NEWSLETTER CONTENTS

* A Line From Danny
* New Book Release
* Testimony
* Other Ways To Help
* Interview Questions
* Danny's Speaking Engagements
* Special Offer
* Request For Comments
* Framework Ministries
* Writer's Kingdom Growth Web Site
* Built By The Owner's Design Excerpt
* New Column
* Add Links
* The Immediate Word
* Christian Dramatist - Michael McCain
* Writer's Authorsden Web Site
* Recent News Link
* Missions Support
* Next Book
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BUILT BY THE OWNER'S DESIGN
Order Toll Free: 800-537-1030
Fax: 419-228-9184
Cost: $14.95 CSS Publishing
ISBN: 0-7880-1952-X

A LINE FROM DANNY

Merry Christmas!! I trust you and your family are having a very Merry Christmas and will have a Happy New Year!! Always remember to keep Christ in Christmas for Christmas is Jesus!!

Hi! For those who recently subscribed to this newsletter, I'm Danny Von Kanel -- church growth consultant, freelance writer, and church minister. A special welcome to Southern Baptist, United Methodist, and Presbyterian church leaders who have recently subscribed.

Excitement is in the air for me as I anticipate the release of "Built By The Owner's Design". Please forgive me this one time. This issue and the next will be most about the book. I am convinced "Built By The Owner's Design" can impact churches far and wide. For that reason, I can't talk enough about it. (But I promise I'll limit my verbage after the next two weeks.)

This newsletter issue contains some helpful info. Please consider taking the time to read the selected articles. Also, take advantage of the free offers. This newsletter changes weekly.

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NEW BOOK RELEASE - 8 DAYS UNTIL PUBLICATION

CSS Publishing is busily marketing "Built By The Owner's Design" by Danny Von Kanel. You recently received an email through this newsletter from Jonathon Smith at CSS requesting from you a review. Framework Ministries desires your reviews also in order to help get Danny's very practical book into the hands of ministers across the country. Contact info is located throughout this newsletter to help you request a pre-publication proof for review. For info on this book see:

www.DannyVonKanel.kingdomgrowth.corn/book.htm

You can pre-order the book at www.csspub.com or by emailing dannyr@authorsden.com or dannyr@huntcom.net THE BOOK IS NOW UP AT THE SITE. Go to www.csspub.com. Click on Spring Releases. Scroll down to "Built By The Owner's Design". Click on title for more info. The ISBN Number is 0-7880-1952-X. Cost: $14.95 CSS Publishing, 1-800-241-4056; Fax: 419-228-9184

REVIEWS: Found at www.authorsden.com/dannyrvonkanel. Click on news. Note: Check out James Carter's review in the January-March issue of LBC Live. This magazine goes to all pastors and staff in Louisiana Southern Baptist Churches.

TESTIMONY: Jonathon Smith of CSS publishing informed Danny last week that they had received request for 14 pre-publication review copies of "Built By The Owner's Design". One pastor, while visiting the CSS Pub home office, couldn't wait on the book coming out but insisted on a pre-publication review copy he saw laying out on a desk. HE LEFT WITH BOOK IN HAND.
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OTHER WAYS TO HELP

“How Can I Help?”

That’s a question we often hear these days when people see Built By The Owner’s Design. Actually, there are many ways you can be of assistance. Here are a few ideas:

1. Order a copy. (We wish we could give each of you a copy free but financially that is an impossibility.)
2. Tell others that, while you would be delighted if they bought the book, you’re just writing to let them know it exists.
3. Tell your colleagues, your friends, and your church members about this new resource. Talk it up over coffee, during phone conversations, at church meetings, etc.
4. Take a copy with you when you go to meetings. Show it to people and give them this toll free number (1-800-537-1030).
5. Write a letter to the editor or mini-review for church leadership newsletters or magazines to which you subscribe.
6. Go to Amazon.com and write a 5-star review ... if you think that’s deserved, of course.
7. Give the book as a gift to an aspiring pastor, church staff member, or newcomer to church growth.
8. Ask for Built By The Owner’s Design whenever you go into a bookstore. If they don’t have it, suggest they order it. If they do, put it face-out on the shelf (smile). Thanks!
9. Add a link to your Web site (we’re at http://dannyvonkanel.kingdomgrowth.com or authorsden.com/dannyrvonkanel.)
10. Scan this portion of the newsletter and download it into your email program. Send it to everyone in your address folder (Reply to all). Ask them to forward it to 100 people they know. The more scattered throughout the United states the better.
11. If you know a pastor, church leader, or convention personnel personally that would agree to write a review, contact them and ask them to do so.
12. Consider asking Danny to host a “Built By The Owner’s Design” Church Growth Conference. Conference schedules are listed at my web site at www.DannyVonKanel.kingdomgrowth.com .

