A couple weeks ago I received the following anonymous email.  I asked “dancer” if I could publish her message and my reply here to assist anyone else that may be dealing with abusive leadership

Dancer wrote:

Hi Min. Lakita
I am sending this question anonymously because of the type of question I am asking. Maybe someone could help:
The leader of the dance ministry I am part of, has some abusive ways. She often comes in and snaps at people and embarrasses in front of others them for minor things, or if they make a mistake. Sometimes she gets angry if they ask a question that she does not feel like answering. She makes statements like: "If you want to be part of this ministry, you will have to deal with me". No one says anything because it will just result in more of the same actions.

I understand that no one is perfect. But if we are supposed to be like Christ, doesn't that apply to everyone? It seems that this issue is common everywhere. What can we do, other than pray and be quiet, or leave the group? I cannot give my name or location. Thank you for understanding.

————————–

Dancer,

Thank you for writing with your concern.  There are a few areas I want to address, then hopefully give you a practical strategy for dealing with the situation.  I must warn you, my answers are going to center around praying and being quiet…but hopefully it will provide insight, focus and strategy.

1.   Gift vs. Title

It is important to remember that everyone that has the title of leader does not necessarily have the gift of leadership.  This is not to say that your leader isn’t called or gifted…but may be carrying an overwhelming responsibility.  Consider Joseph, at the age of 17 his father gave him a coat of many colors (a sign of leadership), but he was not mature enough to handle it at the time.  Joseph’s young immature mouth got him in trouble, but he turned out being one of the greatest leaders in ancient Egypt.

Bestselling author John Maxwell talks about the 5 levels of leadership:

Level 1 – People follow you because they have to.  “The boss mentality”
Level 2 – People follow you because they want to.  Relationships develop, passion & energy grows
Level 3 – People follow you because they realize what you have done.  Momentum builds as a result of influence.
Level 4 – People follow you because of what you’ve done for them.  Loyalty grows.
Level 5 – People follow you because of what you represent.

Unfortunately, a great majority stay at level 1.  Maxwell calls advancing to level 2 a quantum leap, but it is one that few leaders take.

The gift of leadership is a special ability from God to map out and communicate his purpose so that people work together to accomplish them and bring Him glory.  Gifted leaders are also motivators.

Dancer, I would suggest reading John Maxwell’s The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization
Also, in your private prayer time:
– pray that the Lord stirs up the gift of leadership in your leader
- call out your leader by name and ask the Lord to help him/her govern diligently according to Rom 12:8
- pray that the root of every offense be plucked up and the ministry can move forth in unity
- ask the Lord to show you your heart.  Petition Him to make clear anything you may need to change.

While you could (and should) pray for your leader as a group (probably during prayers at the beginning and end of your practices), any prayers addressing leadership improvements should be done in private.  Assembling the ministry members to pray about leadership issues can inadvertently undermine the authority of the leader and magnify problems to others that may have been otherwise unaware.

2.   Saul, David and Absalom

Saul had the potential to be a great leader, but he his jealousy of David get the best of him (1 Sam 18).  The more Saul tried to attack David, the more the Lord blessed him.  Some leaders are like this…throwing spears at those that are trying to help them.   How did David reply?  He didn’t pick up the spear and throw it back…he got out of dodge!  David maintained respect and authority for King Saul, and that is what we are to do in the face of adverse leadership.  Rebellious subordinates run the risk of becoming like Absalom.  I like this quote from the summary of A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness:

Even when we are sure – absolutely sure – that the leader above us is a Saul, we must continue to treat that person as a David, for to do otherwise would make us an Absalom. And even when we are convinced beyond a doubt that the rebellious subordinate is playing the role of Absalom, we must treat that person as a David, for to do otherwise would make us a Saul.

What do you do? 
- Trust that God is working it out and do not take matters into your own hands.
- Do not allow yourself to get hurt in the process, so if that means a period of separation do so.  This does not mean round up a posse and take them with you.  That is what a prideful Lucifer did when he was cast out of heaven.  Instead, respectfully exit for a season if that is your only recourse.

3.   Prayer AND Fasting

The bible often talks about prayer and fasting (Luke 2:37, Mark 9:29).  Oftentimes there are strongholds that are keeping a ministry from collectively moving to the next level.  Fasting as a unified body can sharpen spiritual awareness as the flesh is put under subjection. 

I would suggest approaching the leader one on one and suggesting a corporate fast so the ministry can go to another level in God.  Be prepared to offer suggestions if asked. 

Summary:

To answer your specific question, yes, of course we are supposed to be like Christ — that does apply to everyone.  Christ was spit on, embarrassed, humiliated, lied on…and what did He do?  Father, forgive them for that know not what they do.

Please understand that I am not taking the leader’s side nor condoning abusive behavior, but I can only deal with what you can do.  We can’t change anybody…only God can do that.  Rest assured if the tables were turned and a leader wrote with problems with their subordinates, I would focus on the leader.

Blessings & Love,
Lakita

Additional Reading on Leadership from Company Keepers: Dance Ministry Talk

Disclosure:  There are affiliate links in this post.  That means if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a commission.  No amount of commission is worth the trust of the readers.  I only link to resources I feel would be of benefit.

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This is a guest post from Wynne Henry, she is a dance/drama minister and a member of the dance ministry at Zoe Christian Fellowship of Whittier.  She has a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Cal State Dominguez Hills and teaches Drama, Dance to youth in her community, and also loves to write poetry. She is working on her poetry collection entitled "Images Emerging".

During the 31 Days of Choreography Tips for Dance Minister’s challenge, one of her tips was to communicate a clear message through dance.  She explains this below:

We have all experienced the power of a message that was clearly communicated through movement. However, at times, it seems that just the opposite happens when the dancer’s message is unclear. Often, dancers zealously wave their hands and arms, move without an exact motivation, or leave blank spaces in the dance where they are just standing, waiting for the next verse of the song. All of these types of movements may have great personal meaning for the dancer, but the audience is left out of the message, leaving them to respond only to the music or the emotions expressed by the dancer.

     Dance ministry is a visual representation of God’s Word and the message being communicated should have an exact beginning, middle, and ending. Movement does not have to be set to every word of a song; it is possible to interpret one sentence of a song in 5 inspired movements. The use of sign language and gestures can also be added to express the message. Understanding stage directions such as upstage, downstage, stage right, stage left, and center stage help in making the most of available space.

     As movement ministers, if we remember that our messages should be so clear that they can be received even if the music is turned off, we will always have a clear visual expression that will leave a lasting impression on the audience. 

©2009 Wynne Henry

Poetry of Motion!

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At the suggestion of Darren (aka Problogger), I am creating this Dance Blogs Watch list.  Look for great things from these blogs in 2010!  Check out their sites and subscribe to get updates.  Happy surfing!

photo credit: .:Axle:.

Company Keepers Dance Ministry Talk by Rekesha Pittman is my absolute favorite dance minister’s blog.  She has a unique way with words that make reading her articles entertaining as well as educational.  Everything is written from a Biblical perspective and solidified with scripture.  Be on the lookout for more great articles from Rekesha throughout 2010. 

The Praise Dance Life w/Jocelyn Richard is another one of my favorites.  Jocelyn is a natural teacher & networker.  She uses her blog as a launching pad for other projects such as tele-seminars, tele-classes and interviews.  Jocelyn has also released a couple books for dance ministers, and I don’t think she plans on slowing down in 2010.   

His Hem Ministry is a blog I stumbled upon in the latter half of 2009.  Not only does the author post devotions, but she does a good job of sharing current news and events in the dance ministry world.   Most recently, she shared what is on her prayer agenda for 2010 and encouraged others to do the same. 

