Zero Balance: It's Going Down!

We are living in a time in which debt has consumed many people living in the world today. The financial crisis and housing meltdown in the United States is largely attributed to greed. Are Christians supposed to live a lifestyle mired in debt and lack? Many dance ministers today desire to purchase glorious garments, attend conferences, buy magnificent props, and be free to dance without restrictions. Is this view realistic?

We must first learn to manage our own finances if we want to be good stewards over the things of God. We can no longer govern our lives by wants and live in a state of discontentment. Financial liberty requires wisdom. The Lord wants an account of what He places in our hands. If we live by Biblical principles, we will be able to do all of the things that He has given us the vision to do.

At Zero Balance: It's Going Down, you will hear the personal testimonies of dance ministers who have greatly reduced debt and are working towards eliminating it altogether! This class will not only bless those in the ministry of movement, it will be a great deliverance for those who want to know how to better manage finances during conference planning and preparation, handling ministry finances, and how to avoid common pitfalls that may cost more to get out of than to get in. You can be free today! It's going down!

Zero Balance: It's Going Down!
Workshop Instructor: Lakita Humber
Founder, Paneh Praise Dance and Mime Ministries
www.panehpraise.com

To attend this class along with several other steps toward healing, join us at DANCE MINISTRY DETOX conference hosted by Rain Rein Reign Ministries July 16th-18th, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Conference Host: Rekesha Pittman
Founder, Rain Rein Reign Ministries
www.rainreinreign.com

Register TODAY!

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

New King James Bible Version

2 Kings 4:7
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.”

Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Romans 13:8
[Love Your Neighbor] Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

1 Corinthians 4:2
Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

Full-Time Ministry or Unemployed?

Many dance ministers dream of the day when they can do ministry "full-time." This usually means that he or she can make enough income to support themselves while ministering freely without working a "secular" job. Some people have the notion that big paychecks will come from ministry assisgnments, and that hotel expenses, airfare, meals, and an honorarium will provide for all comforts desired. (For some, these comforts include a luxury vehicle and first class airfare!)

There is a difference between serving in ministry full-time and being unemployed. Losing a job does not mean that someone is now in full-time ministry, even though it can serve as a catalyst for it. If we are to leave the Corporate job sector to work in the ministry full-time, we must have a plan of action in place. Otherwise, we are merely unemployed and in need of work.

The reality is that full-time ministry requires hard work. Each and every one of us should be in full-time ministry, regardless of whether we receive checks for it or not! Those who labor in the Gospel realize the importance of being able to minister the Word freely, without the control of people who may wave a paycheck at them for expected services. As a result of variable love offerings and "church folk mentalities," many ministers have had to work to generate income that would supplement any love offerings or salaries received from a local church.

Many dance ministers today have also become entreprenuers through marketplace ministry. This is being done through product development including books, DVDs, garments, flags, training programs and other ministry-related inspirational products. While launching a Christian business may be great, if we are to maintain integrity in ministry, we must be diligent in product order fulfillment and excellent customer service. Being out on the road ministering does not excuse us from delivering our products on time!

Whatever the path the Lord blesses us to walk, we must not let money become the deciding factor for ministry. As I have quoted to many, "The problem is that we treat our ministries like businesses, and our businesses like ministries." If we are to operate as Kingdom entrepreneurs, we must do our homework concerning business licenses, product distribution options, production deadlines, tax laws, business insurance, website development, payment acceptance, branding, quality control... Get the picture?

Before we set our hearts on earning income solely through ministry, we must pray and obey the Lord. Too many are "pimping" the Gospel for unrighteous gain. When the Lord places something in our hands, He will cause us to go out and multiply our talents. Since our heart and treasure reside in the same place, let's make sure to set our affections on the Lord.

(New King James Version)

Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.

1 Corinthians 3:8
Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

2 Thessalonians 3:7-11
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

Don't Break the Bank!

