Skills Assessment

Although we may admire the talents of some of our fellow dancers, we must be realistic about our own abilities. There are some things that we can develop over time that include flexibility, balance, stamina, and technique. Some people are naturally gifted and can excel in dance rapidly. Does this mean that if we cannot move as well as our contemporaries that we are to sit down? Some start dancing at an early age and have developed technique over the years. Many "seasoned saints" are beginning to enter movement ministry in the latter years. There is a time, place, and space for variety in movement ministry if we will enlarge our borders.

When we begin to compare ourselves with others, we will focus on the flesh and not the Spirit. If we realize that we truly have very limited movement ability, we may want to serve the ministry in another capacity. No one should have to inform us concerning whether or not we can dance. If we are truthful, we will know when to excuse ourselves from an area in which we are not graced to move. Merely having a desire to do something does not mean that we will be able to accomplish it with success. Demonstrating faith in action is wonderful, but we also must walk in truth.

Shape, size, gender, or experience should not hinder us from dancing for Him. To mature in dance ministry, we must make it our goal not to remain in the state that we started. When we dedicate ourselves to serve in the ministry of movement, we must adopt healthy nutritional habits, maintain fitness, grow in knowledge of both movement and the Word, and begin to minister more effectively. Unlike the professional dance arena, the purpose of movement ministry is not to showcase our talents for world recognition. Our aim is to get the world to recognize Christ through us.

1 Chronicles 25:7 (NKJV)
So the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the LORD, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eighty-eight.

Ecclesiastes 4:4 (NKJV)
Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Luke 14:31 (NKJV)
Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?

Hebrews 5:13 (NKJV)
For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.