Opinions on interpretive dance, dancing in general

[Aravis Kenobi]

In my church, we've sort of had a problem with dancing inside the church. I would like to get other people's opinions on dancing in the church. I won't post until someone else does.

[Solya]

Does it ever get done, I wonder? :eek: Because that would be absolutely brilliant... dancing is to me one of the art expressions which can bring you into the peaceful state of mind that connects you most deeply to God. Dancing in church would only reflect your inner dance of joy at the prospect of being close to God.

[inkspot]

My church has dance when we have drama or a big presentation. We are not the best dancers in the world! But sometimes they do it all right, and I dig it. I love all kinds of dance. I am such a geek, I get those DVD's that teach you hula or latin dance or whatever. I love it, and I think if it would add to the program, it's great for church. Maybe not all Latin dances, but you know, some dance moves that fit with the theme. It's lovely, and as Solay said, a great means of expression and communication.

[Aravis Kenobi]

In Baptist churches, interpretive dance or really any dancing in general isn't allowed. I've been brought up this way, and it could be a way of communication, but in a lot of cases, it's inappropriate. When you start doing something like that without the knowledge of the pastor and/or church, it could split the church, which is almost what happened to my church. I'll go into details later.

[Neevil]

I go to a Baptist church, too, so I know what you mean. If somebody started dancing in my church I think people would just about have a heart attack :eek: Yeah... it wouldn't go over too well... But I think it would be cool. My old dance teacher's church had worship dance in their church, and so does my uncle's. I can think of lots of places in the Bible when people danced to praise God. 2 Samuel, chapter 6, I think, is one of them. David dances before the Ark of the Covanent, as it is being brought to the Tabernacle. And his wife yelled at him and said he was making a fool of himself, but he said, "I will come even more undignified than this." (which, by the way, are the lyrics of one of my favorite songs...) And there are other times when dance was used for praise, too. I think it would be cool to do, but I know some of the people in my church would totally freak out if we did. But it is a beautiful form of worship.

[inkspot]

I guess it's a matter of taste.

[Aravis Kenobi]

I go to a Baptist church, too, so I know what you mean. If somebody started dancing in my church I think people would just about have a heart attack :eek: Yeah... it wouldn't go over too well... But I think it would be cool. My old dance teacher's church had worship dance in their church, and so does my uncle's. I can think of lots of places in the Bible when people danced to praise God. 2 Samuel, chapter 6, I think, is one of them. David dances before the Ark of the Covanent, as it is being brought to the Tabernacle. And his wife yelled at him and said he was making a fool of himself, but he said, "I will come even more undignified than this." (which, by the way, are the lyrics of one of my favorite songs...) And there are other times when dance was used for praise, too. I think it would be cool to do, but I know some of the people in my church would totally freak out if we did. But it is a beautiful form of worship.

Do you have that song by DCB? I love that song! Anyway, a girl and her mom and another woman tried to start dancing in the church, but it didn't go over too well with my mom.

[Neevil]

I have no clue who wrote the song, and I do not have it either. I just love it, because I've heard it on the radio... Then I was reading my Bible and found that verse and I was like, "OMGosh! That's my song! Cool!"

[echoscot]

I went to a large Baptist church in Florida. We had several major production numbers that required some dance, and a ladies dance ministry was started. During one of our Christmas shows, we did a jazz type country dance for an opening. Several of the more stoic members of the congregation were a bit horrified and some left the church. Our ministry team tries to ensure that dancing is kept within modesty means.


Of course you know why Baptist couples don't, uhm, make out standing up? Because it might lead to dancing...

[Aravis Kenobi]

I think David Crowder Band might have written the song, but I'm not sure. A woman in our church and a girl and her mom decided to practice for drama, and the girl was dancing in the altar area. My mom got pretty mad, and asked the people what was going on. It made them stop, and they all were mad at my mom, but my mom was in the right. My mom got cornered on it after church by the girl's mom's husband, then the music director. The girl's dad is the head of the deacons (not a position he should be in) and I alerted my dad to the situation, and there was a heated debate between the four of them. My dad wasn't privvy to the whole dancing thing, whihc was wrong for them to do. That's where I have a problem. The dancing should be voted on by the church and approved by the church body.

[echoscot]

I'm trying to understand where your mom is coming from. What is her basis for the girl dancing in the altar area being wrong, per se. Was this girl warming-up or something, or was she "club style" dancing to her favorite tunes? There is a lot to be looked at. The Bible says nothing negative at all about dancing. That is more of a traditional hold in some churches.

[Ephinie]

I am also having a bit of trouble understanding the basis for the problem. Why should the whole church have to vote on whether or not one member is allowed to worship God in the way that the Lord leads her to do so?

[Aravis Kenobi]

Because my dad (who's the pstor my church) didn't know what was going on. There are certain guidelines that a pastor must follow in the Southern Baptist Convention. The church also has a constitution and stuff ( don't know exactly what they are) and my parents believe dancing in the church is wrong, and so do I. Since they are the stewards of the church, it's their place to (somewhat) decide what's best for the church.

[NEllas of Dorthonion]

I go to a baptist church and we had a girl that danced during the service. I think that dancing in church is fine (as long as it is of course, modest and glorifying to God)

[Aravis Kenobi]

Yes, but it should be done with the consent and knowledge of the pastor and the beforehand knowledge of the church body.

[Aravis Kenobi]

I am also having a bit of trouble understanding the basis for the problem. Why should the whole church have to vote on whether or not one member is allowed to worship God in the way that the Lord leads her to do so?

I meant to answer this but forgot to. some churches, mine included, aren't ready for that big of a change. My church is somewhat conservative, though we do have powerpoint and choruses in the church, but the powerpoint and media was voted for by the church. A big decision is voted on in my church, else the church would split over something, which is almost what has happened several times. In a lot of people's minds (older generations especially) it's a touchy topic. To include something like that in the church is like wearing a bikini to church.

