Tools to Empower You

CLASS Christian Writers Conference, at the Ghost Ranch
in Abiquiu, New Mexico!
Join us in this beautiful location for Writing at the Ranch.
Hop on a plane, crank up your car,
or saddle up your best horse and head west for this don't-miss event!

O! for a horse with wings!

William Shakespeare,
Cymbeline

Passing the Torch of Christian Leadership

by Craig von Buseck

Have you noticed how many of the major Christian leaders have gone on to heaven in the last few years? With the passing of luminaries like D. James Kennedy, Bill Bright, Ruth Graham and Jerry Falwell comes a chapter of American church history that is seeing its twilight.

It has been a glorious chapter, beginning in the 1940s with the famous line from newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst. Hearing that the evangelist was preaching against communism, Hearst ordered his editors: "Puff Graham."

"Either communism must die or Christianity must die," Graham famously preached, and Hearst sent a memo to all of his papers' editors, ordering them to give Billy Graham extra coverage. Suddenly the North Carolina Christian evangelist was a household name.

At the same time, a fiery Pentecostal faith healer named Oral Roberts was grabbing headlines as he crossed the country holding tent meetings. Thousands of people were healed and brought to salvation as they attended these rallies.

Both Graham and Roberts soon seized the electronic media to take the Gospel to the masses, first on radio, then on television. Billy Graham went on to harness the power of film through his Worldwide Pictures division.

Now, after years of glorious ministry, with abundant spiritual fruit, Billy Graham and Oral Roberts are mostly out of the spotlight as their sons carry on the work of the ministry.
   We're seeing this changing of the guard taking place in many prominent ministries today:

Franklin Graham is now the president of both the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the humanitarian organization, Samaritan's Purse.

Paul Crouch, Jr. and his brother, Matthew Crouch, work with their parents overseeing the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Marilyn Hickey has groomed her daughter, Sarah Bowling for the leadership of her ministry. Together they co-host the Today with Marilyn & Sarah TV program and travel around the world teaching and preaching the Gospel.

At the Christian Broadcasting Network, where I work, Gordon Robertson has been with the ministry since 1994, and has served as co-host of The 700 Club since 1999. In 2007 he was named CEO of the Christian Broadcasting Network, and now oversees the daily operations of the ministry.

But we have also seen the passing of the guard in several ministries:

Jerry Falwell groomed his son Jerry Falwell Jr., 44, to become chancellor of Liberty University, which Falwell founded in 1971 to turn out "champions of Christ." His younger brother, Jonathan, 41, became pastor at Thomas Road Baptist Church, which Falwell founded.

Joel Osteen succeeded his father as pastor of Lakewood Church. Ironically, Joel had only preached once in his life, the week before his father's death in 1999. The broadcast of the Lakewood Church worship service is one of the most-watched religious television programs in the world.

Even before he died in 2003, Dr. Bill Bright passed the torch of leadership, after 50 years as founder and president of Campus Crusade for Christ, to his long time associate, Dr. Steve Douglass.

The winds of change are blowing through the Church in America and around the world. New leaders are emerging to take the place of their fathers and predecessors.

But what is the message of this new generation?

To find out, read the rest of Craig's article on CBN.com.

Craig von Buseck is Ministries Director for CBN.com and part of the CLASS teaching faculty. He is the author of Seven Keys to Hearing God's Voice (Hensley) and contributed to God's Supernatural Power in You (Destiny Image). His new book, NetCasters: Using the Internet to Make Fishers of Men, will be released by Broadman and Holman in 2010. Craig will teach Technology and Writing for the Web at the 2009 CLASS Christian Writers Conference.

Step Up to the Mic

by Betty Southard

Walking into my first CLASSeminar, I was intimidated, insecure, not sure that I belonged. Who were these people? I knew Florence Littauer, I had heard her speak many times in previous years. Yes, I would love to be able to communicate the way she does. But.... I am not naturally funny. My speaking experience was limited.

However, I had a passion to make a difference in the lives of others, as so many women speakers had made in mine. God directed me to this training. Patsy Clairmont was my small group leader. Oh.......she's good! Other's on the staff were equally impressive. Was God really calling me to be a speaker? I never considered that, someday, He might also call me to write books. Could this training really help someone like me?

