Bethlehem Baptist Church Dance Ministry

Bethlehem Baptist Church Dance Ministry

Psalm 149:3 - "Let them praise his name in the dance!"

Ministries Name:

Step of Righteousness Praise Dancers (Adults)

Angels of Grace Praise Dancers (Youth)

Mission Statement:

“The mission of the Liturgical Dance Ministry is to use dance as a powerful tool of praise and worship to the honor, edification and glory of God. Being led by the Spirit of God, this ministry seeks to bless, heal, deliver, cleanse and reveal the power of God’s anointing through dance. As we die to self, God will be glorified, edified and blessed by our total and absolute humble submission to His will. Thus, God, the multitudes and the ministry will be blessed.”

Supporting Scripture – 1 Peter 4: 10-11

10 As each one has received a gift, minister manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Ministry Officers:

President – Renita Woods

Vice-President – Todashia Jones

Secretary – Pamela Johnson

Treasurer – Judy Barnes

Youth Advisor – Lisa Hunt

Chaplain – Monica Jenkins

Choreographer – Renita Wood

Assistant Choreographer – Todashia Jones and Jerica Alston

Meeting/Practices

Meetings will be held 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm.

Practices will be held every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm.

Meetings and practices will be held in classroom 103 within the LifeCenter.

Calendar Dates

May 5, 2005May 19, 2005

June 2, 2005June 16, 2005

July 7, 2005July 21, 2005

August 4, 2005August 18, 2005

September 1, 2005September 15, 2005

October 6, 2005October 20, 2005

November 3, 2005November 17, 2005

December 1, 2005December 15, 2005

Additional practices will be scheduled based on upcoming performances.

The Ministry Components

1. The Truth and the Reality

The Power:

-Ephesians 3:7 – Of which I become a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

-Isaiah 54:17 – No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is for Me say the Lord.

-Romans 8:31 – What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, what can be against us?

-1 John 2:27 – But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

The Call:

-Romans 8:29-30 – For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

The Commitment:

-Psalm 37:5 – Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass

-Mark 12:30 – “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment.”

The Battle:

-1 Corinthians 14:33 – For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

-1 Corinthians 15:58 – Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

-1 Peter 5:8-11 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

-James 4:7-8 – Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

II. The Ministry

Spiritual Fitness

-2 Timothy 3:15 – Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed , rightly dividing the word of truth

-John 5:39 – “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”

-1 Timothy 4:7-8 – But reject profane and old wives fables, and exercise yourself rather to godliness. 8For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

Your Role

-John 3:30 – He must increase, but I must decrease.

-Matthew 22:14 – “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

-Roman 12:3-6 – For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6Having them giftsdiffering according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophecy in proportion to our faith

Prayer Power

-Philippians 4:5-7 – Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; 7and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

-Matthew 21:22 – “And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

-James 5:16 – Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. This effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

III. The Order

The Divine Flow

-Romans 13:1 – Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

-Galatians 5:16-18 – I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Communication

-Ephesians 4:29-32 – Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

ACTIVE PARTICIPATION FROM THE MEMBERSHIP

The Bethlehem Baptist Church Praise Dance Team (BBCPDT) is composed of volunteers who give of their time and gifts on a continual basis. Each member is expected to follow the ministry structure, schedule, rules and regulations to the best of their ability. People who feel led to be a part of the ministry should pray and seek the Lord for direction.

Our schedule includes rehearsals, devotions, outreach, workshops and Worship Services which are designed to strengthen you physically and spiritually. Active participation enables members to fully understand the message being delivered through every dance that is ministered. Additionally, you will need the strength, energy, and technique to minister each dance.

ATTENDANCE

As a courtesy to the Director and other members who are relying on each other for choreography purposes, members must provide notice of absences/late arrivals/early departures. In cases of illness or family tragedies, it allows us to also pray for you.

Members who arrive late to rehearsal without providing prior notification to the Director or Attendance Committee will be asked to sit and observe. Three (3) or more late arrivals will be considered an absence.

Unexcused or excessive absences will impact the dancer's participation in upcoming services.

COMMUNICATION

The BBCPDT currently uses four means of communication to ensure everyone’s awareness of important announcements and events, in addition to making announcements and providing hand-outs at the close of our rehearsals:

Bulletin Board – Located in the back of sanctuary and lobby of the life center.

Church Bulletin – Listed in Sunday service program and monthly church calendar/bulletin.