Any help you can give will be deeply appreciated. We hope you will “seize the moment” and allow God to use you to let folks experience “Built By The Owner’s Design”.

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INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Interview Questions
Danny Von Kanel - Built By The Owner’s Design

1. How would you define the major theme of your book?

Church Growth occurs outside fixed programs when we take the middle ground and analyze our (1) foundation (2) structures (baptism & teaching), and (3) implement ways for growth to occur -- rejecting some and accepting other tenets of the church growth movement.

What was your objective in writing this book?

I wrote the book because little had been written about helping established churches to grow. Books on the market either dealt with the mega church or new churches. Though the market has its share of church growth books, none use researched data from diverse denominations; and none take a middle ground approach to the church growth movement and offer a viable alternative.

What problem or issue do you see the book addressing?

The book addresses the problem of declining or plateaued churches -- at least 70% of the churches across the country.

Why would this book be of interest to someone else?

This book would interest anyone who cares about the future of their church. No church stays the same long. It is either declining or growing. A growing church, both numerically and spiritually, suggest that more people are being exposed to the Gospel of Christ which changes lives. Changed lives ultimately affects society for the good.

2. Why did you feel compelled to write the book?

No book was in the marketplace to assist well established, traditional churches in moving beyond their decline, stagnation, and slow demise. I also wanted to prove that growth was possible midway between the church growth movement right and the declining critical left.

3. Have you always wanted to write a book? Yes!

Is this the book you dreamed of writing; why or why not?

Yes, because of my love for the church. After spending 25 years of my life serving in local congregations, what better way to show my love for Christ and His church than to write a book helping churches be all that God intended. I have loved writing ever since I was accepted at a Billy Graham School of Writing when I was 18. With 110 plus articles in 30 magazines, I knew a book would be my next step. Since all of my writing is in church leadership magazines, a book written to pastors and church leaders was a natural choice.

4. How long did it take to write Built By The Owner’s Design? 3 years, off and on.

How did you prepare for the writing and what resources did you use?

I analyzed and compared more than 50 churches in Southern Baptist, United Methodist, and Presbyterian USA denominations in 2000/2001 ( shown as 3/3/50 in manuscript); critically scrutinized 10 year profiles on 180 Southern Baptist Churches in Baptist associations I served; poured over two Barna Research surveys involving interviews with 601 senior pastors and 1015 people18 and older; and made crucial observations on Thom Rainer’s data of 586 growing churches. Built By The Owner’s Design is the result of three years of extraordinary research, perseverance, and tried-and-true church growth experiences.

5. A promising author must face many rejections. How many rejections did you have? 49

Do you have a secret for handling rejections?

Realize that publishers are not necessarily rejecting you or your writing but the book, subject matter, and timing may trigger a rejection.

What other obstacles do writers face and how can they overcome them?

Finding time to write - I do best writing after work at night. Whatever time you choose, do some writing every day.

6. Your book contains many personal experience stories and testimonies. Why do you feel strongly about this form of writing?

Personal stories bring the book to life. It becomes real and believable to people.

Is it difficult to write about such personal experiences?

Yes. You have to sometimes admit your failures and because others may interpret the same experience different from you. You become transparent -- which is also risky.

7. What do you believe are the attributes of really good writing that will interest the editor and minister to the readers?

Writing must be heart felt. The more passionate about the subject matter you are the greater the chance for capturing the editor and readers attention .. and keeping it.

8. What response have you had to your book so far?

At least 14 church leaders have requested a prepublication review copy. All reviews so far have been extremely positive. Dee Dee Norton, my author representative at CSS Publishing, told me “a pastor came in the office the other day and saw some prepublication copies of Built By The Owner’s Design” on my desk and said he wanted one. After explaining these were not published copies but review copies, he said ‘that’s o.k.’ he still wanted one ... and left with his prepublication copy.”

What audience did you have for this book?

My book has a broad appeal -- addressing the growth needs of three prominent denominations. The Southern Baptist Convention has 34,441 churches and is the largest Protestant denomination in the country. The United Methodist have 36,170 churches. Presbyterian USA have 11,295. The book was written for church leaders -- both lay and professional.

