All for One

What is most important to us may not mean much to someone else. Our passion may not be celebrated by others. Understanding this, we must know where we fit into the big picture. Dance is still a hotly contested activity in many religious circles. Even when it is accepted, comparisons between dance ministries are frequently made regarding who is "anointed" or not. Contrary to the opinions of some, dance ministry alone will not be the key factor in restoring worship. Although we can dance effectively, there can be an even greater impact when we function as part of a whole.

In the Old Testament, the singers, dancers, and musicians formed one large caravan. Some churches include all of the worship arts for special services (Christmas and Resurrection Sunday), and a growing segment are beginning to embrace the concept of the entire worship arts operating together as one during weekly worship gatherings. Musicians are able to play without singers and singers can function without an instrument. Although dancers are able to use the spoken Word, illustrative sermons, and prayers to accompany movement, most often we use musicians and singers through pre-recorded music or in person. We already embrace the corporate worship model in this sense, but there is still work to do to bring greater unity.

The challenge for dance ministries during praise and worship is to keep the focus on worship. When dancers perform complicated turns and combinations, the congregation may find it difficult to participate. If the entire worship arts conglomerate does not understand how to function as a unit, competition can arise between the singers and the dancers for attention. If the musicians are playing louder than the singers, this will also bring disunity. If we are to worship together as one Body, we should seek the Lord for wisdom so that we can begin to truly worship as one.

2 Chronicles 5:13-14 (NKJV)
Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.

Psalm 68:25 (NKJV)
The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; Among them were the maidens playing timbrels.

Ezra 3:1 (NKJV)
[Worship Restored at Jerusalem] And when the seventh month had come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered together as one man to Jerusalem.