There seems to be a "hustler" mentality running rampant through the church today. Many ministries would like you to volunteer your marketable skills and talents for unlimited access, while capitalizing on the profit for themselves. There is nothing wrong with choosing to donate time to the church and serving the ministry with no desire for profit. It is important that we examine ourselves daily to see if we are taking advantage of anyone unfairly.
It is often said that "You get what you pay for." Initially, many who would charge the going rate for services in the secular arena may feel honored to help someone or an organization at no cost. When the person or the organization continues to take advantage of this "free" service without ever offering anything to the laborer, the one donating his or her time may feel used or abused. It's one thing for people to give time and money from the heart. It's another to expect it eternally without thought or regard for the giver. There is no fee charged to attend Sunday morning services; however, the offering plate will be passed in anticipation that the people would like to see the ministry continue.
The mentality of getting something for nothing is running rampant through many dance ministries today. We should not expect garments for free just because we are in ministry. We should not hesitate to pay to attend conferences and events that will enrich us. If we have Kingdom businesses and the only websites that we use are "free," we may not be considered a legitimate business. When our business cards are ordered from free printing warehouses, the excellence factor may be diminished. Don't get me wrong, having printed materials and a website is better than having nothing at all!
Even though David was a king, when it came to the things of the Lord, he understood that his treasure and heart were connected. When David approached Arunah for a threshing floor, he could have gotten it for free just because of his position. David did not use his title to get "freebies" from people. Because the use of the threshing floor was to be dedicated to the Lord, David insisted that he would pay for it and not offer the Lord something that costs nothing.
When we invest our resources in ministry, it shows that we are making a sacrafice. There is a time to receive money, gifts, and the like, but we must make sure that we are not expecting over and above what is reasonable. When we cannot reward others monetarily, a little appreciation goes a long way. Even if someone decides to bless us with money, donated time, or other resources, we should take the time to give thanks for the blessing the Lord has allowed them to be in our lives.
(New King James Bible Version)
2 Samuel 24:24
Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
1 Chronicles 21:24
Then King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing.”
Jeremiah 22:13
Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness and his chambers by injustice, Who uses his neighbor’s service without wages and gives him nothing for his work
Revelation 3:18
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
TMI
In this age of growing technology, many movement ministers are connecting online and meeting new friends. I have written time and again how great it is to go worldwide with the Gospel. We must also use wisdom when engaging in cyber-activity.
I am surprised by some of the things that I see posted by others who proclaim the Gospel. In addition to posts containing mild to outright obscenity, questionable pictures are posted that can contradict the message we are trying to preach. In addition to these, people may begin to second-guess our ministries by the friendships that we claim online. For instance, if most of my friends boast of an affinity for narcotics, then it can be assumed that I am indulging in them. If we download videos that glorify fornication, we may be labeled in that category as well. By the way, many of our updates, friendships, and downloads are readily visible to all of our online "friends."
While many of us can comfortably say that we are not guilty of any of these offenses, we must always check our motives for the things that we post. Using the internet to advertise an event may be great (and cost effective), but when someone sees the same advertisement posted multiple times in a row, it may make us appear to be self-promoters without boundaries. If we send a public message to someone to try to make ourselves appear really important, others may think that we are self-ambitious.
There is a difference between sharing a testimony and bragging. A testimony brings glory to God by making it known that the Lord was the solution to the problem. Bragging is when we lead people to believe that through our own goodness and efforts, we were able to be victorious. The Lord is looking at our hearts. What is in our hearts will be revealed through what we say and write. Let's be careful not to reveal too much information.
New King James Bible Version
Psalm 69:5
O God, You know my foolishness; And my sins are not hidden from You.
Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly.
2 Corinthians 12:6
For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.
I am surprised by some of the things that I see posted by others who proclaim the Gospel. In addition to posts containing mild to outright obscenity, questionable pictures are posted that can contradict the message we are trying to preach. In addition to these, people may begin to second-guess our ministries by the friendships that we claim online. For instance, if most of my friends boast of an affinity for narcotics, then it can be assumed that I am indulging in them. If we download videos that glorify fornication, we may be labeled in that category as well. By the way, many of our updates, friendships, and downloads are readily visible to all of our online "friends."
