Checking the Charges

Ever see a registration fee for a dance or worship arts conference and wonder why? There are several factors that go into determining whether an event can be hosted free of charge or if registration fees are necessary. I want to share with you a little bit of the happenings behind the scenes to get a better understanding of the charges...

FREE CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
It is easier to host free events when the facility, speakers, and sponsors are able to support or eliminate any financial expenses tied to the event. For my first three dance conferences, I hosted the gathering free of charge (to attendees), but the truth is, I paid for them out of my own pocket as a love offering to the dance community.

For my very first conference in 2003, the church donated the building, although we returned 10 percent of the offering back to the church. The food was donated by members of the church and all of the teachers (three of us) donated their time to teach the participants. For the evening dance concert, we received a freewill offering. What may not have been as obvious were the other expenses that went into preparing: administrative costs (printing, postage, ink), and hotel accommodations (I lived outside of the immediate area and the event started early in the morning). Unfortunately, many of the participants were not big "givers" so there was no profit derived from this conference (and I operated it at a natural loss, but a spiritual gain!)

My second conference moved to a larger facility. Though the church was donated again, we still gave a love offering for participation. In addition, I had to pay for the food to feed the participants myself. Expenses also increased. I now had a website, more printing costs (brochures and registrations forms), postal expenses (mailing out information), decorating fees, and gave the janitor a cleaning fee. We again received a love offering for the conference, but it did not cover the expenditures of the event.

The third conference proved even more challenging. The location that was donated before now came with a rental fee. The conference was still free for participants, food was still included, and administrative costs continued to grow. Since I was working a full-time, well-paying job, this was not an undue burden. To make things even more interesting, I moved to Las Vegas and still hosted this conference in Los Angeles, CA. This meant that I had to travel to get there for meetings and for the conference. (Do you see where this is going?).

PAID CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
After relocating to Las Vegas, the ballgame changed completely for my 4th event. Venue rentals for hotels, churches, and community centers proved to be expensive in this city. Since most people visit Vegas for vacation, I decided to host the event at a hotel. Many hotels have large food and beverage minimums or require hefty fees for meeting room rental space. In addition, bringing speakers from out of town entails flights, hotel arrangements, and love offerings. This did not include sound, decor, administrative costs, or transportation! All of this had to be factored in and a registration fee was charged. Although the experience was phenomenal, the expense far outweighed the return! I learned to make adjustments for the future.

By my 5th conference, I'd learned how to budget more carefully. I scaled down the size of the venue, looked for cheaper meeting room space, and narrowed down the list of invited speakers. I raised registration rates that included food served by the hotel and offered a better conference overall. We ended up being able to meet all budgetary needs for the conference!

I will be hosting my 6th conference in two weeks. Over the years, I have learned that it takes an army of supporters behind the scenes to move into success. Although ministry costs when delivering on a level of excellence, the return on investment always outweighs the natural expenses. There are some hosts who are able to "sponsor" their own conferences and workshops. As value increases, others may buy ad space, make donations, or provide in-kind gifts that will reduce the overall cost of the gathering.

Next time you consider attending a conference based on price, consider all that takes place behind the scenes. There is great value to be found in gatherings of all levels. The key is to consult God concerning which events to attend and seeking Him for the provision. As is is often said, "Where God guides, He provides."

Join us at "Worship, Incorporated," National Worship and Dance Conference August 11th-13th in Las Vegas, NV.

For the exciting details, visit us on our site:
http://www.rainreinreign.com/conference.html

Pre-Sale Copies of Rekesha Pittman's NEW Book!

SPECIAL OFFER for those who are registered for "Worship, Inc" National Worship and Dance Conference!

Reserve your personal copy of For This Cause I Bow My Knees: A Moving Testament TODAY!

You may buy your book online TODAY at the pre-sale rate of only $10.00 per book NOW through Saturday, August 6th! Those who purchase pre-sale copies online will be able to pick up your book during registration on Thursday, August 11th BEFORE it goes on sale to the general conference attendees!

