In 2009 the Lord gave Lauren a vision. In the vision she was dancing, and as the vision faded she heard the Lord whisper to “Dance”. As silly as it seems she was asked “what does He mean”? Periodically over the next few years He continued to tell her to dance.  The vision He gave her and the words He spoke never left her spirit. However, she honestly didn’t know what to do with them.

It wasn’t until November of 2010 that the Lord began bringing this request to pass. Lauren was asked to be in a praise dance for the Abundant Life Christmas drama, not only to be in it but to do a solo part. With the words of the Lord still fresh in her spirit, she knew that she couldn’t decline it. To say she was uncomfortable is an understatement. Dancing in front of everyone, even at practices, went against every natural bone in her body.  But with each practice things began to get easier. Something was being birthed.

The night before the Christmas drama was to take place her grandfather passed away. Even through the sadness she knew she had to dance. God’s vision and His words still rang in her spirit. That night there wasn’t a nervous bone in her body. The great comforter was with her, and it was as though He was the only one in the room. After that night the vision became clearer. Lauren knew what the Lord wanted her to do.  This is how the Abundant Life praise dance/drama team was birthed. Lauren is still in awe of how our merciful Lord works. 

The vision for this team is to bring forth unfiltered praise to the Heavenly Father. They desire to dance before the Lord as David did, unashamed and with all our hearts.  Ushering in the Presence and Glory of God is the deepest desire of this team.

Lauren Porter - Director of Dance / Drama Ministry

Lauren and Joseph Porter have been married since 2003. They have been attending Abundant Life since 2009.  Lauren was raised in a small Baptist Church, in Bessemer, Alabama. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit were something she knew nothing about.  Shortly after Lauren attended Abundant Life the Lord began to move Lauren out of her comfort zone and into His calling for her life. The Lord has continued to open her eyes to the moving of His Spirit, and to the power of His Word.