[echoscot]

I can understand why something should be voted on before being done. But I'm not sure that I agree that dancing is wrong. Nor is it wrong in front of a church, as part of glory to God. There isn't a single scripture that describes dancing as evil, worldly, passionate or wrong. Now this is just my opinion. Certainly your father as pastor should be involved in decisions about things that will affect the stability of the congregation, but the wrongness or rightness of an action is not decided by popular vote. The Scriptures are used for that. When the ark of the covenant was returned from its capture, David danced naked in the streets, when Michal, his wife saw him, she was disgusted, the Bible says "She despised him in her heart" and from that day forward she was barren.

But as I said before, if this girl was just jamming to her tunes, I can see how your Mom might have felt she was being disrespectful to the sanctity of the altar.

[Aravis Kenobi]

She wasn't, in fact she was dancing to a "Christian" song, but that didn't make it right since my parents didn't know about it.

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

I meant to answer this but forgot to. some churches, mine included, aren't ready for that big of a change. My church is somewhat conservative, though we do have powerpoint and choruses in the church, but the powerpoint and media was voted for by the church. A big decision is voted on in my church, else the church would split over something, which is almost what has happened several times. In a lot of people's minds (older generations especially) it's a touchy topic. To include something like that in the church is like wearing a bikini to church.

My church is exactly like yours Aravis.

[Aravis Kenobi]

My friend and her sisters take dance, but it's outside the church, which I have no problem with.

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

Im a dancer but I would NEVER dance in church. Its just like 'not allowed' in my church.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Yay, someone who's on my side! So, are you a Southern Baptist too?

[broken.]

Just to clarify, are we discussing organized dance in the church, or spontaneous worship dancing, similar to what David did?

My church has a thriving, wonderful dance team that is often apart of special events. I think having dance in the church is great, it serves as a beautiful expression of worship. We still have to be careful about how we go about it though, as it is still a dividing subject in the church...it's almost as bad as the whole traditional music vs. contemporary/current music debate.

By the way...Matt Redman originally wrote/recorded the song "Undignified", which is an awesome song. I also love DCB's version of it too. :)

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

Yay, someone who's on my side! So, are you a Southern Baptist too?


Im a evangelical but we have somewhat the same doctrine as Southern Baptists.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Thanks, I couldn't remember who wrote that song. Dancing wasn't looked down upon either in the Bible times, but nowadays, a lot of people view it as being something associated with sexuality. Which a lot of ways of dancing are associated that way, but to just get up and dance in the church in the altar area is uncalled for without the pastor's knowledge of the situation. Organized dance, as in drama, might be ok once in a while, but this church that my dad's a pastor of is very conservative, though we have gone to contemporary/conservative mixed worship services.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Im a evangelical but we have somewhat the same doctrine as Southern Baptists.

Close enough.

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

Thanks, I couldn't remember who wrote that song. Dancing wasn't looked down upon either in the Bible times, but nowadays, a lot of people view it as being something associated with sexuality. Which a lot of ways of dancing are associated that way, but to just get up and dance in the church in the altar area is uncalled for without the pastor's knowledge of the situation. Organized dance, as in drama, might be ok once in a while, but this church that my dad's a pastor of is very conservative, though we have gone to contemporary/conservative mixed worship services.

Exactly same here at my church

[Aravis Kenobi]

Exactly same here at my church

so apparently, in the evangelical (sp?) and Baptist churches, dancing is frowned upon, which is my opinion on it. :)

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

so apparently, in the evangelical (sp?) and Baptist churches, dancing is frowned upon, which is my opinion on it. :)


yupp. Not all evangelical churches, but in my church its like that. You cant just get up and start dancing, ya know? I mean i LOVE dancing.. im a dancer, but i wouldnt just get up and dance. It just seems ODD! :eek:

[Aravis Kenobi]

yupp. Not all evangelical churches, but in my church its like that. You cant just get up and start dancing, ya know? I mean i LOVE dancing.. im a dancer, but i wouldnt just get up and dance. It just seems ODD! :eek:

I know. Especially when the pastor doesn't know about it beforehand! :eek:

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

Exactly!!! Wow its so cool how our churches are so much alike!!

[Aravis Kenobi]

Exactly!!! Wow its so cool how our churches are so much alike!!

I like it when someone else goes to a somewhat same church as I do and supports its doctrines. It's easier to talk to them about my beliefs and stuff. :)

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

I like it when someone else goes to a somewhat same church as I do and supports its doctrines. It's easier to talk to them about my beliefs and stuff. :)


Yeah thats totally true thats why I can tell you things and I know that you'll understand. :)

[Aravis Kenobi]

Yeah thats totally true thats why I can tell you things and I know that you'll understand. :)

Yeah, that's the way I have it with *Neevil* Anywhoo, back to the original topic. Who thinks it's wrong to dance at a wedding?

[fish_wwjd_frog]

I don't think it's wrong to dance at all, so long as it's not done in a way that is going to detract from God. If dancing is how someone glorifies God, why should they not do it? People sing in church, don't they? And you also have people who sing about vulgar and bad thing. The first I would be happy to see in church, and the latter I would cringe at. The same goes with dancing.

As for weddings, why not? Often times, much of the music played at weddings are line dances and other things like that anyway. And again, we come back to "Is what I'm doing glorifying God?" Dancing doesn't always have to be bad.

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

At weddings I dont think its wrong to dance at all!

[Aravis Kenobi]

At weddings I dont think its wrong to dance at all!

I do and so do my parents because it sort of ties in with dancing in church. What if you have a bunch of people who hate dancing? You'd hate for them to leave just because of that.

[Ephinie]

I meant to answer this but forgot to. some churches, mine included, aren't ready for that big of a change. My church is somewhat conservative, though we do have powerpoint and choruses in the church, but the powerpoint and media was voted for by the church. A big decision is voted on in my church, else the church would split over something, which is almost what has happened several times. In a lot of people's minds (older generations especially) it's a touchy topic. To include something like that in the church is like wearing a bikini to church.Not ready for that big of a change?! Wow, I'm sorry... I hadn't thought that such a simple expression of worship would, at this juncture in time, still be something considered progressive. Now that I think about it, however, it does occur to me that the Southern Baptist Convention is also one of the only demonimations left that still refuses to ordain women pastors. I guess it's a little strange for me because even the Southern Baptist churches that I have gone to have not been conservative to that degree in that particular area.

