Vol. 4 No. 1
"Resurrection Edition" of Company Keepers. This online publication
began in May 2005 to keep dance ministries informed and connected.
We resolve to keep forging ahead with many more issues that are
relevant to movement ministries the world over. The wait is over!
We invite you to keep company with us for many years to come!
Rekesha Pittman & Company Keepers Staff
Take a Praise Break '08
The Hands Which Hang Down
The Sacrifice for an Eternal Worship...
Poetry Pointe: Eternal Worshipper
Dance Ministry Resources
Event Calendar
Unity of the Brethren... or Mutiny?
by Sherry Traylor
She is California State Coordinator for the International Dance Commission (IDC). She is the Founder of Heavens Gates Dance Academy of the Arts in California
(www.heavensgatesacademy.com). Sherry has served the Lord in dance for over 20 years. Sherry has been blessed to facilitate dance conferences, and is in the
process of writing a book on the ministry of dance. Sherry offers free dance technique classes at Zoe on Saturdays at 11:00am in Room 53. Phone: (562)
906-5000 Ext 148
pews were rocked with scandal after scandal. We witnessed many
prominent Christian leaders openly displayed for the public to see
and ridicule. Although much publicity surrounded the state of the
church, there was much more going on behind the scenes...
You may not have heard the story of the dance leader who was on
the edge of walking away from the ministry. No one may have
pulled you to the side and told you that they were dancing while
unemployed. That smiling dancer that you saw turning and leaping
was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, but there was no front
page article concerning that.
That worshipper who was in so much pain that you thought was
crying in church because they loved the Lord was really dealing
with severe depression. That powerful praise dancer that greeted
you in the hallway went home to a husband who verbally (and
sometimes physically) abuses her.
He walked away from a past of affection towards his own gender,
and now the church deacon is showing up on his doorstep after-
hours to offer personal counseling. Yes, we have faced a crisis of
massive proportions. It's time to walk in the light.
We must be more vigilant than ever concerning the ministries that God gave us. The enemy seeks to destroy our joy, peace, and purpose
in the Lord. It is important that we first deal with ourselves before we can deal with anybody else. Are you living a life that is upright before
the Lord? Do you spend way too much time talking about the shortcomings of your leader instead of building them up? Are you allowing
yourself to indulge in thoughts that you know will lead to acting out the thing which you imagined? Submit yourself to the Lord and allow
Him to cleanse you entirely.
When Leadership Falters...
Are you feeling disappointed in someone that you look to for guidance? Have you been guilty of wanting a particular leader to leave or sit
down so that you can finally have your chance to set things straight? It's not easy to deal with a leader who may miss the mark at times, or
who may be experiencing a season of transition. Although I do not advocate blindly following someone who is not following Christ, I will
say that many leaders fail at the hands of their own flock.
Though our leaders bear the responsibility of leading us in the way of the Lord, it is no argument that leadership gets downright tiring at
times. It is during these times that trusted co-laborers should make an effort to hold up the hands of the leader. Because Aaron and
Amalek held up Moses' hands, the entire company of them obtained the victory. Please hear me-- Aaron did not say "Moses, you are really
tired, and I think that it is time for you to let someone else lead. I just think that I will take over from here." Unfortunately, too many aspiring
leaders take this position instead of assisting the leader. If God called you to lead, your time will come. It is better to hold up the hands of
someone else than to betray them on the side. Ungodly leadership will be handled on the Lord's terms. We do not have to make an
occasion for anyone to be removed.
Be Strong in the Lord...
We must continue to build ourselves and one another up in the Word. Not only must we continue to sharpen our Biblical knowledge, pray,
fast, and give, we must also keep our physical bodies strong and healthy. It is written on the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:17...
When is the last time that you exercised or went to dance class? No one else can do this for us. It is more difficult to minister effectively
when we are carrying extra "burdens" or are not getting enough nutrition. Leaders have even more responsibility to care for themselves. If
leaders do not take the steps to care for themselves, then it will eventually be impossible for them to care for others.