While many of us can comfortably say that we are not guilty of any of these offenses, we must always check our motives for the things that we post. Using the internet to advertise an event may be great (and cost effective), but when someone sees the same advertisement posted multiple times in a row, it may make us appear to be self-promoters without boundaries. If we send a public message to someone to try to make ourselves appear really important, others may think that we are self-ambitious.
There is a difference between sharing a testimony and bragging. A testimony brings glory to God by making it known that the Lord was the solution to the problem. Bragging is when we lead people to believe that through our own goodness and efforts, we were able to be victorious. The Lord is looking at our hearts. What is in our hearts will be revealed through what we say and write. Let's be careful not to reveal too much information.
New King James Bible Version
Psalm 69:5
O God, You know my foolishness; And my sins are not hidden from You.
Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly.
2 Corinthians 12:6
For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Grace Period Expired
Obedience is crucial to success. A while back, I shared the testimony of how the Lord instructed me to write about dance ministry each day for an entire year. The task was completed and since then, the Lord has opened the windows of Heaven over my life. Although my current assignments require much work on my part (faith without works is dead), without the disipline that writing daily instilled in my life, I would not be ready for the doors He has now opened for me.
Sometimes we continue tasks beyond our appointed time. When we do this, we exhaust the grace that we have to maintain our dedication to the assignment. We place ourselves in danger when our once bubbling brooks turn into stagnant swamp water. What was awesome yesterday may indeed be a hindrance today. Let's not let our past successes become a set up for failure. God does not operate according to formulas. We must be diligent in seeking Him.
Faithfulness to the Lord is not based on a timeline. Serving in the same place for years is not faithfulness if we have been instructed to move forward long ago. Obedience determines faithfulness. When we are diligent to follow His instructions, He will reward us. If we continue to stay in a place, position, location, or assignment beyond our "grace period," we will find ourselves accomplishing tasks in our own strength.
2 Samuel 20:5
So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah. But he delayed longer than the set time which David had appointed him.
Psalm 102:13
You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For the time to favor her, Yes, the set time, has come.
Daniel 2:21
And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.
Sometimes we continue tasks beyond our appointed time. When we do this, we exhaust the grace that we have to maintain our dedication to the assignment. We place ourselves in danger when our once bubbling brooks turn into stagnant swamp water. What was awesome yesterday may indeed be a hindrance today. Let's not let our past successes become a set up for failure. God does not operate according to formulas. We must be diligent in seeking Him.
Faithfulness to the Lord is not based on a timeline. Serving in the same place for years is not faithfulness if we have been instructed to move forward long ago. Obedience determines faithfulness. When we are diligent to follow His instructions, He will reward us. If we continue to stay in a place, position, location, or assignment beyond our "grace period," we will find ourselves accomplishing tasks in our own strength.
2 Samuel 20:5
So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah. But he delayed longer than the set time which David had appointed him.
Psalm 102:13
You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For the time to favor her, Yes, the set time, has come.
Daniel 2:21
And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
There's Just So Many of Them!
It is exciting to see so many worship arts conferences spring up all over the world! In most cases, we are able to find workshops near us, or some that we may want to travel to. Deciding to attend a conference and workshop should be coupled with prayer, planning, and wisdom.
Not everyone with a website and a workshop is called to teach concerning the ministry of movement. Some of the best conferences that I have attended have been a result of word-of-mouth testimonies to the organization's effectiveness and spiritual power. Great advertising may be a good indicator of the type of quality that we may receive at a conference or workshop, but advertising is not enough. What we allow to be spoken into our lives can have a lasting impact. When the Lord leads us, we will leave enriched and encouraged to grow in our field.
We also cannot disqualify an event based on assumptions. There are many new conferences hosted that can be awesome because they are untainted by the "celebrity factor" of other conferences. We can learn something from the experts in movement ministry as well as the up-and-coming visionaries in the making. Whether we learn what to do or what not to do, we are learning nevertheless.
Here are some of my personal tips on selecting dance conferences and workshops:
1- Support Other Ministries!
Let's not fall into the trap of attending events only as invited guests.
2- Do Your Homework!
