Divine Choreography

Technical training will give us balance and stretch us creatively, but the most beautiful movement will not change lives unless it is inspired by God. There is a difference between movement and Divine choreography. When the Lord directs our steps, none of them shall slide!

Movement that marries the Gospel message will be replayed in the minds of people long after the song is done. Well-executed choreography will give us dances that can stand the test of time. Prayer and Biblical study work in conjunction with choreography for movement to minister to the people.

Although we may not be able to perfect our choreography in a weekend, we can certainly be sharpened and garner new inspiration to continue training in the area of dance technique. When the Lord is the Divine Artistic Director, our options are limitless! Monica Johnson, noted for her Divine Choreography as a member of GLOW on YouTube with "Let's Set The Atmosphere," will lead an intense movement class at DANCE MINISTRY DETOX July 16th-18th in Las Vegas, NV. This will be a 2 Part class, with sessions taught back-to-back. Come and step out on faith!

Count Me In!
Or call (877) 420-4777 for more information.

"Divine Choreography I & II"
Class Instructor: Monica Johnson
GLOW- Godly Ladies of Worship
www.glowdance.net

New King James Version

Psalm 37:30-31
The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.

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.’

Climb Every Mountain

When striving to correctly interpret a concept in movement ministry, we can reach a point of challenge. Although it may be simple to show some concepts through written words and literal symbols, it becomes a little more difficult to portray abstract ideas. It is in these instances that color, texture, and Divine inspiration can go a long way.

When we want to show the oceans or bodies of water, different shades of blue billows or flags can be used to show waves and fluid motion. The same ideas can be applied to the demonstration of fire. If we would like to be a little more diverse, we can also incorporate these visuals into our garments, or even by using multimedia including video projection or slides and graphics. Larger concepts like mountains, valleys, flying, and the passage of time can be shown with large props, fabrics, clocks, and other creative imaginings. The sky is no longer the limit!

If we are unable to create these concepts ourselves, consulting with a Spirit-filled master craftsman may provide the exact enhancement we need. Dance ministry does not have to solely rely on fabrics, choreography, or creative tailoring. When we yield to the Lord's leading, He will begin to show us Divine creativity like never before. Breaking out of the mold of doing what we have seen will allow us to walk by faith, not by sight.

Exodus 33:18 (NKJV)
And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.”

Deuteronomy 29:29 (NKJV)
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Isaiah 40:5 (NKJV)
The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

1 Corinthians 2:9-11 (NKJV)
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

Tell-a-Vision

Dance ministry can be used as a visual aid to highlight what the Lord has said and is saying. When we demonstrate what He has said in His Word, we embody the living nature of the Scriptures. Using movement to share what the Lord is saying for today or tomorrow can be used prophetically to edify the church. In order for words and movement to mesh and come to life, we have to pray for a keen understanding of both the Word and the nature of God so as not to minister under false pretenses. Whatever He reveals, we can also write down so that we can retain the message that He wants to show through us and demonstrate it accurately.

Whether or not we have technical training, the basis of true movement ministry requires that there be a clear agreement between the movement and the message. Beyond dance, every element of our presentation should be aligned with what we are trying to convey. This includes music, lyrics, garments, worship tools, and the use of color. Bringing all of these elements together will make the vision plain and understandable even to those who have not read the Word for themselves.

Although we do not seek the approval of men when we dance, it may be a good idea to survey some of the observers to discover if what was witnessed by the audience coincides with what we are trying to get across as ministers in motion. A great opportunity to do this arises when people approach us after ministry to encourage us or confirm that they have been blessed in some way. We can ask them what they think the Lord was speaking to them during the dance or ask which parts of the piece impacted them the most. We are always free to revise our dances as the Lord leads so that we may show the clearest picture possible.

Genesis 46:2 (NKJV)
Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!”And he said, “Here I am.”

Numbers 24:4 (NKJV)
The utterance of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who falls down, with eyes wide open:

Daniel 7:1 (NKJV)
In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.

Daniel 8:16 (NKJV)
And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.”