Yes, yes, yes! It could and it did! I love the fact that each leader shared their own vulnerabilities as well as gave hope that if they made it, so could I! The teaching, practical, as well as entertaining, brought lessons to life. Lessons that I have continually put into practice for over 25 years. I was empowered by the knowledge that if I was willing to work, put into practice, all that was taught at a basic CLASSeminar, God would use me.

Use me, He has, in ways that I never could have imagined, and ways I probably don't even yet know about. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, who filled me with confidence that His promise is true. Empowered to know that, "He who began a good work in me, would bring it to completion," (Phil. 1:6). Empowered to be open to new learning experiences. Empowered to believe that God is not through with me yet.

Won't you join me in experiencing what God wants to empower in your life? Attend a CLASSeminar, take advantage of Class Christian Writers Conference, perhaps a Personality Workshop is the next step for you. CLASS offers the training and the encouragement. It's up to you to follow the leading of the Lord. He promises to empower us, if we are willing to work and obey.
See you soon I hope.

Betty Southard is a woman who loves to share God with anyone.
She is an Author, Speaker, Spiritual Director, CLASS Trainer,
Wife, Mother and Grandmother. Betty will teach Using PIER in Writing at the 2009 CLASS Christian Writers Conference.

Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere.
It's a result of something.
Hours and days and weeks and years of
constant work and dedication.

- - Roger Staubach

We're Getting Closer...
CLASS Christian Writers Conference
November 4 - 8, 2009
Abiquiu, NM

Conference Faculty

*Cecil Murphy, pictured above, provided several full scholarships to the
CLASS CWC, though unable to attend himself. Thanks, Cec!

"If you want to change the world, pick up a pen." Martin Luther knew the power of the written word. He knew words could make a difference in the lives of people everywhere.

I agree with that. I am a writer; God has called me to do something that can impact the world. What I write has the power to give people hope and point them to our Lord.

In order to be an effective writer and communicator, I have to keep learning. When I first knew God was opening this door for me, I didn't know where to turn. I knew there was much to learn but how could I find people who would teach me?

Going to the library only yielded a handful of outdated books. The community college had no course on any kind of writing. The answer came from a neighbor who invited me to attend a writers conference with her.

When I told her I didn't know what a writers conference was, she said, "That's okay. I don't either. My dad knows I love to write and is sending me. He thinks you should be my roommate!"

That writers conference over two decades ago changed my life. It opened up an entire new world to me. I discovered the joy of writing to touch people's lives. I learned about the craft of writing and how to write with excellence. I met editors who invited me to write for their magazines and publishing houses. Those four days empowered me to share God's message in a way I never thought possible.

Would you like to get the tools you need to start or improve your writing? You can move giant steps ahead in your writing career by learning from the editors and professional writers at the CLASS Christian Writers Conference at the Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM, November 4-6.

Teaching lab instructors will take you with great detail into a specific genre. Workshop leaders will give you a targeted hour of learning. Devotional time will refresh you as you seek God's presence in your writing. Keynote speakers will challenge you to draw deeply from the goodness of God's love. Professional writers will encourage you and cheer you on.       - - Linda Gilden

Linda Gilden is a CLASS faculty member and serves as the
Conference Director of the 2009 CLASS CWC.
She will be co-teaching The Writer's Personality.

To register and learn more about all the workshops
and opportunities available, please visit the website for the
2009 CLASS Christian Writers Conference.
Save $50 when you pay in full by Oct. 15.
$575 if paid by Oct. 15, $625 after Oct. 15.

Congratulations, Recipients!

Cecil Murphy Scholarships have all been awarded

Winners of the Dan Penwell Scholarship are:

Full Scholarship - Heather Bradley

Half-Scholarship - Tammi Scoggin
Half-Scholarship - Casey Hutcheson-Smith

Lauren Parker received the Florence Littauer Scholarship

Value-Added Courses at the CLASS CWC:

Get Published Now!
with Laura Bagby

Arrive at the Ghost Ranch unpublished and leave a published author! Working with a personal mentor can take every writer to the next level. Limited to 24 participants.

One mentor for every two students
Guided implementation of techniques
Published credit soon after conferenc

Create a Successful Seminar Business
with Dwight Bain

This value-added course is on Wednesday prior to the conference.
If you could benefit from a new income stream, you'll want to register for this event, space is limited.

