Which Presidential Candidate Do I Vote For?

In America, we are more than heavily influenced by a two-party system. All candidates talk about "change" and "shaking up Washington." But, can any one person effect significant change?

The first thing a new congressman or senator is told when they get to Washington is to follow party lines. Each party actually has a "whip" to keep Representatives in line with the party.

So, what is really important is the Party Platform. Read each party's official platform. Skip the biased news networks and commentators. Go right to each Party's official website and their platform. It will tell you what they really believe and what agendas they will have for the next four years.

Determine which platform more closely represents your personal beliefs and values. Then vote your conscience, hopefully your Christian conscience. Which platform has the most violations to God's Word?

Republican Platform; http://www.gop.com/2008Platform/

Democrat Platform; http://www.democrats.org/a/party/platform.html

Missionary John Doroshuk Is In The Country of Georgia Right Now

[Click on photo to enlarge it.]

Missionary John Doroshuk is in the country of Georgia ministering to refugees now. He reported today that yesterday evening he went to one of the refugee centers in Tbilisi to distribute some rice, sugar and toiletries. He was able to help 28 families plus some single men. All of these people do not have a home to return to; the war completely destroyed their homes.

So many of the people had a nice garden and orchard before the invasion by Russia. They are unable to go back to these to take in whatever is left. Some places have a land mine every three or four feet apart. One of the reasons the Russian forces stayed back in Georgia so long was to spread a complete blanket of land mines so that even if the people could return, they would not for fear of be killed by one of the land mines.

Today he will be going to the tent city refugee camps on the outskirts of Tbilisi. These people have been dealt such a horrible blow.There still seems to be a shortage of bedding, mattresses, blankets, sheets and pillows. So, winter clothing and bedding are desperately needed.

Many of the people in the tent cities will be able to return and restore their home, some even before winter. Others who have no home to return to have been placed into buildings that will house them for a longer period of time. The authorities have commandeered all daycare centers for a minimum of twelve months to be used as refugee centers.

If you can help in any way, please contact John Doroshuk. Thanks for caring and sharing the needs of our brothers in Georgia.

mincoordinator@attglobal.net

Bill McCartney is Back at Promise Keepers

Promise Keepers is expected to undergo major changes after co-founder Bill McCartney was brought out of retirement to once again head the nearly 20-year-old organization – arguably the most prominent among men's ministries.

McCartney, 68, returned to the helm of the organization, assuming his new role as CEO and Chairman on Monday, five years after having resigned. He also brought back with him former Promise Keepers executive Raleigh Washington to serve as president.

The leadership change comes as attendance has been declining at Promise Keepers events for years. The organization was going through a period of refocus and recalibration in recent years, scaling down the number of stadium-size events it holds annually and adding smaller local church events such as PKAdventure.

Former president and CEO Dr. Tom Fortson, who resigned last weekend, had told The Christian Post earlier that they were "looking for ways to have more impact at a lower cost."

"We will continue to offer a number of our larger arena events; but by offering new programs such as PK Adventure, PK Edge and pastors' workshops, and by incorporating satellite and internet technology, we provide a more robust PK experience that can impact men beyond the arenas," Fortson had said last month.

He noted that few men attend church on Sundays and that churches also struggle to maintain a vibrant men's ministry. Thus, Promise Keepers began placing more emphasis on equipping local pastors to better reach men and "to harness today's technology to reach more men with less," as Fortson stated.

Promise Keepers partnered with Church Communication Network to broadcast the local PKAdventure events this year to other host sites.

"Look at it this way: PK is growing with the marketplace of ideas and today's technology.

Although the conference is important, it's just one of the many ways PK will now be reaching and equipping men worldwide," Fortson further commented to The Christian Post at the time.

Promise Keepers is best known for its large-scale conferences held each year across the country. At its peak in 1996, the organization held 22 stadium conferences and drew 1.1 million men.

While the organization continued to hold almost as many stadium conferences thereafter, attendance dropped. In 2006, some 132,000 participated in the organization's 18 conferences.

The action to bring back McCartney, who had retired in 2003 to care for his ailing wife, was generated by former board chairman Sam Winder, who was retiring.

"It came to the position where he (Winder) felt like what he needed to do is put the ministry in the hands of the founder," Washington explained to The Christian Post. "As he was retiring, he wanted it and the board agreed."

"The coach (McCartney) basically said 'if this is a unanimous decision by the Promise Keepers board of directors, I will follow,'" Washington continued. "In light of that, Tom Fortson did resign."

General counsel Ed O'Brien said Fortson's resignation was voluntary, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

Under its new leadership, Promise Keepers will be rolling out with a fresh new vision and plans over the next several weeks, Washington said.

This year's Promise Keepers events will continue as scheduled.

http://www.promisekeepers.org/

[By Lillian Kwon - Christian Post Reporter]

Ray Boltz Is Gay And Out Of The Closet

Ray Boltz is gay and tells his coming out story to the Washington Blade.

Boltz, with about 4.5 million LPs, cassettes and CDs sold, never made a splash outside of Christian circles but he never really tried. With a handful of RIAA Gold-certified albums, three Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and a string of 12 No. 1 hits on Christian radio, Boltz is a household name in evangelical circles. “Thank You,” a sentimental song about a dream in which a Christian thanks the Sunday school teacher who led him to embrace Christ, is his signature song. It was the GMA song of the year in 1990 and has become a staple of Christian funerals. Other Boltz trademarks are “Watch the Lamb,” “The Anchor Holds” and “I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb.”

“I’ve kind of had two identities since I moved to Florida where I kind of had this other life and I’d never merged the two lives. This was the first time I was taking my old life as Ray Boltz, the gospel singer, and merging it with my new life. Emotionally it was kind of a big deal to think about that.” Ray Boltz was tired of living a lie.

He’d gotten to a point nearly three years before where he couldn’t continue down the road his life had gone. His 33-year marriage to ex-wife Carol was, he says, largely a happy one. It produced four children — three daughters and a son who are now between 22 and 32 — but family life and going through the motions of being straight had grown so wearying to Boltz, he was in a serious depression, had been in therapy for years, was on Prozac and other anti-depressants and had been, for a time, suicidal.

Boltz admits to some nervousness, but says ultimately, he isn’t worried. He doesn’t want to get into debates about scripture and has no plans to “go into First Baptist or an Assembly of God church and run in there and say, ‘I’m gay and you need to love me anyway.’” For him, the decision to come out is much more personal. “This is what it really comes down to,” he says. “If this is the way God made me, then this is the way I’m going to live. It’s not like God made me this way and he’ll send me to hell if I am who he created me to be … I really feel closer to God because I no longer hate myself.”

(READ MORE)

[JOEY DiGUGLIELMO]

Pastor, What Do You Do When People Leave Church?

Every few years, it seems like a small wave of our faithful people leave the church. They often say things like:

- We just don’t get time with you anymore.
- The church has gotten too big.
- Things have changed.

I wish I could lovingly express:

- I hoped your involvement in the ministry was based on much more than your time with me.
- Aren’t you excited God is using our church to reach people? Would you rather we don’t reach people and stay small?
- Isn’t it great things have changed? Would you rather freeze in time?

Some faithful believers simply find it tough to be a part of a changing church. Many pastors fight to keep them in church. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it is a mistake.

While I try to express my genuine love, if the people are always going to be disappointed with the direction of the church, I’ve found it is better to let them move on.

I try to always speak well of them. I try not to take it personally. I try to always show them the love of Christ with each encounter. And I try to continue to move the church forward.

[from LifeChurch.tv : swerve by Craig Groeschel]

Christanity Expands in Belarus

[Click on photo to enlarge it.]

The church of Jesus Christ is making headway in Belarus in spite of government oppression.

In Minsk, the capital, secret Christian concerts are held as college students come into town for a new school year. One missionary reported:

The summer is over, but it is still a hot time for the church. As you know we have many students, and we use this special time when freshmen come to Minsk to get to know them and to get them for Christ.

Yesterday we had an evangelization concert where three different Christian music bands and dance team participated. About 150 students attended and many of them had never been to any kind of church before. It was a great time to get to know them. I didn't preach there for long. I just shared with them how much I love my children and how much more our Father God loves all of us. And also, I told them that I wanted to pray for them, to be their pastor and to take care of them. Now we pray that they will come to church this Sunday. We are planning to have a fellowship with tea just after our church service.

We are making plans to have evangelization meetings for the youth every month. Please, keep this in your prayers.

[Missionary's name withheld for his safety. Sponsored by the Church of God of Prophecy.]

Messenger Magazine Goes OnLine

As a remembrance of the International Assembly, the Editorial Department of the Church of God of Prophecy is making the October issue of the White Wing Messenger available online for your viewing pleasure.

In the past, they have made only certain pages available as a “Sneak Peek” into what was to come in the next issue. This month, they have decided to venture out and try something new and innovative.

Click wwm.cogop.org and view the October issue in its entirety. Follow these instructions carefully. The “Sneak Peek” is located under the “Messenger Sample” tab. Once you click on there, then click on the picture of the cover for the “Sneak Peak.”

While at the website, you can subscribe to the White Wing Messenger in your home. The subscription rate is $18.00 for 12 issues. If you are able to get a group of five together to subscribe, you will save more than 40 percent off the single subscription rate. This brings the price down to less than $1.00 an issue.

Send your comments to Editorial@cogop.org.

Todd Bagley
Editorial Assistant & Marketing Coordinator
Editorial Department of the Church of God of Prophecy

Sarah Palin Biography by Zondervan

Christian publishing giant Zondervan, the company behind Rick Warren’s megahit The Purpose Driven Life, announced last week that it will release the biography of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin next month.

The former little known Alaskan governor raised much curiosity after her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention last week where she showcased her no-nonsense attitude, passion and moral convictions.
Now that the entire country is familiar with the name Sarah Palin, people want to know more about the woman that could be second in line to the presidency.

The new biography Sarah Palin: A New Kind of Leader by Joe Hilley seeks to address some of the questions and allay curiosity by exploring how she became the leader she is today. The book looks back at Palin’s political career, life as a hockey mom, and her strong Christian faith.

"We live in an age that values relationship over authority and instant information over accuracy, so breadth of knowledge and depth of conviction are the most prized commodities for our leaders," author Hilley said in a statement. "Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin brings both of these qualities and more to her new role as John McCain's running mate and I'm eager for readers to have the opportunity to know her and her brand of leadership more thoroughly."

Palin is the first woman governor of Alaska and the first woman to be on the Republican presidential ticket. She is known for her anti-corruption campaigns and likes to portray herself as a political outsider.

She was raised in a Pentecostal church and belonged to the Wasilla Assembly of God church in her hometown of Wasilla, Alaska, from her teenage years to 2002. Since then she has attended a nondenominational church in Wasilla.

"Regardless of your political persuasion, it is clear that Sarah Palin has quickly electrified the 2008 election and sparked a nationwide dialogue and debate," said Moe Girkins, president and CEO of Zondervan – the world’s leading Christian publisher. "We are honored to publish this book that will provide readers with a comprehensive look into the life and rising political career of Sarah Palin."

The book is scheduled for release nationwide on Oct. 10.

[By Jennifer Riley - Christian Post Reporter]

Pictures of Destruction in the Country of Georgia from John Doroshuk

Georgia Ministry Coordinator: mincoordinator@attglobal.net.

[Click on photo to enlarge it.]

Georgia Needs Our Prayers And Support

The country of Georgia severed diplomatic ties with Moscow on Friday to protest the presence of Russian troops on its territory. Russia said the move would only make things worse.

With European Union leaders set to discuss on Monday in Brussels how to deal with an increasingly assertive Russia, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin angrily warned Europe not to do America's bidding and said Moscow does not fear Western sanctions.

Russia has faced isolation over its offensive in Georgia and stands alone in its recognition of breakaway regions South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The U.S. and Europe have closed ranks in condemning Russia's actions but are struggling to find an effective response.

John Doroshuk, Goderdzi Todadze, and Rusudan Todadze report that the EU leaders are not expected to impose sanctions on Russia at their summit but may name a special envoy to Georgia to ensure that a cease-fire is observed.

The diplomatic break will require Georgia and Russia to negotiate through third countries if they negotiate at all — a sticky situation because Russia sees Western nations as biased in Georgia's favor. Georgia, which had pushed for a greater role for international organizations, could see it as an advantage.

Meanwhile, ministries to refugees like the Church of God of Prophecy continually work in different ways. John Doroshuk, Georgia Ministry Coordinator (Church of God of Prophecy) said, "We have been serving about 35 families camped in a kindergarten. They are refugees from different villages and most of them are children. We investigated their needs and supported them with hygienic staff, medicines, clothes and etc. But, most important for them, we provide spiritual support because almost all of them are experiencing a great deal of stress."