It is wonderful to seek to build our arsenals with information concerning the ministry of movement. If we are not careful, we can let our hunger for knowledge overrule good common sense and stewardship practices. We must seek the Lord regarding our annual activities and plan in advance to see the greatest benefits.

Dance Conferences and Workshops
There are several wonderful conferences hosted every year all over the world. In my role as dance ministry leader, I require that the dancers attend at least two workshops or conferences per year. These gatherings can be local or distant, free or paid. The purpose is to get the dancers connected to the larger dance community and glean from others. Sometimes dancers will learn what not to do at these events, but that is another story for another day...

For this requirement, I had a budget in place for conference and workshop registrations to be paid for the group. Most conferences and workshops offer an Early-Bird Registration discount. In some cases, registering early can save hundereds of dollars per person! Some churches and organizations have the ability to pay for registrations, travel, and hotel expenses for dance ministries. This kind of support is wonderful, but not as common.

Sharing hotel expenses between 2-4 people can save us money. If we are planning to travel with a large group, we may be able to request a group discount with airlines, or contract a chartered bus company for transport if the group is large enough. If we plan ahead, we can begin raising funds for knowledge-building without breaking the bank.

Garment Purchases
This is also an area that requires planning in advance. In a tight economy, it is not enough to expect every dancer to purchase new garments just because the leader said so. If we know that we will need a garment by a certain date, we should contact a seamstress or tailor in advance so that the job is not rushed. If we are ordering from a catalog or online, we may be able to get discounts for bulk purchases, but must also collect the money in advance. Dance studios and organizations can apply to purchase dance attire wholesale by submitting the proper documentation to cut costs.

Another way to trim down the price is to request fabric store gift cards as a fundraiser for the organization. This will reduce the cost of the fabric, zippers, and notions from the final price of the garment. Cheaper is not always better. We must have people who can create garments for us in our price range, while maintaining the quality and the vision that God gave us for the garment.

Ministry Vendors
Often when we attend dance ministry events, vendors will exhibit garments, books, worship instruments, etc. It can be exciting and overwhelming to see many things that we desire in the same setting. We must not let our emotions get the best of us. Before we decide to spend our money, we should make a list of the items that we need, and plan for them appropriately. Even if we are unsure about what the vendors will offer, we can set a budget for what we would like to spend, and stick with it. Supporting ministry vendors is crucial for many who buy tables at conferences. This can be a win-win situation for all involved.

Let's Get Practical!
If we make purchases but cannot pay our bills at home, we are not practicing good stewardship. Spending every weekend away from home at ministry events to the detriment of family and children may cause division and hurt. Careless purchases without regard to our current credit report and debt load can make us appear hypocritical. Seeking the Lord regarding Kingdom steward and handling of finances: PRICELESS!

Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.

Luke 12:42
And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?"

1 Corinthians 4:2
Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

Pay the Piper!

As dance ministers, we often tout the moral values of being properly treated and respected for the work that we do. While it is great to receive a financial blessing to assist with gas or travel expenses, we must also remember that the door swings both ways. We cannot take advantage of others in the name of "ministry." We should treat others in the same manner we would like to be treated.

The most common thing that we use in the ministry of movement is music. Instead of borrowing and burning CDs for dances, we should make sure to invest in the artist by purchasing the disc. If we desire garments for our ministries, we should not expect seamstresses and tailors to render services free of charge. Some movement ministries are fortunate to have people who sew as a token of love. More often than not, we will have to pay for our goods. Why should we be willing to spend top-dollar with merchants who could care less about the Kingdom, while shortchanging those who labor for the sake of the gospel?

In turn, if we have invited guests to minister on a special program, we should provide some sort of love expression for the effort. Money may not always be a viable option, but thoughtfulness can go a long way. Being a good steward does not mean that we have be be stingy with our funds. It is our obligation to render honor to whom it is due.

Favor Ain't Fare!