2 Chronicles 26:5 (NKJV)
He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.

Thought Provoking

Music selection controversies aside, some choreography is a bit too provocative to be used in a Christian context. There is no inherent sin in movement itself, but the activities associated with bending over in front of people or showing lots of leg can cause discomfort for many. We should not have the attitude that everyone is old-fashioned or just needs to "get over it." Although each message that we bring may not please everyone, it should definitely be relative to the people to which we are sent to give a Word.

The over-use of movement that involves the hips, rear and chest can be construed as lustful. This does not mean that we cannot utilize our total bodies in motion, we just need to be aware of the affect that certain moves may have on others. The appropriateness of garments is often contested when it comes to how revealing they are on females, but males must also be careful when wearing shirts that expose muscular arms or pants that may slip down without a belt. In some instances, boxer shorts have become an all-too-common sight in movement ministry.

When we allow the Lord to direct us, we will not have to worry about offensive movement. Our bodies are an instrument to be used for His glory. Dance that comes by supernatural revelation will magnify the Lord above all else. If we truly live, move, and have our being in Him, they will only see the Lord when we dance and not us.

Proverbs 12:5 (NKJV)
The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

Acts 24:16 (NKJV)
This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

Romans 13:12-14 (NKJV)
The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (NKJV)
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

I Do A New Thing

We should always aim to expand our familiarity with dance technique and the Word. There may be some areas of talent that lie undiscovered simply because we have not tried them yet. How do we know that we are not blessed with the ability to mime if we have never tried? For the untrained, taking a dance class may seem intimidating at first, but how will we gain skill unless we are up for the challenge? Trying something once and not being able to master it is not a reason to quit. If we are not drawn to a certain discipline or passion, we may not fare well in it, but walking by faith will help us to discover something new.

It is not necessary to be a "Jack (or Jill) of all trades" in dance ministry, but it is a good idea to discover uncharted territory in our own ministries. When we attend conferences, it may stretch us just a bit to take classes that are not on our list of favorites. Choosing the same options over and over again can lead to stagnation. If we already take regular ballet or modern classes, why not try our hand at prophetic dance or flags? Sticking to defined stereotypes of praise dance may hinder us if we neglect to move forward.

Launching out and learning about cultural dance and history is a wonderful way to expand. Even if we do not incorporate all movement types into our repertoire, understanding different dances and cultures may help us minister to people unlike us. We cannot be so "deep" to believe that ballet is the only way, or that all misucal selections must be slow worship songs. As we continue to enlarge our borders concerning dance ministry, the Lord continues to be the ultimate Director of our steps.

Isaiah 43:19 (NKJV)
Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Job 33:16 (NKJV)
Then He opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction.

Proverbs 19:20 (NKJV)
Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.

Romans 7:6 (NKJV)
But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

Stop and Stair

Safety is an important factor in movement ministry. Not all locations are ideal for dancers, but we seem to manage nonetheless. We must know the protocol for each place that we are invited to minister. Some locations offer plenty of floor space, while others may have seating located very close to the pulpit. Dances choreographed to include motion in the aisles may get complicated in a facility that does not have a sufficient number of them. In other cases, there may be one or several steps leading up to the platform to navigate.

Because of these many possibilities, we must be prepared to dance on whatever terrain may be presented. Elevated platforms with stairs call for modesty and would be best addressed with garments that offer sufficent leg coverage (loose fitting pants underneath opaque skirts), as well as garments that have hems of the appropriate length. Skirts and pants that are too long may cause a dancer to trip and fall, while skirts and pants that are too large may fall off during dancing and cause sheer embarassment.

Carpeted floors are common in many sanctuaries and may cause injury to bare feet depending on the choreography used and thickness of the carpeting. In these cases, it may be a good idea to always carry dance shoes with us. It is better to have options to address any unexpected challenges by being prepared. Best case scenario would allow us to set pieces in the location beforehand. This may only require a few moments before an event (without the audience present) to get an idea of what to expect. Even if we are unable to place ourselves in advance, experience and practical application will allow us to go forth undaunted.

Exodus 20:26 (NKJV)
Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed on it.

1 Kings 6:8 (NKJV)
The doorway for the middle story was on the right side of the temple. They went up by stairs to the middle story, and from the middle to the third.