Let me ask something else a bit specific about your situation now. When your mom and subsequently your dad spoke to the lady and her daughter about the dancing issue, how did they approach it? Were they like, "You know you shouldn't be dancing..." or were they more like, "I understand that you may not be aware of this, but what you are doing is not really considered acceptable in our church..." Because it sounds like there is a lot of defensiveness, on both sides, regarding the situation. Generally when people get defensive about something, that is when heated debates happen. It is possible that the whole thing is the unfortunate result of a misunderstanding. You believe they were in the wrong because they did not discuss it with your dad beforehand... but did it occur to you that the reason they did not discuss it with him is because it never would have crossed their minds that they NEEDED to?

You expressed concern that this is an issue that could divide your church or cause a split. Do you think that is something that really is in danger of happening? It would seem to me that a church splitting over whether or not someone was dancing is silly. I think it is far more likely that a split would happen not because of the dancing itself, but because of how it is handled once concern has been raised. If people start getting defensive, and both sides start acting like they are in the right and refuse to give in at all... that is where the danger comes in. That is what the real problem is... not the dancing, but the attitudes that happen when peoples' feelings are hurt. Again, I would like to point out that the people who were involved in the dancing very likely had no idea that there would be a problem with it, and it probably did not even cross their minds that they needed permission. Conversely, it sounds like your mom and dad took for granted the fact that the rules of decorum in your church are generally known by everyone. So, when the confrontation happened, both sides were hurt - Your mom because she felt that people were blatantly behaving in an inappropriate manner when they should have known better, and the dancers because they were being reprimanded for something that they had no idea was not allowed.

It sounds to me like everyone needs to take a step back, cool off, and then try again.

[LifeMaiden]

In my church, we've sort of had a problem with dancing inside the church. I would like to get other people's opinions on dancing in the church. I won't post until someone else does.


Well it depends on what KIND of dancing. If there's strippers jumping out of a cake I'd say, you know, that's pretty sinful LOL. But if it's dancing of an artful form and not 'dirty dancing' or whatever, then I see nothing wrong with it. However, no one ever 'danced' inside a church where I went to school. I don't think Catholics allow dancing in a church.

[echoscot]

I do and so do my parents because it sort of ties in with dancing in church. What if you have a bunch of people who hate dancing? You'd hate for them to leave just because of that.

Again, what is the Biblical basis for being against dancing in the church? Everytime the Bible mentions dancing, it is in a positive almost exhuberant manner.

[SpiritedWolf]

No offence Aravis, or anyone else who belives that, but I think you are over reacting. If it isn't sinful dancing then I should be allowed, and if it isn't done during a reading or somethig.

[Saruman]

I have to agree with a few others who have expressed their appreciation for dancing as an art form, a means of expression. At my church (which also has a K-12 grade school system), dancing is not allowed, not necessarily because the pastor thinks it's "from the devil," but because he is aware that dancing (particularly at high school functions and such) can lead to other things, particularly nowadays where freak-dancing and the like are common and "normal." As for worship, we certainly don't just stick with the old, classic hymns (which are, in many ways I believe, far deeper and more beautiful than contemporary worship), but dancing just isn't part of the regular church services. What is allowed at our church, however, are drama productions (many in which I have participated), and when the drama productions are held in the sanctuary on certain nights, free for all to attend, there is dancing and it is permitted, because the circumstance clearly allows for it (and never is the dancing anything sensual or dirty). Now, if, during Sunday morning service, somebody stands up during worship time and begins to get jiggy with it, then an usher will kindly ask them to sit down, and I agree with this action, because what the person ends up doing is drawing attention away from the Lord and bringing it to himself, an offering of "strange fire" if you will. Who knows but that the person's standing up and dancing just might offend and take away from somebody who is quietly spending time with the Lord. I know I get a little bothered at times when people do certain things during the service that are just not appropriate, and it most certainly draws my focus onto them and away from spending time in prayer or singing praises to the Lord.

Regarding the situation here, in one way I'm torn. The girl's dancing wasn't during the service (if I read correctly), but then again, if there are certain guidelines known to exist in your particular denomination that require approval and/or permission, then I think the girl and her mother should have been more sensitive to their surroundings and their situation. However, I think a loving rebuke would have been far better than a rash upbraiding.

More power to the Southern Baptist denomination for standing firm in conservatism, particularly if it gloms onto the teachings of the Word (such as not ordaining women to be pastors, for example). If through it all there is Biblical constancy, then I express my deep admiration and commendation.

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

Saruman THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You took the words right out of my mouth! Thats exactly how it is at my church!

[Aravis Kenobi]

I have to agree with a few others who have expressed their appreciation for dancing as an art form, a means of expression. At my church (which also has a K-12 grade school system), dancing is not allowed, not necessarily because the pastor thinks it's "from the devil," but because he is aware that dancing (particularly at high school functions and such) can lead to other things, particularly nowadays where freak-dancing and the like are common and "normal." As for worship, we certainly don't just stick with the old, classic hymns (which are, in many ways I believe, far deeper and more beautiful than contemporary worship), but dancing just isn't part of the regular church services. What is allowed at our church, however, are drama productions (many in which I have participated), and when the drama productions are held in the sanctuary on certain nights, free for all to attend, there is dancing and it is permitted, because the circumstance clearly allows for it (and never is the dancing anything sensual or dirty). Now, if, during Sunday morning service, somebody stands up during worship time and begins to get jiggy with it, then an usher will kindly ask them to sit down, and I agree with this action, because what the person ends up doing is drawing attention away from the Lord and bringing it to himself, an offering of "strange fire" if you will. Who knows but that the person's standing up and dancing just might offend and take away from somebody who is quietly spending time with the Lord. I know I get a little bothered at times when people do certain things during the service that are just not appropriate, and it most certainly draws my focus onto them and away from spending time in prayer or singing praises to the Lord.

Regarding the situation here, in one way I'm torn. The girl's dancing wasn't during the service (if I read correctly), but then again, if there are certain guidelines known to exist in your particular denomination that require approval and/or permission, then I think the girl and her mother should have been more sensitive to their surroundings and their situation. However, I think a loving rebuke would have been far better than a rash upbraiding.

More power to the Southern Baptist denomination for standing firm in conservatism, particularly if it gloms onto the teachings of the Word (such as not ordaining women to be pastors, for example). If through it all there is Biblical constancy, then I express my deep admiration and commendation.

What none of you know is that my parents aren't too well liked, so the members here do everything they can to trip up my parents, then it's shoved back on me because I'm part of the youth group. None of you, I think, can understand just how difficult it is in my church, because you've never met me. I don't agree with women in the leadership posititions in the church, i.e. pastors, deacons, etc...

[Neevil]

I think I do understand your situation a little bit better, now. My church is an old country church on a hill (it's called Stony Hill Baptist...). About half to two-thirds of the people there (especially the older people) have been attending it for generations and generations. They have been going there all their lives, as did their fathers, and grandfathers, great-grandfathers, aunts, incles, etc. (we joke because half the people in my church all have the same last name lol) They like the way the church has been run in the past, and are hesitant to changes. Since them and their family have been there so long, I think they feel like the church belongs to them, almost. Their relatives helped to found it, so they feel like it is theirs. In the past two years, however, our church has grown a LOT. New people have been joining our church almost every week. As I mentioned before, it is an old country church, and we are completely filled up. We desperately need more room. So, we found the need to build another building. If we want to be able to effectively minister to our community, we needed to have it, because we don't have room for any more people. However, I think a lot of the people (who have been there for generations and generations...) felt threatened. Tons of new people were coming in and trying to change their church. At least, that's how I thik they felt. Big changes, like starting our new building, need to be suggested very carefully. Even little things, like the type of music we use, needs to be addressed with care. I mean, we don't want to offend anyone or anything. The people in my church like the way it is. They like the intamacy of a small church. But our church is growing quickly. A lot of people are afraid of change.

Also, in SB churches, we vote on EVERYTHING (and I do mean everything). Trust me, I have sat through at least a million business meetings after church... (they're not very much fun, especially since I'm too young to vote). So any and all changes will have to be voted on by the church.

Given these two factors, I can understand why Aravis' church might not like the idea of dancing. Something that I know would cause trouble in my church would be if we wanted to have contemperary music, instead of the old hymns. I know it sounds silly, but it would probably start a lot of disagreement and perhaps heated debates, as well. I think, just for the preservation of the church, we should stick to the hymns.

Is it really a big deal if we used hymns or modern music? Or danced or didn't dance? No. How you worship doesn't really matter, as long as your heart is in the right place. I like contemperary music, and it would be cool to use a little in church, but a lot of people might not like it. I can worship just as well by singing "My Jesus I Love Thee" as can by singing "I Can Only Imagine". I think it would be cool to dance in my church. But I know that would cause a lot of arguments. I can still worship without dancing, so why cause needless discord? If I really wanted to dance to praise God, then I could do it in my house, or outside, if not in church. In a church like mine, and I think like Aravis', too, I think it would be better to stick to some traditions, in order to preserve peace, then try to change a lot of stuff and make people mad. I do think dancing in church is absolutely fine. However, in your case, Aravis, or in the case of my church, it would probably be better not to dance.

Do you understand what I am saying? It seems like this post was kinda confusing... if you want me to clarify something, just ask.

[Aravis Kenobi]

No, I understood it and am glad someone is finally able to relate. We do sing some contemporary, but in the case of dancing, it would be a huge deal, perhaps even getting my dad fired. The reason it would cause a split in the church, Ephinie, is because of another thing we're having an issue over: a new family life center. It's all being pushed for and encouraged by the younger generation, and older generation might leave if it happens.

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

Aravis I know exactly what you are going through. Two years ago there were some people who didnt like what our church was doing. Our church had a television program that runs through California. The program runs through the money from the church or people's donations. No one from our church has ever been paid for spending time making t.v. programs. However, those people didnt like it. They kept on wanting everyone to do old fashioned things. They didnt want ANYONE to sing on stage or have a choir or anything. WHen those people left, everything changed. We started to have our church choir, we ran the television programs and A LOT of people got to come to Jesus Christ through that, we also started to change our music styles. Now we have contemporary and hymns. On the other hand, our church has never accepted the fact of people 'dancing' in church. Changes have happened, but I dont think that dancing will ever be something acceptable in my church.

[Narborg]

I think dancing is an exeptable form of worship, after all, it is mentened numarous times in The Bible.

[Afton]

In my church, we've sort of had a problem with dancing inside the church. I would like to get other people's opinions on dancing in the church. I won't post until someone else does.
im not sure i quite follow.....like dancing during church or what?

[Neevil]

No, I understood it and am glad someone is finally able to relate. We do sing some contemporary, but in the case of dancing, it would be a huge deal, perhaps even getting my dad fired. The reason it would cause a split in the church, Ephinie, is because of another thing we're having an issue over: a new family life center. It's all being pushed for and encouraged by the younger generation, and older generation might leave if it happens.
That's exactly what my church is building! The walls just started going up this week and it looks really cool! But yeah, I understand where you are coming from. Change is a touchy subject. Especially in old churches.

[Aravis Kenobi]

And with about half the congregation older people. It's still not voted on, but if we leave the church, the younger ones will get their way and we think (though we won't be there anymore) that the older ones might leave and that it would split the church.

[Ephinie]

No, I understood it and am glad someone is finally able to relate. We do sing some contemporary, but in the case of dancing, it would be a huge deal, perhaps even getting my dad fired. The reason it would cause a split in the church, Ephinie, is because of another thing we're having an issue over: a new family life center. It's all being pushed for and encouraged by the younger generation, and older generation might leave if it happens.Ah... so it sounds to me like the problem isn't really the dancing. It goes much deeper and originated in something else, and the dancing is just one more thing that adds to it.

[Aslan'sFriend410]

I don't think there is anything wrong with dancing, but how you dance is what makes the difference. If it is done appropriately and to the glory of the Lord, I say go for it! The Lord made us living, breathing, moving creatures. If we use dance as a tool to worship Him, just as music or any other art form, it will glorify God. I also come from a Baptist background and still go to a church that sticks with the traditional servies, music etc, but that doesn't mean that other choices aren't right as long as the intent is to worship God. However you do run into a completely different set of circumstances if the church is divided over an issue like that. Perhaps, it could be done as an enrichment activity and not asociated or practiced during formal worship time. Many traditional churches here also do allow praise and worship bands to form within their churches to play contemporary Christian music for other occasions even if they don't allow it for worship services. There are also church led step teams and even cheerleading squads that perform at youth rallies or other events in the community even if it isn't something the church allows during worship. Just a thought. I pray that in your church's case a decision can be made that everyone can feel good about and that will follow within God's will for your church.

[inkspot]

I am curious if the girl who was dancing was doing it during praise and worship time, and it made everyone uncomfortable? Or was she part of an organized drama and - surprise! - she was dancing for everyone? I am curious because I was raised in a Pentecostal church, where raising your hands and moving during worship was practiced, so you never paid that much attention what everyone around you was doing -- but now I attend a community church, and only recently, a very few people raise their hands, in the congregation, during worship. My husband comes out of the Episcopal church, where no one raises their hands or anything like that, there isn't really much demonstrative community worship. So, I know it makes him uncomfortable if someone raises their hands and sways or whatever during the worship. So, I don't do it myself, although it would be very natural for me to do so ...

So, was this girl just worshipping with a spontaneous dance while everyone else was also worshipping in the congregation, and it just made some folks uncomfortable, or was she part of a program on stage?

And ... the real question here is about generations, progress and sharing the life of Christ with the community around us. Old forms of worship are not as effective in all areas as they once were, and people with no church background may not be that excited about attending a Baptist service which is unchanged from the services of 30 years ago. Does that mean we have to preserve the old form because it is right and pure and those new folks either have to get used to it or not join us? I don't think so. As long as we retain the pure message of salvation, I think changing the forms (even to ones we personally dislike) in order to bring the unchurched into our church is only smart. In fact, I think the most devoted Christians are the ones who say, "I don't care for this, but I know this will help bring the lost to Jesus, so let's do it." When you're mature enough to set your own personal likes and dislikes aside for the sake of the cross, I think you're growing in God.

The Apostle Paul said he became all things to all men in order to save some. Isn't that the program we should follow?

[Aravis Kenobi]

I meant to say that she was practicing before church while people were arriving. I'm uncomfortable with raising my hands in any worship service, but only at a youth camp I went to not long ago did I raise my hands only once. It felt good to just not care about what anyone else thought and to have that freedom, but I'd never do that in the actual church. We used to have a praise band in the church, but it fizzled out because no one wanted to do it. My youth group is one that I have no wish to get involved in because of their lives and what image they reflect, which is awful. That's one reason I haven't come to their defense whatsoever.

[inkspot]

Oh, so she was going to be part of a drama, with her dance, and she was practicing, and that's what people got hot about? Well then: no one should have condemned her, because they didn't see the entire work in context. But, if the rule is no dancing, then as Ephinie said, it would have been best for your folks to tell her and her mum, "Maybe you aren't aware, but the rules are, no dancing. I'm afraid you'll have to take that number out of the program."

Because I grew up in a church where you could worship by raising your hands, I find it a very free kind of worship; it is a way of saying how great God is, how little I am by comparison, almost a reflex of "You're too great for me," a surrender. I feel a bit sorry that such a thing should make other people uncomfortable, but of course I respect their feelings.

[Aravis Kenobi]

I'm not entirely sure what drama she was going to be a part of. The woman who was heading it said that they were practicing for an Easter drama, but I don't know if it was going to be in the church or not, but since they were practicing at the church, I assume it would have been. I have no clue as to what that program was.

[Twilightdryadhobbit]

I'm not entirely sure what drama she was going to be a part of. The woman who was heading it said that they were practicing for an Easter drama, but I don't know if it was going to be in the church or not, but since they were practicing at the church, I assume it would have been. I have no clue as to what that program was.

So were they part of the church? I'm confused.

And as far as the dancing goes, well, I've seen a 60 year old women dancing up the aisle to give her tithe to the church right after she talked about how it should be a joyful thing, not a drag the money out of your pocket and grudgingly hand it over to God. She wasn't trying to draw attention to herself, and she proved a good point. However, I do dislike it when people are all over the place dancing or waving or whatever, just to draw attention to how spiritually "into it" they are, and not because they want to surrender themselves to God. I'm not a big hand lifter myself, because that's not my personality, but if I feel like physically moving when I'm praising God, as long as it's not in an attention drawing way, and definitely not a nasty way, I don't think people should be discouraged to do that.

I can relate to the problems your Dad is having. My Dad is a pastor, and sometimes Church's will disagree and get really upset about some minor or major things, and if you've come to a church that was very set in their ways, and very attached to a former pastor or something, it's hard to get accepted at all. And finding a diplomatic way to explain the church rules to people is sometimes difficult. Hopefully they'll realize that the church is more important that comparatively small dissagreements. I'll pray about that.

[Aravis Kenobi]

They were/are members of the church, but like you said, we came to a church that's set in its ways and attached to a former pastor, so they don't agree with my dad more than 80% of the time.