HURRY---> The price of the book will increase after August 6th!

Rekesha Pittman and Reignaissance Publications will be hosting a Book Release Party in celebration on Friday, August 12th from 9:30pm -11pm at the Hampton Inn & Suites Las Vegas Airport where she will be available to sign copies of your book.


THIS OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE AT THE CONFERENCE.

Not registered for the conference or unable to attend? You may purchase your copy on Monday, August 15th!

Purchase your reserve copy of her NEW book TODAY by clicking the link!

http://www.rainreinreign.com/conference.html

Go Where You Have Favor

Hearing the voice of God clearly will change your life forever! For at least a year, I have been exclaiming "Let GOD do it" in social media, to friends, and in my daily life. I had no idea how powerful those words would really be in my life and ministry.

Earlier this year, I was making plans to head to Chicago to be a vendor at a conference. After calculating the cost for airfare, hotel, food, and weighing it against the expected return, I heard the Lord say, "Go where you have favor." I decided not to take the trip. About a week later, I got a phone call to teach at a conference in Georgia on the same dates that I would have been in Chicago!

On June 4th, I was scheduled to preach at a worship service where Reign Dance Company was in attendance with me. The prophet of the house began to speak a word over our ministry and was accurate beyond belief. Then he said, "You are going to South Africa!" We all rejoiced, even though we were not sure when this was going to happen.

Three weeks later, I boarded my flight and headed to Georgia for the dance conference. I truly enjoyed teaching and sharing the company of so many dancers hungry for the Word of the Lord! On the final night, I participated in a group dance piece and received another prophetic Word from the Lord! In the audience were visiting pastors who were introduced to the congregation, but I did not catch where they were from.

After service, I was standing at my table and a minister approached me and introduced himself. He then said that he was from SOUTH AFRICA and that he would like to bring me and my dancers there! (My dancers had not taken this trip with me, mind you...) Not only was this invitation legitimate, we will be going to South Africa on a Missions Trip October 6th-17th, 2011! LET GOD DO IT!!!!

God is truly amazing!

If you would like to assist Reign Dance Company as we head to South Africa, your financial encouragement is needed. You may contribute on our website:

http://www.reigndancecompany.com

or send checks payable to

Reign Dance Company
Attn: Rekesha Pittman
4262 Blue Diamond Rd Suite 102-296
Las Vegas, NV 89139

We will be visiting schools and prisons, providing supplies and serving food to the homeless. Of course, we will also worship through dance and the Word! Our first deposits are due this month... Thanks in advance for your support!

Speaking of Gospel

I am blessed to share this television interview with you! This has truly been a season of "Letting GOD do it" in my life, relationships, and ministry. I am overwhelmed by His blessings and His grace.

Speaking of Gospel - Rekesha Pittman from Rekesha Pittman on Vimeo.

Please watch the interview and share your feedback. I hope to see you August 11th-13th at "Worship, Incorporated" National Worship and Dance Conference in Las Vegas, NV. Please visit http://www.rainreinreign.com for more information about this conference.

In Awe of God,
Rekesha Pittman

Motion Sickness

Yesterday, the thought of motion sickness came to my mind. Too many praise dancers are focused on precision movement, "gigs," garments, and recognition and forgetting GOD. Anytime something becomes popular, the temptation to pervert its original design also becomes magnified. We should not want to promote the notion that dance ministry is a form of entertainment, social club, or extra-curricular activity. Although some may disagree with me, these people may not understand the true responsibility of those that labor in the gospel.

Motion sickness is also known as simulation sickness. It causes fatigue and tiredness. This type of sickness results from discord within the body. (Source: Wikipedia) Herein lies the problem for masses of dancers! When we stop following the pattern that God has orchestrated for others, we allow Him to give us direction for those we are uniquely called to impact. Wisdom can be gained by gleaning from the experience of others, but learning to obey God's voice will produce miraculous results!