Learn the secrets the pros use to connect with an audience and to eliminate the roadblocks that can set you back or destroy credibility.

Leave armed with strategies, techniques and tools to move forward and begin a new business outreach which will generate an additional income stream and help hundreds of people in the process.

Book Proposal Blitz!
with Tama Westman

Publishing decisions aren't made only on the basis of a manuscript, but whether it's accompanied by a powerful proposal. Don't miss this opportunity to work with industry specialists and mentors to put the polish on your proposal.

Get an edge with insider's secrets and marketing trends
Work with industry experts and mentors in hands-on workshop
Practice and perfect your pitch so you are ready for editors

In-Process Proposals must be e-submitted
by Oct. 15 to Tama Westman.

On-Ramp (Free)

with Ron Benson and Lee Warren

A way for new conferees to get up to speed before moving into the frenetic flow of the CLASS CWC. Those who have never attended a writers conference before or those who are new to this conference will benefit from mini classes such as:

What to Expect at CLASS CWC
Using the Writer's Bible
Mapping Your Appointments
Understanding Editorial Needs, Editors and Other Minor Gods

Empowering Relationships
with The Personalities

by Gary Chevalier

"How did you know that?" he asked with wide eyes. "I have a marketing degree, and I've never heard of that before. I see the world as a demographic - a person this age and that economic level will want such and such, etc. But I could never use that knowledge to see inside someone's head like that!"

Chuckling to myself at his amazement at being "read," I gave him the quick, 5-minute breakdown of the four Personalities. His eyes grew wider and his mouth began to drape open as I explained to him the history of our interactions.

"From the first time I called you to play piano for our church, I could tell that you were a Melancholy. Because I understand The Personalities, I knew that in order for our interactions to be positive you would need me to be very detailed in what I am asking you to do, very prompt in getting you the rehearsal materials, and very willing to listen to your thoughts concerning the artistry of the music we're playing."

He shifted his weight to the other foot as I continued, "Of course, I'm a Melancholy myself, so I REALLY understand what you need; but I do the same type of thing with pretty much everyone else. For instance, my wife is a Sanguine, and I know that she needs to have fun in her life or she'll go crazy. So, just for kicks, the other night we went on a 'Redneck Date Night.'

"We could've just gone out to eat, but it was much more fun for us to be silly. Our dinner at The Hot Biscuit scored more points with Andrea than taking her to a 5-star restaurant...just because I understand The Personalities. I've also learned the personalities of my kids, extended family, etc. For pretty much everyone I meet, I try to figure out their personality type by what they say and how they act so I can tailor my interactions with them. I know if I can focus on what they need from me, then we're much more likely to have a good relationship.

"In your case, by doing the things which I know you innately crave, without saying the words, I was able to convey to you that I value you...not just as someone who can fill in and play with the band, but in who you are as a person."

"That's amazing, man" he replied, still slightly dazed from the information I had just laid on him. "From our first conversation I knew I liked you; and I knew you were the kind of guy who would take care of business. I guess now I know why."

Have you ever had a conversation like that? This one happened for me with the guest pianist at my church last weekend after we'd finished rehearsal/sound check. It was the third or fourth time Charles had filled in for us on a Sunday morning, and he was telling me about his band's recording and rehearsal schedule.They were also headlining at The House of Blues soon, and I could see how busy and stressed he was with everything that was going on in his life.

So I suggested that night he might want to take a few days away from people to be alone and recharge/refocus. Charles was amazed that I could possibly know how much we needed his "alone time" because we had only a limited amount of interactions; but it's not really that amazing. I just put the simplicity of The Personalities into practice to empower me to have healthy relationships with the people I encounter!

Gary Chevalier is a Worship Pastor, Author, Speaker, and Certified Personality Trainer. His passion is to lead God's people to live every day in a way that honors Christ. Read more at Gary's blog.

Personality Plus
for Couples

January 30, 2010

Exotic Game Ranch
Austin, TX

Just $99 per couple

This one-day interactive program will feature Florence Littauer, and CLASS faculty members Andrea and Gary Chevalier and Karen and George Porter.