Dance Advantage by Nichelle continues to share awesome articles and tips for all things related to dance!  Most of her articles can be categorized as for students, teachers or parents.  She has said she had plans for 2010…I believe it!

What about you?
What dance blogs did I miss?  Any that should be included?  Let me know in the comments below!

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Every Thursday, I will post a link round-up of articles I've found while researching the Internet.  While all may not be directly related to dance ministry or worship arts, I hope it will be of benefit to the dance ministers, mime ministers and worship artists that frequent this site.

It is 2010!  This is the first round-up of the new year.  I don't know about you all, but I am excited about 2010.  I'll be working on several new projects in the coming months.  There is a burst of motivation and energy that has accompanied this new year and I plan on taking advantage of it!  Enjoy these articles from around the web!

photo credit: sflovestory

His Hem Ministry shares her prayer agenda for 2010 and asks: What’s on your prayer agenda for 2010

Minister Rekesha Pittman reflects on a 10 year journey dancing for the Lord.  She has been afforded opportunities to serve in a variety of capacities: duo ministry, solo, group, church dance ministry, community dance company, and minister overseer.  She offers insight and lessons from a decade of serving in each of these capacities.

Dance Ministers, what better way to start 2010 than with a Biblical Study of Dance offered by Minister Jocelyn Richard!  The great thing about this tele-seminar series is that you can do it from the comfort of your home.  Today is the last day to register….so register today!

One reader asked, what protocol I use for children in dance ministry.

Also coming in 2010….

If you are a mime minister you’ll want to subscribe to MimeMinistry.net where we’ll be discussing all things related to mime ministry.  I’m still looking for volunteers to submit articles on a sporadic and regular basis.  If you would like more information…let me know!

The Starting a Dance Ministry: Prepare Now or Repair Late E-book is on the way!  It will further elaborate on the Starting a Dance Ministry series and include several checklists, flow charts, and templates.  If you or someone you know is starting a dance ministry in 2010, you’ll want to get this book.  Want more information or a chance to win a free copy?  Sign up for the exclusive e-book pre-launch list.  This list will only take 100 subscribers!

Equipping the Saints Conference: MARANATHA will take place September 9-12, 2010 in St. Louis, MO.  Have you registered yet?  Register today while rates are low!

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A reader asked:

Hey Kita, I wanted to ask you -  I am the servant leader of the liturgical dance ministry of the youth. Our rehersals are 1 hour.   We recently received a younger praise dancer (she is 4 yrs old), the mom has been been taking me for a baby sitter. Do you have a format that you use for children and youth in your ministry?     -V.

V,

Yes I have protocol established, but what is more important than what the protocol may say is that it is supported by your Pastor and communicated to those in the ministry (when dealing with children that includes the parents).  While not a necessity, I prefer written guidelines.  These can be objectively referred to without the appearance of bias.  When you say the mother is taking you for a baby-sitter….what does that mean?  She is picking the child up late?  Does the child want to participate?  Behavioral problems?  All of these are contingencies that can be addressed in a ministry guideline.

I have some more information on this in Starting a Dance Ministry part 2 (The Practical) and Starting a Dance Ministry part 3 (The Administrative).  I will also include a sample ministry guideline in the Starting a Dance Ministry E-book that I hope to release later this month.  If you want to receive more information about that, you can subscribe for the email alert using the button below:

What about you?  Have you faced a similiar situation in ministry?  Do you have additional advice for V?  Leave your comment below!

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Every Thursday, I will post a link round-up of articles I've found while researching the Internet.  While all may not be directly related to dance ministry or worship arts, I hope it will be of benefit to the dance ministers, mime ministers and worship artists that frequent this site. 

Here we are at the end of 2009!  What are you doing to prepare for the new year? 

I shared with the newsletter subscribers why new year's resolution's are not "smart".  The purpose was to encourage them to set goals that can be measured and have a better chance of success.

Enjoy these articles as you prepare for the New Year!