Research conferences options online, via brochures, or flyers, and ask about the ministry hosting the event from others who may be familiar with their work. If planning to travel to a different country or culture, we should research the region so that we are not ignorant or offensive concerning the people we will encounter. Pray!
3- Plan Ahead!
Many conferences are listed several months (or even years) in advance. Arranging our calendars to make sure that we are not neglecting our other responsibilities is important.
4- Manage Your Money!
If we would like to travel to another destination to attend a dance ministry event, we should begin setting aside funds for travel without going into debt. We can designate a certain date to buy a plane ticket, secure registration, book hotel accommodations, arrange transportation, etc. We should also budget for food and items that we may want to purchase from vendors.
5- Don't Get Stuck In Tradition!
Just because we travel to a certain conference each year does not mean that we should not remain open to other possibilities. Staying in a comfort zone can actually do us more harm than good. If we are going to grow as movement ministers, we will have to do something that we've never done. "Behold, I do a new thing!"
We can learn so much from other people. Each of us should make it a priority to obtain some type of training throughout the year. We want to continue to give the Lord our very best. Each conference, workshop and event will allow us to develop further in ministry. It's time to enlarge the borders!
New King James Version:
Proverbs 9:9
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
Colossians 2:6-8
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
Titus 3:14
And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
Not everyone with a website and a workshop is called to teach concerning the ministry of movement. Some of the best conferences that I have attended have been a result of word-of-mouth testimonies to the organization's effectiveness and spiritual power. Great advertising may be a good indicator of the type of quality that we may receive at a conference or workshop, but advertising is not enough. What we allow to be spoken into our lives can have a lasting impact. When the Lord leads us, we will leave enriched and encouraged to grow in our field.
We also cannot disqualify an event based on assumptions. There are many new conferences hosted that can be awesome because they are untainted by the "celebrity factor" of other conferences. We can learn something from the experts in movement ministry as well as the up-and-coming visionaries in the making. Whether we learn what to do or what not to do, we are learning nevertheless.
Here are some of my personal tips on selecting dance conferences and workshops:
1- Support Other Ministries!
Let's not fall into the trap of attending events only as invited guests.
2- Do Your Homework!
Research conferences options online, via brochures, or flyers, and ask about the ministry hosting the event from others who may be familiar with their work. If planning to travel to a different country or culture, we should research the region so that we are not ignorant or offensive concerning the people we will encounter. Pray!
3- Plan Ahead!
Many conferences are listed several months (or even years) in advance. Arranging our calendars to make sure that we are not neglecting our other responsibilities is important.
4- Manage Your Money!
If we would like to travel to another destination to attend a dance ministry event, we should begin setting aside funds for travel without going into debt. We can designate a certain date to buy a plane ticket, secure registration, book hotel accommodations, arrange transportation, etc. We should also budget for food and items that we may want to purchase from vendors.
5- Don't Get Stuck In Tradition!
Just because we travel to a certain conference each year does not mean that we should not remain open to other possibilities. Staying in a comfort zone can actually do us more harm than good. If we are going to grow as movement ministers, we will have to do something that we've never done. "Behold, I do a new thing!"
We can learn so much from other people. Each of us should make it a priority to obtain some type of training throughout the year. We want to continue to give the Lord our very best. Each conference, workshop and event will allow us to develop further in ministry. It's time to enlarge the borders!
New King James Version:
Proverbs 9:9
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
Colossians 2:6-8
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
Titus 3:14
And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Dreams and Visions
Many of us have dreams and visions of where the Lord is leading us. If we do not keep our eyes on God, we may stray off of the path of His leading. When we trust Him and follow His direction, we will find ourselves in the place of peace and prosperity. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord!
I praise God for allowing me to see one of the visions that He has given me come to life. I recently launched Reign Dance Company after 4 years of praying and waiting on the Lord's timing. When the Lord gives me BIG vision, it is usually something that is for the future, and He gives me time to prepared for it so that it will last. I usually write the vision down and wait for Him to bring all of the pieces together. In planning for the dance company, I wrote down the class descriptions and the general vision for the company and waited on God.
In the meantime, he allowed me to meet many dancers who had a heart for worship and desire to experience powerful dance ministry. He has given me favor with print media, radio stations, and networking groups. Many pastors and church congregations have given me overwhelming love and support, including many dance ministries. To God be the glory!
