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BCMC JOURNAL 2003
Ideas for Dance as a Worship
Expression in
a Baptist Church
Dayspring Dance Ministry
By
Laura Clift and Susan Lewis
Report
summary prepared by
Tim Logan and edited by Jere Adams
Note:
Dayspring Dance Ministry were featured presenters for the 2003 conference in Shreveport.
The following is a synopsis of their Breakout Session.
Mission
statement: Our mission is to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a visual
way through movement.
1.Why?
Dance in worship is an invitation, based on God's Word.
Psalm 149:3-5—"Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to
him with tambourine and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people...Let the
saints rejoice in his honor."
Psalm 134:1-2—"Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord...Lift up
your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord."
2.
What?
Movement is a language
a. It is an "alphabet" to be learned; the "abc's" of sacred dance:
lifting hands (Ps. 134:2); praying hands, bowing and kneeling (Ps. 95:6);
clapping (Ps. 47:1).
b. It is mostly visual (i.e.: processing with elements for the Lord's
Supper; dancing to a hymn, etc.).
c. It is also auditory (i.e.: nails clanging together, whip cracking
on Good Friday, water being poured for baptism).
d. It covers various styles (i.e.: classical ballet, modern,
interpretive, mime, etc.).
Movement is an extension.
a. It is an extension to the words: a visual aid to teaching (i.e.:
"armor of God", Eph. 6:11-17)
b. It is an extension to significance
1. Something "familiar" can become more meaningful (i.e.: The
Lord's Prayer).
2. Sometimes a visual experience not only reaches the
intellect, but reaches the heart on a deeper level.
3.
When?
a. Seasonal services or special occasions may provide opportunities
b. Whenever leadership allows
c. A dancer in your church may be given a dance from the Lord
4.
How?
Pray, plan, practice
a. Begin with prayer, seeking the Lord (John 14:31—"I do exactly what my Father has commanded me." Jesus
looked to the Father for all he did, and we should do the same; 2 Chron. 20:12—"We do not know what to
do, but our eyes are upon you.")
b. In an orderly manner (I Cor. 14:40—"But everything should be done
in a fitting and orderly way.")
c. Costuming is one of the most important elements. Err on the side of
modesty (i.e.: leotard top or tight-fitting costumes are not appropriate);
choice of colors and styles have significance and meaning.
d. Motivation: not about performance, but about worship and leading
people close to the Lord.
e. Brief introductions and explanations are often appropriate and
helpful.
f. Allow planning and practice time with all involved (dancers,
musicians, pastors, etc.); Dancers need specific music in advance (live vs.
recorded) and need time to practice in the space.
5. Where?
Should be relevant to your church.
a. Traditional or contemporary setting
b. Sanctuary, Sunday School class, Bible Study, youth group
c. Street ministry, mission trip (visual is not limited by language
barrier)
d. workshops
6.
Who?
a. God may raise up people within your church
b. You may bring in an outside ministry team
c. Combination: outside ministry team can work with, train, equip
people within your church
For
networking:
Christian Dance Fellowship USA—Coordinators: Karla Jerkins, Pamela Rutherford (www.christiandancefellowshipusa.org)
Dayspring Dance Ministry, Kaye Quisenberry, director; 972-385-1411.
Tim Logan is Editor of the Journal and Minister of Music, Beech St. First Baptist
Church, Texarkana, Arkansas.
Jere Adams is Editor of BCMC Publications,
Nashville, TN 37234-0160
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