Because of the large number of refugees, ministries like the Church of God of Prophecy have had to increase their support. Dr. Gerald S. Flint, Director of Volunteer Medics Worldwide said, "We visited refugees in the 'City of tents.' Doctors examined as many patients as possible and gave away medicines. We saw a large number of eye infections. Some of the children had critical levels of sickness."

August 23, John Doroshuk, Rusudan Todadze, and Dr. Gerald visited Gory city that was attacked by the Russian air force. Russian troops left this city on August 22, so this ministry was able to enter. They report terrible conditions. They saw burned houses, damaged hospitals, closed schools and people experiencing clinical depression. People have lost relatives and close friends. Some people are living under the ruins left by war.

In visiting bombed places, they saw ruins where large bombs were dropped. The ministry team helped people who took peaces of bombs far away from children. Some of the adults clearing rubble burned their hands (apparently from chemicals).

Please pray for the people of Georgia. They need all kinds of help.

If you feel led to assist in any way, contact John Doroshuk at mincoordinator@attglobal.net.

Let Us Never Forget 9/11

Haiti Hit Hard by Hurricane Ike

Once again, our hearts go out to our precious families in Haiti as Ike has unleashed its fury on this nation. It has been reported that four major storms in three weeks have killed more than 600 people and left hundreds of thousands in desperate need of food, clean water, and shelter. More stormy weather hampered relief efforts Sunday [September 7th]. And, the heavy rains brought down a key bridge which severed the only viable land route to the hardest hit city, Gonaives, forcing trucks loaded with emergency supplies to turn back from assisting this area.

The Church of God of Prophecy in Haiti is reporting that much of the country is separated now due to the bridges that went down. As a result of the hurricanes;

1. Part of the [sea] wall at the orphanage has fallen down. This is one of the major projects that we must correct very soon unless we risk losing the entire orphanage property to the sea. We have had an engineer recently visit Haiti to review this project, and the best possible answer to remedy this need according to the engineer is for us to build a new sea wall on the inside of the old wall. It will require about $25-30,000 to fulfill this major need. Currently, over 80 orphans are housed on the very property that is at risk, and may intake more orphans as a result of these recent storms.
2. In the South East area of Haiti, 8 churches are damamged with roofs gone and 3 churches completely destroyed. 800 families are flooded.
3. Nearby, 2 church members are dead, 9 churches damaged, either walls fallen down or roofs lifted, 1000 members flooded, 100 houses crashed.
4. Mapou, Font Verrettes and Bodarie: 2 church members dead with their houses fallen over them, 5 churches damaged and 4 churches completely destroyed, about 1000 members flooded.
5. Gonaives: one church there is completely flooded including our 300 peopled attending that church.
6. Petite Riviere de l'Artibonite: 2 churches completely destroyed, 1500 persons affected and their houses damaged as well.
7. Miragoane: part of church roof is gone.
8. Mariani, near Port-au-Prince: Roof lifted completedly and thrown into the sea by strong winds.
9. South and Grand-Anse: Jeremie city is completely flooded including 2000 families flooded.
10. Pilate: This church is new and was under construction; all the walls falled down.
11. La Coma: part of the church falled down.
12. Boucan Patrio: part of church roof is gone.
13. Jean Rabel: Roof of the church is gone.

(This is a partial report.)

How to Send Help

Send donations to:

Church of God of Prophecy

Haiti Relief Efforts

P.O. Box 2910

Cleveland, TN 37320-2910

[By David Bryan from Cliff Haven News by Pastor Brian Sutton]

Prayer Rally - September 10

Cry Out America evening prayer rally to be beamed around the world from New York City on September 10.

USA (ET): 21:00 September 12 (repeated at 02:30 & 15:00 on 11th)UK (BST): 02:00, 15:00 & 21:30 11th SeptemberEurope (CET): 23:30 on 11th Sept (repeated at 15:00 on 13th)Africa (SAT): 22:30 on 11th Sept. (repeated at 14:00 on 13th).Asia (IST): 22:30 on 11th Sept. (repeated at 14:00 on 13th)Hong Kong (HKT): 01:00 on 12th Sept. (repeated at 16:30 on 13th)Australasia (EST): 22:30 on 11th Sept (repeated at 14:00 on 13th)

As America prepares to mark the 7th anniversary of the horrific terror attacks of 2001, Christians from all denominations will be gathering in New York next Wednesday evening for an important "Cry Out America" prayer rally, which will be televised LIVE on GOD TV.