Rehearsal Announcements – Updates and reminders will be reviewed during rehearsal.

Telephone – If we don’t reach you directly, we will leave a voicemail message if you have the service.

DEVOTIONS

Rehearsals will include devotions. We as a collective ministry must understand the Word of God and how it is applied to our lives and the message through which we minister. It is essential to come together, to grow together, to be diligent to present ourselves approved unto God, which will happen if we continually study His Word and the message we will minister. In conjunction with the Bible, we also use additional reading materials and resources that are liturgical dance and/or worshipping arts specific to assist us with our purpose and role in the worship experience.

DRESS REHEARSALS

Dress rehearsals provide an opportunity to finalize our message prior to ministering before the congregation. We anticipate God taking us in the direction He desires; therefore, attendance is mandatory.

HOME ASSIGNMENTS

Meditate! The more time you spend with God, the more connection you will have in delivering His message. Meditate on His word and the message you are delivering.

Practice! Please do not come back to rehearsal with last week’s work. There must be evidence of improvement in order that you may learn new movements and share in more opportunities.

JEWELRY

Necklaces, bracelets, anklets, dangling earrings, watches, or rings (except wedding and engagement) are not permitted during ministering. Hair bows, flowers, pin, etc are not permitted. They present a distraction for the congregants and endanger other dancers.

NEW MEMBERS

The BBCPDT welcomes new members. The ministry is open to men, women and children ages 7 and older. New members must attend the new members’ classes prior to ministering to receive proper training and understanding of their calling.

PRAISE GARMENTS

All members are required to purchase praise garments and additional materials, as needed, and it is the minister’s responsibility to keep praise garments in excellent condition (i.e. cleaned, ironed, hung, mended, replaced, etc.) for ministering.Praise garments are designed and consecrated for the sole purpose of glorifying God. They should not be desecrated in any way. Please refrain from wearing during meals, storing on the floor, or mishandling in any way.

Please contact the Director or Praise Garment Committee if your garment needs repair or replacement.

Also, remember that leotards and footless tight are our undergarment. Therefore, they should not be worn without an outer garment to cover them.

REHEARSALS

The BBCPDT rehearse on 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Additional rehearsal are held on Tuesday or additional days will be scheduled for upcoming events). Rehearsals allow the minister to prepare for upcoming interpretations (not just in movement but in behavior and spiritual development as well). Even if we have previously ministered a song, we should have personal and spiritual growth between each interpretation; therefore, our message should change. Our coordination, agility, flexibility, and stamina can only be achieved through practice on a regular basis which will enable us to achieve higher degrees of excellence.

Please USE TIME WISELY!! Stretch, meditate on the song or your spiritual need, catch-up on missed or forgotten steps, assist others (workout partner) in need and participate in rehearsal activities. Don’t get caught up in idleness.

As you treat each rehearsal as if it was an actual worship service, you will develop the disciplines necessary to mature in your movement.

Please avoid activities/behaviors that distract you or others (i.e. excessive laughing, talking, bad attitudes, laziness, or weariness). Disruptive behavior/activity will result in you being asked to sit and observe.

Food/gum is not allowed during rehearsals.

REHEARSAL ATTIRE

Rehearsal attire consists of loose fitting pants and a large T-shirt to cover hips and bottoms. NO EXCEPTIONS. Also, please wear appropriate undergarments for support.

WORSHIP SERVICES

The BBCPDT currently ministers when called upon, during scheduled Worship Service(s), and during outreach program to continue in an effort to evangelize through movement and dance.

Only prepared members will minister in front of God's people. No one is expected to be perfect; however, we must know the message we are delivering. Remember, our goal is to "point others to God", not ourselves and any distractions we create defeats this goal.

Also, it is our desire to minister for the length of time the Holy Spirit sees fit for us to minister so please pay close attention to His flow to allow Him to use us fully during the entire service. Please remain in the sanctuary in our designated seating unless prior arrangements have been made with the Director.

Please avoid activities/behaviors that distract you or others (i.e. excessive laughing, talking, and playing). Our goal is to remain in the spirit of worship to enable God to make the most use of us.

Food/gum is not allowed during worship services.

WORKSHOPS

Workshops are extremely important as they enable us to continue to grow spiritually and physically. Attendance is required to enable us to further understand the area in which God is directing us. Please provide ample notice of schedule conflicts.

