Company Keepers Aug 2005

When Shameka was at her family reunion, a family member decided to form a Soul Train line. When it was Shameka’s turn to
dance, Shameka, age 8, began to gyrate her hips, thrust forward her pelvis and jiggle her body parts. As the music intensified, she
“shook her booty” so fast that it appeared it was vibrating. When family members began to shout, “Go Meeka! Go Meeka!" she
bent over, spread her legs, touched her toes and then moved her body upward in a seductive manner.

When her Holy Ghost filled, ”saved,” Auntie corrected her, Shameka became confused. She could not understand why she was
being corrected for something she is allowed to watch all day, everyday on BET- Hip Hop videos.

Children imitate what they see. Shameka danced her danced innocently- it was the only dance she had seen. The way Shameka
danced at her family reunion is the only form of dance she had ever been exposed to.

Those of us who lead children in dance ministry have an awesome responsibility to lead children to the way of the Lord. In times
such as these, it is imperative that before we ever teach a child a demi-plie, that we first open the Bible and teach the Word of
God. Without prayer and Bible teaching, you might find girls dancing in the pulpit the same way Shameka danced at her family
reunion. Simply put- many young girls don’t know any better and haven’t been taught the way of the Lord.

It is not enough for kids to join the dance ministry, purchase a uniform, learn choreography and then be put up to “minister” in
dance. God requires more. Ministry takes preparation. If we as leaders don’t take time to “prepare” and equip ourselves and our
little ones for ministry, then let’s not call it ministry. It’s just a dance.

Though God created dance for His glory and the scriptures calls us to dance, our children need to know that there are negative
examples of dance too. Matthew 14:6 speaks of worldly dance which led to an inciting of passion and sin. Exodus 32:19 speaks of
an idolatrous dance.

Because there are negative forms of dance, our young dancers must know that they are faced with choices. The Bible asks the
question: Whom do we serve God or man? 1 John 2:15 tells us: "Do not love the world or anything in it." As sanctified dancers, we
need to be separated from the world, (Be ye not conformed to the patterns of this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind.) As we lead children in dance ministry, there should be a difference in our movements. We can’t teach the latest trend
in dance and call it blessed. Our movements should speak of His glory, and speak of His splendor. Our choreography should be
representative of the God we serve and we should resist all that offends His Holy nature.

Two years ago, I had a burden to go out in the streets to train and teach unchurched young girls. After seeking approval and
covering from my Pastor, I started The Victory Outreach Ministry where children are recruited from housing projects and foster
homes. I have girls on Psychiatric medications, girls who have Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit and other disorders. Through
dance and expressive movements, I teach them at a young age, to give their burdens to Jesus.

1. Children must have a teachable spirit.
I had a child who was not interested in dance ministry at all, but her mom wanted her to dance. Therefore, the child was
not motivated to learn, listen or to receive.

2. Explain the importance of having a servant’s heart and a servant’s spirit.
Let them know when they go before God and His people, they are on a mission, with an assignment and they have purpose.

3. They must be taught that worship is a lifestyle, not an event.
Genuine worship must be done in “holiness.” The child ministering should have an earnest desire to be near to Christ.

4. Spontaneous dance should be encouraged at all rehearsals.
This way, children learn to dance in His Presence rather than mimicking the steps we teach. I often ask my children,
“How is God telling you to express his Praise on this part of the song?” I am often amazed on what they come up with.
Spontaneous Praise also allows them to be free in Christ.

5. Equip your young dancers to be dance warriors.
They are to know that our weapons are mighty through the God to the pulling down of strongholds. II Corinthians 10:4-5.

6. It is crucial to teach Church protocol before you take the children out to minister --
Especially if you teach children from adverse situations or children who are "unchurched." Don’t make the mistake I once
made, by assuming they know how to act and present themselves before and after they dance.

When unchurched children see us dance, we offer them an alternative. They learn that they can dance and not expose their
bodies. They learn that they can dance and not “bare it all.” They learn self-respect, dignity and righteousness. When God
releases His anointing upon us, our children experience the dance of the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

If we don’t dance, who will? In 2004, Rapper Nelly swiped a credit card through a dancer’s buttocks. I disagree with those who say
there are too many praise dance conferences, praise dance concerts and dance ministries. I say there are not enough! If the
secular media can portray seductive, half-naked dancers 12 hours straight, then how much more should we dance unto the Lord
who created us? We need to go into the enemies camp and take back everything that belongs to us! We need to dance until all
the girls like Shameka see us. We need to dance until a young dancer says, “No! I don’t care how much money you offer me, my
body belongs to God.” We need to dance until our children see Christ in us.