Before Every Dance Ministration: Preparing Spiritually

Before every dance ministration, there is spiritual preparation. Interestingly, dance may seem like it requires only the body, but through my journey in dance ministry, I’ve learned that dancing is profoundly spiritual. Even those outside of Christ use their bodies to offer sacrifices to whatever god or entity they believe in. The use of dance and movement in spiritual rituals is not unheard of, but what does that mean for the body of Christ today?

For many of us, the call to move and dance goes far deeper than a love for the art. Truly, I love the artistry of acrobatics, but I would never fly or fall from anything unless it aligns with God’s will. Yes, dance ministers love the art, but we love the Lord even more, dedicating every movement to Him.

When we dance as the Lord inspires, it is an act of consecration. This means we set aside our dance and use it for holy purposes. Dancing solely according to personal feeling is not always controlled. For instance, if I hear a song in the grocery store and begin to tap my feet, it may be involuntary. But what if the song praises the universe, the moon, or the stars? Unknowingly, this can become a form of idol worship. I hate to say it bluntly, but many people are guilty of this. Dancing as worship is not always voluntary. Consider someone possessed by an evil spirit, they may move involuntarily, invoking unholy responses in those watching. And what is dance, but movement to a rhythm?

This brings me to my next point: movement can inspire. Movement can inspire others to join in, or to run away. Imagine a stranger suddenly grabbing your hand and dancing with you as you walk to your car. Even if salsa is not dangerous, the unknown motive will trigger fear and doubt. “What is he doing? Is this an attack? Is this a distraction before an ambush?” In the same way, dance ministry without the Holy Spirit can be confusing and cause others to question the Good News.

As ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our motives should not be in question. We should not seek attention for ourselves, but instead point viewers’ attention to the King of kings. That is why it is essential to not only know the message of Jesus but to live it. When those witnessing our ministrations see God at work in our lives, their hearts are opened. Honest and vulnerable worship quiets fear, doubt, and confusion. The onlooker experiences the manifestation of God’s presence through our movement without questioning our motives.

Some dancers, especially those dancing for applause and accolades, only represent themselves once they're off the stage. But those of us called by the Most High (His children before we were ever dancers) carry the responsibility of representing heaven in our everyday lives. The next time you minister, show up for heaven, not yourself.

Ways to Prepare Spiritually for Dance Ministry:

1. Set aside devoted time for prayer and fasting: I recommend fasting a few days before ministration to avoid energy depletion during movement.

2. Repentance is key: A clean heart allows for unhindered worship.

3. Surrender the entire ministration: Surrender your dance, song, dancers, and instruments to God. This allows you peace when things don’t go exactly as planned.

4. Study the Word with fellow believers: Especially focus on passages that relate to the message being shared through movement.

5. Anoint garments and instruments: Most ministers anoint these before first use, but I repeat as needed to remind myself that my body, spirit, garments, and instruments are dedicated to the Lord. This helps me to take back stage and make room for God to take center stage in the ministration.

Here's a memory verse for every dance minister:

"Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1

Write it on your heart and take it with you wherever you go, we'll talk soon Faithful People. Stay Blessed!