About The Word in Motion

Our vision, our founders and our leaders.

John 1:14 — The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Our vision is that God’s dance ministers are consecrated and set apart to minister God’s Word: that they would dance the Word of God and live it. Thus, all liturgical dancers would become an example of the living Word of God, which is the demonstration of the written Word. Our vision is that all desiring to use their gift of dance for God would understand that it is ministry and not entertainment. Therefore, they would dance with a message and a purpose for God.

We will provide instruction through classes, workshops, conferences, visual aids such as videos, books and brochures, and audio CDs to establish the Biblical foundation of Liturgical Dance. 2 Timothy 2:15 — Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Exodus 35:10 — “Come, all of you who are gifted craftsmen. Construct everything that the LORD has commanded.” Solomon built God’s temple using skilled laborers. The Bible says that we are the Temple of God. 1 Corinthians 6:19 (KJV) — What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? Thus, we will train in skill and technique how to minister Liturgical Dance to build God’s temples (God’s people) all over the world. We will also train, empower and provide certification for The Word In Motion Liturgical Dance Ministers upon completing required courses.

We will use Liturgical dance as a tool to evangelize and to prophesy the Word of God to bring salvation, healing and deliverance. Isaiah 52:7 — How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation. We will use liturgical dance to spread the Gospel all over the world. We will have satellite studio locations all over the world. We will also use liturgical dance in theatre, musical and movie productions to evangelize the Gospel.

Joseph and Chanda Thornton

Chanda Thornton is the founder of The Word in Motion Dance Company located in the Tri-State area. In 1996, she was in a car accident that doctors said would leave her totally disabled for the rest of her life. However, she praised God until her divine healing and restoration came. She believes that the Lord has created her to praise His Name in the dance (Psalms 149:3) and to teach others how to put God’s Word in motion and receive the fulfillment of God’s plan for their lives. Praise dance is a tool to usher in the presence of the Lord and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Chanda began her studies of dance at Long Island University where she obtained her B.A. She was a graduate student at New York University. She taught dance and literacy for the New York City Board of Education for many years, where she received her Certification in dance. Chanda Thornton was ordained and licensed as a minister in 2006. She was also ordained as a pastor in 2009 and served as an assistant pastor at Kingdom Family Worship Center in Maryland. Chanda now serves as a member at Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, NY.

Chanda has traveled throughout the country conducting conferences and workshops, and prophesying and ministering through dance with miracles, signs and wonders following. She has performed in conjunction with the Alvin Ailey Dance Company as well as ministered in worship conferences along with world renowned Cedric Ford of Shekinah Glory Ministries and Rev. Jackie McCullough. Along with her many accomplishments, Wicomico County recognized The Word In Motion for its outstanding achievement in community service. The Word in Motion was also featured in the Manna Newspaper as a Cover Story in October 2005 for how it has impacted so many lives and transformed many perspectives of the true meaning and purpose of Praise dance ministry. The Word in Motion has also been featured in the Daily Times Newspaper for its accomplishments in December 2008. The Word In Motion has appeared on numerous television and radio broadcasts, including PAC 14 in Maryland and Virginia. Our company also expands far beyond dance. We design garments, model, and serve as the liturgical spokesperson for Bodywrappers/Angelo Luzio. TWIM designs and garments of praise and Praise Props are available at our online store (www.dancewear4less.com).

Elder Joseph Thornton is the co-founder of The Word In Motion Inc. He has a prolific ministry that spans across the United States. God has used him to coach the youth and mentor them as well. He has also been instrumental in changing the lives of many men during his outreach experience as a part of the prison team ministry. Elder Joseph Thornton also functions as a prophet in the body of Christ with an international message as God sends him into the four corners of the earth to bring a message of healing and redemption. Elder Joseph Thornton has been featured on television as well as radio broadcasts. At a young age Elder Joseph’s gifts were recognized and he was signed to a record label; he surrendered his gifts to Christ and has sung in ministry events with world renowned worship leader Elder Cedric Ford of Shekinah Glory Ministries. As a worship leader he writes and composes songs for ministry. He also ministers and prophesies through dance with a Davidic anointing.

Along with Elder Joseph’s many accomplishments, he graduated from Adelphi University with his degree in Business Management. He was certified as a Business teacher and commissioned by God to educate the body of Christ in business matters. Just as God is the creator of all things, he believes that God has called us to take dominion in the earth, own and create opportunities as our heavenly Father does. He functions as a web designer and computer analyst for The Word in Motion Inc. He also owns his own home-based computer business where he trains individuals on entrepreneurship and financial independence. Truly he is a trailblazer in the kingdom of God, impacting lives and bringing change to a nation. Just as Joseph in the Bible became a financial governor and a deliverer to his people, truly Elder Joseph represents the Joseph Generation, bringing the anointing and impartation for restoration.

Meet the TWIM certified teachers who help carry the vision forward.

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