1 Kings 10:12 (NKJV)
And the king made steps of the almug wood for the house of the LORD and for the king’s house, also harps and stringed instruments for singers. There never again came such almug wood, nor has the like been seen to this day.

Nehemiah 9:4-5 (NKJV)
Then Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani stood on the stairs of the Levites and cried out with a loud voice to the LORD their God. And the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said: “Stand up and bless the LORD your God forever and ever! “Blessed be Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise!

Nehemiah 12:37 (NKJV)
By the Fountain Gate, in front of them, they went up the stairs of the City of David, on the stairway of the wall, beyond the house of David, as far as the Water Gate eastward.

Every Little Step...

We must pray for balance between precision choreography and rightly dividing the Word. It is futile to put together a movement masterpiece that has absolutely no relevance to the words being uttered. Dancing to the beat is not the point of dance as ministry. When we leave an indelible picture of the gospel in the minds of the people, the Word comes alive and can be more easily recalled through memory. If our movement does not connect with the words, the motions will be remembered more than the message.

The steps that we include in our pieces are significant. As we continue to be students of the Scriptures, we will be more able to convey movement that captures the heart of God toward His people. From a Biblical standpoint, our steps are symbolic of the lifestyles that we lead. We can choose to walk in the way of the Lord, or to become wayward by straying from the path. In the ministry of dance, we must carefully consider our steps.

Spiritual choreography can be obtained in many ways. Some receive movement through dreams and visions. Other dance steps are inspired by Divine revelation and personal testimony. As long as our motion is motivated in righteousness, our dances will correctly convey the meaning of the Word through movement. If we select movements based on what we see others do, we are not relying on the Lord to direct our steps. Though the movement that we incorporate may not be unique in itself, each and every dance ministry ordained by God has a unique imprint expressly orchestrated by God.

Job 34:21 (NKJV)
“For His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his steps.

Psalm 119:133 (NKJV)
Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.

Proverbs 14:15 (NKJV)
The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.

Proverbs 20:24 (NKJV)
A man’s steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way?

The Elements of Dance

God is a creative God that made creative beings. When we become students of His Word, we are exposed to rich symbolism and mutliple instances of visual expression. Dance ministry will be boring if we present every movement and story in a literal manner. If every person that expresses the word "heart" points to the chest, then movement ministry will begin to matter little as it will all appear to be the same. All flowers do not look the same, and neither should all dance ministries.

We can express words by the emotion or way that one feels when experiencing love, instead of pointing to our hearts or making the heart symbol with our hands. Just as many point to a cross when expressing the name of Jesus, we can show Who He is by the many miracles and works that He has done. When we allow the Lord to direct creative choreography during our rehearsals, our ministries will take on new life and have a lasting impact beyond the limits of our own interpretation.

Many options are available to us when dealing with fire, rain, wind, sunshine, etc. Beyond flags and banners, we can use fabrics, artwork, dance garments, stage lighting, projection screens, and more to get the message across. When we only do what has been done, we find ourselves in danger of copying others instead of relying on the Lord. Though dance ministers share many things in common, we do not have to move according to the rhythm of the dancers next door. When we feast on the word of the Lord, He gives us visions and dreams that become reality when His Divine creativity is set in motion.

Isaiah 41:20 (NKJV)
That they may see and know, and consider and understand together, that the hand of the LORD has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it.

Hosea 12:10 (NKJV)
I have also spoken by the prophets, and have multiplied visions; I have given symbols through the witness of the prophets.”

Amos 4:13 (NKJV)
For behold, He who forms mountains, and creates the wind, Who declares to man what his thought is, and makes the morning darkness, Who treads the high places of the earth— The LORD God of hosts is His name.

Colossians 1:16 (NKJV)
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.


Please be inspired by the creativity of the Acrodramance Theater Company(TM):

Armed and Dangerous

The Lord works wonders through weakness. He is the source of our strength. When we are weak, the supernatural power of God steps in and carries us to the finish line. In the ministry of dance, we can work hard to build strong bodies, but we cannot rely on our own strength to sustain us. There will be times when we are physically exhausted, drained, and weak. In these moments we must rely on the Lord to strengthen our arms to complete the work.