The focus of this event is to give couples practical tools based on the teaching of The Personalities that will help them understand one another better thereby strengthening their marriage. One of the highlights of this event will be the interactive group exercises.

* CLASS is looking for a number of Certified Personality Trainers in the Austin area to help facilitate small groups.
If you are interested in being a part of this exciting new event, contact Gerry Wakeland or call 702-882-0638 for information.

Balancing Home and Ministry

By Melodie Griffin

Keep the Home Fires Burning
While You Set the World on Fire!

I am a "master" multi-tasker. I have put popcorn and some oil in a pot and walked away to fold laundry, only to send smoke alarms blaring and dogs howling all over the neighborhood!

Trying to manage the demands of ministry and family can be equally challenging. You may not set off smoke alarms, but people will hear your spouse and children howling for miles if you don't manage those demands properly.

Here are a few things that I am learning along the way:

Take your spouse and/or kids to work day. One of the most helpful things I have done to gain "buy in" from my family is to take them along every once in a while so they can see what I do. This not only helps in their expectation level of me while I am away, but it also allows them to catch the vision when they see the faces of people whose lives are affected by God's calling in my life.

Talk to your spouse ahead of time about expectations. How much is too much? My spouse believes in my calling as much or more than I do. I pass each and every invitation by him before saying yes in order to keep us one in mind and heart. Do this and you'll be thankful.

Seasons come and seasons go. Are you a young parent wishing you could travel more often than you do? This particular season that God has planted you in will not last forever. These are precious, delectable, sleepless days with your little ones and you won't get these days back. Don't spend your time lamenting your lack of ability to travel, but instead, use this season to do more writing. You can also take more local opportunities and hone your skill for the day when God will free you to move about the country.

Make them look forward to your absence. Sometimes I wish my family didn't like me so much. I have been forced to come up with ways to ease their distress while I am away by leaving a little surprise for them each day I am gone (think Dollar Store). I leave a note attached to each day's surprise and it has helped immensely to give them something to anticipate in my absence.

Minister at home first. I am a PK (preacher's kid) and I often tell people that my Dad had the audacity to say one thing in the pulpit each Sunday and actually live it out during the week! I want to continue that heritage with my own family. I will never minister to any more precious audience than that of my husband and three children. Even our two dogs have memorized the Romans road of salvation. Okay, I made that part up. But seriously, ministry begins at home.

Melodie Griffin is a CLASS faculty member and will serve as the Worship Coordinator for the 2009 CLASS Christian Writers Conference. She is a Speaker, Writer, Singer, Worship Leader and cannot be left alone while popping popcorn.

rtnering with the
Holy Spirit will Empower Your Speaking

by Linda Jewell

Sande Herron, Ph. D. knew what it was like to have thoughts in her head that she wasn't able to articulate. At age 26 and already a practicing speech therapist, Herron had a brain hemorrhage. Afterwards, she had to learn how to speak again.

Her past experience helps her today as a speech and life-skills coach. "I know how to get into people's heads to help them bring out their own story or message."

You might be interested in learning more about Herron's coaching services for speakers. Sessions are flexible, depending on the need of the students. For instance, sessions can be held over a long weekend, or spread out over a seven-week period.

Sande Herron

Whenever she works with speakers, Herron listens to see if they are speaking at their proper pitch, then tests their range for ability to speak at higher and lower pitches. Herron explained, "Speakers need some range because it's normal to express excitement at a faster pace and higher pitch, while we slow down and have a lower pitch to make a point." This is speaking with authority without having to shout.

In her workshops, every speaker will create a 30-second message that includes an intriguing introduction, interesting information, and a stunning conclusion. Herron listens to each message, which is presented in front of the class. Then the speaker and Herron work together privately in a five-minute makeover. The makeovers are not about clothes or hair. Instead, it involves edu-kinesiology, and includes exercises that integrate the right and left sides of the brain, as well as specific instruction and prayer.

About the makeovers, Herron said, "I'm not really sure what happens, but the Holy Spirit is there and I just agree to be there with Him. When each speaker comes back into the classroom, he or she will give the same message, and the other participants can see that the message has been bumped up two or three n otches in effectiveness." On-the-spot analysis of the differences provides the curriculum for further teaching.

