Every now and again, we get calls from people who have recently received instruction from their pastor to start a dance ministry. A good number of praise dance ministers were introduced to the ministry this way. You probably were. Whether or not you have past experience with dance ministry, the thought of starting and leading one might be quite overwhelming.
Allow us to offer a few tips to help you get started.
1. First, you need to understand that your role as a dance ministry leader is a huge one - but you probably already knew that. You should begin by spending a lot of time praying and possibly fasting in order to prepare yourself mentally and spiritually.
2. Next, you need to fully understand the intended scope and focus of the ministry. Will you be dancing solo or with a team? Would your team consist of adults, teens or children? Or will it be open to anyone willing to join? You may have to clarify this with your pastor. Likewise, would you be ministering to the adults or children? Knowing your team and audience will go a long way in choosing what songs and dances will be most effective in reaching them.
3. Start a workout routine! You have to prepare your body as a vessel to carry out this task. No matter how simple your dances will be, you have to get your body in the best shape possible to release your creativity. God has endowed you with the spirit of creativity because he always provides unction for a function. But if you're stuck in an unfit body, it will put a limitation on your mind and the flow of creativity will be stunted.
4. Find praise dance resources. Even if you have previous experience praise dancing, you have now been given a role where you not only have to teach dances, but principles and techniques. You need to have a deeper understanding of what you do, and why. You may have to teach your team the difference between just dancing and dancing for God. You may need a few leadership tips. Determine your area of weakness and find the resources to strengthen yourself.
5. Lastly, network with other praise dance ministers. This is very important because you can gain a lot of information from those who are experienced in the ministry. Find a few ministers to network with via email, newsletters or social networks; attend conferences when you can. Then let the knowledge and creativity flow through you to your team.
Study Book, Instructional Praise Dance Videos