Wednesday, June 24, 2009

You Wear It Well!

Dance conferences often require planning in advance, even in the area of garments. Depending upon the length of the conference, often, at least two clothing changes are needed for each day: Daytime Sessions and Evening Sessions. If we pack wisely, we can avoid overpacking with sufficent attire for the event.

During the Day: Modest comfortable clothing is usually the standard. Plunging necklines, sleeveless shirts, short-shorts, or bare midriffs are deemed inappropriate attire for ministry movement conferences. We must consider others, even if it means making ourselves a bit less comfortable. Many groups wear their ministry t-shirts or other dance-related attire to movement and workshop sessions. Images and wording that do not bring honor to God may offend attendees. When in doubt, stick to solid colors.

During the Evening: Many dance conferences encourage wearing praise garments, even if you are not scheduled to dance for the service. Group praise and worship dance may be encouraged, and beautiful garments add to the celebration in the atmosphere. Some base the evening attire on the conference theme, some choose a certain color for a certain night, and others just encourage you to wear a dance ministry garment. For non-dancers, worship-worthy attire is often the standard.

If we build our wardrobes in advance, we may already have many of the garments needed for thematic services. It helps to have solid basics that can be dressed up or down with an overlay or ephod. Solid white or black palazzos, tops, and skirts can be combined with colorful coverings to match multiple themes. Often, vendors at ministry events sell overlays and basics that you can use in the future for other events.

Planning ahead gives us the financial liberty to purchase any additional garments needed well in advance. Conference hosts should take care to announce any desired wardrobe requests well in advance to give delegates enough time to prepare. Whatever the selection, don't bust your budget trying to buy new garments for each event.

New King James Version

Exodus 28:3
So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest.

Proverbs 31:24
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.

Isaiah 52:1
Awake, awake! Put on your strength, O Zion; Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city! For the uncircumcised and the unclean Shall no longer come to you.

Revelation 3:5
He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

How Would You Rate It?

There is a science to conference planning and event management. It may be exciting to think of potential speakers, class topics, dates, and locations, but if we do not plan for the reality of the business side of ministry, we may be headed for failure. Although we all need to hear from God in terms of what He specifically wants us to do, we can use Godly wisdom and expertise when planning events.

One issue that is often debated are registration costs for ministry conferences. In many cases, registration does not cover the complete cost of the event expenses. Because event hosts do not want conference cost to be out of reach, additional fundraising efforts are put in place. Many factors go into determining the price of admission. If the price is set too low, the burden of meeting the financial obligations falls on the event host. If the price is too high, attendance may be low and goals may not be met.

HOTELS
If the event is being hosted at a hotel, there are often costs associated with booking the meeting room space. Meeting room space is often determined by the amount of food & beverage purchased. In the case of most dance conferences, there is little to no F&B, so meeting room space is often charged to the organization by a daily rate. Depending on the size of the room, this could cost thousands of dollars! When purchasing food & beverage, the hotel will usually offset the costs of the meeting space by the amount of food purchased. If a pre-determined minimum is met, this will often result in low-cost to no-cost meeting room space.

Upon signing a contract with the hotel, an initial deposit is usually required, ranging from several hundred dollars to several thousand depending upon where the event is hosted and the projected total cost. Since this money is needed up front, event hosts may run an "Early Bird" Registration Rate to raise enough capital to cover these costs. As the event draws closer, several payments can be made to the venue, with payments usually due in full a few days before the event.

When dealing with hotels, we must be careful not to overestimate our attendance or amount of rooms needed, as this may end up costing us BIG BUCKS! Looking to cancel less than 30 days before a scheduled event? Be prepared to pay the piper. We may want to run the contract by a lawyer or other experienced event planner so that we do not run into any potentially devastating financial surprises. Even churches are charging facility usage fees that require a signed contract. Let's be sure to count the cost before building.

TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS
If using speakers from outside of the event area, there are often travel costs associated with hosting them. Although some conferences encourage speakers to cover their own travel costs, many others provide travel arrangements and sleeping rooms for out of town guests at the expense of the ministry.

If the event is planned far enough in advance, we can save money on airfare and book our guests during optimal flight times or preferred airline carriers (all carriers are not created equal!). Hotel rooms may also be booked on behalf of the speakers, and in some instances, speakers may share rooms. Be sure to obtain permission before pairing up a speaker with a roommate.