It may seem strange to open up a new business in a "recession," but for us, this is a time of procession! I was blessed to secure a dance studio space that had been previously unavailable. To make it even sweeter, all of the hours that I requested were open in the facility! The location is freeway close, professional, and secure. Who can plan better than God?
When I filed the business paperwork for the dance company at the end of last year, many people approached me asking for dance ministry training, even though I had not publicized the fact that I was opening a dance company! The blessing was that when I was approached, I was not wearing a dance garment or even discussing dance ministry. It was by Divine design. I received this as confirmation of the Lord's leading.
As the news of the company spreads throughout the Las Vegas region, I have received several phone calls from churches desiring training and partnership with the dance company. I am a living witness that the Word of the Lord will not return void! He is sending me all of the help that I need. The time to obey Him is always RIGHT NOW!
Faith without works is dead. When waiting on the Lord, we have to keep ourselves in a place where He can use us whenever He needs to. If we are not prepared for open doors, we may miss our opportunity. A big issue that I have had to overcome is fear of the unknown and depending on my own resources to get things done. Where God guides, He provides. Write the vision, obey God, and watch dreams become reality.
New King James Version:
Psalm 35:27
Let them shout for joy and be glad,Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, “Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
Habakkuk 2:2-3
[The Just Live by Faith] Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
James 2:17
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
I praise God for allowing me to see one of the visions that He has given me come to life. I recently launched Reign Dance Company after 4 years of praying and waiting on the Lord's timing. When the Lord gives me BIG vision, it is usually something that is for the future, and He gives me time to prepared for it so that it will last. I usually write the vision down and wait for Him to bring all of the pieces together. In planning for the dance company, I wrote down the class descriptions and the general vision for the company and waited on God.
In the meantime, he allowed me to meet many dancers who had a heart for worship and desire to experience powerful dance ministry. He has given me favor with print media, radio stations, and networking groups. Many pastors and church congregations have given me overwhelming love and support, including many dance ministries. To God be the glory!
It may seem strange to open up a new business in a "recession," but for us, this is a time of procession! I was blessed to secure a dance studio space that had been previously unavailable. To make it even sweeter, all of the hours that I requested were open in the facility! The location is freeway close, professional, and secure. Who can plan better than God?
When I filed the business paperwork for the dance company at the end of last year, many people approached me asking for dance ministry training, even though I had not publicized the fact that I was opening a dance company! The blessing was that when I was approached, I was not wearing a dance garment or even discussing dance ministry. It was by Divine design. I received this as confirmation of the Lord's leading.
As the news of the company spreads throughout the Las Vegas region, I have received several phone calls from churches desiring training and partnership with the dance company. I am a living witness that the Word of the Lord will not return void! He is sending me all of the help that I need. The time to obey Him is always RIGHT NOW!
Faith without works is dead. When waiting on the Lord, we have to keep ourselves in a place where He can use us whenever He needs to. If we are not prepared for open doors, we may miss our opportunity. A big issue that I have had to overcome is fear of the unknown and depending on my own resources to get things done. Where God guides, He provides. Write the vision, obey God, and watch dreams become reality.
New King James Version:
Psalm 35:27
Let them shout for joy and be glad,Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, “Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
Habakkuk 2:2-3
[The Just Live by Faith] Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
James 2:17
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Who Done It?
There always lies the temptation to try to make things happen for ourselves when we feel like our time has come. Launching new endeavors is wonderful when God is the Mastermind behind what we are aiming to accomplish. Everything done in the name of Jesus is not necessarily "Kingdom." Whenever we are building something, it must be commissioned by God, or else we are doing the work in vain.
We should not seek to praise ourselves through bragging or highlighting our own accomplishments in order to make someone else appear inferior. Even if this is not the intent, it can be the end result. There is room for all of us to coexist in the dance ministry realm. If we begin to think that we are more anointed, skilled, powerful, effective, popular, radical, or important than our fellow ministers of dance, we miss the essence of the importance of the Body. Although we may not all follow the same method of doing things, we should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought.