[Son of Adam]

In my church interpretive Praise and Worship Dancing is not only allowed but encouraged. It is a beautiful expression of our love to God. It isn't a gyrating, rock-type dancing, but a beautiful flowing dancing that can help set the tone for a wonderful worship experience. We have dance teams that are fully training and rehearse each week. It is really inspiring when the worship or praise song is done in an Israeli style of music and dance combined.

And dancing is Biblical. Miriam danced before the Lord. David danced before the Lord. The priests and musicians of the temple danced before God. In other times all of Israel celebrated the Lord by singing and dancing before Him and God blessed them. I think we stiff American and European people miss out on many of the blessings when we do not allow ourselves to be moved by the Spirit of God. We get too afraid of what someone else may think of us. I used to feel that way. Then I discovered that the only person who mattered was God and if I was doing it to please Him then it was the right thing to do.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Yes, but what some people on here can't apparently understand is that my church doesn't want change.

[Twilightdryadhobbit]

Yes, but what some people on here can't apparently understand is that my church doesn't want change.


I dunno, I can understand that, but they probably aren't discussing dance as it applies to your particular church going members. Obviously we can't change their minds through a thread on a forum they probably will never see. I think most people are just giving thier opinions on dance in church as it applies to any church. the fact that your church wont change is a point against dance for you. For other people it might not be an issue. So just judging from myself, I can understand that your church wont change, I just want to share an opinion on dance in church in general.

[Aravis Kenobi]

That's fine, it's just my church doesn't like change very much.

[Son of Adam]

That's fine, it's just my church doesn't like change very much.

I fully understand churches like that. As a pastor I pastored a couple of churches that didn't want to change either. They did, but only because the Spirit of God did the work not me. I simply obeyed God and taught on subjects that were relative to the changes He wanted to see in the church. In one church, for example, they were under so much legalism that they couldn't find God's grace if they had tripped over it. So, I taught on grace and gradually their hearts opened and God's grace was poured out.

One can only sometimes pray for change and that is the most important element in desiring to see change. If one believes it is God's will for a church to change in an area, you don't go around harping about it. You start with prayer and let God do the changing. Perhaps it is even you He wants to change. Sometimes it may require one to even attend a different church if they are not receiving what they know God wants them to have. Now I'm not telling anyone to leave their church. It is just one of several avenues to be in a place where God is moving in your life.

[Aravis Kenobi]

But I feel like that's not what God wants for my church. It's a touchy subject, and my dad doesn't want to do anything that might get him fired because we don't have anywhere to go.

[inkspot]

Oh my goodness, here is something which might make you smile. At my church, the pastor is in a series on "love that lasts" or some such, and the theme yesterday was "dangerous dances" of conflict (he compared the way couples in conflict sometimes mis-handle their trouble to various dances: for instance, a person who constantly brings up your past mistakes in an argument is doing the macarena, a dance we wish would die, but it keeps turning up, etc.)

Anyway, for the ice-breaker, he showed us a video of himself and his wife as they learned to salsa dance, then they had computer edited themselves into the program "Dancing with the Stars" and used some of the judges' comments as if they were judging our pastor's dancing. It was a riot! I don't think anyone in the church was offended, everyone was laughing and applauding.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Sounds funny, but there would have been a lot of people yelling, not for happiness, but probably in anger.

[ILSE]

i like it when people in my church dance!

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

I dont know about you guys, but my church will never accept dancing at church. Im not saying anything against any of you who dance at church, I'm just saying that at my church they wouldn't accept it and would probably politely tell the person to sit down.

[Sir Benjamin the Lion]

Baptists try to look solemn. My Aunt Grace sang "He set me Free" and you could tell a lot of people wanted to get up and dance. Me Too. :D

[Elendil]

i like it when people in my church dance!
Me TOO! Anyway, people in the bible danced (eg. King David) so who cares? People at my church ALWAYS dance! :D

[Aravis Kenobi]

Some churches are more conservative, meaning that they don't change as well as other churches. Also, Baptist churches have an ordinance against dancing. Certain churches have certain guidelines that they want the members to follow. Dancing of any kind in the church would have to be approved by the pastor, staff, and church body. That's especially prevalent in Southern Baptist churches, or at least my SB church. Some churches don't accept change very easily or readily.

[Copperfox]

Back when I was younger and less arthritic, I did some liturgical dance myself. Sometimes it's trite and silly, but I've never seen any effort at worship dance that gave me the feeling it was outright _contrary_ to genuine worship of God. People who claim it's ALWAYS carnal and sinful for a woman to be seen moving around gracefully need to get a life.

Anybody here familiar with songwriter John Michael Talbot? He did a concept album called "The Master Musician," full of splendid parallels between the spiritual life and the disciplines of music. I would LOVE to direct a production of it, incorporating dance. The climactic number, titled "The Final Ascent," could even use Riverdance-type dancers...provided they put pants on the ladies, so that uptight spectators wouldn't go ballistic.

[Aravis Kenobi]

What a lot of people on here can't see is that my church (especially the older generations) would have a fit if that happened. If it wasn't made known and voted on, my dad would be out of here, and we have no other place to go. My dad has to uphold the Southern Baptist convention's guidelines, whether people like it or not. That's what God has told him to do. Now, I don't see anything wrong with dancing, as long as it's not seductive or involving women wearing scantily outfits. If the church doesn't want it, then they dont'. We have to move on past that. My parents don't like dancing at weddings, and I agree. Because some dancing at weddings can turn ugly and wild. There is one thing about Baptists that you should know: "We don't dance."

[Lila]

In my church, we've sort of had a problem with dancing inside the church. I would like to get other people's opinions on dancing in the church. I won't post until someone else does.

Well, in my old church, some people didn't approve of it. One lady, who I was very proud of, decided to start a dancing group where kids (mostly girls) could learn worshipful dancing and we would perform at our musicals. I thought it was fine, as long as the dancing was 100% respectful to God.

[Lila]

What a lot of people on here can't see is that my church (especially the older generations) would have a fit if that happened. If it wasn't made known and voted on, my dad would be out of here, and we have no other place to go. My dad has to uphold the Southern Baptist convention's guidelines, whether people like it or not. That's what God has told him to do. Now, I don't see anything wrong with dancing, as long as it's not seductive or involving women wearing scantily outfits. If the church doesn't want it, then they dont'. We have to move on past that. My parents don't like dancing at weddings, and I agree. Because some dancing at weddings can turn ugly and wild. There is one thing about Baptists that you should know: "We don't dance."

Sorry to double-post, but my old church was a Baptist church and we did dancing.

[Copperfox]

Janalee, my second wife, danced with me at our wedding reception, to the music of Celine Dion's recording "Because You Loved Me." Jan said that this song said what she would want to sing to me if she could sing. That was wonderfully sweet, and even the Calvinists present didn't object.

Unfortunately, while the secular world at large feels that anything goes (and the dirtier, the better), there still are people in church far off at the opposite extreme. They start from the premise that EVERYTHING is forbidden, so anything anyone wants to do bears the burden of proof to prove it's permissible.

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

Back when I was younger and less arthritic, I did some liturgical dance myself. Sometimes it's trite and silly, but I've never seen any effort at worship dance that gave me the feeling it was outright _contrary_ to genuine worship of God. People who claim it's ALWAYS carnal and sinful for a woman to be seen moving around gracefully need to get a life.

Anybody here familiar with songwriter John Michael Talbot? He did a concept album called "The Master Musician," full of splendid parallels between the spiritual life and the disciplines of music. I would LOVE to direct a production of it, incorporating dance. The climactic number, titled "The Final Ascent," could even use Riverdance-type dancers...provided they put pants on the ladies, so that uptight spectators wouldn't go ballistic.

Riverdance? I know how to riverdance!!!! :)

[Into the Wardrobe]

I think one of the main issues with dancing or a lot of other things that are Biblically permissable but often frowned on is what we call "the stumbling block principle." It's basically an overarching theme in Corinthians. Here's the jist...there are things that are permissable, but if they are things that cause other believers to stumble in their faith, it should be avoided. "Everything is permissable, but not everything beneficial." In America and some parts of Britain (I've lived both places), there is a lack of Biblical training on a lot of levels. The Gospel is offensive and a lot of people go to church to get some happy feeling...not to be told things that are not pleasant to hear. A great deal of people are more concerned with the "Self" and not focused on God. They're quick to get their undies in a bunch. People focus on tradition and not the Word...and they don't like being told they're wrong.

Having said that, Worship is to be orderly, which is discussed expecially when dealing with things like speaking in tongues. As for dancing, it is something that could potentially get out of control in a worship service quickly if not monitored well. I believe that it is an awesome expression of worship and that there should be worship times where people do dance. Dancing as added to a play or specific piece of music...great! A lot of personal dance as an expression of worship...necessary, yes, but one must be careful that they are not going to cause others to stumble in their faith by doing it in church. It may be better for one to dance at home or in a time and place where younger, imature believers won't freak out. A great deal of older people have been taught that they need to be respectful to God...which is true, but their traditions have been expressing this in dressing up well for church, not dancing, etc. Nightmystic is right. You can't change it, you have to let God do that. You can teach through the Word and through example though...regardless of your age. Use God's words, not your own and make sure that you're not taking them out of context. Personally I love dance, but need to use it appropriately.

Aravis of Archenland, you've got it tough where you are. It usually takes pastors at least 5-7 years to be heard and able to change much in a congregation. It's a tough road. Blessings to you and your family. You'll be in my prayers.

[Copperfox]

Where I have added to this thread before now, supporting the right to dance, I had in mind planned, choreographed dances by designated performers. Impulsive dancing by just anybody at any moment is more of a danger to good order, though even so I would not quite forbid it altogether.

I think I wrote earlier that I have done choreographed liturgical or program dancing. As for dancing by impulse, there have been many times when I could have let myself do it--but I purposely did not, because I am aware of the show-off lying in wait just beneath my skin, and I would not want to be guilty of pretending to be moving in worship when I was really just trying to impress people. For the same reason, I try not to pray out loud except when there is cause to let others hear the specific prayer subject so they can agree in prayer.

[LifeMaiden]

Where I have added to this thread before now, supporting the right to dance, I had in mind planned, choreographed dances by designated performers. Impulsive dancing by just anybody at any moment is more of a danger to good order, though even so I would not quite forbid it altogether.

I think I wrote earlier that I have done choreographed liturgical or program dancing. As for dancing by impulse, there have been many times when I could have let myself do it--but I purposely did not, because I am aware of the show-off lying in wait just beneath my skin, and I would not want to be guilty of pretending to be moving in worship when I was really just trying to impress people. For the same reason, I try not to pray out loud except when there is cause to let others hear the specific prayer subject so they can agree in prayer.



So it's safe to say you've never done flamenco or gypsy dancing, Hawaiian or Polynesian dancing, dancing at a club, or ballet dancing then. :D

I can't imagine living life without those kind of dances.

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

I am a dancer and do all sorts of dancing: Lyrical, ballet, swing, irish, greek, international, hip-hop, and so on. However, I can never do any of those dances during church.

[LifeMaiden]

I am a dancer and do all sorts of dancing: Lyrical, ballet, swing, irish, greek, international, hip-hop, and so on. However, I can never do any of those dances during church.


Whoops LOL I forgot this was a thread that originally started about dancing in church. No, I don't think most dancing would be appropriate for doing i a church. Unless it's one of those informal gatherings where people worship in casual clothes and it's very unstructured, then dancing should not be done there. Especially um...hip hop and flamenco LOL :D

[oxford girl]

My church doesn't allow dancing, but it doesn't realy bother me, but I can't dance to begging with

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

Whoops LOL I forgot this was a thread that originally started about dancing in church. No, I don't think most dancing would be appropriate for doing i a church. Unless it's one of those informal gatherings where people worship in casual clothes and it's very unstructured, then dancing should not be done there. Especially um...hip hop and flamenco LOL :D

LOL yeah I know. Thats why my church doesn't allow dancing during our worship services.