Lead Me to the Rock...
Leaders, be encouraged. There are people who are looking for you to prevail. When you succeed, the people standing with you (and
holding up your arms) will be victorious as well. There were times for me personally when I just did not feel like dancing. I showed up
anyway and afterward received several testimonies from others about the impact that the ministry had on their lives. What assignment
would I have missed if I did not show up that day?
On the other hand, there are also times when leaders must know what assignments to accept, and which to decline. If we train up other
leaders who can do mighty exploits for the Kingdom, then everyone will not have to rely on us to get the job done. Read the Book! The Lord
told Moses to appoint people to assist him because he was being "worn out" trying to handle it all by himself! (My own wording, of course).
Forgetting Those Things Which Are Behind...
Last season is gone, and it's time to move forward. Your sins are forgiven.
Tackle THAT thing that the Lord told you to do.
Open THAT dance studio.
Write THAT book.
Host THAT conference.
Choreograph THAT song.
Yes, do THAT thing that the Lord is showing you.
Then lift up your hands, and the hands of someone else.
Let us exalt His name together!
everlasting, perpetual, or going on without ceasing worship!
Reverent honor and homage paid to our Lord, our Saviour,
our God, the Eternal Father. One that is and will be endless;
One that never stops, but rather continues as if in a circle.
Hmmm… is all l can truly say!
To you, what does it mean to worship, praise, and glorify
God? Jesus is talking with a Samaritan woman in John 4:1-
26. Jesus is seeking to reach her heart. Let’s keep it real.
Jesus knows our heart. Men and women often do not worship
God in spirit or in truth. Instead, we often worship in the flesh.
We enjoy the worship music and the dances we see and
think we have worshipped God. We like the ritual of the
service or conference and believe God delights in precise
form. We love to hear the Word of God taught with power
and feel like the Holy Spirit has spoken to us.
True worship is the type of worship that God longs to have. Does it really matter how we worship God? Some would say
no, I say yes; but more importantly, what does scripture say? John 4:24 (NIV) states "God is Spirit: and his
worshippers (that’s you and me) must worship Him in spirit and in truth."
I tell you the truth, prior to the arrival of the AWESOME 24/7 Three Six Five: Eternal Worship conference experience,
I was somewhat perplexed with a burdened-down spirit due to the vicissitudes of life. My spirit was longing to have this
“eternal worship.” However, my mind was in a whirlwind of the "what, when, whys and hows." Was I looking to go and
dance at the conference or on the Las Vegas Strip? No. Nor was I going to be a spectator. The reason for my
attendance was not only to be a servant of Rain Rein Reign Ministries, but I had resolved in my heart to be a true
eternal worshipper!
Worship is and should be serious. No matter what circumstances, burdens or whatever else there is, let your worship be
or become serious. God watches us in our worship assembly. In Leviticus chapter 10, God told Aaron that He will be
sanctified in them that come nigh to Him. This told me that God cares so much for me and no matter how burdened-
down or perplexed I felt, I had to go and concentrate and experience His Glory. Remember, all things are laid bare and
exposed to the eyes of God, and it is Him who we must reckon with in the end anyway… (Heb 4:13).
Let me help you out. As a believer, eternal worship is both a privilege and a responsibility. I realize the sincerity of my
worship because it provides me with a means of both thanking and praising the One and only Sovereign God of this
universe. The scripture tells me to “come boldly unto the throne of grace” and serve Him with great diligence and zeal.
I resolved in my heart and spirit to do just that… I went boldly. I did not want to be characterized as a lazy or careless
worshipper. 1 Kings 12:28 tells us not to let ourselves be characterized by the rebellious spirit of Jeroboam, which would
allow us to set up our own golden calves of corrupt worship. God is not calling the lukewarm worshippers, as lukewarm
worshippers cause God to “vomit them out of His mouth” (Rev 3:16). Instead, he is calling all of us to be Eternal
Worshippers. After all, we were created to worship Him!