The Lord is a Rewarder and repays us on all of our Kingdom investments. When we serve in the ministry of movement, there are times that it will require finances to participate. These may come in the manner of transportation, garments, conference and workshop registrations, educational materials, or even food when we are travelling for an event. More likely than not, there will be at least one ministry member in the group that is facing financial difficulty and may not be able to afford these activities.

Often, a local church or ministry leader will provide some assistance to aid dancers to the goal, and other times fundraising efforts are put in place for the group. At the same time, we must encourage movement ministers to invest in the ministry by putting both treasures and hearts in the same place. We should not have to keep bailing out dancers who do not see the need to prepare for what is claimed to be a passion. When we promote hand-outs over preparation, these individuals may become "freeloaders" who are always in need, but have little to offer in return. With a little planning and leadership approval, a budget can be established to provide for ministry activites.

We should not insinuate future indebtedness for providing funding or brag about assisting anyone financially. If we feel as though we are owed some type of favor for the help, we should immediately cease holding people in bondage. When we give or share resources, our intentions must be just. Sowing into the life and ministry of someone else comes with the knowledge that the return may not come from the same source. Alternately, we should never base our inner circle of friends and associates on how much money they can contribute to our personal ministries. If we are charging a "fare" to carry someone with us based on what we perceive to be favor, we will soon discover that we have to pay the piper to keep dancing.

Leviticus 25:35 (NKJV)
If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you.

Deuteronomy 15:10 (NKJV)
You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand.

Psalm 112:5 (NKJV)
A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion.

Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV)
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given.

Luke 6:34-35 (NKJV)
And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.

Cash, Check, or Charge?

Some things must be said. While many dance ministers are wonderful stewards with finances, many need to be reminded that business is business. It is a common scene for dance ministry vendors to set up booths at conferences or offer products online for purchase. Having a wide variety of options available is wonderful; however, we must not mistake our obligations to those who labor for the Kingdom.

As we are developing our movement ministries, we often desire to purchase garments, flags, banners, music, etc, that will enhance our ministries. There is a lesson in this for both the seller and the buyer. Ministry vendors often release products before complete payment is received. A promise to pay may be made, or an invoice may be sent. Some dancers receive products, and for whatever reason, go for long periods of time without submitting the funds, or neglect to pay at all. We must be good stewards.

Vendors not extending credit to individuals must be willing to hold the product until complete payment is received. If this is not done, in essence, sellers are "lending" something that very well may not be returned. When dancers receive products without payment, time will reveal whether the items in question were purchased or stolen.

If the vendor cannot afford to give products away as gifts, arragements to receive cash payments or certified funds may be a necessary option. Unfortunately, some dancers may write checks that bounce (GASP!). Dancers who cannot afford an item may opt to make payments and receive the goods when the purchase is complete. At this point, the vendor should not delay to send the goods purchased. Let us continue to be about our Father's business!

Ecclesiastes 5:5 (NKJV)
Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.

Matthew 6:12 (NKJV)
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Romans 13:7 (NKJV)
Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 (NKJV)
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

Funny Money, Strange Change

Good stewardship is a requirement for ministry. Many dance and movement ministries need money for several ministry needs including garments, travel, conference attendance, music purchases, reading materials, instructional DVDs, and other resources. It is common for church dance ministries to have very little or no money at all to operate. This results in the majority of purchases being paid for by dance ministry members or parents of younger dancers. With prayer and wise counsel, we can do better.

Because many struggle in the area of finances, this unfortunately determines the quality of items purchased for ministry use. We must become more resourceful, ask for wisdom, and glean from the experience of others in this area. There may be seamstresses and tailors willing to "sow" into the ministry of dance by volunteering their services, donating remnant fabric, or providing consultation as to how to save money by buying materials at wholesale prices. Often we have not because we ask not.

In the ever-growing field of dance and worship arts conferences, there are also ways to practice sound money management in a pinch. This may mean hosting smaller events, inviting fewer speakers, using local resources, and getting more volunteer contributions (food donations, travel, discount facilities, decor, etc). We can never let the economy compromise our ability to minister the Word effectively. Excellence does not have to be compromised when cost-cutting. When we are faithful over little, we will rule over much.