Herron is willing to work with speakers in ways that works best for them. Besides attending one of her classes, speakers who have thoughts in their heads which they want to better articulate can work with Herron one-on-one on the phone, Skype, or in person. Sande Herron joined the CLASS faculty in 2007; she coaches other CLASS teaching staff to improve their presentations with vocal enhancements.

Linda Jewell is a CLASS faculty member and will be co-teaching The Writer's Personality at the 2009 CLASS Christian Writers Conference.

"After so many years of the vision Florence has had for CLASS, The CLASS Reunion will be a dream come true! I feel so privileged to have been a part of CLASS from the very beginning and I'm so excited to see all of my friends from the past and looking forward to making new friends for the future. I can't tell you what a wonderful time we will have. See you there!"

Emilie Barnes

CLASS Reunion
February 26 - 28, 2010
Doral Desert Princess Resort
Palm Springs, CA

   Thirty years ago God gave Florence Littauer a vision. That vision led to the establishment of what is today known as the CLASSeminar.
   Florence's obedience to God's call and commitment to excellence has served the Kingdom well. In the last thirty years she, Marita, Lauren, and numerous CLASS staff members have trained over 30,000 Christian communicators. What a legacy!
   That legacy continues as we move into a new era of CLASSeminars. We invite you to join us as we reflect on the past, celebrate the present and launch the next 30 years with CLASS.

Enjoy great times of fellowship with fellow CLASS graduates and CLASS staff, past and present

Hear inspirational messages from Emilie Barnes, Patsy Clairmont and our own Florence Littauer. Plus Marita, Lauren, and lots of others

Preview our new Advanced Seminars on marketing, writing, spiritual formation, corporate communications, and more

Celebrate in style at the CLASS banquet

Join with us for a worship experience on Sunday morning

Bring your books and products to share in our mega resource center

Bask in the sun at the beautiful Doral Desert Princess Resort

    It will be a weekend you will long remember. Don't miss this exciting historic occasion. Come join the fun!
   Registration includes Friday night dessert reception, two general sessions, two seminars, Saturday night banquet, Sunday morning worship service, CLASS commemorative year book. Cost: $150
   Bring your spouse and make it a couple's weekend. Special spouse rate $75 (does not include workshops or yearbook)

* For hotel reservations contact the Doral Desert Princess Resort 1-888-386-4677 and ask for the CLASS rate of $139/night. They have agreed to honor this special rate February 23 - March 3 in case you want to enjoy a few extra days in the California sunshine!

Two Quick Tips for
More Powerful Marketing

by Kathi Lipp

"Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed. If you run your race, you'll win. Channel your energy. Focus."
-- Carol Lewis

Do Something
I get the opportunity to work with a lot of speakers who are so overwhelmed by marketing themselves that they don't know where to begin - so they don't.

If you listen to ten different marketing "experts" they will give you ten different plans on the best way to market your ministry. If marketing is not a passion of yours, it can all feel a little overwhelming.

Or maybe you have tried doing some marketing and it seemed that it never produced any results, so you gave up. I get it; why throw good money (and time) after bad? But marketing isn't like accounting - you can't do x, then y, and get z. It is a lot more like stand-up comedy. You have to put it out there, fail and see what works.

So do something. Send a postcard (or a hundred postcards) jump on Facebook, create a newsletter. Read a book or talk to a friend. Just do something to get marketing. Get messy, fail and then see what works for you.

Do Less
The most powerful marketing isn't big, it's focused.
It's so easy to water down your own efforts by spreading yourself too thin. Facebook, Twitter, blogging, newsletters, postcards, LinkedIn, PR companies, booking agencies, free resources, and blog tours, oh my! I'm overwhelmed just typing that list. No wonder people are afraid of marketing.

Yes, you have to do some of that list. But by trying to do everything that has worked for every other author and speaker you have met will make you crazy. You need to find where your audience is and hang out there.

I have my own combination of daily Facebook-ing, focused blogging a few times a week, and a monthly newsletter. I still do some of the others, but 90% of my efforts are focused on those three areas. Will this work for everyone - absolutely not. But it works for me where I am right now.

Can you name where your focus is? If not, now is the time to get more power in your marketing efforts by doing less.