Please help me read my Bible, but music, dance, and song in the Scriptures in the context of Godly representation were used to bring deliverance, prophesy, celebrate, testify, and magnify the LORD. There are also other instances of dance that denigrated, compromised, and served as gateways to idolatry and disobedience. Because many churches, dancers, and community leaders enjoy crowd reactions and want to accommodate the status quo, we have allowed spiritual anarchy to rule.

If we are of the Body and not healing the Body, why are we dancing? If we desire to do what we prefer instead of following God's direction, then dancing is aimless. When we get so used to "routines" and cannot operate in spiritual obedience, we lose value as effective gospel messengers. Dancing in itself does not please the LORD, obedience does!

New King James Bible Version

Ezekiel 34:4
The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them.

Isaiah 1:14
Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them.

Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

No Experience Required

NEWS FLASH!!! Dance ministry is NOT a requirement for your church! Although I am a proponent of the ministry of movement, I am also an advocate of the Body functioning in its proper place. The problem within many ministries today is a spiritual "Keeping up with the Joneses" proliferating throughout our congregations. Dance leaders are being haphazardly selected for the mere purpose of forming a dance troupe without regard for core beliefs, lifestyle, or anointing for leadership. It is better to leave a hole in the wall open than to fill that SAME hole with deadly explosives!

Much of the spiritual warfare happening within our borders today is brewing from the inside. Pastors and governing leadership MUST understand the spiritual importance of placing people in proper position, and the lasting ramifications of starting ministries without the leading of the Lord. It is time to sound the alarm and stand on the TRUTH of the Word!

This structural damage taking place in our churches is now spilling into the streets of our communities and across the Nations. Wounded soldiers from the dance ministry battlefield are starting external ministries with bleeding hearts. Others, running from the shrapnel of words and ungodly behavior are hiding in spiritual caves and going "underground" when they are internally yearning for ministry to come forth. What have we allowed to happen in our (supposed) sanctuaries? These experiences are NOT a requirement to dance for the Lord!

Praise God for the many healthy ministries in the churches and the community that have been started with pure intentions and ordained by God. Not all external ministries are rogue, just as many church leaders incorporate proper prayer and reliance on God before setting leaders in place. Because many dancers desire to move outside of the appointed time, these war stories continue to mount. We must all rely on God to serve in the area that brings Him glory and leads other to Christ. If our current ministries are marred by fighting, rebellion, dysfunction, and disunity, we must humble ourselves and pray.... NOW!

(New King James Bible Version)

1 Corinthians 1:10
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 Timothy 6:3-5
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

Jude 1:17-19
But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.

In Remembrance of Me?

If our hearts are not set on pleasing God in the worship arts arena, we will be remembered for the wrong reasons. How many times have we attended a concert or worship event to only to ask ourselves, "What is WRONG with this picture?" Although there will always be dancers whose priorities are elsewhere, those of us who love the Lord with our entire existence will aim to please Him only.

Here are some questions that we should ask ourselves regularly:

Should I remember a creative hairstyle more than the message?

Are those eye-catching garments really more of a fashion show than a tool for ministry?

Does the general personality of the ministry promote anti-social behavior, callousness, or an unfriendly demeanor?

Is there a lot of joking, disrespect, talking, or carelessness taking place when there should be focus and unity?

Do the garments serve as a example of a "striptease" show more than reverence for the Creator?

Do electronic devices hinder the ability to worship or encourage others because many are consumed with giving or receiving updates on social networks and text messaging?

Are there more people observing others praise and worship than there are actually worshipping Him?

All that we do should cause others to remember the cause of Christ. If we spend our time consumed with our own preferences, desires, needs, choreography, dressing room space, line-up on the roster, and other self-centered priorities, we can guarantee that we will not be remembered as those who gave complete glory to God.

This process requires constant evaluation of our own motives, Bible reading, prayer time, and living lives that please God while serving others. When we can barely recall the song danced and its intended message, we know that we have been disrupted by the flesh. Let's focus on the assignment of letting others glorify God our Father by seeing the good works that we do here on earth.

