As I learn more about my prophetic gift and how it coincides with my dance ministry I always find useful information that helps me in this journey. I am amazed at the things that are happening as dancers begin to go deeper in their walk with God and as they minister in dance. In my opinion, praise dancers not only have the ability or the gift to dance, but they also have other gifts within them. I am noticing that many liturgical dancers have a prophetic gift. This prophetic gift is often used to convey a message as they go forth in dance ministry.
Either they will see a certain movement that gives a message or they will hear what God is saying and present that message in their dance.
Here are 7 key questions that will help dancers prepare for ministry:
1. Is it my desire to fulfill my flesh (my selfish needs) or do I desire to fulfill the desire of Christ? This question is very important as liturgical dancers are in front of many, and receive accolades for their ministry. A dancers' ego must not go against the purpose of dance ministry, which is to glory the Heavenly Father through the expression of praise and worship.
2. How much of me will people see versus how much of Christ and His glory will the people see? If those that are watching you minister cannot see Christ in you as you dance then our human characteristics have gotten in the way of HIS glory. This ought not to happen.
3. Does my costume or attire bring attention to me, or the Christ in me? This is a good question to ask. I have had the opportunity to dance in the secular world. NO, I wasn't in any music videos; however, I have danced on stage to secular music. I wasn't thinking about praising and worship God. I was totally thinking about getting my choreography correct. My attire did not express the holiness of God. In fact, I wore short dresses most of the time with my arms and back showing. There were other times where I wore a tight body suit that showed everything. My point is, if I was to wear any of these costumes while ministering through dance, I would be sat down. I would not be allowed to dance before that congregation or any other congregation once word got out about my attire. As I danced in the secular arena, my wardrobe was made to fit the choreography and the message of that particular dance. The same goes with liturgical dance. Both male and females must be in modest liturgical dance clothing so that it will not draw lust that unfortunately exist in a lot of people. Here is a tip: men are visual, therefore it is important that women praise dancers take special attention in choosing garments that will not lead the eyes of men to stray on the woman's anatomy. And trust me, they will do it.
4. Have I really talked to God about what He wants to accomplish through my ministry? If you ever want to know what anyone thinks about your dance ministry ask God. He is the most important person to ask. He will let you know if you have accomplished his purpose in your dance ministry. It is advisable to prayerfully ask for His direction with each choreography or movement and decisions about engagements. .
5. Does my choreography/movements point to Christ and His message of the gospel? Dance is an unspoken language. You can say so many things through your movement; and if you are not careful you can say the wrong thing. Think about it. What kind of movement would someone do if they were in a club? What kind of movement would someone do if they want to entice someone? What kind of movement would someone do if they were worshiping the Almighty God? Choreography has the power to bring you into praise and lead you into sin. Your choreography is body language so watch what you say.
6. Am I free enough for the Holy Spirit to consume me, so that the anointing will come forth to destroy the yoke off others? Being free to dance is about the absence of fear of failure, fear of people watching you, fear of man, and fear of letting go. It is also about the absence of anything that will hinder your spiritual walk. The Holy Spirit cannot dwell in an unclean vessel; therefore, in order for Him to consume you, you must be consecrated.
7. Is the anointing on my gift strong enough to break yokes, and get people freed, healed, and delivered? This type of anointing can happen as quickly or slowly as you like. What I mean is the sooner you surrender everything to the Lord, the faster he will entrust you with the anointing to be able to see these types of manifestations.
