Flags, Banners, and Streamers

What do they mean?

The use of flags can be quite an entertaining sight to see, but when used to lift up blessings, glory, honor, and power to the Lord in His presence, flags can be more than entertaining. Used in accordance to the Word, flags become the primary sign for lifting up a "standard" of God. The Bible refers to the word flag as "standard" or "banner." The Hebrew word degel is translated as, a flag or banner or standard. Degel comes from the Hebrew root word dagal, meaning to flaunt, i.e. raise a flag; to be conspicuous, setting up with banners. Standard is defined as a banner used as an emblem, marker or rallying point; an ensign; military or personal flag. In the Old Testament, God commands Moses to instruct the children of Israel to camp by their own "standard" to signify their tribe (Numbers 2:2). There were 12 different flags or banners for the 12 tribes (Numbers 1:52; 2:2-3, 10, 18, 25; and 10:14, 18, 22, 25). Banner is defined as a flag or cloth standard. It is used figuratively to define one of God's Names, Yahweh Nissi, the Lord is my banner! God's salvation and truth is declared by the raising of the banners (Psalms 20:5 and Psalms 60:4). He is a banner of love and protection described in Song of Solomon 2:4 and reigns with great power, Song of Solomon 6:4, 10. He is a standard and He is calling us to lift up a standard, declare and proclaim it to all the world (Isaiah 5:26, 11:12, 13:2 and Jeremiah 50:2).

Flag Ministry or Flag Worship is the union of flags, music, and the Word of God that allows one to enter into the awesome presence of God. This worship art form brings a memorable experience of worshiping our Lord under His anointing. There are two reasons or purposes for Flag Worship: (1) to exalt the name of the Lord and give Him all the praise and the glory, and (2) to destroy the works of the enemy. The basic technique of flag waving is not really a new art form. We see this art displayed in the world in rhythmic gymnastics or in a school's marching band, but waving those same flags and streamers under the anointing of God as the Holy Spirit ministers to our hearts, minds, and spirits leads us into an unforgettable time of worship with the Lord. God has a message for us and through Flag Worship is one way He can deliver it.

How does one begin to praise and worship with flags? It begins with a desire to praise and worship the Lord. There is no special talent needed to worship with flags, even though having some skills in dance and ballet enhances your worship, but a willingness to use your body for the glory of God definitely is required. What special talents you don't have, the anointing will make up for them as you present your offering to the Lord. Flag Worship can be done as an individual or group worship. As an individual, you are called on to minister with several flags and streamers of all sorts while worshiping to a song or sometimes no music, being one with Christ. As a group, you minister as one in Christ even though each person gives their offerings with flags to the Lord by choreographed or spontaneous worship. Through each worship piece, flags are raised and a "standard" as we know is lifted up for all the world or your audience to see. You or the group becomes the "bannered” one(s) or standard-bearer(s), one who carries an ensign into battle. The types of flag worship pieces are the same and similar to those of dance ministry. There is a flag praise piece, a flag worship piece, a warfare piece, a flag prophetic piece, a flag celebration and dedication pieces, and many more. Notice that "flag praise dance piece" was not mentioned, because dance is not a necessary requirement to worship with flags. Therefore, one can stand still and worship with flags!

The colors of the flags are important as you select them for ministry. The meaning and references are many as the Holy Spirit ministers to each person individually. God loves color! Colors have great significance spiritually as they do in the natural realm. Additionally, combinations of colors (used separately) may also have different meanings. When choosing a color of a flag or streamer, we feel it is important for the dancer to keep in mind the symbolic meaning behind each color and choose according to what his or her spirit is feeling. If you think about the individual color breakouts that it takes to make a color, the symbolization is awesome! For example, if you take white which means purity, salvation, and light (see reference below) and red meaning Jesus' blood, atonement, and sacrifice, you get pink which means right relationship, heart of flesh, or intimacy. This solidifies that God is a God of order - even individual colors broken out all work out and make sense.

What do the colors mean?

Red: Symbolizes blood atonement, sacrifice of Christ's blood (Isaiah 1:18 and Hebrews 9:14)

Gold: Symbolizes the glory of God, divine nature, holiness, precious (Revelation 3:18, 4:4; Malachi 3:3; and 1 Peter 1:7)

Silver: Symbolizes paid price for redemption, price of a soul, Word of God (Matthew 27:3, 1 Peter 1:18, Psalms 68:13, and Hebrews 4:12)

Blue: Symbolizes heaven and authority, spiritual or heavenly realm, Throne of God, authority/over comer (Exodus 24:10; Ezekiel 1:26, 10:1; and Revelation 12:11)

Green: Symbolizes new life, growth, prosperity, health, eternal life, restoration (Psalms 23:2, 92:14; Genesis 1:30; Luke 23:31; and Revelation 22:2)

Purple: Symbolizes Jesus' royalty, Believer's royalty, Majesty, wealth (Judges 8:26, John 19:2, Mark 15:17-20, Luke 16:19, 1 Peter 2:9, and Esther 1:6)

Pink: Symbolizes right relationships, heart of flesh, intimacy, child-like faith (Romans 3:25, Revelation 19:8, Ezekiel 11:19, 1 Peter 5:5-6, Song of Solomon 1:2, and Matthew 18:3-5)

Yellow: Symbolizes sunlight of Jesus, joyful, celebration, God revealed (Matthew 17:2; Revelation 1:16; Psalms 84:1, 46:4-5, 68:13; Ezekiel 1:4, 8:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:20; and Romans 8:18)

Iridescent: Symbolizes overcoming power, fruit of the Spirit (Revelation 4:3)

Orange: Symbolizes praise, protection, harvest, fruitfulness, fire of God, works tested (Matthew 9:38, Colossians 1:9-10, 1 Corinthians 3:13, 2 Chronicles 23:13, and Zechariah 2:5)

White: Symbolizes Creator, righteousness acquired thru blood of Christ, Bride's garments, Salvation (Revelation 4:4, 6:2, 19:8 and Daniel 12:3)

Black: Symbolizes death, punishment, famine, sin, affliction, death, repentance, bondage (Lamentations 4:8, Revelation 6:5, John 3:19-20, and Psalms 107:14)

Rainbow: Symbolizes God's promises (Revelation 4:3), Covenant (Genesis 9:13 and 16)