Step by Step

There is a difference between spontaneous dancing and choreography. Spontaneous dancing is done in response to something, while choreography is usually a demonstration of something that has a particular message or meaning. Why is this important? I have witnessed many groups that are exciting to look at, but whose choreography has absolutely nothing to do with the song.

While this may be entertaining, the Word of the Lord provides many instances of the Lord giving His prophets specific instructions on how to combine prophetic movement with what the Lord wanted to say to people. Jeremiah, Hananiah and Hosea are but a few examples of how the Lord gave physical instructions to demonstrate His Word. For instance in Jeremiah 28:10-11 it says, "Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it, and he said before all the people, "This is what the LORD says: 'In the same way will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon off the neck of all the nations within two years.' " At this, the prophet Jeremiah went on his way.

There is nothing wrong with Christian entertainment, but everything has its time and place. If the purpose of the service is worship, then dance pieces with movement that is unrelated to Scripture will appear to be out of place. Let's make sure to obey the instruction of the Lord regarding every move that we make. There is truly a distinction between praise dance and movement ministry.