Control Freak

There are no limits to Kingdom expansion. It was once thought that the preacher was the only person that was able to win souls for the Kingdom. Because God is omniscent and humans are not, He has gifted us with many ways to "preach" the gospel. One of those ways has been through movement ministry. We must no longer hinder the gospel by trying to control the way it is spread.

As arts ministries from all over the world gain influence, respect, and win souls for Christ, there seems to be a perceived threat that has gripped congregations and ministries worldwide. Instead of viewing worship arts ministries as partners, many church leaders are holding dancers, singers, and creative artists hostage by limiting their ability to reach the lost. Although I am not advocating ministry without accountability, it seems as though many that preach the gospel put the messenger in front of the message. I have had the opportunity to share the gospel beyond the dance platform and consider dance as another way for me to "preach."

When we train dancers to become ministries, we can serve as great partners for our churches and Pastors in the spreading of the gospel. Dancers may participate during the sermon in creative interpretation, dance to a song that compliments the preached word, or simply create an atmosphere that makes it easier to preach. I am a living witness that dance ministry wins souls for the Kingdom. After all, the gospel message is being heard through the lyrics as well as from pulpits and street corners the world over. Let's continue to lift the name of Jesus, and not our individual rights to be heard!

Isaiah 56:11 (NKJV)
"Yes, they are greedy dogs which never have enough. And they are shepherds who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, from his own territory."

Romans 10:14-15 (NKJV)
"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"

Romans 15:18-19 (NKJV)
"For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient— in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ."

Galatians 1:11-12 (NKJV)
"But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ."