Established: March 2001
Purpose/Mission Statement: Footsteps of Praise Dance Ministry purpose is for its members to become yielded vessel of praise used by the Holy Spirit of God to bring glory to God and minister to his Church through the art of dance.
Scripture: Psalms 119:133 “Order my steps in thy word, and let not any iniquity have dominion over me” and Psalms 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”
Rehearsal Day/Time/Location: Footsteps of Praise rehearsals are every Tuesday from 6:45pm to 8:00pm in the Fellowship Hall
History
In March of 2001 the ministry of Praise Dance was introduced to Rev. Alpheus L. Bright, then Pastor of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Bright being the loving Sheppard that he was, as compassionately as he could, voiced his trepidations of the presentation of a dance ministry to the body of Christ that resides at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church on 58th & Warrington Avenue. On April 28, 2001, after meeting with Robin Travers who would be the Director of the dance ministry, Pastor Bright allowed Mrs. Lori White and Mrs. Lisa Slaughter members of United Workers for Christ Christian Ministries, to assist in implementing the foundation of the ministry by serving as teachers and dance instructors. A dance ministry was than realized at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. The ministry was entitled Footsteps of Praise Dance Ministry. During an eight-week, two hour, workshop session Footsteps of Praise dance ministry members learned many things but most importantly was instructed on:
1) the importance of prayer, scripture memorization, and fasting;
2) understanding that we are made for the Lord’s use
3) the reading of God’s Holy Word before ministering through the art of dance;
4) the need to become a vessel of participation and instruction;
5) the importance of sharing the plan of salvation;
6) understanding that a dancer must worship God with their whole heart realizing that only God is to be exalted and modesty must be exercised.
After these workshop sessions were completed Footsteps of Praise was taught the technique of interpretational dance and sign language. On November 30, 2001, during a Joy Night service sponsored by the Youth Ministry, Footsteps of Praise was granted permission to ministered through the art of dance for the first time to the Bethany Baptist Church family and friends.
Woman and girls of all ages who are interested in joining this ministry are more than welcome. Please see Ms. Robin Travers for more information.