My fight and sacrifice to attend and be an ETERNAL WORSHIPPER was worth it!
by LaVetta Celise Williams
Abba, at Your place of worship
It’s more than a need
I’ll stay here always
This glory place of worship
Peace
Your undying Love
Comfort in this Fire
My Sovereign King, this Eternal Place with you is my heart’s desire
I crave your presence twenty-four seven, three sixty five
For eternity – the eternal flame always burns
How do I leave your Shekinah cloud?
Must I return?
Yes, I know they’re my brethren & we all await; in preparation
But Daddy, what place do I find that comes close?
I can’t seek it, I can’t find it – seeking, searching, wanting, and
needing
It’s non-existent in the everyday earthly realm of my everyday life
Only when I Stop, Focus, Remember, Look
I run to You
My heart cries out, my tears flow freely as
Your arms encapsulate me
My life is no longer my life
Here for eternity You and I
You and me!
I am overwhelmed by Your love
Your Bride
Your Eternal Worshipper
for many years. Machelle currently dances with Expressions Dance
Ministry, and serves administratively for various dance ministries.
She is a wife, proud mother, entreprenuer, and Eternal Worshipper.
http://www.myspace.com/rainreinreign
Company Keepers: Dance Ministry Talk Daily
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Monday, February 18th
7:00pm - 9:00pm
333 N. Rancho Drive - 4th Floor
website: www.lvdancenetwork.com
Phone: (888) 569-4777
events listed below. Please be prayerful and led of the Lord when selecting and attending ministry gatherings.
Please contact event organizer with any questions or for more information regarding these events.
Express Your Worship Creative Arts Conference
Host: Dare to Dance
London, England
Website: http://daretodance.org/pages/events_eyw.htm
Phone: (813) 418-6728
February 15th - 16th
Send Your Rain, Lord!
Benefit Worship Arts Workshop
Host: Reconciliation Dancers Ministries
Tucson, AZ
Email: doctorgayle@cox.net
Phone: (520) 731-1951 or (520) 481-1951
February 15th - 16th
20 Hour Intensive for Dance Ministry Directors
"Mentoring Directors for the Future"
Host: United Choreographers of Liturgical Movement
Compton, CA
Email: anointeddance@yahoo.com
February 22nd - 24th
Express Your Worship Creative Arts Conference
Host: Dare to Dance
Bradford, England
Website: http://daretodance.org/pages/events_eyw.htm
Phone: (813) 418-6728
February 29th - March 1st
Celebrate New Life Christian Dance & Mime Conference
and Seder Meal
Host: Apostle Lyrica Smith / Kingdom Institute International
Cincinnati, OH
Website: celebratenewlife.eventbrite.com
March 5th - 7th
Express Your Worship Creative Arts Conference
Host: Dare to Dance
Dallas, Texas
Website: http://daretodance.org/pages/events_eyw.htm
Phone: (813) 418-6728
March 7th
Specialized Focus Dance Workshops Series:
African & Liturgical Dance
Host: Called 2 Dance(TM)
Miami Lakes, FL
Website: www.called2dance.com
Phone: (305) 628-8920
June 2nd - 8th
CCDN 14th Annual Dance Encounter
"Dance Children Dance"
Host: Caribbean Christian Dance Network
Nassau, Bahamas
Website: www.cc-dn.org
Eden Creative Arts Conference
Host: Eden Creative Arts Network
Ft. Laurderdale, FL
Phone: (954) 527-2700
Website: www.edencreativearts.com
June 26th - 29th
A Dancer's Purpose
Host: Inspirational Praise Arts
Los Angeles, CA
Phone: (323) 295-5236
Email: inspirationalpraisearts@yahoo.com
July 18th - 19th
Next Level Dance Conference 2008
“Defining Your Call: Reaching Your Destiny”
Greenville, NC
Host: Expressions of Hope Dancers
Website: www.oasisdancers.org
Email: oasisdancers@yahoo.com
Phone: (252) 753-7815
July 22nd - 26th
“Worship and the Word 2008”
Jamaica, NY
Host: Greater Allen AME Liturgical Dance Ministry
Website: www.allencathedral.org
July 24th - 27th
The Potter's House Dance Conference
Dallas, TX
Host: Freedom in the Dance
Website: www.fitd.org
Email: mickye@fitd.org
July 30th - August 2nd
“Majesty 2008”
Chicago, IL
Host: Sara Byrd Ministries
Email: majestywaconf@yahoo.com
August 6th - 10th
Dancing Preachers International 2007
Atlanta, GA
Host: Sabrina McKenzie Ministries
Website: www.sabrinamckenzie.org
September 4th- 7th
Equipping the Saints: Dance & Worship Arts Conference
“Kingdom Building with Kingdom Authority”
St. Louis , MO
Hosts: Lakita Humber- Paneh Praise Dance & Mime Ministry
Website: www.praisedanceministry.com/conference
Email: register@panehpraise.com
Phone: (618) 407-6145
No, I said UNITY, but lately MUTINY
seems the going trend. There is a lack of
love and unity among the sacred artists,
yet there is a huge movement of mutiny
among us.
