PRAISE IN MOTION
Praise@SmyrnaAssembly.org

VISION STATEMENT FOR PRAISE IN MOTION   

In moving to restore dance arts to the Body of Christ, we are purposed to render offerings of praise and worship with our spirit, soul and body (Romans 12:1) in such a way that is inspired by the Holy Spirit and pleasing to the Father, giving honor and glory to Jesus Christ.  Our choreography is designed to be “readable”, this is, to express visually, and clearly, the heart of the hymnody of the church with “accessibility” in order to create an atmosphere in which the congregation is encouraged to participate in the joyful, exuberant praise and celebration of our God.   

Dance is a language; it expresses outwardly or physically an inner experience or relationship with the Lord.  It is done in obedience to God’s Word in times of joy as well as sorrow; in moments of intimacy and in times of trial, as a sacrifice of praise, thanksgiving, worship, warfare, and in intercession.  Folk, interpretive, modern, hip hop, break, ballet, jazz, Celtic and African are some of the styles used to interpret that which is in the heart of the dancer and/or choreographer.   

“Praise in Motion” is made up of worshippers; age, gender, and training are negotiable(s).  Participation as a team member requires a commitment to attend weekly rehearsals, diligence in learning choreography, supporting fellow dancers, and consecration (i.e. setting aside oneself, spirit, soul, and body for the work of the ministry). Bible study, prayer, and service as well as dance training and overall fitness are encouraged.   

To be a part of the leadership of “Praise in Motion” requires a heart to serve, a “calling” to the dance ministry, and membership on the team for one year, or at the discretion of the director and the worship pastor.  Areas of service in leadership include:   

  1. Creating choreography for congregational worship
  2. Leading dance ministry, either from the floor or the platform; both require sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, to worship leadership, and to the needs of the congregation as well as dance and musical skill.
  3. Creating choreography for “special services” i.e. Advent, Holy Week, Prayer and Praise services
Creating choreography for “horizontal” ministry, i.e. revelatory or prophetic truth that is danced as a means of ministering to the congregation, usually performed by the more skilled/trained dancers
  4. Creating choreography for “horizontal” ministry, i.e. revelatory or prophetic truth that is danced as a means of ministering to the congregation, usually performed by the more skilled/trained dancers
  5. Teaching and training new choreography to members
  6. Teaching and training older choreography to new members
  7. Designing and developing garments, ingathering materials and resources, overseeing the making of the garments
  8, Designing and developing praise instruments to be used by the dancers and worship participants, ingathering materials and resources, overseeing the making of instruments
  9. Care, management, and maintenance of garments and instruments
 10. Management of service opportunities and fund-raising projects

  "Our Mission: In moving to restore dance arts to the body of Christ, we purpose to render offerings of praise and worship with our spirit, soul and body (Romans 12:1). 

Dance is a language; it expresses outwardly or physically an inner experience or relationship with the Lord. It is done in obedience to God's Word in times of joy as well as sorrow, in moments of intimacy and in times of trial, as a sacrifice of praise, thanksgiving, worship, warfare and intercession.  
(Claudia Peterson / "Praise In Motion" Dance Ministry Director)

A PASTORAL PONDERING (Rejoice with Dancing)  

Perhaps you or someone you know is trying to sort out where to stand about dancing in the church house as an offering of praise & worship.  I’m aware that can be a difficult subject to come to terms with. If that’s the case please take a few moments and read the four verses I’ve listed below:  

Luke 10:21 speaks of Jesus rejoicing
John 8:56 speaks of Abraham rejoicing
Acts 16:34 speaks of the jailer (converted by Paul’s ministry) rejoicing
1 Peter 1:6 speaks of the saints who have “an inheritance reserved in heaven” rejoicing  

The root word “rejoice” in each of these verses is the Greek word (Agalliao). It means to jump for joy; to exult; to be exceedingly glad. That word comes from the Greek word (Hallomai). It means to gush out; leap up; spring forth.  

Such emotionally physical expressions as jumping, spinning around, or leaping up are all aspects which can often be seen in the act of dancing.  

In the Light of the language of Scripture here’s a question for you: Is it possible that Abraham; a converted jailer; saints with a divine inheritance (that’d be us); and yes, even Jesus were so filled with exceeding joy that they broke out in dance?  

Selah…(pause & consider)    
Wayne Berry
Worship Arts Ministries Pastor