Hi Lynn,
I am the leader of a community ensemble & this is a tough question....there are many ways to look at it. I can tell you firsthand that I agree with Sonji - fundraisers have proven to be a JOKE because our group members do not participate like they should. In fact, we have a fundraiser this weekend. I'll get to that later. Our ministry is in high demand here, as well as myself in a teaching capacity. We receive so many requests that we minister EVERY week across the city. There are many expenses we get hit with in order to support those who request us to share with them.
Now I have to say there is also a business side to ministry that many do not understand. Yes God will provide our needs - but He also gives us wisdom. Our group does accept love offerings. This is ministry in motion. I do not have a problem with ministers of dance receiving funds the same way a pastor, evangelist, psalmist, musician, minister etc. are compensated because we are spreading the Word of God through motion. And I'm sorry, but preachers may not be preaching for dollars but there are special offerings taken up for them when they guest minister. So why is it always different in dance ministry? Are we dancing for dollars? NO. If an institution wants to be a monetary blessing to us, we are appreciative. And we do not turn anyone down simply because they cannot give us funds. The ironic part is that we are asked to dance at so many fundraisers & folk do not like to help us raise funds to keep going. Go figure. We couldn't even get some of our members to sell a $15 ticket to our anniversary dinner celebration - which cost us money to get food, building, etc. I am about so over fundraisers.
All that to say I do not believe it is wrong to accept funding because the ministry we are in needs it as much as any other. I grow weary with the fact that other areas of ministry receive financial support but dancers are expected to come out of pocket. Ministry costs. And I will dance before the Lord because of my love for Him each time He calls me to. It is not wrong unless money because the focus & not bringing souls to Christ through movement. Money is not the root of evil...it is the LOVE of money that is. Just a leader's thoughts. Thanks for listening!
: I am in a dance ministry that is not part of one church. Our group is compiled of women and young girls from different churches throughout the community. We have been in existence for two years now and the leader of our ministry has decided that we start asking for a "fee" when being invited to minister at a church or function. She says that it is to cover overhead costs for the ministry. Personally, I am against this. I feel that we should do fund raisers to raise money for our ministry. Does your dance ministry or other dance ministries charge to minister at outings? When is it appropriate to do this? Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.
: God Bless