Are you satisfied the intended audience is aware of your book and appropriately responding to it?

Only time will tell. Interviews like this in newspapers, on radio, and T.V. will help get the message out.

Where can someone obtain a copy of “Built By The Owner’s Design”?

Any Christian book store can order it as well as some secular book stores. For some reason you have problems securing a copy, please contact me at First Baptist Church, Franklinton, LA.

9. What advice would you give to others who aspire to write a book?

In America, you can achieve your dreams. What it takes is perseverance -- a never give up attitude. How can they get started? Start writing, read a lot, seek others help, and begin a library of books on writing -- devouring their contents.

10. In closing, what final thoughts would you like to share concerning your book?

Built By The Owner’s Design, more than any other, gives a middle ground approach to church growth that both those on the right and the left can embrace? The book, more than any other, leads the reader to develop a step-by-step practical, workable plan for church growth? The book, more than any other, is biblically based, structurally sound, and power packed?
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OUR NO RISK GUARANTEE
This book will guide your church from plateau or decline to new growth. If this book fails to satisfy your needs, please return it with the receipt to Danny Von Kanel, 826 10th Ave. Franklinton, LA 70438, and we will return your money and book rate postage, no questions asked.
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REQUEST FOR REVIEWS
Review copies are available. Contact Danny Von Kanel at dannyr@huntcom.net to receive your copy or contact CSS Publishing at 1-800-241-4056.
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SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS FOR DANNY VON KANEL

* WPAE Radio, Centreville, MS., 9:00-9:30A.M. 89.7
* First Baptist Church, Franklinton, Brotherhood Breakfast - January 5th, 7:00 A.M.
* Liberty Library, Liberty, Mississippi - January 10th, 2003; 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
* Tuesday, January 21st -Washington Parish Library , Franklinton, LA Branch; 6:30 P.M.
* Thursday, January 23rd, Merry Hearts, First Baptist Church, Franklinton, 10:00 A.M.; Senior Center
* January 28th -Washington Parish Library , Bogalusa, LA Branch; 6:30 P.M.
* February 23rd -Pastors Conference for area ministers; 1:00 P.M.; location yet to be determined (Washington Parish).
* First Thursday In May, McComb City Library, Mccomb, MS; Time TBA

SPECIAL OFFER:

FREE CHURCH GROWTH CONSULTATIONS: To any pastor church leader, or parachurch ministry needing advice, counsel, direction, or simply a listening ear, please contact Danny Von Kanel at dannyr@huntcom.net or dannyr@authorsden.com.

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WE WANT YOUR COMMENTS
This newsletter is for YOU! Please send your comments, suggestions, and helpful tips that will help make this newsletter a better tool to assist you in ministry. A free gift for all whose suggestions we use. Send to: dannyr@huntcom.net or dannyr@authorsden.com.

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FRAMEWORK MINISTRIES
Delivers honest and practical helps from an evangelical point of view, with feature articles, challenging thought pieces, and the most practical hands-on ideas for growing ministries in the church. To get these helps go to: www.DannyVonKanel.kingdomgrowth.com.

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DANNY'S KINGDOM GROWTH WEB SITE
If you haven't already, consider looking at these pages at Danny's site:
* About Danny -
www.DannyVonKanel.kingdomgrowth.com/about.htm
* What Others Are Saying
www.DannyVonKanel.kingdomgrowth.com/others.htm
* Article Clips -
www.DannyVonKanel.kingdomgrowth.com/clips.htm
* Previously Published -
www.DannyVonKanel.kingdomgrowth.corn/publishe.htm
* Church Growth Schedules -
www.DannyVonKanel.kingdomgrowth.com/schedule.htm Note: Further updates are coing to this site by the end of the year.
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Built By The Owner's Design Excerpt

* Though Programs Can Replace Evangelism, Here They Enhance It.

Can you imagine what would happen if our lost world saw the church selling its possessions and giving to every man as he had need -- doing so in one accord and in singleness of heart? This action by the early church brought favor from the people. (“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”) When a church finds favor with the people, the fields are ripe for harvesting. Evangelism was enhanced as the early church structured itself to meet a real need and gave itself completely to be used of the Lord.

What took place at our church in central Mississippi defies explanation. The thirty-six teenagers received Christ amidst an overhanging presence which permeated every program. This spiritual dimension enhanced the likelihood lives would be changed. If a person was lost without Christ and in our circle, it was as if he had to get saved. The pure emotion and relative ease of these converts demonstrated our singleness of heart -- and their finding favor.

