Monday, September 29, 2008

We Interrupt This Program...

We must be better time managers regarding ministry events. There is nothing more exhausting than having to dance after 20 other ministries have gone forth. If the program is scheduled to start at 5:00pm and does not begin until 6:00pm, this is often a sign of trouble. We should not have to invite more people on program than reasonable just to fill seats with bodies.

Waiting for long periods of time to dance can cause fatigue in the body and compromise cheerful attitudes. In ministry, quality over quantity should be desired. Marathon programs without reason should be avoided, if possible. Time may be better managed with trimming the number of participants on program, or reducing the number of songs that invited ministries offer. Although it is exciting to see a variety of ministries in movement, it can be grueling to see the same 5-7 groups dance three songs apiece. If we are planning an all-night worship session, this should be made known in advance.

Those who have the task of developing programs for special ministry should be prayerful when scheduling the line-up. It might not be a great idea to have a children's ministry toward the latter end of the program. Ministries that travel from far distances may need to be given consideration when setting the order of service. On the other hand, a dance ministry program may not necessarily call for spoken word, a choir, drama presentation, or other addition unless the Lord says so.

It is often felt that dance ministry has been used as "filler" for other types of programs and was not taken seriously as a ministry. Now that more dance ministries are developing programs for dance, are we guilty of using other ministries as filler as well? Regardless of how we fit the pieces together, we must consider all involved and exercise wisdom and good judgement coupled with prayer.

1 Chronicles 28:19 (NKJV)
“All this,” said David, “the LORD made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the works of these plans.”

Luke 24:29 (NKJV)
But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them.

Acts 18:20-21 (NKJV)
When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.

2 Corinthians 1:17 (NKJV)
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?

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