Organized by the Awakening America Alliance (AAA), Cry Out America seeks to mobilize Christians in prayer against the spiritual decline of a nation where, according to current statistics, only 17% of Americans attend church and which has now become the world’s third largest missions field.

"2008 is a spiritually critical year for our nation," said AAA chairman Billy Wilson, "The current condition of America demands united and decisive action. We need more than one positive election, more than one court decision, more than one good series of sermons - we must experience a new national awakening in our generation.”

The live broadcast will act as a precursor to state-to-state prayer gatherings on September 11 when believers will unite in simultaneous nationwide prayer at their county courthouses to mark this significant day in its history with powerful intercession for every state, every county and every citizen.

“GOD TV stands with the Awakening America Alliance to unite the nation in prayer,” says the network’s co-founder and director of television, Wendy Alec. “I firmly believe America is on the brink of a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, but this will only happen as we, the Body of Christ, humble ourselves and pray. It is therefore an immense privilege to broadcast CRY OUT AMERICA LIVE to rally believers worldwide to join together in fervent intercession for this great nation ... I believe God is calling His people to rise up, for there is a new day and a new hour of God’s glory coming to America, that has not been seen yet upon the earth.”

If you can make it, come to New York. But if you can’t, then tune in to GOD TV, set up a big screen at your home or local church and invite everyone to join together. Whatever you do, don’t miss this extraordinary event! The LIVE broadcast can be viewed on DIRECTV Channel 365 in the US, as well as online at www.god.tv/stream. If you live outside the USA, then go to http://www.god.tv/ to find the broadcast channels and times for your region.

About GOD TV

GOD TV was founded in the UK in 1995 by Christian media pioneers Rory & Wendy Alec and in 12 short years has become a global phenomenon. Today the network beams a broad cross section of cutting-edge programming, including many life-changing LIVE broadcasts, into millions of homes worldwide. The only Christian broadcaster to transmit globally from Jerusalem, GOD TV’s powerful signal is carried via multiple satellites providing free viewing to almost half a billion people 24-hours-a-day.

So, You Are Now On The Church Board

What do you do now? Consider the following (instructions for board members):

1. Don't Step Up Unless You're Ready and Willing to Step Down

One pastors said this, "As long as your leadership is good enough to help the church, you belong on the board. But if the church ever outgrows your ability to lead, you will have to step down."

Your purpose on the board is to serve the church and the pastor; not for it or him/her to serve you. For that reason, hold on loosely to your position on our board of elders. Be acutely aware that it is a privilege to serve in a church where God is working, and be appreciative to be where you are. God could have chosen anyone to serve Him, yet He picked you. Strive to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Eph 4:1). Be determined to never stand in the way of what God is doing at the church.

2. Protect Your Pastor So He/She Can Pursue God's Vision

One day you will stand before God, and one of the things He might ask is, "Did you make it easier or harder for your pastor to fulfill the vision I gave him for the church?" A very sobering thought, and it should ground you in all your decisions as a leader.

Unfortunately, some church board members seem to believe their role is to protect the church from the pastor. They couldn't be more wrong. If God has called a pastor to a church, then the board's role is to protect the pastor so that he or she can pursue the vision.

It is rare that a pastor ever intentionally hurts a church. For every individual pastor who abuses his position, there are many thousands of board members who abuse theirs! Often it's in the name of stewardship. While stewardship is important, many board members practice stinginess and call it stewardship. God cares about people. Money itself has no value to God; he can create it or destroy it at will. It's merely a tool to be used for his purpose.

So how do you protect your pastor? Create an environment where he/she has enough room to work effectively. That means making sure he/she has the resources he/she needs to pursue the vision (2 Cor 9:6). It means allowing them to risk and occasionally fail for the sake of the Kingdom (Rom 15:1). It means providing for him/her and their family so that worries about finances don't become a distraction (Luke 10:7). It means giving them sound counsel (Prov 15:22), gently pushing back when they're wrong (Eph 4:15), and defending them against careless accusations (1 Tim 5:19). And of course it means serving when asked. Nobody in the church should tie the pastor's hands, chain his feet, and then say, "Go ahead, pastor. Run the race!"