Traveling the country as a speaker and humorist, Kathi Lipp gets to do her two favorite things - talk and laugh with women. Kathi is the author of The Husband Project and forthcoming books from Harvest House Publishers.

Introducing a new seminar:
Author-Speaker
Marketing Boot Camp
1-Day Event - Just $99
December 3, 2009
Holiday Inn Orange Co. Airport
Santa Ana, CA

Take a day in December to get ready for 2010!

One of the goals of CLASSeminars is to develop new programs that will provide the tools you need to enhance and grow your ministry. The new Author-Speaker Marketing Boot Camp with Karen Porter and Kathi Lipp is a one-day intensive course designed to teach you how to market your ministry, expand your horizons, get more speaking engagements, and sell more books.

As authors and speakers, Karen Porter and Kathi Lipp have spent years learning how to market their own ministries to churches and readers across the United States. Through research and study (and a whole lot of trial and error,) they have come up with the dos and don'ts for the Christian market. If you are looking for an interactive, informative, and proven way to grow your audience, spend the day with Karen and Kathi at the Author-Speaker Marketing Boot Camp.

Expand your speaking ministry's influence and increase your bookings

Define your image to reach your target audience

Make blogs, Facebook, & Twitter work for you

Increase back-of-the-room and online book sales

Reach event planners looking for speakers like you

Stop wasting time and $$ on unproductive marketing

Empowering Your
Bible Study

by Debbie Hannah Skinner

Since it's not my word but God's Word that has the power to change lives, I'm always on the lookout for deeper ways to understand and communicate Scripture. That means a constant search for tools to strengthen and improve my Bible study skills. We are so blessed today to have hundreds of digital resources at our fingertips when it comes to the study of Scripture these days, but I came across a great one recently that you may find helpful as well.

Last May, I attended a two-day intensive Inductive Bible Study workshop led by Morris Proctor, founder of MP Seminars. Morris is a skilled teacher with a tremendous understanding of Scripture and Libronix software. He led a group of laptop-equipped Bible teachers and pastors on an adventure in Scripture while modeling the use of the software.

A unique feature I've found beneficial is the comparison of parallel versions of Scripture. Libronix lets me designate a favorite version as my base and select other versions I want to compare side-by-side on my screen. It will even highlight the similarities and differences between the translations.

Whether you use Mac or PC, you can benefit from this training. I'm a Mac user, and even though the primary platform for the software and workshop is PC based, most functions were adaptable to the Mac.

If you're interested in boosting your Bible study skills and gaining new research tools in the process, I highly recommend Morris' seminar. You can get more information at MP Seminars.

Debbie Hannah Skinner is an Artist, Writer, and Speaker who paints as she speaks, sharing the wisdom of Scripture through the medium of watercolor. Her new website wisdominwatercolor.com will launch at the end of this month.

"Since I am your Strength,
I can empower you to handle each task as it comes. Because I am your Song,
I can give you Joy as you work alongside Me."

- - Jesus Calling
by Sarah Young

One of the tenets of the CLASS organization is to empower others to effectively communicate the message God gives them.

This Communiqué issue is filled with articles and opportunities that can empower you to lead, speak, write, teach, relate and minister to others in your life.

You will want to check out the CLASS CWC website for new information, i.e. Meet-the-Pros discussions, an Editor's Town Hall, and a Genre Group Meeting, or to apply for the Advanced Career Track with Karen Porter or DiAnn Mills' Advanced Fiction Track. All scholarships for the conference have been awarded.

We're only a month away!
You can no longer delay.
Be sure to register for the CLASS CWC soon. Lodging information and choices are available on CLASS website.

This incredible conference is going to blow the socks, or should we say, cowboy hats, off everyone who attends!

If you find the articles here helpful, you may want to share the newsletter with your social networks. Now you can! SHARE buttons located at the bottom of the e-mail.

For your convenience, we archive all issues of the CLASS Communiqué on our website, so you can return to read it again, or share with friends.

Be empowered and blessed,

Tama Westmam, Editor

Please Note: You are receiving this newsletter as you have expressed an interest in CLASSEMINARS in the past. If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from CLASS, please use the SAFE UNSUBSCRIBE links at the bottom of this newsletter. Blessings.