Isaiah 55:1-2 (NKJV)
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance.

Luke 16:13-15 (NKJV)
“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

John 12:5-6 (NKJV)
“Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.

1 Timothy 6:10 (NKJV)
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

For Richer or for Poorer

Our dedication to the Lord should not depend upon our financial status. Regardless of the state of the economy, the Lord is still our Provider. If we need dance garments, He will supply what we need. When we need to get knowledge through books, DVDs, or conferences, He is able to make a way.

Planning ahead will help us to be able to flourish in times of lack. If there are events that we would like to attend, we can set money aside in advance. When we are unable to attend a gathering in a particular year, we may be able to purchase the video instead. If we need new music, He knows that as well.

There are even times when the Lord will give us favor so that we will not need money to meet our needs. By the same measure that we sow, we shall reap. The Lord will use others to bless us. Whether we need food, clothing, or shelter along our journey, He know what we have need of and will not let us fail.

Philippians 4:11-12 (NKJV)
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 6:6-7 (NKJV)
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Paper or Plastic?

In the myriad of activities that we participate in every year, we agree that it takes money for ministry to go forth. Many of us have financed ministry garments, travel, and lodging accommodations. Conference registrations and ministry outings can definitely claim a sizable portion of our funds. It is wonderful to invest our resources into the work of the Kingdom. If we are not wise, we can also incur a significant financial burden.

Planning in advance will allow us to have the maximum resources available to us. Purchasing airline tickets early can save hundreds of dollars in comparison to last-minute shopping. Conferences often offer early-bird registration rates to delegates who plan ahead. Deciding dates for garment purchases beforehand, or even purchasing garment separates in stages will allow everyone to get the needed items with the least amount of stress. A solid color garment with different overlays can be a great money-saver and add to the variety of our garment options.

If we find ourselves spending all of our money before the next payday and getting into debt, we must pray to the Lord regarding stewardship. Our bills at home should not go lacking while we are "going therefore into all the world." If we have credit card debt or owe people money, it is a good idea to pay it before we spend it elsewhere. Setting a personal and ministry budget will allow us to stay on task and operate with integrity. The Lord provides where He guides. There may be times when we have to postpone an idea or journey to set our houses in order.

2 Kings 4:7 (NKJV)
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.”

Habakkuk 2:6-8 (NKJV)
“Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘ Woe to him who increases What is not his—how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? Will not your creditors[b] rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty.

Matthew 6:12 (NKJV)
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Luke 12:42 (NKJV)
And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?

Romans 13:8 (NKJV)
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Calcu-LATE

Starting something new is always exciting. Many announce fervent interest in the movement ministry after seeing a dance in person or in the media. Others desire to join because of the perceived glamour and celebrity associated with dance ministry (or so they think). As soon as the subject of money for garments, conferences, books, or offerings comes up, we will discover that there are less with us than started the journey.

Ministry costs. Though there are some who travel by all-expenses-paid arrangements, most movement ministries have not arrived at that place. Hosting several dancers and paying all expenses will incur a financial impact that most churches and organizers may not be able to reasonably provide.

Dancers often self-fund trips, purchases, and ministry education. This is a benefit in that the dancer is able to retain the experience, knowledge, and priceless opportunity to win souls for the Kingdom. It can also open doors that can lead to ministry donations, sponsorships, and funding.

Ministries should serve out of a desire to obey, please, and magnify the Lord. The cost of discipleship will mean surrendering some of our desired comforts and pleasures. If there are specific things that we must have in order to accept an invitation to minister, we should not wait until the last minute to make our requests known. We should avoid placing ourselves in situations where we find out that we do not have enough resources or time to accomplish the task. By then we are knee-deep, and it is already too late.

1 Chronicles 21:24 (NKJV)
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.”

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 (NKJV)
When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed- Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.

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

Luke 14:28 (NKJV)
For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it