not only preach the Word, but live it!

All Scriptures quoted from the New King James Version.

His Servant,
Rekesha Pittman

Idol Eyes

When we have a voice that influences people, we must prayerfully guard what we say. People are often looking for a leader, mentor, or other inspiration to get closer to the goal. In the dance ministry realm, the need for personal leadership seems to have taken on a life of its own...

For some reason, a growing population of dancers do not feel as though their own Pastors or churches are equipped enough to provide them with needed training. In many senses, this analysis may hold some truth, but we must not allow pride to enter in. God is raising up "specialists" who are studied in the worship arts and can provide some much-needed guidance in many areas. This does not give us the right to disregard the leadership that He has already provided.

The hidden danger lies in the fact that there is a growing belief of inferiority and a need to be validated by others in movement ministry. How do I know this? I look at the growing advertisements for ministry training and licensing/ordination programs, dance competitions that seek to highlight the "best" in the praise dance genre, churches clamoring for dance ministry presence even when it is clear that the people are not ready, and the explosion of groups hosting dance conferences! Some would argue that this is a good thing, but it is not benefitting the Kingdom if the motive behind it is wrong. Thus, many sheep are being wounded and misled.

We must fix our eyes on the Lord. When we trust Him to provide us with relationships that will develop our gifts and talents, we can testify to the fruitfulness of it. What God has joined together should not be tampered with by man.

If we are not watchful, we can begin to idolize the dance ministers that we feel have "made it" in some way. This includes published authors, conference hosts and facilitators, television personalities, dance ministry leaders, marketplace ministers, and more. The danger in pursuing relationships with others based on a need for personal validation is that we can develop selfish reasons for wanting to connect with them.

If we are led by our emotions, we may discover ourselves bending over backwards to accommodate outrageous requests, develop man-pleasing habits in serving, or praising our "idols" more than we give glory to God. We cannot simply blame those who abuse the mentor-mentee relationship. As it is often said: "It takes two..."

For those of us who are in leadership, we must not allow ourselves to revel in the praise, gifts, accolades, or status that comes with having influence in ministry. Remaining humble before the Lord will compel us to point others to Him. Allowing for even a moment of "look at me," can be our downfall.

If we are called to mentor, remember that it is the image of Christ that people are being transformed into. Those called to lead must not do so with dollar signs in our eyes. On both sides of the fence, keeping Jesus as our focus will combat the idolization of creation. When we longingly look for a "savior" to lead us to life in the movement ministry, we may find ourselves with "idol eyes."

New King James Bible Version

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Zechariah 10:2
For the idols speak delusion; the diviners envision lies, and tell false dreams; they comfort in vain. Therefore the people wend their way like sheep; they are in trouble because there is no shepherd.

Isaiah 31:1
[The Folly of Not Trusting God] Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!