Sometimes dance ministers think that we are the "first" to do this or that. We may be the "first" in our area, but we should not take pioneering to the extreme and become prideful. Promoting our ministries or businesses should never reek of selfish ambition. There is nothing wrong with advertising to get the word out about something, but the words that we choose to use to promote events and businesses will expose what is inside of our hearts. God exalts the humble but resists the proud.
It is my personal belief that it is better to be asked to dance, teach, travel, and share than it is to call people to book ourselves on a worldwide tour. Having business cards ready when someone asks us about our ministries is great preparation, but hunting down potential clients unsolicited will have us labeled as self-ambitious. If we ever allow the thought to enter our minds that other dance ministries are powerless in comparison to us, then we will merit the same unfortunate ending as other prideful characters in the Scriptures.
New King James Version
Isaiah 14:12-14
“How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer,son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
For you have said in your heart:
‘I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.’
Proverbs 27:2
Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.
Matthew 23:12
And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
We should not seek to praise ourselves through bragging or highlighting our own accomplishments in order to make someone else appear inferior. Even if this is not the intent, it can be the end result. There is room for all of us to coexist in the dance ministry realm. If we begin to think that we are more anointed, skilled, powerful, effective, popular, radical, or important than our fellow ministers of dance, we miss the essence of the importance of the Body. Although we may not all follow the same method of doing things, we should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought.
Sometimes dance ministers think that we are the "first" to do this or that. We may be the "first" in our area, but we should not take pioneering to the extreme and become prideful. Promoting our ministries or businesses should never reek of selfish ambition. There is nothing wrong with advertising to get the word out about something, but the words that we choose to use to promote events and businesses will expose what is inside of our hearts. God exalts the humble but resists the proud.
It is my personal belief that it is better to be asked to dance, teach, travel, and share than it is to call people to book ourselves on a worldwide tour. Having business cards ready when someone asks us about our ministries is great preparation, but hunting down potential clients unsolicited will have us labeled as self-ambitious. If we ever allow the thought to enter our minds that other dance ministries are powerless in comparison to us, then we will merit the same unfortunate ending as other prideful characters in the Scriptures.
New King James Version
Isaiah 14:12-14
“How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer,son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
For you have said in your heart:
‘I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.’
Proverbs 27:2
Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.
Matthew 23:12
And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Spread the Word?
Ministry conferences and events abound more than ever! While it is wonderful to see so many take an interest in worship arts training, there are some common courtesies that should fall into place when getting the word out about events.
Here are a few of my personal suggestions for advertising protocol:
Consider Your Target Audience
Is your e-mail list primarily worship artists and supporters? If not, a separate mailing list may need to be created so that the reader receives items of interest that is of specific interest to them. For instance, if I am not a bowler and I keep getting multiple e-mails about a bowling league, I may either delete the e-mail or stop opening e-mails from that particular sender entirely. If I am really feeling overloaded by an individual, I may mark the message as SPAM.
Too Much of a Good Thing?
If there is no new news to report about an event, it may not make sense to send out multiple e-mails on the same day or even over a short time period. We want people to be excited about our events, but not feel as though we are trying to "hustle" them out of their money. We also do not want to leave the impression that we have an ulterior motive. If there is a new development or important announcement to make, it may be a good idea to let prospective attendees know. If not, who wants to read the same information over and over again?
Social Networking Sidebar:
If using MySpace or a smiliar social networking site, posting multiple bulletins in a row may be unsettling as well to someone not associated with the event. Multiple bulletin postings give a sense of desperation and appear as though the main focus of the poster is for personal gain. Oversaturating the board with personal posts pushes other information out of view. While that may be the goal of some posters, it also undermines the sharing efforts of others. Spreading them out over a period of time may serve as a reminder without appearing to be greedy. Posting comments of extremely large flyers or dance ministry videos on as many pages as possible may also raise some eyebrows... Not being considerate can get you deleted as a "friend."
Don't Be Pushy!
If someone is attending your event as a presenter or dancer, it may be a good idea for them to share it with others who may wish to join them. This choice should remain up to the individual. The invited individual may also need to consider his or her network and remain considerate as well. Blatantly demanding that someone send event information to his or her entire e-mail list may not only be offensive, but downright pushy. It may be especially questionable when the person receiving the email is not on the program, not in the area of the activity, and may not endorse your particular event.