When the Bible speaks of arms, it is often representative of strength, power, and victory, especially in battle. The Word ascribes wonder to the awesome power and strength of the arms and hands of God. In movement ministry, the use of our arms may be the most significant movement that people see. Depending upon the setting in which we dance, much of the viewing audience may miss what we do from the waist down, unless stadium or sloped seating is available. This in no way implies that we are not to make full use of our legs. Most of the motion seen will involve our arms.

When we understand the meaning of movement from a scriptural perspective, our choreography will begin to breathe life and "preach" as we marry the meaning of the words with the movement. We must always allow the Holy Spirit to direct us as we approach choreography. Trying to make all movement have a literal meaning will open the door for us to rely on ourselves. If the Lord gives us an unconventional way to minister a particular section of a song, poem, prayer, or passage of scripture, we will take confidence knowing that it is He that gives us strength.

2 Chronicles 32:8 (NKJV)
With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Psalm 44:3 (NKJV)
For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them.

Psalm 89:13 (NKJV)
You have a mighty arm; Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand.

Isaiah 33:2 (NKJV)
O LORD, be gracious to us; We have waited for You. Be their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.

Isaiah 40:10 (NKJV)
Behold, the Lord GOD shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.

He's Counting on Me

We must continue to be accountable concerning all that the Lord has placed in our hands (and feet!). If He has given us talents, He is concerned about how we multiply what He has given. When we are given a task to complete, He observes how we get the work done, including our motives and treatment of others along the way. If we have assumed a position of leadership over His people, we are responsible for how we care for them when they are with us. Righteousness counts with the Lord.

Even in the process of choreographing a piece, every step we include should count. We may try to make the count fit the words of a song instead of aligning the count to the Word. That dance move that we have been aching to do may not work right now. Sometimes there is great power in simple movement. What the Lord has to say is more important than any beat, rhythm, or instrument. We cannot obsess over physical perfection, but our hearts must remain pure toward the Lord for us to deliver movement with a Word that renews minds and heals the brokenhearted.

The days of taking the dance ministry for granted for us have come to an end. More than ever before, we must study, strengthen, and stretch both spiritually and physically. The cares of this world should not affect the fervor with which we dance for our Lord. It is time to make every day count in our lives and ministries. No more time to waste. No more procrastination. No more excuses. It's time to stand up and be counted!

Job 31:4 (NKJV)
Does He not see my ways, and count all my steps?

Romans 9:8 (NKJV)
That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed.

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NKJV)
Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV)
[Glory to God for His Grace] And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,

A Touchy Subject

The significance of our hands cannot be underestimated. The reason that we should not follow a set of concrete "rules" for dance ministry is that it restricts the working of the Holy Spirit in us. General wisdom can be applied, but obedience to the Lord is a must. We cannot copy a particular movement simply because we saw someone else do it. All of our choreography and direction must be led of the Lord.

Some dance ministers remain aloof from the congregation, while others make lots of eye contact and engage people through touch. While it is important to connect with the people we minister to, we must know that the Word does the work. We cannot haphazardly lay hands on people, pull them from their seats, run them around the church, and expect it to be powerful just because we assume that it will be.

When we place our hands on people without the Lord's leading, we may offend or embarrass someone unintentionally. The use of discernment will let us know if someone is feeling uncomfortable or does not want to be an "honorary dancer" at a particular moment. Maintaining a righteous lifestyle allows the Spirit to flow freely, removing "us" out of the way and allowing the Lord to touch His people in a way that only He can.

1 Timothy 5:22 (NKJV)
Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.

Isaiah 52:11 (NKJV)
Depart! Depart! Go out from there, touch no unclean thing; Go out from the midst of her, be clean, You who bear the vessels of the LORD.

Job 17:9 (NKJV)
Yet the righteous will hold to his way, and he who has clean hands will be stronger and stronger.

2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV)
Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.”