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NEW COLUMN
Danny has recently begun a new column entitled, "Faith Frameworks". This online column is found at www.Lucedale.biz. This column will feature weekly articles on issues of faith. This is the same column that appeared in the former Tri-County Neighbor newspaper in the Lucedale/Leakesville, Mississippi area. Click on columnist. Faith Frameworks is available for syndication. Contact Framework Ministries at dannyr@huntcom.net or dannyr@authorsden.com or FaithFrameworks@Lucedale.biz of your interest. The newest article will be posted by Monday. Take a look at past articles:

* Taste The Sweetness Of Christ
* Facing Your Fears
* Company We Keep
* Confidence In God
* Faith That Soars
* Negligence: The Rust Of The Soul
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ADD LINKS

You can add the following links to your web site to access info about Danny R. Von Kanel:

* www.Lucedale.biz (Danny's column, Faith Frameworks, is located here.)
* www.Christianwriters.com
* www.authorsden.com/dannyrvonkanel
* www.DannyVonKanel.kingdomgrowth.com
* www.smallgroups.com
* www.groups.msn.com/AmiteReunion (Click on Amite Author)

Danny's presence can be felt at other sites also:

* onlinerev.com - Rev. Magazine web site
* parentingteens.com
* askme.com
* enrichmentjournal.com
* asburyseminary.org
* creatormagazine.com
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THE IMMEDIATE WORD
This is anew service from CSS Publishing. By subscribing, you will receive timely, thought provoking resources based on important issues and concerns in the current life of our congregations as viewed from a Christian perspective. To learn more about The Immediate Word service click on the following link: www.csspub.corn/iw.

Note: The views expressed in The Immediate Word do not necessarily reflect the views of Framework Ministries or Danny Von Kanel.
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CHRISTIAN DRAMATIST - Michael McCain

We at Framework Ministries are pleased to tell you about Michael McCain of McCain Ministries. Michael is a christian dramatist from Clinton, LA. Danny has had Michael twice over the years present his eyewitness account of the life of Christ. Both times were exceptional. This 35 minute drama has been performed before diverse audiences throughout the world, having been translated into several foreign languages without losing its impact.

You can reach Michael & Lynn McCain at P.O. Box 8588, Clinton, LA 70722; Phone: 225-683-3978; email: lmmccain@aol.com. Michael comes on a love offering basis.
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WRITER'S AUTHORSDEN WEB SITE
More information on Danny Von Kanel can be found at www.authorsden.com/dannyrvonkanel. Nine articles can be found on this site. Click on articles when you get to the above page. The newest (added 11/19/2002) is entitled, "Quantum Leap".

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RECENT NEWS
Go to www.authorsden.com/dannyrvonkanel. Click on NEWS in the left hand column.
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5 MINUTE SEMINARS

Each week a new 5 MINUTE SEMINAR will be posted. This week's entry is: "How To Use A 'Built By the Owner's Design' Conference To Impact Your Church"

Contact Danny at dannyr@huntcom.net for a copy.
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MISSION SUPPORT
Missions is best lived out through the organization of Global Outreach International. Go to their web site at www.globaloutreach.org

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NEXT BOOK

"Building Sunday School ... By The Owner's Design" (100 Tools For Building Your Sunday School)
Danny asks for submissions to be incorporated in this next book. If your submission is accepted, your entry will be given your byline and you will receive a free copy of the book. Send submissions to dannyr@huntcom.net.

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This issue may be FREELY distributed to friends, discussion lists and leadership groups as long as the entire issue is included. We encourage you to forward this newsletter to all your friends who would benefit from its contents.
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PRIVACY
Protecting your privacy is very important to all of us at DannyVonKanel.kingdomgrowth.com. We will not rent, sell, or exchange your email address with a third party for any purpose.

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PLEASE DO NOT SEND POSTINGS OR COMMENTS TO THIS LIST -ITS SOLE PURPOSE IS TO DISTRIBUTE THIS NEWSLETTER.

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PLEASE NOTE

You are receiving this newsletter because we value you as a fellow minister in Christ. By subscribing, we make a promise to let you know about special offers available on:

www.DannyVonKanel.kingdomgrowth.com and at www.authorsden.com/dannyrvonkanel.

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Cpoyright 2002 DannyVonKanel.KingdomGrowth.com All Rights Reserved.
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