I Cite by Rekesha Pittman reminds us to give credit where credit is due, especially when citing a song artist used in dance or choreography.

A popular new year's resolution is the get in shape by shedding those Thanksgiving and Christmas pounds.  If you plan on going to the gym in 2010, check out 6 Ways to Save on Gym Membership by Money Under 30.

Denise (aka Prazdancr) sought the Lord for a Word for dance ministers going into 2010, and that word is Hold Fast

How do you observe New Year's Eve?  What are your plans for 2010?

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In April 2009 this website was transformed into the blog you are reading today.  It is still a work in progress, but the new format has allowed me to share more content with you all.  In the past 9 months we have posted 112 articles and logged over 200 of your comments!

In case you missed some of the content, here is Paneh’s website year in review!  There is a lot here, so I suggest you bookmark it and refer back to it from time to time.

Top Posts of All Time

1.       The Starting a Dance Ministry Series continues to be the most popular page on this site.  There are 3 parts:  Part 1: The Spiritual, Part 2: The Practical, and Part 3: The Administrative.   I am also working on my first E-book, Starting a Dance Ministry: Prepare Now or Repair Later.  This guide will go into even more detail and include a high level flow chart to assist in the decisions that must be made from the very beginning. If you would like to receive more information about the E-book when it becomes available…you can sign up here:

2.       What to “Wear”: Praise Garment Resource List quickly rose to the top of the list.  I compiled this list later in the year and the number of views skyrocketed!

3.       3 Tips & Resources for New Dance & Mime Ministries was also very popular among those seeking information

4.       I was surprised at the interest in A Spiritual Leader’s View of Dance Ministry.  But this observatory report that started as an academic project by my pastor’s wife, Lady Joyce A. Wells has helped leaders and dancers see things from the other’s point of view.

Most Community Involvement

As much as I enjoy writing articles, I enjoy interacting with you all even more.  These posts had the most community involvement

1.       The Dance Ministry Ethics Series was something we did at the end of October.  Each day a topic was launched for discussion, some were considered breach of protocol, while others were unanimously unethical.  Read over each discussion and the comments.  By the way, even though the “week” is over, comments are still open and you are welcome to leave yours!

Day 1: Invited Guests Leaving After Ministering
Day 2: Contracts Required for Ministry
Day 3: Self Promotion or Creative Marketing
Day 4: Praise Dance Competitions
Day 5: Inspiration or Imitation?

2.       The 31 Dance Minister’s Choreography Tip Challenge is something I did for fun on Twitter & Facebook.  I asked my friends to submit choreography tip in 120 CHARACTERS OR LESS.  These were posted on Facebook & Twitter (1 per day) for the entire month of November.  At the end of the month, they were all compiled into one post.  This could not have been done without you all!

3.       The 2009 Equipping the Saints Conference Recap was one of my personal favorites to write as it gave me an opportunity to reflect on such an awesome event!  It’s not awesome because of anything I did…but because the Lord himself manifested HIS presence.  Writing the recap is a way for me to reflect on the event, thank you for sharing your miraculous testimonies.  To God be ALL the Glory!

 My Personal Favorites

These are the ones I enjoyed writing the most.  I hope you enjoy reading them as well!

The Dance Minister’s Choreography Devotion Series.  This was done in two parts.  Each part ran Monday – Friday with a new dance choreography technique was explained how to execute properly as well as how we, as ministers, can reflect on the awesome God we serve while moving for His glory!  Part 1 cover the five ballet positions, while part two will beginner / intermediate ballet techniques:

a.       First Position

b.      Second Position

c.       Third Position

d.      Fourth Position

e.      Fifth Position

f.        Plie / Fondue

g.       Releve'

h.      Piroutte

i.        Jete

j.        Chasse'

2.       As I mentioned earlier, I love event hosting and planning so writing How to Plan Events and The Truth About Hotel Room Blocks was a pleasure.  If you’re planning an event at a hotel in 2010 and you’re unfamiliar with hotel contracts, rules and the lingo, you should read those articles.