Busy Bodies

Just because we dance to the Word does not necessarily mean that our movements must accentuate each and every syllable. It is almost painful to watch some dancers attempt to over-work a verse, trying to capture every word in movement, losing the deeper meaning of the message. When we allow the Lord to be the Divine Choreographer, His creativity will not limit us to elementary interpretation. Sometimes we must keep it simple. At other times we must dance before the Lord with all our might.

A movement class may not necessarily solve the problem, though it may help. We must continually pray to the Lord for insight. There are some well-trained dancers who are about as exciting to watch as a brick wall. Some choreography set to gospel music has nothing to do with the meaning of the song. This should not occur with us. We must not be more consumed with getting the movements right and neglect to receive the correct interpretation of the Word. When we let movement be the determining factor, we are no longer ministering the Word in dance, we are simply doing "busy work."

Common words used in gospel like heart, love, peace, Jesus, cross, pray, and so forth too often look the same on many dancers. Does everyone love the same way? Is Jesus only one-dimensional? Is the cross only two long pieces of wood that connect to form a symbol? Does everyone pray the same way? Does peace have the same meaning for everyone? If not, then our movement should reflect the diversity of the human experience and accurately portray the attributes of God. If we are merely moving without revelation, then we are only being "busy bodies," and nothing more.

Psalm 33:4 (NKJV)
For the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is done in truth.

Mark 16:20 (NKJV)
And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

2 Timothy 2:14-15 (NKJV)
Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Colossians 2:18-19 (NKJV)
Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

Range of Motion

God is constantly giving new inspiration and vision to His people. Pioneers of new dance styles became noted for the unique and innovative ways in which they mastered movement. Although we study to understand the skeletal and muscular structures of the body to aid in movement mastery, we are not limited to the traditional movement and dances already known.

As witnessed in music videos and stage performances, choreography is ever-evolving and fresh dances are being invented on a daily basis. For those of us who demonstrate the gospel in motion, what can hinder us from moving as the Spirit leads? Too many ministry groups and soloists exhibit very similar styles, movements, facial expressions, attire, music selection, etc. If we pray and seek the Lord regarding creativity, He will give it to us.

We should not try to be different just for the sake of it. We must always be open to the wide range of motion that exists. When someone experiences limited range of motion, it usually indicates that there is a physical problem in the body. It renders impairment and causes limitations in the limbs. When we experience it in ministry, the problem is a spiritual one. The source of our motion should be Divinely inspired and not just copied from others. If we are experiencing limited range of motion choreographically or spiritually, the good news is that we can be healed from it today.

Job 39:8 (NKJV)
The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searches after every green thing.

John 13:24 (NKJV)
Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.

Acts 13:16-17 (NKJV)
Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.

Acts 19:33 (NKJV)
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people.

Hand Shake

When we realize that each and every movement in a dance should find its origin in the Word of God, we will witness the Word made flesh before our eyes. Even when the observer does not realize that a motion in based on Scripture, the life-giving truth of the Word works. The more we incorporate Word-breathed movement, the less physical the work becomes. The Spirit and the Word applied in dance ministry will make it effortless to move through the Power of God on a regular basis.

This serves as a reminder that we cannot be haphazard in our selection of movement. Putting choreographic elements together merely as "filler" to lead into the next section will not be effective. There are times in ministry when the Lord will lead us to re-choreograph a particular section or an entire piece as He sees fit. Learning to rely on His direction will make us dedicate ourselves to Him more than to the dance.

The shaking of the hands or fists in the Bible are indicative of judgment. When we shake our hands in choreography, we are not doing so from our own point of view. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowing the Lord as a Righteous Judge will allow us to convey the judgment of the Lord in a way that provokes repentance for ourselves and the congregation of witnesses.

Although we cannot limit shaking hands in motion solely to justice, knowing the various ways movement was used in the Bible will help us to be more precise in the ministry of dance. We often hear that taking dance classes increases our "vocabulary" to dance more effectively. Immersing ourselves in the Word of God will also increase our "spiritual movement vocabulary," so that we can dance with skill, power, precision, and understanding.

Isaiah 11:15 (NKJV)
The LORD will utterly destroy the tongue of the Sea of Egypt; With His mighty wind He will shake His fist over the River, and strike it in the seven streams, and make men cross over dryshod.

