Thursday, October 23, 2008

Left... Left... Left, Right, Left...

What do we do with the church members or interested people who want to join the movement ministries, but have "two left feet?" It is a challenge to dance ministry leadership when the policy of the church or organization is to open the ministry to all people willing to participate. On the other hand, some groups choose to have ministry "auditions" and select or reject people based on various factors.

Wisdom will help us to find balance between the two extremes. A type of "Ministry Open House" can be held at specific times during the year when people can come to learn more about the ministry, and the ministry shares testimonies and experiences of dancing for the Lord. The pressure for an "audition" can be diminished, and dance pieces presented for the ministry leadership can be more of an evaluation to determine where the person may be best effective in the ministry. Many newcomers may want to join based on the traditional views of praise dance and may be delighted to discover the various ways to move in worship.

If the local church attendance is large enough, there can be multiple components of movement ministry. Some people enjoy the flag and banner ministry. Others would like to employ sign language or mime. Some people are very talented artistically, and may be able to help design garments, props, flags, and more. There can be a variety of expressions through motion, but we must be very careful not to be competitive or divided when in the same ministry. Instead of dancing separately, each component can work together to display beautiful and glorious group pieces that include the various talents of ministry members.

We should prayerfully handle those who may not seem to fit in or be a little slower in obtaining choreography initially. If the person truly does not have a knack for dance and movement, he or she may realize this and move on. We can always develop those that have potential and need a little refinement. All parts of the body are not necessarily equal in strength or in size, but they all work together as a whole. Frustration and impatience will lead to elitist attitudes. When we remember the Lord's mercy toward us, we can take the time to develop a passion for seeing others move forward.

Job 29:15 (NKJV)
I was eyes to the blind, and I was feet to the lame.

Psalm 85:13 (NKJV)
Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway.

Zephaniah 3:19 (NKJV)
Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, And gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame In every land where they were put to shame.

Acts 26:16 (NKJV)
But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.

Hebrews 12:12-14 (NKJV)
Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord

1 comment:

PoetryDaughter said...

thank you for posting this!