3.       My other passion is personal finance.  I am working on a project on that very topic that I hope to release at the end of 2010.  In the interim, check out D.A.N.C.E. Out of Debt and read about the DUMBEST (Financial) Move I’ve Ever Made.

Worth a Second Look

These articles were either written early on or during a down time.  For some reason or another they didn’t get many views.  So in case you missed them, here they are again:

1.       Miriam: Praise Dancer, Prophetess, Leader and More

2.       The Praise Dance of David

3.       The Spiritual Side to Technique series: Balance & Alignment

4.       Tips for Ministry Excellence Series: Appearance & Communication

5.       Tips for Traveling Dance Ministers

6.       What Exactly is Liturgical Dance?

This is less than ONE THIRD of the content currently on the site and the goal is to constantly add more!  If you never want to miss an article, I suggest you sign up for e-mail or RSS subscription.  This is different from the monthly newsletter.  You’ll receive an email as soon as a new article is published.

Props to the Top Referrers of 2009

Aside from search engines, Facebook, and Twitter traffic.  Many readers arrive here from someone else’s website.  This is to show some love to Paneh’s top referrer’s.  Check out their sites as well:

1.       Worship Steps

2.       Done Unto the Lord Ministries

3.       Rain Rein Reign Ministries

4.       Dancing For Him Ministry

5.       Rhema Dance Ministry

I am looking forward to all that lies in store for you and me in 2010.  I intend to write more articles and continue to encourage interaction.  I'm also plan to continue to blog carnivals and weekly round-ups through out 2010.  I also hope to publish more guest posts…so if you have an article or would like to write on a relevant topic…please contact me!

Blessings, Love and a Happy New Year!

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I had privilege of being interviewed by Minister Jocelyn Richard, host of The Praise Dance Life.  I have nothing but love and respect for this awesome woman of God.  She is an anointed dancer, teacher, evangelist that shares gifts with others.  This session of The Praise Dance Life was on “blogging & ministry”.  I was humbled & honored to speak on the subject.

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When helping dance & mime ministries get started, I recommend books that they read as a group to sharpen their knowledge and remain effective in ministry.  Here are a few books that should prove helpful to movement ministers:

	Dance Into the Anointing by Dr. Aimee Kovacs – This was the first dance ministry book I read and is the first I recommend the others.
	The Purpose of the Dance by Dr. Ann Higgins is an excellent resource for new ministries.  I did a full review on the book which you can read here.
	Mime Ministry by Susan Toomey contains spiritual and practical advice for mime ministries.  It covers starting a mime ministry, choreography techniques, group exercise and more.
	The 360 Degree Leader by John Maxwell – OK, so this isn’t a dance book, but it has effective leadership principals that you can apply to any ministry.
	Fasting for a Spiritual Breakthrough by Elmer Towns – Effective ministries pray and fast together.
	Phenomenal Choreography for Worship is an Ebook by Minister Jocelyn Richard that I had a chance to review.  It contains group choreography exercises. Side note: Minister Jocelyn is encouraging movement ministries to start the year off with a Biblical Study of Dance teleseminar series.
Coming Soon…. Starting a Dance Ministry: Prepare Now or Repair Later (E-book) by Lakita Humber This 2 part / 10 chapter manual will serve as a guide for anyone facing the task of starting or rebuilding a dance or mime ministry.  It will cover the spiritual requirements for effective leadership & ministry as well as practical concerns such as rehearsal scheduling, and ministry budgets. Sign up below if you would like to receive information on this project.  You’ll receive more information, excerpts, select screening opportunities, early release & pre-launch discounts.  This list will close after January 15th or the first 100 subscribers

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this article.  That means that I will be paid a commission on purchases made directly from the links.  That being said…these are genuine recommendations.  I will only recommend or endorse products that I believe will be valuable to the readers of this site.

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