Book Review: Let the Nations Rejoice

BIOGRAPHICAL ENTRY

Hardy, Dr. Pamela, Let the Nations Rejoice! An Invitation to Dance, Dr. Pamela Hardy: www.drpamelahardy.org, 2011, 161

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF AUTHOR

Dr. Pamela Hardy is an ordained minister, preacher/teacher of the Word of God. She received a Master of Fine Arts degree in dance from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX and a Doctor of Religious Dance degree from FICU in Merced, California. Pamela has danced on Broadway in New York City and performed in national and regional touring productions. Pamela has helped to start, strengthen, and edify dance companies in churches. Dr. Hardy is founder of Eagles International Training Institute.

SUMMARY OF CONTENTS

Dr. Hardy gives us a biblical perspective of dance ministry; especially in the church. She calls for dancers to answer God’s call to minister to the churches. God is calling dancers to hear from heaven. Dancers are called to carry the Word of God to the churches. The book is divided into two parts. Part one, chapters 1-4 and part two, chapters 5-14.

CHAPTER 1: “In the Beginning/Call to the Nations,” Dr. Hardy chronicles her life as a dancer from age three. She has gained a broad experience in dancing. She was called by God as a young woman in New York City. She answered the call and made worship her first position. God told her that He would send her to the nations.

CHAPTER 2: “Call to the Nations,” Pamela recounts her call to the nations. She begins in Jerusalem at the Feast of Tabernacles held each year in Israel.

CHAPTER 3: “Evangelizing the Nations through Dance,” People remember more from what they see more often than what they hear. Christ gives the church the ministry of evangelism. Through movement, dancers are ministers of the Gospel; not performers; not entertainers.

CHAPTER 4: “Let the Nations Speak,” Dance is movement. Dance is nonverbal communication between humans. Chapter four is a list twenty-five nations and the state of Hawaii and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Each nation’s history and demographics are briefly described. The history and present day worship practice including the dances in the churches is described.

Part 2:

CHAPTER 5: “Set Free to Dance,” Many dancers have learned to cover up spiritually. Dancers should look in the mirror to learn how they see themselves. Dancers should worship freely in the freedom that Christ gives.

CHAPTER 6: “The Spiritual Requirements of the Minister of Dance,” Dancers must make Christ first. The Minister of Dance must have a private time for worship before public worship. They must seek to be holy.

CHAPTER 7: “Why Dance Ministry,” Dance in the church is a fulfillment of prophecy. In Jeremiah 31:13 the bride has joy. In these Last Days we see God rebuilding and restoring His church. Dr. Hardy has witnessed God working in the same way in other countries.

CHAPTER 8: “Are You Called?” Being a private minister is a prerequisite to public ministry. Dancers must hear from God while in His presence. Examine yourself. Are you called to dance or is there another reason?

CHAPTER 9: “Starting a Dance Ministry,” Starting a dance ministry in the church must be a vision of the pastor, and it must be worship focused. Questions include: When will the ministry serve? Who can be a member of the team? What are the requirements? The focus must be on the call more than the skill. Dancers have a personal life of worship, prayer, and Bible study. Ministry to the Lord is first priority.

CHAPTER 10: “Holy Garments and the Priesthood,” In the Old Testament the priests were ministers in the Tabernacle of the Lord. Their dress apparel was specifically designed. The garments were set aside as holy to the Lord and used only at the appropriate time of service. They wore priestly garments; not costumes or outfits. The priests were consecrated to wear garments. All the church is called to dance, but not everyone is called to minister to the church in dance.

CHAPTER 11: “Skill Versus Anointing,” The roll of skill in worship should not be minimized. Dancers should have skill and excellence in the church just as in the world. Skill and training brings discipline and training; brings control; brings patience and control; brings confidence. Dancers must serve with humility and excellence.

CHAPTER 12: “Prophetic Dance,” Dancers flow in Prophetic Dance. Prophecy is the voice of God-of revelation and illumination, revealing the mind of Christ. Dancers learn to discern when to dance. They dance only when Holy Spirit leads them to dance. Dancers must submit to leadership.

CHAPTER 13: “Real Men Dance,” Dr. Hardy tells us of how King David danced when the Ark of the Covenant is being taken to Jerusalem. The ark represents the presence of the Lord in the midst of His people. Dance is seen among men in other countries more than in America. Churches and ministries die because tradition, religion, and other man-made ideas have kept the ark from being with them. A lifestyle of worship on God’s conditions is required of men.

CHAPTER 14: “Conclusion… Curtain Call,” Dr. Hardy concludes that Scripture tells us that at the conclusion of human history God will have a rejoicing bride. There will be a wedding followed by a feast. All will be accompanied by dancing and celebration.

CRITICAL EVALUATION

Dr. Hardy has given us a biblical perspective of dance in the church. She emphasizes that dance is ministry to the Lord and to His church. I found many of the principles outlined for dancers and dance are applicable for other ministers in the church and the ministries that they serve in. I believe that this book will help all ministers to have a more effective ministry in ministering to the Lord and His people. Dr. Hardy’s emphasis on private worship and ministry before public ministry can be helpful to all that answer the call of God on their life. Dr. Hardy calls us to examine ourselves, to live a consecrated life as a prerequisite before engaging in public ministry.