3. Find the Role on the Board Where You Add the Most Value

Scripture makes it clear that we are to work together in the body of Christ, each of us using our gifts (1 Cor 12). People who serve on a board should keep that in mind and figure out how they can best serve the team.

One member of the board may be a true prayer warrior, another may have extensive experience in non-profit fundraising at the highest levels. Another may be an entrepreneur who founded and leads a technology company. Another may own businesses, has built commercial facilities, and understands complicated business arrangements. They all contribute according to their individual strengths.

One member may be gifted to asking penetrating questions. It comes as a result of a strength in strategic thinking.

The secretary must keep the minutes and records for the board, which will be easier if the secretary has writing experience.

What unique contribution can you make to add value to your team? It's your responsibility to figure that out.

4. Serve Somewhere in the Church in Addition to the Board

One of the dangers of serving on boards is that people can lose their way and develop a wrong attitude about leadership. Jesus washed his leaders' feet and reminded them to serve others rather than rely on their authority (Luke 25:24-26).

One of the best ways to prevent and battle a wrong attitude is to serve in areas of the church unrelated to board duties. Carry that responsibility and perspective with you always, do not carry that authority outside of the boardroom.

A ministry leader serves under the authority of the pastor. You won't always agree philosophically, and your may not be shy about offering your opinions. But at the end of the day, submit to his authority and serve as you are asked. It's dangerous for someone to lead who hasn't learned to follow. As Al Garsis says, "I can lead, and I can follow. An important aspect of leadership is knowing when to do which." As a board member, you need to figure that out.

When you serve on a board, you're really there to assist the person God has called to fulfill the vision. But that is not your ministry. You have to do your part, according to God's call on your life. That means finding somewhere you can serve effectively.

5. Lead and Serve With Eternity in Mind

For a lot of people, church is on the periphery of their lives. It's a place to engage socially, to "fill up" on Sundays, or to perform some volunteer work to make them feel better about themselves. Individuals who approach church this way have lost sight of how high the stakes are. What hangs in the balance is where people will spend eternity!

As a member of the church's board, it is your responsibility to maintain perspective. What does that mean? First, it means trying to always keep the big picture in mind. We sometimes call this maintaining a 30,000 foot view of the church. We can't afford to get caught up in petty matters or territorial disputes. We need to keep our hearts set on God, our eyes focused on the vision, and our minds engaged in thinking about what the church needs to be doing in five years, ten years, and farther into the future.

It also means you need to be praying. One of the most important things you do as a board is pray; for protection for the church and its staff, for guidance from God, for confirmation of the vision that God has given to your leader. You may or may not be naturally good at this, but work at it constantly. Honestly, if you're not willing to really go after prayer for your church, then you probably don't belong on the board.

You may feel that some of these suggestions are a bit rigid in some way, that the bar is being set very high. If so, you're right. What you do in ministry is the most important thing you will do in life; after leading and caring for your family. The Church is Christ's bride, and protecting her is an awesome responsibility and a fantastic privilege. One day, we hope to hear God tell us, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Do everything you can to lead in a way that honors God and advances His kingdom.

[By Charlie Wetzel]

Answers For Pastors

(Q) - I pastor a small church (60-70). My volunteer leaders continue to fail in following through after communicating my expectations. What do I do when there are no present replacements?

(A) - Try the following ideas:

1. Create Teams. Find the people in your church that have the MOST INFLUENCE besides you, and make them leaders over groups. Sometimes people will be more loyal to a friendship than an institution. Use these groups to get things done. A good book on this is Doing Church as a Team by Wayne Cordeiro. (http://www.enewhope.org/)

2. Motivate volunteers with perks. For instance, we need 90 people to staff our nurseries each week and that is a tough place to get volunteers. A big motivator we use is to give away a free vacation for two (approx $1000 from the budget) once a year. Each time a person worked the nursery, they could put their name in the box. At the Christmas party, we drew one name out of the box for the free vacation. If you work every week, your name is in the box 52 times. It was a great way to motivate. I have a long list of ways to motivate volunteers in our hospitality manual. It includes things like coffee rooms and free shoe shines for ushers.

3. Downsize. When companies don't have enough resources they downsize. The only way to downsize a smaller church is to downsize the programs. Many small churches are very over programmed. The same workers are rotated in and out of several programs that lack momentum and cause frustration because they are strangulating. It's better to be great at a few things, that bad at many things. Just a thought!

[Brian Cutshall - http://www.churchtrainer.com/]