WORSHIP TOOLS

Worship tools are designed and consecrated for the sole purpose of glorifying God. They should be kept in excellent condition (i.e. cleaned, ironed, hung, mended, replaced, etc.) for ministering.They should not be desecrated in any way. Please refrain from playing with them or mishandling in any way.

Please contact the Director or Garment Committee if any worship tool needs repair or needs replacement.

If for any reason, a member is found unable to follow set policies or participate in activities on a regular basis, the Director will be compelled to request for that member to sit down/out for a period of time (to be determined by the Director) until they are ready to continue in the ministry.

COMMITTEES

Parents and members are encouraged to assist in the daily operation and growth of the ministry by serving on any of the following committees (maximum of 2 per person):

Attendance – This committee will assist with keeping record of all attendance.

Communications – This committee will assist with making sure everyone receives notices and announcements about schedules, upcoming dates, birthdays, bereavements, and illnesses.

Fellowship – This committee will assist with planning activities for fellowship.

Media Committee – This committee will assist with assuring everyone has a copy of the messages being taught. Tapes/CDs must be obtained prior to or by the first rehearsal of a particular message.

Outreach – When an outreach opportunity is given, this committee will assist with the arrangements (i.e. transportation, communications, space/set-up to help determine formation and attire, etc.)

Photographer/Videographer – This committee will assist with cameo shots throughout the year and maintain a scrapbook of these pictures. Also, all ministering will be kept on tape to assist with the end-of-the-year fellowship video and promotions.

Praise Garments – This committee will assist with making sure all members have required praise garments. Also, ensure that garments are appropriately ready for ministering (no unraveling edges, wrinkles, holes, tears, dirt, etc.)

Workshop – This committee will assist with the planning and execution of workshops hosted by the BBC Liturgical Dance Ministry.

Worship Service - This committee will assist with the planning and execution of our Worship Service(s).

Worship Tools – This committee will assist with storing and maintaining our worship tools for ministering.

COLORS OF MEANINGS

Purple / Royalty(Ester 8: 15, John 19:2, Judges 8:26, Mark 15:17-18); Virtue(Proverbs 31:22); kingship, majesty, Mediator, wealth, penitence
Rainbow colors / Glory of the Lord(Ezekiel 1:28); Covenant(Genesis 9:13)
Red / Blood Atonement(Matthew 26:28, Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:12-14); Cleansing Power(Isaiah 1:18); war, death, love, life, the ear redemption, sacrifice
Green / Life, Prosperity (Jeremiah 17:8, Hosea 14:7-9); vigor, mercy, restoration, healing, new beginning (Psalm 92:12-14, Hosea 14:8)
Yellow / Shekina Glory (Revelations 21:23, Matthew 17:2); celebration and joy(Isaiah 51:11, Isaiah 61:3, Hebrews 1:9)
Blue / Heavenly(Numbers 15:38); Heavenly Grace (Exodus 24:10); Revealed God, grace, divinity, the Priesthood, authority, the Holy Spirit, overcomer
Iridescent White / Overcomer(Revelations 2: 17)
White / The Bride, purity, surrender, holiness (Psalm 51:7, Matthew 17:2, Revelation 3:4), righteousness, light, joy, angels, saints, peace triumph, victory
Silver / The Word of God, redemption (Numbers 18:15-16), divinity, righteousness, strengthened faith
Gold / Eternal Deity, the Godhead, glory (Exodus 37, Exodus 40:34-35, Revelation 1:13-14), purification, majesty, righteousness, Divine Light, kingliness, trial by fire
Black / Darkness, evil, sin, famine, reconciling Mediator, humility (Psalm 23:4, Ephesians 5:11)
Turquoise / River of God, sanctification, healing, life-giving flow of the Holy Spirit, the New Jerusalem
Rose / Messiah, glory, Rose of Sharon
Fuchsia / Joy, right relationship, compassion
Amber / The glory of God, fiery passion, flaming throne of God, the temple of God, wisdom
Bronze/Brass / Judgment(Exodus 27:1-3, Exodus 30:17-21)
Brown/Grey / Repentance and humility(Esther 4:3, Daniel 9:3-5)
Orange/Yellow/Red / Fire and the Holy Spirit(Acts 2:3)
Plum / Richness, abundance, infilling of the Holy Spirit( Hosea 2:22, Joel 2:24)

IN VENERATION OF THE HOLY DANCE