Ezekiel 21:17 (NKJV)
“I also will beat My fists together, and I will cause My fury to rest; I, the LORD, have spoken.”

Zechariah 2:9 (NKJV)
For surely I will shake My hand against them, and they shall become spoil for their servants. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me.

Zephaniah 2:15 (NKJV)
This is the rejoicing city that dwelt securely, that said in her heart, “I am it, and there is none besides me.” How has she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down! Everyone who passes by her shall hiss and shake his fist.

Arts and Crafts

Dance is an artform. Dance ministry is artistic evangelism, edification, reconciliation, restoration, and rejuvenation, amongst many other attributes. Regardless of our technical knowledge, there are many skills that we can learn that will give us enhanced tools to improve our effectiveness as ministers of movement.

Advice that is often given to up-and-coming artists is to "study your craft." This is a reminder that natural talent can be developed expertly by submitting to training and understanding the artform. Many fledgling dance ministries have nautral abilities to dance, and this is wonderful. Combining the natural ability with the functionality of training will garner the respect of movement as a ministry. It is prideful for the trained dancers to inhibit the less-trained purely on mechanics. The Lord uses whomever He wills.

Many start training in the arts at a young age. It is never too late to develop our skills in both movement and the Word of God. Lack of training does not disqualify us from being dance ministers; However, it may hinder us if we want to dance in certain arenas. The main goal is for us to present the Lord the most excellent offering that we can. If that means spending a few extra hours at the gym, taking training classes, or reading the Word, it is worth it to give Him our very best.

1 Chronicles 15:22 (NKJV)
Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful

Psalm 144:1 (NKJV)
Blessed be the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle

Acts 17:28-29 (NKJV)
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.’ Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising.

1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV)
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.


Please enjoy this video by Godly Ladies of Worship (GLOW)

Looking Over Your Shoulder

Dance incorporates more than our hands and feet. Each part of the body is important to unify the whole. As we are all many members, but one body, our own bodies are a representation of how the Lord has a purpose for every part of us. Using our entire beings in movement allows us to experience the many joys of dancing for the Lord.

Using our shoulders in dance can be very symbolic. The shoulder in the Bible is a place where burdens were borne. It is also a place where things were carried or transported. This symbolizes strength and responsibility. We can include movement that highlights the shoulder in these ways. Our shoulders function in a greater capacity than the lifting of our arms. Let them demonstrate the strength that is in them.

When we study the Word in depth, we will discover more movement than we thought imaginable! We should not neglect any opportunity to glorify the Lord in our bodies. He created each joint to function together. Let us submit ourselves completely as members for His Divine use.

Psalm 81:6 (NKJV)
“I removed his shoulder from the burden; His hands were freed from the baskets.

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 22:22 (NKJV)
The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut, and no one shall open.

Luke 15:4-5(NKJV)
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

Back Talk

Let's face it, we must understand the importance of our bodies as tools in the Master's hands. In the traditional sense of dance ministry, lots of emphasis is place on the front of the body, and less on the rear. Dancers are often discouraged from exposing the back of the body to a congregation for fear of offense. There is a way to incorporate the powerful meaning of the back if we do it in a way that brings the Word to life.

The back is a vulnerable part of our bodies because our eyes are not able to see what is behind us. The act of "backbiting" is often so surprising because it is something that catches us off guard. In the Biblical sense, turning ones back in a negative way can mean rejection, defeat, or faithlessness. The back is also depicted as more tolerable than the face (as in the case of Moses wanting to see the Lord's glory).

If we get a balanced understanding when to face it or when to back up, each and every movement will have meaning as it relates to the Word of God. Exercising wisdom as we move will diminish the potenial for error, but increase the depth of the pieces we demonstrate. We must not be limited by what others have deemed to be "wrong" or "right" movements in ministry. If we get our directions from the Lord, then we will not miss a beat.

2 Chronicles 29:6 (NKJV)
For our fathers have trespassed and done evil in the eyes of the LORD our God; they have forsaken Him, have turned their faces away from the dwelling place of the LORD, and turned their backs on Him.