Hotels charge a nightly rate for sleeping rooms, with payment in full due at check-out. If the event runs more than 2 days and several speakers are involved, this could also cost thousands of dollars. If you are not covering room service and incidentals, be sure to inform your speakers that these charges will be their responsibility. Regular Registration Rates may cover these costs, as well as go toward any related F&B.

ADMINISTRATION & MISCELLANEOUS EVENT EXPENSES
In many cases, there are other areas that event hosts must spend money. Need a conference logo? Planning to send out flyers? Handing out registration bags? Printing conference booklets? Hiring someone to design the location atmosphere? Hosting a dinner for speakers? Need a 1-800 number? Need a website? Shall I go on?

Conference extras can be the saving grace or the destruction of our ministry events. Little amounts can add up to much if we are not prepared for them. We must pray to determine if we really want or need something when it comes to our plans. What is not necessary is an expendable item. Let's make sure to have the needs in place before purchasing the optional items. Late Registration Rates may cover the printing of conference materials, but flyers and other promotional materials may need to take place earlier.

HONORARIUMS & LOVE OFFERINGS
We will not get into whether we agree or disagree with honorariums vs. love offerings. The reality is that bringing in speakers costs. Registrations and fundraising efforts can help offset the costs of these. If possible, we should try to have checks ready in advance and in envelopes so that we handle business with the greatest level of care and discretion.

LAST MINUTE NECESSITIES
Speakers may need transportation to and from the airport. If a car, van, or limo rental is needed, this is a cost the organization usually incurs. Gift baskets and welcome packets are other nice items to include for special guests. If we are providing meals for speakers or other allowances, we should factor this into our projected budgets. At-the-Door Registrations may provide some petty cash or money to help settle the final hotel bill.

REALITY CHECK
If we do not give people incentive to register early, we may not have the funds we need in time to meet our obligations. For many conferences, Group Registrations are offered discounts for booking a certain minimum number of registrations. Many people wait until the last minute to pay for registrations. If the majority of delegates did this, the event may be in jeopardy of cancellation.

Running a successful event takes more than faith. Our faith must have works to go along with it. We must pray and seek God and exercise good judgment when planning events. When we find out what works, we know that God will be pleased with our stewardship.

New King James Version

1 Chronicles 28:19
“All this,” said David, “the LORD made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the works of these plans.”

Psalm 127:1
Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

Luke 6:48
He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Ready... Set... Go!

Summertime usually brings lots of dance and worship arts conferences with it. Because many students are out of school, it is popular to host events during this time. Although the bulk of conferences usually take place within this timeframe, there are many events throughout the year. With a little planning, we can navigate through them successfully.

There are some great strategies to use for ministry travel. Experience is a good teacher. If we plan to make our trip a smooth one, even if we encounter a few "bumps" on the road, we should be able to arrive unscathed. Planning well in advance will allow us to be able to coordinate the trip with money to spare. Ready to pack your bags?

Scheduling
If possible, we should schedule trips outside of our local area several months in advance. This will allow us sufficient rest time in between trips if we are attending several events throughout the year. Even if we will be gone for back-to-back events, planning ahead of time will allow us a smoother transition. If we are married or parents, this will also aid us in providing for our homes needs as well.

Financing
If we plan sufficiently, we can usually save money with early registration. Many events have a tiered payment system in which the rates increase as the event draws closer. There are several reasons for this, which I will discuss in a later post. Purchasing airline tickets early usually results in savings as well. Hotels usually offer discount rates for groups booking in a block by a certain cut-off date. Booking after this date usually results in higher costs. Planning to purchase these items by a target date usually mean big savings!

Trip Tips:

By Airplane:
Try to book flights that arrive at least several hours before the event starts. Departing flights can be scheduled in the evening, but try to avoid booking the last flight out in case of delayed or cancelled flights. Who wants to spend the night in an airport? Signing up for rewards programs or volunteering to be bumped for overbooked flights can get you free travel and reduce future expenses.

When packing luggage, take your MUST HAVE items on board with you. If there is a specific garment that you need, don't risk having to fill out a claim for lost or delayed baggage. This will reduce your stress and help you to remain prepared. Try to avoid overpacking. If possible, coordinate garments so that you do not have to take your entire wardrobe with you.