Beloved, so many of us are in major
danger of not inheriting the Kingdom of
God. My heart remains heavy at some of
the goings-on among the saints. As my
mother sometimes says,
"What in the world?!"
authority, and is generally used militarily. This is most fitting. We are citizens of the Kingdom of our God and we are in constant war – with
our flesh, against spiritual darkness. We’re well aware of one of the greatest wars that took place in Heaven: Lucifer and his cohorts were
kicked out; yet that hardly deters us from tearing down one another and forgetting the first commandment of the ten.
The past 34 years I’ve had a great concordance, Cruden’s Complete Concordance by Alexander Cruden, that sometimes gives the best
description of things. The first edition was published in 1737. I know many of our readers are Strong’s fans, but Cruden’s has been such a
blessing for me. It's text comes from the original 1611 King James Version of the Bible. It describes war this way:
During the Spring/Summer season when my travel schedule is heaviest, I have witnessed (as well as talked to many sacred artists dealing
with) much strife among the brethren. There remains backbiting, ugly innuendos, jealousy, envy, dislike of other saints (and not dislike of
the sin), no love, no power, outright disrespect in person, on the phone and by email (you know the blind copy, forward to others, etc.),
people being judgmental, lawlessness, disobedience, just UGLY.
I believe some of this stems from frustration and our lack of knowledge of the Word of God. Because of this, we are tossed to and fro with
every wind of doctrine. There are entirely too many factions going on in the same Body of believers. We should be walking together – many
members, one body (Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 12:12). Is your conduct/character and 24-hour life reflecting our Saviour?
"Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father], and walk in love,
[esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for YOU,
so that it became] a sweet fragrance." Ephesians 5:1-2 AMP
One minute you’re attending a workshop and you see people promoting themselves, their ministries, their schools, their next event; the
next minute you’re being mentored by someone who has several degrees telling you that you should not be "covered" by so & so and not
connected with them. Next, you join an organization/ministry which claims they’re loving and united, yet the last several times you were
together at an event they were cliquish (exclusive group and not socializing with the same like-minded people). You become so tired and
dizzy because as a person not yet matured fully in your faith, there has been entirely too much drama! You got caught up in it (through no
direct fault of your own), now you’re outta there. You leave your gift, the ministry or organization, and have no dealings with those ‘church
folk.’ Let some people tell it, had you had appropriate covering/connections this would never happen. OH PLEASE! (Yes, been there, done
that, seen it, but did not buy the t-shirt because it was a hot mess!)
If this is you or someone you dearly love, I’m going to clear up a few things. There are not enough pages, nor do we have the time to touch
on the entirety of this matter, but below find teachings from a helpful source that will clear the confusion & false teachings. The following is
taken from Pastor Scott Holtz’ Daily Manna, ‘Where are the Spiritual Fathers?’ and parts from me.