New King James Bible Version

1 Samuel 10:25
Then Samuel explained to the people the behavior of royalty, and wrote it in a book and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

1 Timothy 5:25
Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

Secret Service

It is sad and unfortunate to hear the countless stories of those in dance ministry who are scarred by leadership. Is it often reported that many dance leaders are self-centered, egotistical, greedy, and downright unpleasant. Is this the type of leadership that Christ modeled?

We must be especially careful in the worship arts arena. Talented people often attract praise, attention, and semi-fame in many of the communities we impact. If we are not actively practicing humility and Christ-centered leadership, we can morph into ungodly examples of what NOT to do!

When someone is a leader, it generally means that they are out front, providing direction or instruction. This is a position of high responsibility and honor, but should never be an opportunity for terrorism in our churches and communities. Although there will always be people who are very sensitive and unable to take correction, how leaders deal with people should be more closely scrutinized. If you are currently a leader, how would your people describe you--- BEHIND YOUR BACK?

It is not how leaders are celebrated, lavished, or touted that makes us Christ-like. How we serve privately matters.

-How do we talk to others?

-Are our opinions based on the Scriptures or our own prejudices?

-Are we often argumentative more than instructive?

-Is the ministry growing (spiritually and naturally)?

-Do we refuse help from others and position ourselves as the focus of the ministry?

-Are we battling massive rebellion from those who should be following us?

-Are we accountable to other respected leaders who will tell us the truth about US?

-Are we studying books on leadership and praying for God to lead us daily?

Teachers are definitely held to a higher standard. Movement ministries have been plagued with countless stories of infighting, rebellion, mistreatment, and frustration. As a leader, what are you allowing to happen on your watch? The greatest weapons to combat toxic spiritual environments are by using the Word of God and staying in that prayer place. What is done in secret will be rewarded openly. We must also remember that what's done in the dark will be revealed by the Light.

NEW KING JAMES VERSION

Malachi 2:7-9

7) “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge,
And people should seek the law from his mouth;
For he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

8) But you have departed from the way;
You have caused many to stumble at the law.
You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,”
Says the LORD of hosts.

9) “Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base
Before all the people,
Because you have not kept My ways
But have shown partiality in the law.”

Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Divine Turnaround Online Intensives

There are so many wonderful developments taking place in the worship arts arena! With emerging technology, expanding resources, online blogs and websites, there is no reason that any worship arts ministry should be without the information needed to succeed. If fear is a factor in stepping out on faith, study and knowledge will give us the boost we need to operate in excellence!

The Divine Turnaround Apprenticeship Program has launched with great success! There are seven phenomenal ladies working together to make "Worship, Inc" National Worship and Dance Conference a great success. This six-month program allows the apprentices to focus on one area of expertise at a time, with real-world application and definite results. Worshippers will be coming from across the nation to Las Vegas August 11th-13th. To register yourself or your group, visit http://www.rainreinreign.com TODAY!

I often receive messages on Facebook and via email requesting my expertise in diverse areas concerning the worship arts. As I continued to see recurring trends in subject matter, I was impressed to begin the Divine Turnaround Intensive Program to meet those needs. There are two options available:

Divine Turnaround: Book Writing & Publishing Intensive is designed to help you successfully publish your project. You will obtain the major steps and strategies needed to publish your own work professionally.

Divine Turnaround: Kingdom Business Intensive is designed to help you establish or improve your existing business with Kingdom purpose and longevity.

The introductory rate for each Intensive is only $75.00! This session begins Tuesday, March 1, 2011 and will run for 7 consecutive weeks. You will receive one interactive project to complete each week. Intensives include personal correspondence and group coaching sessions. At the end of the Intensive session, you will have the pertinent information needed to operate successfully!

You may register online at http://www.divineturnaround.com

Experience your Divine Turnaround NOW!

Dance Ministry Updates and News!

Greetings Kingdom Dance Advancers!

I have been away from my blog for a while because I have been "in the lab," so to speak. I have many exciting updates to share with you and am looking forward to a GREAT year! "Let GOD do it!"