By Car:
Try to plan your drive before or after rush hour traffic. Hurry up and wait? I hope not... Make sure that your vehicle has been recently serviced, or use a reputable rental agency. It may seem obvious, but get gas before taking to the road. No one wants to be stuck 30 miles away from the next gas station or waiting for the tow truck to come and assist. When travelling with a group, make sure to factor in "wiggle room" as well as enough space for baggage.

Hotel Bookings:
Many hotels offer early check-in when arriving before the posted times. This usually depends on availability, but I have done this many times with success. You can also request a late check-out until a certain time without extra charges. You can always leave your bags with the bellman in case of a late flight. In many cases, registering under the room block helps with the success of the conference. Joining a frequent visitor rewards program also come with perks! Remember: other guests might not share your enthusiasm as you re-enact conference highlights late at night. Courtesy counts!

Dining Out:
We should not have to tell the saints to tip waitstaff appropriately, so I will just encourage you to show extra love and care. We are still ministering to those around us! We can reduce the amount of money spent on meals by eating no more than 2 paid meals per day. Breakfast can be replaced with a meal bar or other pre-packaged fruits and nourishment brought with you. Water purchases can be made at a nearby market or convenience store. The water bottles and snacks inside of hotel rooms are usually pretty pricey!

Make a List and Check it Twice!
To ease the stress of a hectic travel schedule, we can make lists of itmes we must pack of take with us in advance. This should prevent forgetting any necessary items and limit last-minute shopping.

Safety Tips:
If journeying abroad, make sure to take your passport and keep it safe at all times. We cannot assume that because we are at a Christian event that the thief will restrain himself. We should avoid carrying bulky purses or backpacks and avoid the wearing of flashy jewelry to help minimize the temptation. Trying to get back home without a wallet or identification can be a nightmare!

Taking care to make plans in advance will result in success. Even if something does not go as planned, when the Lord is with us, He will deliver us out of trouble. Enjoy your travels throughout the year, taking care to make it the best experience possible. See you soon!

New King James Version

Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.

Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

Ecclesiastes 7:12
For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Learning Curve

With the many conferences and events being promoted, some may ask, "Why should I attend?" Faith-based events abound and there are no lack of options for anyone desiring to be sharpened and trained. If you want to vacation and learn, you can choose to go to a conference held on an island or travel internationally. If you'd prefer to stay closer to home, there may be some local events near you.

We should all study to show ourselves approved unto God. Dance ministries and conferences and events have blessed me, but in going, I have also learned what not to do. Either way, my investment in the ministry of movement has been beneficial to me. Moving out beyond my geographic area has allowed me to meet dance and movement ministers from all over the world. I am blessed to know that we do not all praise Him the same way. We are not confined to one style of worship attire. We do not all dance to the same beat.

I have also learned that many people hosting events have the right intentions, but are unable to deliver results. Some events have been disorganized, poorly promoted, and exhibit a lack of the Lord's presence during the event. While promotion may help, the reputation of the event organizer or host organization usually determines if people will come out and support or not. Each and every time I attend an event-gone-wrong, I am reminded that there is still much work for us to do.

I entered into the conference hosting arena in 2003 because I saw a need for worship arts ministers to understand the magnitude of the God we serve. Many are perishing for lack of knowledge. I have also learned that teaching my opinion will not deliver anyone; the Word of the Lord will do the work. I am blessed to have hosted events that did not go as well as I had planned, because it taught me to trust in God every step of the way. I have hosted free events as well as paid events and have learned to be a good steward over both. By the grace of God, He has taught me to share my experience and insight to help others up along the way.

There is nothing more rewarding than obeying the will of God. We must all make the effort to grow through study of the Word and fellowship with like-minded believers. Where He leads me, I will follow.

Here are a few upcoming 2009 dance and worship arts conferences that I will be attending this year:

FRESH WIND
June 18th-21st
Host: Expressions of Praise
Location: Kenner, Louisiana
Website: http://freshwind.eventbrite.com

DANCE MINISTRY DETOX
July 16th-18th
Host: Rain Reign Ministries
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Website: http://danceministrydetox.eventbrite.com
REGISTER TODAY!