The current teaching is that you have an Apostolic/pastor covering. This is a man-made teaching (read and study thoroughly 1 Samuel 8)!
Samuel was distressed when Israel demanded “…a king to lead us” because you’re old & your sons don’t walk in the ways you’ve taught.
Samuel distressed, prayed, God answered & said, “Samuel, listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected,
but they have rejected me as their king.” God himself knew the people were trying to establish their own way of having someone lead them,
a man-made & chosen covering, but this was not the teaching of God.
Many wise saints who know and study the word and understand YHWH’s ways and live and submit wholly unto the freedom and liberty of
the Holy Spirit have bumped up against this problem to be (covered) or not to be (covered).
Let's simply identify this problem with these three points. There are ONLY TWO general classifications of "covering" mentioned in the
Scriptures.
1) The first is the plethora of references mentioning the blood of the sacrificed lamb being our covering or the Hebrew word "atonement".
2) The second has to do with the implied covering a husband is for his wife (I Corinthians 7, Ephesians 5).
[I know there is the hair covering for women (stop laughing some of you :>) but I’m talking of the general terms of covering over your life and
Christian walk.]
Therefore, let us not listen to man-made doctrines. The Scriptures make it real clear...Jesus blood is our only covering. PERIOD! Your
Husband is a covering if you’re married. Single folk are covered by Jesus!
Now concerning listening, submitting, and obeying leaders (as is commanded in Hebrews 13:17) that IS ABSOLUTELY a solid Biblical
principle. But the variable again is the term here "leader" that is appointed, tested, and approved by God. Some are appointed by man.
Now I hear you saying well, LaVetta, what about accountability? Well that is a different story. Yes, my personal belief (as well as is my
Pastor's, my most trusted mentors, and my mama) is that you should be connected to your Pastor, mentor or someone who you trust
implicitly that will keep you accountable for what you are doing in the name of Christ. When the disciples started the church, their only
covering was Christ. They had no pastors/bishops/teachers/preachers/apostles they answered to. They and many lay people (sent out two
by two, some with witnesses) kept each other accountable – NOT answered to them as a covering. After all, they had walked with Christ
and had been taught for three years. What better way to keep each other in check? Help us Father... how far have we ventured from your
teaching, your Word of truth. We ask your forgiveness. Please do not let us be as the children of Israel and ask for any covering (King) but
You.
WHERE THERE IS WAR, THERE IS NO UNITY!
Paul warns us in Galatians 5:14-22 (AMP) of things we should not have in our lives that will keep us from inheriting the Kingdom of God:
Strife, jealously, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions) sects with peculiar opinions, heresies),
envy…and these like things, I warn you as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
It is best said this way for the New Testament church: The entire Law is summed up in a single command: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS
YOURSELF. (Galatians 5:14) You do not have a choice, it is a command-- LOVE! Now you know our God is all that. You don’t even get an
opportunity to say whether or not you love yourself. You just do! Go Jesus, Go Jesus!!!
"And because lawlessness is increased, most peoples love will grow cold." (Matthew 24:12 NASB)
SAINTS, please hear what the Holy Spirit is saying through the texts in Proverbs and James to us today: ALL DEMONIC ACTIVITY IS
CENTERED IN THE ATMOSPHERE OF JEALOUSY, SELFISHNESS AND STRIFE. HANG IN THERE WITH ME. DON’T TURN OUT THE
LIGHTS JUST YET I’M ALMOST DONE...
THE KEEPERS OF ALL KNOWLEDGE (Nay Sayers, Know-it-all, It’s about me, yada, yada, yada)
A minister from Arkansas stated “I know we must suffer before we can reign and I know the devil is busy trying to stop the very vision God
has given.” This was stated in a conversation I had with this minister after God used me as an encourager using His word, insight, wisdom
& our many conversations through e-mails & phone calls. You may surmise it was because 'the keepers of all knowledge' were trying to
seriously tear down what God Himself had built up. God had given her the vision, not them.