Divine Advertisement
While we pray that we will receive maximum support for the events that we host, we must pray for Divine wisdom when promoting our gatherings. We must allow the Lord to raise us up in season, and also accept when it may not be time for us to have a multitude of people with us. We must trust God and not lean on people to sustain us. No one wants to feel bombarded with "junk mail" at home, in an inbox or online.
Tips for Success
Faithfulness in ministry yields results. If we are faithful over a few things, we will be made ruler over much. Showing success in the ability to handle small and medium-sized events with excellence will cause others to spread the word and bring even more people to experience what we have to offer. Advertising alone does not guarantee a great turnout. Jesus was followed by thousands as a result of the fruit of His ministry. Millions still follow Him today. The church in Acts grew out of word-of mouth. If we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, we will lift up Jesus, and He will do the drawing.
New King James Version
Proverbs 25:17
Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you.
Ecclesiastes 5:7
For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.
Isaiah 1:13-14
Bring no more futile sacrifices;
Incense is an abomination to Me.
The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies—
I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.
Your New Moons and your appointed feasts
My soul hates;
They are a trouble to Me,
I am weary of bearing them.
Here are a few of my personal suggestions for advertising protocol:
Consider Your Target Audience
Is your e-mail list primarily worship artists and supporters? If not, a separate mailing list may need to be created so that the reader receives items of interest that is of specific interest to them. For instance, if I am not a bowler and I keep getting multiple e-mails about a bowling league, I may either delete the e-mail or stop opening e-mails from that particular sender entirely. If I am really feeling overloaded by an individual, I may mark the message as SPAM.
Too Much of a Good Thing?
If there is no new news to report about an event, it may not make sense to send out multiple e-mails on the same day or even over a short time period. We want people to be excited about our events, but not feel as though we are trying to "hustle" them out of their money. We also do not want to leave the impression that we have an ulterior motive. If there is a new development or important announcement to make, it may be a good idea to let prospective attendees know. If not, who wants to read the same information over and over again?
Social Networking Sidebar:
If using MySpace or a smiliar social networking site, posting multiple bulletins in a row may be unsettling as well to someone not associated with the event. Multiple bulletin postings give a sense of desperation and appear as though the main focus of the poster is for personal gain. Oversaturating the board with personal posts pushes other information out of view. While that may be the goal of some posters, it also undermines the sharing efforts of others. Spreading them out over a period of time may serve as a reminder without appearing to be greedy. Posting comments of extremely large flyers or dance ministry videos on as many pages as possible may also raise some eyebrows... Not being considerate can get you deleted as a "friend."
Don't Be Pushy!
If someone is attending your event as a presenter or dancer, it may be a good idea for them to share it with others who may wish to join them. This choice should remain up to the individual. The invited individual may also need to consider his or her network and remain considerate as well. Blatantly demanding that someone send event information to his or her entire e-mail list may not only be offensive, but downright pushy. It may be especially questionable when the person receiving the email is not on the program, not in the area of the activity, and may not endorse your particular event.
Divine Advertisement
While we pray that we will receive maximum support for the events that we host, we must pray for Divine wisdom when promoting our gatherings. We must allow the Lord to raise us up in season, and also accept when it may not be time for us to have a multitude of people with us. We must trust God and not lean on people to sustain us. No one wants to feel bombarded with "junk mail" at home, in an inbox or online.
Tips for Success
Faithfulness in ministry yields results. If we are faithful over a few things, we will be made ruler over much. Showing success in the ability to handle small and medium-sized events with excellence will cause others to spread the word and bring even more people to experience what we have to offer. Advertising alone does not guarantee a great turnout. Jesus was followed by thousands as a result of the fruit of His ministry. Millions still follow Him today. The church in Acts grew out of word-of mouth. If we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, we will lift up Jesus, and He will do the drawing.
New King James Version
Proverbs 25:17
Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you.
Ecclesiastes 5:7
For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.
Isaiah 1:13-14
Bring no more futile sacrifices;
Incense is an abomination to Me.
The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies—
I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.
Your New Moons and your appointed feasts
My soul hates;
They are a trouble to Me,
I am weary of bearing them.
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