DANCING PREACHERS INTERNATIONAL
August 5th-9th
Host: Sabrina McKenzie Ministries
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Website: www.sabrinamckenzie.org

EQUIPPING THE SAINTS
September 10th-13th
Host: Paneh Praise Dance & Mime Ministries
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Website: www.panehpraise.com/conference

LORD OF MANY WATERS
November 7th
Host: International Dance Commission- West Coast Region
Location: Spring Valley, California (Near San Diego)
website: www.regonline.com/IDCWestCoast

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Industrial Ministry

We are to go into the world preaching the Gospel. Too often, emphasis is placed on preaching in the church arena. If we limit the definition of ministry to the church setting, how will we reach a lost and dying world?

It takes wisdom to win souls. How we conduct ourselves in our daily and professional lives will gain or lose souls for the Kingdom. As the entertainment and arts industries continue to grow, worship arts elements are appearing in movies, television, and other media outlets. We must know how to conduct ourselves in the midst of a myriad of circumstances. If we are not careful, the lure of fame and fortune may cause us to compromise. We can show forth light in the midst of darkness!

We must prepare ourselves now to be good stewards of His grace. When the doors of opportunity open, we should be ready to walk through them- not by chance, but by preparation. We should never run out of "oil," so that when the bridegroom comes, we are ready to go into the celebration. If you want to receive the knowledge needed to survive in the "industry" attend this class at DANCE MINISTRY DETOX July 16th-18th in Las Vegas, NV.

BE INDUSTRIAL!
Or call (877) 420-4777 for more information.

"Industrial Ministry"
Instructor: Joey Alleyne
Ministry Consultant

New King James Version

Matthew 25:8-10
And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

2 Corinthians 1:12
[Paul’s Sincerity] For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

1 Peter 2:11-12
Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

God's Order for Garments(TM)

You've seen them... Those slightly see-through garments that leave little to the imagination. When coupled with movement, the appearance of dancers in cheap clothing is enough to make anyone blush. Even if money is invested in the garment, having an entire view of a bare back, underarms, midsection and other body parts may distract from the message in the movement. How do we determine what is appropriate attire for movement ministry?

Is our answer only found in Exodus 28? Must we wear garments that will suffocate us to be appropriately covered? Are our only options online or in catalogues that claim to cater to the Liturgical Dance market? We must know what the Lord has to say about garments. Since He is the Creator of all things, consulting Him on the matter will give us the answers we need.

God has provided us with the pattern in His Word. More than a quick walk through Exodus 28, God's Order for Garments(TM) provides a "Genesis to Revelation" study that reveals exciting discoveries and sets us at liberty! If you want to end the frustration with garments once and for all, you need to take this class at DANCE MINISTRY DETOX July 16th-18th in Las Vegas, NV.

GET CLOTHED!
Or call (877) 420-4777 for more information.

"God's Order for Garments(TM)"
Instructor: Rekesha Pittman
Rain Rein Reign Ministries
www.rainreinreign.com

New King James Version

Psalm 45:8
All Your garments are scented with myrrh and aloes and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made You glad.

Isaiah 52:1
[God Redeems Jerusalem] Awake, awake! Put on your strength, O Zion; Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city! For the uncircumcised and the unclean shall no longer come to you.

Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Matthew 11:8
But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Contemporary Movement

Are there certain dance moves that are "sinful?" How do we determine what is or is not appropriate for the worship setting? Are there some things that may work for outreach that may not work in church?

The Lord is the Divine Creator. As dance and movement continues to evolve and move forward, we must be led by the Lord into new territory. Motives matter. We do not have to borrow from others to stay current with the latest dance moves. We can get our choreography straight from the Throne Room!

Not only must we get out of the box, we should step into the realm of eternity by faith. Looking for new inspiration? Discover new movement and be enlarged with the capacity to move in liberty! Learn contemporary movement at DANCE MINISTRY DETOX July 16th-18th in Las Vegas, NV.

GET MOVING!
Or call (877) 420-4777 for more information.

"Contemporary Movement"
Instructor: Joey Alleyne
JAMM Performing Arts
www.jammperformingarts.com

New King James Version

2 Samuel 6:16, 21-23
Now as the ark of the LORD came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

So David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the LORD. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight. But as for the maidservants of whom you have spoken, by them I will be held in honor.” Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.


Isaiah 42:9
Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Sick and Tired!

Too often we ignore obvious "sicknesses" in the church. In the ministry of movement, persecution, ignorance, rebellion, strife, controlling behavior, and lack of wise counsel have cause deep pain for dancers and the Body at large. The aftermath is lame ministries lacking power and the ability to stand strong.