Jeremiah 2:27 (NKJV)
Saying to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ And to a stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’ For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble They will say, ‘Arise and save us.’

Jeremiah 32:33 (NKJV)
And they have turned to Me the back, and not the face; though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not listened to receive instruction.

Exodus 33:23 (NKJV)
Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”

Slip and Slide

Things happen. Sometimes people are so quick to jump to conclusions when "unplanned interruptions" occur in ministry. A ministry mishap does not automatically mean that the Lord is not pleased with a dancer or that the enemy is on the attack. There are definitely times when the enemy will try to distract us or stop us from moving forward. There are also times when equipment is faulty, the floor is slippery, and human agility malfunctions.

We pray that all goes well each and every time that we dance before the people. When missteps occur, the dancer may try to blame himself or herself for the error. If he or she knows that a warning was given to them in advance by the Holy Spirit, then the lesson is to remain obedient. If someone else is to blame, frustration may set in against the individual who may be assumed to be the culprit. We must always pray for everyone involved in making the movement ministry possible. It is important to stay humble before the Lord, and commit every step to Him.

There can be times in choreography when we may show someone falling or slipping. This is appropriate when coupled with the message during the presentation. We must not take for granted the safety of properly executing these types of movement. We must not let the fear of falling hinder us from demonstrating more advanced choreography. No matter what happens, when we earnestly desire to please the Lord in our lives, He will watch over us for our good.

2 Samuel 22:37 (NKJV)
You enlarged my path under me; So my feet did not slip.

Psalm 17:5 (NKJV)
Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip.

Psalm 26:1 (NKJV)
Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the LORD; I shall not slip.

Psalm 37:30-31 (NKJV)
The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice.
The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide.

Psalm 94:18 (NKJV)
If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up.

Outer Space

Movement ministries have many variables when it comes to using the spaces offered to us. There are times when a large stage seems almost impossible to fill, and there are times when the space is so limited that there is hardly any room to turn around. The beauty of the Holy Spirit is that even in limited spaces, we can still get the message across. At other times, the area that we have to dance in is just not sufficent for the message to be delivered to its fullest potential.

There are precautions that we can take before we arrive for a ministry assignment. If it is possible to view the location beforehand, this will give us an esimate of how much room is available. If it is not possible to see the location in advance, we can ask questions to get a good idea of how many people the space will accommodate. It is also good to find out if the ministry will be on an elevated platform, a ballroom floor, carpet, etc. We should also determine if there are any restrictions regarding the use of space, especially in the church setting.

When we are afforded optimal space, we should use it to the best of our abilities. Too many dancers are confined to small spaces because there may not be large spaces available to them on a regular basis. In turn, this results in choreography that may appear cramped and limited in movement. As dance and movement ministries continue to step into enlarged territories, we will be able to extend the range in which we are able to operate.

Joshua 1:3 (NKJV)
Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.

Isaiah 26:15 (NKJV)
You have increased the nation, O LORD, You have increased the nation; You are glorified; You have expanded all the borders of the land.

1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.

Take a look at this video (and the use of space) from Spirit of the Moment:

Best Friend

We often hear people say, "It's not about religion, it's about relationship." For the dancer to operate under the anointing and deliver movement in a way that ministers, we must spend quality time with the Lord. We often dance before our Father and King, but we must also remember that the Lord loves us as His friends. We have many ways to show relationship through movement.

As we build friendships and relationships in ministry, our best example of how to be a friend is found with the Lord Himself. There may be times in choreography that we can show love to people by taking them by the hand, giving them a hug, touching someone's shoulder, or simply smiling at them. The Lord loves us enough to "touch" us and show His love toward us. We must be led by the Spirit when we do this so that our expressions of friendship are not misunderstood.

Even though we desire to worship the Lord and honor Him as Father and King, there is another dimension that we can show people. As we continue to draw near to God, He will continue to give us a variety of ways to express these relationships in action. Although the Lord gives us friends in the earth realm, we will find that there is no better Friend that we can have.

Exodus 33:11 (NKJV)
So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle.

Proverbs 22:11 (NKJV)
He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend.

John 15:15 (NKJV)
No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

James 2:23 (NKJV)
And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.