"For I am about to do a brand new thing. See, I have already begun!
Do you not see it? I will make a pathway for my people to come home.
I will create rivers
for them in the desert."

- Isaiah 43:19 NLT

CLASS is coming to a town near you!

You can still attend the last CLASS this year,
CALL NOW
Oct. 12-14, 2009
Basic CLASSeminar
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Oct. 16, 2009
New - 1 Spot Left
Fridays with Florence

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Nov. 4-8, 2009
New
CLASS Christian
Writers Conference
(formerly Glorieta CWC)
"Writing at the Ranch"
Ghost Ranch
Abiquiu, NM

December 3, 2009
New
Author-Speaker
Marketing Boot Camp
Santa Ana, CA

***********

January 18-20, 2010
New
Essential Ministry Tools
Las Vegas, NV

January 30, 2010
New
Personality Plus
for Couples
Austin, TX

February 8-10, 2010
Basic CLASSeminar
Palm Springs, CA

Feb. 26-28, 2010
CLASS Reunion
Doral Desert
Princess Resort
Palm Springs, CA

March 15-17, 2010
Personality Workshop
San Jose, CA

March 29-31, 2010
New
Advanced CLASS
Location TBD

April 12-14, 2010
Basic CLASSeminar
Spartanburg, SC

April 26-28, 2010
Advanced
Personality Workshop
Ft. Worth, TX

May 1, 2010
New
Writers Express
Decatur, IL

May 3-5, 2010
Basic CLASSeminar
Decatur, IL

June 5, 2010
New
Writers Express
New Orleans, LA

June 7-9, 2010
Basic CLASSeminar
New Orleans, LA

June 14-16, 2010
Personality Workshop
Albuquerque, NM

July 26-28, 2010
New
Advanced CLASS
Location TBD

August 9-11, 2010
Basic CLASSeminar
Toronto, ONT (Canada)

August 23-25, 2010
Advanced
Personality Workshop
Las Vegas, NV

Sept. 20-22, 2010
Basic CLASSeminar
St. Joseph, MO

October 4-6, 2010
Personality Workshop
Plainfield, IN

November 3-7, 2010
CLASS Christian
Writers Conference
Abiquiu, NM

For more information,
visit the CLASS website.

Register Online,
or call 702.882.0638.

Seminar fees do not include transportation
or lodging.

Scholarships Available.

M-Powered...
that's Messiah Powered!

by Nic Nick Della Valle

k Della Valle

Checking in with America's Missionaries on the Road, Nick and Lucy Della Valle

We've walked through Kansas, we're in Oklahoma and we're headed to Arkansas. Then it'll be down through Mississippi, into Alabama and through Georgia. By the time we get to Florida, this 3300-mile walk across America for Christ will be about half over. We are missionaries to America; storytellers for Christ and our task is to publicly and lovingly acknowledge our God. In doing so, we encourage believers and introduce non-believers to the Creator of the universe.

If you have a dream to serve God and it's as crazy as ours, you can't do it alone. You've got to be M-Powered!

That's Messiah Powered! Jesus saved you from your sins and saved you from unfruitful life. He said if you speak it, believe it and do not doubt it...it will come to pass (Mark 11:22-23). You are destined to positively impact lives; to love and to encourage people.

You are a force to be reckoned with because you are

M-Powered by God.

Nick Della Valle is the author of
3300 Miles for Christ.
Keep up with Nick and Lucy's adventures with their blogs,
Walk Across America for Christ
and Her Side of the Story.

WIN $500 PUBLICITY!

Would you like a marketing professional to help you spiff up your book proposal or query letters? Have some help promoting your work or branding? Perhaps you've wished you could hire a publicist but just couldn't swing it. You could win a $500 grant from Kathy Carlton Willis Communications to be used to spread the word about your writing and/or speaking. Here's how you enter the contest:

Post the entire link (below) to your Facebook, Twitter, blog, or other social network along with a word of excitement, encouraging others to attend. Post this link to be entered to win $500 publicity:

http://www.classeminars.org/Events/Writers-Conference/

Email the link to your post to Kathy Carlton Willis for automatic entry into the drawing for her services. Winner will be announced the first day of the conference. Kathy will meet with the winner for a one-hour consultation at the conference to determine a custom designed service package, valued at $500.