Here is a brief overview of what to expect in 2011:

Company Keepers: Dance Ministry Daily
Company Keepers is now on Kindle! If you do not have a Kindle reader, you can download a FREE app to your iPad, iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone, PC, or Mac! The digital version of the book is only $9.99 is is delivered to you immediately. Paperback versions of the book are still available on the Reignaissance website for only $20.00 plus shipping.

Purchase on Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KAA9RA
Purchase Paperback: http://www.reignaissance.com



I am excited to report that many groups are using the book for group study and there will be a companion workbook launching in the Spring!

Rain Rein Reign Ministries
Has a new website!

Check it out: http://www.rainreinreign.com

RRR Ministries is back with our 6th Conference! "Worship, Inc." National Worship and Dance Conference will be held in August in fabulous Las Vegas!

Dates: August 11th-13th

Conference Location: Oquendo Center - Las Vegas, NV

Hotel Accommodations: Hampton Inn & Suites - Las Vegas Airport (Only $79.00 per night!)



To Register Online: http://worshipinc.eventbrite.com

You may download a registration form on the RRR website and mail it in with a check or money order.

Group rates start at only $65.00 per person (7 or more people), but hurry! The discount rate expires March 31st!

Workshops include classes for dancers, singers, musicians, leaders, entrepreneurs, and children! See you there!

Reignaissance Designs
Have you seen the jeweled "Praise Dance" tees? Classy Classwear returns March 21st! Stay tuned for details...



Divine Turnaround Apprenticeship Program
Desire to gain professional experience on the business side of the worship arts arena?

Visit http://www.divineturnaround.com to see how you can build your resume and get hands-on, real world experience!



Praise Dance Classifieds
My good friend and ministry trainer, Lakita Fane, has launched a new, state-of-the-art site for dance ministries and businesses to let the world know about your business, classes, and training programs.

Visit today to see what you are missing: http://praisedanceclassifieds.com/



His Hem Ministry
This blog highlights the latest in praise dance news and events.

Stop by His Hem Ministry today! http://hishemministry.blogspot.com

I will be attending several conferences this year, which I will highlight later this week. For now, please visit the links and show your support.

Friend me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rekesha
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rekeshapittman

Thanks for the encouragement, love and support! It's all for HIS glory!

Rekesha P.

Influent

The word "influent" was ringing in my spirit today. As a minister of movement and the Word, I always want to make sure that my words and actions are not in opposition. I want the life and testimony that I dance and preach about to bring inspiration and transformation to those who come in contact with me. I do not want to be a scandalous statistic of hypocritical Christians who use grace as an excuse for bad behavior. Scandal always pulls us down and does not uplift. Let us be set apart for the Master's use.

To be influent, one must impact a larger community to its benefit, and not its detriment. Literally, it means a factor modifying the balance and stability of an ecological community, and it also means inflowing. Are the dances that we select edifying the Body, or are we causing controversy when we debate each other about the "rules" of the ministry of movement? Is your ministry growing (naturally and spiritually)? Is there enough Word, discipline and love flowing through us for us to overflow into our churches, cities, and countries?

Some dance teams have yet to make an impact in the local church, much less the larger community of believers and non-believers. In order for us to make disciples, we must first become one. Kingdom work should never be an optional activity or be based on entertainment factor. Jesus was the most influential person that ever lived. I doubt that He sat around trying to devise eye-catching elements to help out His sermons, yet thousands sought Him regularly. As soon as He commanded miracles, they took place. He was obedient in all things, to the point of laying down His life.

Our extended reach cannot be the trappings of slick marketing, popular associations, gifted speeches, or flashy imagery. At the core, we must be directed to move by God, submitted to His will, loving His people, and finding contentment with the measure God has appointed to us. Yes, we can do the dances that will altar a Nation, but transformation must take place within us first so that we can continue to impact generations beyond our own lifetimes... for His name's sake.

New King James Bible Version

Jeremiah 42:6
Whether it is pleasing or displeasing, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God to whom we send you, that it may be well with us when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

2 Corinthians 6:3
We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.

1 Thessalonians 2:4
But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.