Many operating today are dancing while wounded spiritually and emotionally. Lack of healing results in bad attitudes, difficulty accepting correction, abusive behavior, cynicism, mistrust, misguidance, and fractured relationships on the part of numerous dancers. There are many sick among us...

Others are worn down by being taken advantage of in the name of "ministry." A growing sector of dancers are tired- TIRED of fighting... TIRED of doing the same thing... TIRED of trying to live right... TIRED of struggling. It's time to confront this state of being "sick and tired," and walk in the liberty of the Spirit!

If you desire healing and revival in your personal life and ministry, join us at DANCE MINISTRY DETOX July 16th-18th in Las Vegas, NV.

GET HEALED!
Or call (877) 420-4777 for more information.

"Sick and Tired"
Instructor: Elder Christopher Bourne
Pastor, Bethlehem COCH
www.bethlehemcoch.org

New King James Version

Proverbs 13:12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.

Isaiah 50:4
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned.

Jeremiah 8:22
Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery for the health of the daughter of my people?

Mark 6:56
Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.

James 5:14
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Untangle the Web!

Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Social Networking, Websites, Emails, Blogging, Instant Messaging, Direct Messaging, OH MY! Should we focus on one area or utilize them all? Having an internet presence today is pivotal to the success of many ministries. We can learn to use the internet to our benefit with a few tools and best practices to help up make sense of it all.

If we are not careful, we can end up wasting precious hours online trying to manage multiple pages, emails, and social networking sites. With today's technology, there are ways to minimize the time investment spent online, while still achieving the desired results. Managing multiple platforms with knowledge will ease the anxiety of having to update more pages than we can handle efficiently.

Do you need a website? Does your current website need a makeover? Are you planning an event or conference and want to know how you can better manage it through technology? Don't know where to begin? Learn how to make it all work while saving precious time for the furtherance of the Gospel at DANCE MINISTRY DETOX July 16th-18th in Las Vegas, NV.

Lakita Humber, our instructor is qualified to equip you with the following experience:

-Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology

-Over 10 years of experience in the Information Technology Industry

-Worked on multi-million dollar transportation systems for the United States Air Force and Databases for the United States Postal Service in addition to many others.


BE FREE TODAY!
Or call (877) 420-4777 for more information.

"Untangle the Web"
Instructor: Lakita Humber
Professional Presence Designs- www.professionalpresencedesigns.com
My Tweet Church- www.mytweetchurch.com

New King James Version

Proverbs 3:13
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

Galatians 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

2 Peter 2:20
For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Let's Face It! Mime

Although the definition of mime is to mimic, Kingdom movement ministers must not get stuck in replication. We can utilize the technique of mime while remaining open to a Divine download of choreography, facial expressions, garments, music, and more. We cannot become so immersed in traditional movement that we miss what the Lord is trying to do through us.

Should all mimes wear the same faces/face paint?
Is face paint a requirement for mime?
Are gloves a requirement?
Must all mimes wear black and white?
Is there a standard for mime ministry?


We must be free in Christ! Understanding the Word concerning hand motions, pointing, facial expressions, and prophetic demonstration is a good place to start. Whether you have been a mime minister for years or are just beginning, you can discover the next step to take at DANCE MINISTRY DETOX July 16th-18th in Las Vegas, NV.

FACE THE MUSIC!
Or call (877) 420-4777 for more information.

"Let's Face It! Mime"
Instructor: Candice Lewis
Judah First Mime Ministries

Genesis 46:28
[Jacob Settles in Goshen] Then he sent Judah before him to Joseph, to point out before him the way to Goshen. And they came to the land of Goshen.

Job 9:27
If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face and wear a smile,’

Nahum 2:10
She is empty, desolate, and waste! The heart melts, and the knees shake; Much pain is in every side, And all their faces are drained of color.

Acts 17:28
For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Pulling Down Strongholds

We cannot passively stand by while the enemy wreaks havoc. Our God will fight for us, but we are also encouraged to wage war by wise counsel. When the Walls of Jericho came down, it was through obedience. When praise went forth before the battle, the enemy began to self-destruct. In the ministry of movement, we cannot be ignorant to what's going on behind the scenes.