You may know these people well, but you’ve definitely either heard or experienced them in action. They know what is best, you follow under
them and they give you their opinions and use scripture to justify their actions (even if it’s only part of a scripture). They have all the degrees,
experience, and many titles to vouch for who they are. They know such and such, have traveled and therefore are the authority. You may be
told through innuendos (because they would not dare be so bold as to discount another saint- they love everybody) "This ministry isn’t 'this,'
that book isn’t 'that.' Don't go to that conference. Don’t be connected with you know who, yada, yada, yada..."
I give the following answer to those who question my knowledge and ability to walk in my call as a/sacred artist: I’m well qualified because
God gave me several degrees & I’m established by Him who gave me these gifts that are without repentance: I’m qualified because I have
a BS degree (BORN AGAIN & SAVED); I also have an MS degree which I received with honors (MASTERS IN SUBMISSION unto my King)
and lastly, two PhD’s (I AM PERFECT, HOLY & DELIVERED from sin & I PRAISE HIM DAILY)! My Daddy gave His life for me and He told me
all of this by His word & as we spend time together in our loving relationship.
Here is my word for 2008 for the sacred artists: Do not let the nay sayers stop or discourage you from fulfilling the assignment God has
given to you. Your obedience is unto God and God alone - not man!! Remember, many discouraged Noah when he was told to build an ark,
Samuel when he knew God had anointed a young shepherd child David to be King of Israel, Mary & Joseph for bringing the birth of our
Saviour unto this world, and the Roman government & priests who didn't believe Jesus was the Messiah. Whose report will you believe?!
DO NOT! I repeat DO NOT let anyone tell you your vision is not the vision of Adonai. Do they speak for God? Has He appointed them as a
mouthpiece for Him to deliver a word for you? If that were the case, would it be in such a negative manner? Clearly when you read the story
of Saul (house of rebellion, envy, jealously, wickedness, witchcraft) vs. King David, you'll see that in all the madness of Saul's hatred of
David in his heart, David behaved wisely. I pray you behave wisely. DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED, DISHEARTENED, DOWN, or DOUBT A
GOD OF MUCH GRACE & FAVOR! He will use the foolish things to confound the wise!
Many are called but very few are chosen! Why? Because many will answer the call and that's it. They will not do what is necessary to fulfill
the assignment. As a former director of a dance ministry & a mentor, I say to sacred artists all the time, "If God is not saying yes to your
ministry, then it's not God!" Of course the reverse to that is if God is saying yes, then move, do what He says & hear from only HIM!
I will always be a repairer of the breach of the brethren & follow & obey the words of my great King that says, "We will edify, uplift & exhort
one another, that we will esteem others better than ourselves!"
A Watchman remaining on the Wall in His service for your Faith,
LaVetta
World Church and served as the former Dance Director. She is the founder of Dancing Before the
King Ministries, traveling nationally & internationally teaching & ministering at conferences,
workshops, Bible Studies, etc., on the Biblical truths of praise & worship. She is the Assistant Editor
and a staff writer for Company Keepers, member of the National Liturgical Dance Network (NLDN)
(www.natldancenet.org), International Dance Commission & Sacred Dance Guild. She is one of the
founders of the NLDN-GA Chapter, a Literacy Volunteer of America and a 2007 biographical
candidate for Cambridge Who’s Who Among Female Christian Leaders and Professionals. She
mentors ministries in the US & The Bahamas. Contact her at destinedtodance@hotmail.com or visit
www.myspace.com/lavettacelise.
Back Issues:
or Announcements:
E-mail:
companykeepers@rainreinreign.com
Please submit dates for
March & April 2008 only.
All submissions must be received by:
February 29th
for inclusion in the March 2008 Edition.
Sherry Traylor - Consulting Editor (Dance Director- Zoe Expressions / Founder- Heaven's Gates Dance Academy)
LaVetta C. Williams - Assistant Editor (Founder- Dancing Before the King Ministries)
Machelle Foster- Staff Writer (Zoe Expressions Dancer)