[Aravis Kenobi]

My friends dance, but not in church, and I'm fine with that. Dancing outside the church is up to whoever; dancing inside the church is up to the pastor and church body.

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

My friends dance, but not in church, and I'm fine with that. Dancing outside the church is up to whoever; dancing inside the church is up to the pastor and church body.

True. I mean, I dance out of church, partly because I am a dancer.

[Shadow Hawk]

i don't dance, never have, never will!!!! it basicly has no use.

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

i don't dance, never have, never will!!!! it basicly has no use.

I wouldn't say it 'has no use'. Im a dancer and the way I express how I feel is by dancing. Dancing sometimes calms a person so I wouldn't say it 'has no use'

[Ephinie]

Lucy is right, and dancing is also very good exercise. It's also fun. It is always good to be able to have fun while doing something that is good for you. It makes it seem less like a chore.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Lucy is right, and dancing is also very good exercise. It's also fun. It is always good to be able to have fun while doing something that is good for you. It makes it seem less like a chore.

Hey, sometimes I dance when no one's looking. :p Usually, I'm just really hyper and that's a good way to release the energy. I don't mind dancing outside church as long as it's decent, but the dancing in the church is still an issue in a lot of churches today. Expressive dance is really interesting. Wouldn't figure skating be considered as a kind of dance? I love to watch it because it's so graceful. So is expressive dance and ballet. Heck, I love the Nutcracker.

[Lila]

Ballet is great exercise but I only like classical ballet. My (ballet) teacher is a Christian so everything we do is appropriate.

[Hothir-Ethelnor]

I would have to say I am a dancer wannabe, I enjoy worship dancing, (basicly jumping up and down clapping hands and going around in circles sometimes) but it doesn't happen very often in our church, even though it is not banned.
Our church meets in a basement and if I wanted to I could touch the ceiling with my head so its not like there is much room to dance either.

What I mean by saying I'm a wannabe dancer is I want to learn to do choreography and Irish tap dancing (gotta love Riverdance) and I have not had an oppurtunity to get training.

I would say that dancing in and of itself is not wrong, and I don't think it is wrong in the church either, like all the times when someone else was distracted or mad at radical worship dance THEY were the ones judged not the dancer.

[Aravis Kenobi]

I would have to say I am a dancer wannabe, I enjoy worship dancing, (basicly jumping up and down clapping hands and going around in circles sometimes) but it doesn't happen very often in our church, even though it is not banned.
Our church meets in a basement and if I wanted to I could touch the ceiling with my head so its not like there is much room to dance either.

What I mean by saying I'm a wannabe dancer is I want to learn to do choreography and Irish tap dancing (gotta love Riverdance) and I have not had an oppurtunity to get training.

I would say that dancing in and of itself is not wrong, and I don't think it is wrong in the church either, like all the times when someone else was distracted or mad at radical worship dance THEY were the ones judged not the dancer.

OH my. I love Riverdance too. It's so interesting on how coordinated they are. I'm Irish, so I guess it's natural. At youth camps especially, jumping up and down and in circles is encouraged. In church, a lot of the older people look down on it, and on youth generally.

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

OH my. I love Riverdance too. It's so interesting on how coordinated they are. I'm Irish, so I guess it's natural. At youth camps especially, jumping up and down and in circles is encouraged. In church, a lot of the older people look down on it, and on youth generally.


Yupp thats how it is at my church. We do not dance during worship services.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Yupp thats how it is at my church. We do not dance during worship services.

The kids here only dance if it's not "strictly church-related." You know, like if it's not a church service, but more of a youth gathering, etc...

[oxford girl]

I dance in my room some times, it realy helps me to get rid of exces energy

[Aravis Kenobi]

I dance in my room some times, it realy helps me to get rid of exces energy

Me too. Especially on David Crowder* band songs. :D

[Reepicheep the Mouse]

i don't see what's wrong with dancing. as long as both parties are modest!!! lol

[Aravis Kenobi]

Yeah. ten thingy

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

i don't see what's wrong with dancing. as long as both parties are modest!!! lol


Yeah I mean, as Christians we should be different by the way we dance as well.

[Aravis Kenobi]

Yeah I mean, as Christians we should be different by the way we dance as well.

That's true. I never thought about it that way. If we're set apart in every way but that, then it would make no difference.

[Twilight]

I think dancing is absolutely fine; it can be a form of worship! As long as it's not dirty, I think it's okay. The main thing is to honor God.

[ArrowsOfSilver]

I love to dance; it's what my life revolves around.

I believe you can dance any way you want; it's really freedom of expression.

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

I love to dance; it's what my life revolves around.

I believe you can dance any way you want; it's really freedom of expression.


I love to dance as well because I'm a dancer and have been dancing from a very young age. However, I wouldn't just get up and dance at church because that is just not the place to dance.

[Aravis Kenobi]

YOu'd want to make sure it's ok first.

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

YOu'd want to make sure it's ok first.


Yes, exactly. :)

[ArrowsOfSilver]

Hah, I dance all the time. No power could stop me.
;)

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

Hah, I dance all the time. No power could stop me.
;)


We are not talking about powers stopping us. Its our decision to not dance at church. :D Some churchs allow dancing though.

[ArrowsOfSilver]

Even though I'm a pagan, I help my Christian mother teach Sunday School for four-year-olds, and we do the Jesus Hokey Pokey! They're adorable.




Personally, if someone has a problem with me dancing, I tell them to build a bridge.

[Lucy the Marshwiggle]

Even though I'm a pagan, I help my Christian mother teach Sunday School for four-year-olds, and we do the Jesus Hokey Pokey! They're adorable.




Personally, if someone has a problem with me dancing, I tell them to build a bridge.


Yeah, I mean if you like dancing like I do, no one should tell you to dance or not to dance.