Many ministries are in turmoil today. Financial pressure, family problems, personal challenges, struggling churches, uncertain living arrangements, and job prospects have burdened down many. We must decide that we WILL bless the Lord at all times!

Prayer and intercession must be a daily part of our lives as movement ministers. Even though we may still face troublesome times, through revelation we will be able to overcome and shake the dust from our feet. Learn how to stand still and actively defeat the adversary at DANCE MINISTRY DETOX July 16th-18th in Las Vegas, NV.

BIND THE STRONGMAN!
Or call (877) 420-4777 for more information.

"Pulling Down Strongholds"
Workshop Instructor: Dr. Yulonda Lewis
Omega Worship Center
www.omegaworshipcenter.com

Proverbs 21:22
A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the trusted stronghold.

Mark 3:27
No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Uneventful

I want to take some time to encourage ministry event planners and address an alarming trend that is happening in the dance conference realm. I have written several times about how wonderful it is for dance ministries to seek training and development in the ministry of movement. Some may order books, DVDs, or other ministry-related products. Others invest money travelling to conferences locally and abroad. Travel over long distances can cost a significant amount of money that includes registration, airfare, hotel accommodations, food, and transportation arrangements. For groups, the expenses could amount to thousands of dollars!

When events are cancelled or postponed at the last minute, rumors abound. Questions surface as to why the event is not taking place including: Were there enough registrations? Did the conference host run out of funds? Will I get my money back if I have already paid registration? What about the non-refundable airline ticket that I purchased? Event cancellations can have a domino effect that spreads beyond the challenge of telling the world that the event will not take place. We could be affected by this for years... BUT GOD!

As an organization, when we cancel events, our reputations may be compromised. Although there are circumstances that may make cancellation inevitable, how we handle the aftermath will determine whether people will continue to trust us for the next event. We must notify any registered delegates as soon as possible, and refund them promptly. In any case, we must always obey God!

Conference hosts and event planners must continue to be good stewards through much prayer and discernment. We must ask the Lord concerning dates, location, speakers, theme, schedule, administration, and so much more! Too often we call not counting the cost "walking by faith," when we really must set budgets and forecast how the bill is to be paid. I have learned some difficult (and expensive) lessons myself in this area. Thank the Lord for miraculous deliverance! We must ask tough questions up front and not be afraid to conduct Kingdom business with confidence.

Finger-pointing is not going to help us, but Spirit-led planning will. I am encouraging every organization that had to cancel or postpone an event this year: Keep pressing on! For those who have been adversely affected or disappointed by conference cancellations or postponed events; please extend forgiveness. We are living in a time of financial difficulty, but do not want to stop supporting the events of other ministries because we suffered a few setbacks.

I encourage every event host to read books on conference and event management, improve your financial management, and seek God earnestly concerning His will for your ministry. I speak the truth in love. We are all in this together. Let's fight the good fight of faith!

New King James Version

1 Corinthians 3:14
If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

2 Timothy 4:5
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Let's Get Technical! Ballet

Excellence is something that we have to work towards on an ongoing basis. When we make an offering to the Lord, we should give Him our very best. Not everyone in the ministry of movement will master the technical elements of dance, but those who dance lyrically should work to obtain a basic mastery of balance, positioning, placement, and safety.

Dance training on a regular basis may be out of reach for some, but if we can bring the training to us, we can still improve our technique. Taking ballet classes does not mean that our pieces have to include all of the elements that we have learned in class. The foundational concepts of ballet will help us be able to do the choreography that the Lord shows us with precision and with minimal injury.

Merge the skill of movement with anointed dance! Even if you have not trained from childhood, it's never too late to learn a new skill or improve on an existing one. If you desire an intense ballet class from a skilled and anointed movement minister, take this class at DANCE MINISTRY DETOX July 16th-18th in Las Vegas, NV. Monica Johnson, known for her YouTube choreography of "Let's Set the Atmosphere" with GLOW will be our dynamic instructor!

BECOME SKILLFUL TODAY!
Or call (877) 420-4777 for more details.

"Let's Get Technical! Ballet"
Class Instructor: Monica Johnson
GLOW- www.glowdances.com

Psalm 149:3
Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.

Psalm 150:4
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!

Isaiah 28:29
This also comes from the LORD of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance.

Jeremiah 31:4
Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! You shall again be adorned with your tambourines, and shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice.

Daniel 6:3
Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.