OUR STORY
Every ministry has a beginning. Ours began with one opportunity, one "yes," and one faithful step.
TGE Praise Ministry was never part of a carefully designed business plan or a long-term organizational strategy. It was born from a simple invitation to serve.
I was asked to coach a small group of children for a Youth Sunday presentation. What seemed like a single assignment became the beginning of something far greater than I could have imagined.
After the presentation, I remained connected with one of the parents whose child desired to continue learning. We began meeting one-on-one, focusing not only on dance technique but also on worship, discipline, confidence, and spiritual growth.
Soon, another child joined.
Then another.
Before long, children and families from different communities, churches, and backgrounds throughout Chicago's western suburbs began seeking a place where they could grow through praise and worship.
What started with one child became a ministry.
Not a ministry confined to the walls of one church.
Not limited by one denomination.
Not restricted by one community.
Instead, God began building a ministry that welcomes individuals from every background, united by one purpose—to glorify Him through worship. While many ministries are rooted within a single congregation, God called TGE Praise Ministry to serve the broader community—welcoming individuals from different churches, backgrounds, and denominations, united by one Lord, one faith, and one baptism
Today, TGE Praise Ministry continues to grow as a Christ-centered community dedicated to developing worshippers, leaders, and servants. Through dance, discipleship, mentorship, and performing arts, we seek to help every member discover the gifts God has placed within them while learning to see themselves and others Thru God's Eyes.
Our ministry is rooted in the belief that worship extends beyond movement. It is reflected in how we serve, how we lead, how we love, and how we represent Christ in our homes, schools, churches, and communities.
As God continues to expand our vision, so does our ministry. What began with praise dance now reaches toward a broader expression of worship through mime, performing arts, creative expression, leadership development, and community outreach. Every new opportunity allows us to share the Gospel in fresh and meaningful ways while remaining anchored in the truth of God's Word.
Although our methods continue to grow, our foundation will never change.
We remain committed to serving God and to build a ministry where every person is welcomed, encouraged, equipped, and empowered to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Our story is still being written.
With every rehearsal, every prayer, every act of service, every new member, and every life transformed, God continues to add new chapters to the legacy of TGE Praise Ministry.
And we believe...
The best chapters are still to come.
"There is one body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
— Ephesians 4:4–6
My WHY
There are moments in life that change your direction forever. For me, that moment began with my four-year-old daughter.
We had recently visited a church in a new community where a praise ministry was ministering through dance to Marvin Sapp's One Thing. I watched as my daughter stood completely captivated by what she saw. Her eyes never left the dancers. When the music ended, she looked at me with confidence and excitement and simply said,
"I can do that."
As any mother would, I wanted to encourage her dream. I approached the ministry leader and asked if she could join the praise ministry. Their policy was to begin at six years old. While I understood the guideline, I couldn't ignore what I had just witnessed in my daughter's heart.
So I asked one simple question.
"Would you allow her to come to rehearsals, learn with the team, and simply wait until she was old enough to minister on Sundays?"
They graciously agreed.
At the time, I thought I was simply asking for an opportunity for my daughter.
I had no idea God was opening the door to my own calling.
Over the next twenty years, I watched my daughter grow into an incredible worshipper, dancer, and leader. Praise dance became more than an activity—it became part of who she is. Through her commitment, discipline, and faith, doors opened that reached far beyond the church, leading to opportunities in the dance industry and shaping the woman she has become today.
As I watched her grow, God was growing me.
He revealed a calling that had been waiting for me all along.
I accepted His call as a Praise Minister and committed myself to learning, serving, and leading. Over the years, I have studied worship ministry, served in leadership within multiple praise ministries, and been blessed to establish ministries where children, youth, and adults could encounter God through worship.
The greatest blessing has never been the performances.
It has been witnessing lives transformed.
I have watched shy children discover confidence, young people develop discipline, worshippers become leaders, and artists find purpose. Many have gone on to pursue careers in dance, acting, education, ministry, and leadership, carrying with them the lessons they first learned while worshipping God.
That is why TGE Praise Ministry exists.
I never want a child to miss the opportunity to discover the gifts God has placed within them because of age, finances, fear, or circumstance.
Through God's Eyes, every child has purpose.
Through God's Eyes, every gift has value.
Through God's Eyes, worship becomes a pathway to leadership, service, confidence, and lifelong faith.
My prayer is that every person who becomes part of TGE Praise Ministry will not only grow as a dancer but, more importantly, will grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ—rooted in His love, strengthened by His Word, and prepared to leave a legacy that impacts generations to come.
This is my calling.
This is my purpose.
This is my "why."
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremian 29:11
