A Kingdom mindset is what we need. A lot of emphasis is place on national pride, religious affiliation, and social status. We are often encouraged to "pledge allegiance" to a particular country, group, or people. It is not so in the Kingdom. We are one Body. Dance ministry moves far beyond our own regions and borders. His praise is being made glorious in every nation, language, and background. This is why we cannot follow a dance ministry "rulebook" in which we try to place what may work for us on the shoulders of someone else.
Biblical principles are not Western or Eastern. Every culture, language, and tradition can worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Some adjustments may be made in terms or garments (modesty) and symbolism (dragons, demonic imagery, etc.), but this does not mean that one has to completely deny his or her heritage to worship the Lord in a cultural context. Learning more about other cultures and dance styles may help us to expand our own concept of international ministry. This does not mean that we have to adopt every style that we are exposed to. Worship in truth for one person may not be accurate for another. We must still rely on the Lord for direction.
When we allow the Lord to open up our hearts to see people from a heavenly perspective, we will rejoice to know that the gospel is going out into all the world. Travelling to other countries for dance events will give us hands-on experience with international dance. If this is not in the budget, the internet provides a wonderful portal through which to discover dances of the nations. Dance is often described as a universal language. Whether we have the ability to understand the language or context of a praise or worship dance, we shall know the work of the Lord by the Spirit.
Psalm 86:9 (NKJV)
All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name.
Zephaniah 2:11 (NKJV)
The LORD will be awesome to them, for He will reduce to nothing all the gods of the earth; People shall worship Him, each one from his place, indeed all the shores of the nations.
Matthew 24:14 (NKJV)
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Revelation 15:4 (NKJV)
Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested.”
Please enjoy this beautiful worship piece.
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