Reality Show

Dance ministry from the outside can appear to be glamorous. Beautiful garments, positive crowd reaction, and making an impact on the lives of others is often viewed as desirable to someone who is drawn to the worship arts. There are many things that are unseen on the surface that could deter those whose primary purpose is to be celebrated. As we mature in movement ministry, endurance will be accomplished through trials, setbacks, financial sacrafice, and life situations.

The reality is that ministry comes with a price. Beyond monetary committment, relationships will be tested, friendships may change, cherished dancers may leave, church leadership may be unsupportive, economics may impact ministry funds, injuries may sideline us for a season, we may have to dance through depression and many other scenarios. We can expect these challenges to grow when we are effective in ministry and increase in skill and understanding.

Truth is what is exposed when the audience leaves and the lights and cameras are turned off. Ministers of movement face very real situations that the typical church sermon and cheerful testimony may not reveal. Often when prominent artists share testimonies, we hear about the victories. Rarely do we hear about the defeats, hard lessons, missteps, unwise choices, and outright failures. It is not that we need to hear these things to discourage us, we need to have wisdom to survive. We cannot hide behind make-up, face paint, glorious garments, or marvelous music. We know how to be spiritual. We must also undertand how to handle the natural side of life.

Job 22:29 (NKJV)
When they cast you down, and you say, ‘Exaltation will come!’ then He will save the humble person.

Psalm 37:14 (NKJV)
The wicked have drawn the sword and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to slay those who are of upright conduct.

Acts 20:18-20 (NKJV)
And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house

James 1:2-3 (NKJV)
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

1 Peter 1:6-8 (NKJV)
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory