2 · speaking topics: award-winning author and national speaker gina duke shares a clear message...

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© Cyndee Ownbey, August 2020 christianspeakerconnection.com

DISCLAIMER: EVENT PLANNERS, PLEASE CAREFULLY VET EACH SPEAKER IN THIS GUIDE THAT

YOU CONTACT. ASK FOR AND CONTACT EVENT PLANNERS THEY HAVE WORKED WITH IN THE

PAST. THEIR INCLUSION IN THIS GUIDE IS NOT A RECOMMENDATION FROM CYNDEE OWNBEY

OR WOMEN'S MINISTRY TOOLBOX.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY

MEANS – ELECTRONIC, PHOTOCOPY, RECORDING, OR ANY OTHER – WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION

FROM CYNDEE OWNBEY ([email protected]).

COPY POLICY: YOU ARE PERMITTED TO DOWNLOAD THIS GUIDE AND MAKE COPIES FOR YOUR

WOMEN'S MINISTRY TEAM.

mailto:[email protected]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

How to Use This Guide ...................................................................................................................................... 4

Booking Speakers During a Pandemic .............................................................................................................. 5

Why should I hire a professional speaker? ................................................................................................... 6-7

Speaker Contact Form ....................................................................................................................................... 8

Speaker Fees ...................................................................................................................................................... 9

Speaker Interview Questions ..................................................................................................................... 10-11

West Coast Speakers ....................................................................................................................................... 12

Midwest Speakers ...................................................................................................................................... 13-15

Southeast Speakers .................................................................................................................................... 16-20

Southwest Speakers ........................................................................................................................................ 21

Northeast Speakers ......................................................................................................................................... 22

Additional Resources ....................................................................................................................................... 23

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HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

You'll find speaker bios grouped by geographic location. All will travel to you unless noted otherwise.

• West Coast (AK, CAA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY)

• Midwest (IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MO, MN, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI)

• Southeast (AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)

• Southwest (AZ, NM, OK, TX)

• Northeast (CT, ME, NH, MA, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT)

1. I encourage you to spend time in prayer and God's Word seeking the scripture focus or topic for your

event. When we use God's Word as the cornerstone for our events, we show our women the value of

God's Word. I'm always amazed at how He knows exactly what our women need! You may want to

check my posts How to Select a Theme and The Best Women's Ministry Theme Ever.

2. AFTER you've settled on your topic for the event, THEN begin thumbing through this guide looking for

speakers that speak on that topic. God doesn't call everyone to speak on everything. Make a list of

potential speakers. You might find it helpful to use the Speaker Contact Form in this guide to keep a

record of the information you collect.

3. Visit their website and look to see if they would be a good potential fit for your church.

4. Make initial contact.

• Tell them a little about your event and why you'd like them to speak at your event.

• If you have a date or date range in mind, ask if they are available. There's no sense in a lengthy

interview if their schedule won't allow them to speak at your event.

• Ask any disqualifying questions. If your church only allows speakers that attend the same

denomination, you'll need to ask if it's not in their bio or on their website.

• Request a time to set up a call to interview them.

• Please let the speaker know that you found their information via the Christian Speaker

Connection guide.

5. Interview those still on your list. Consider using the Interview Questions in this guide.

6. Present the information to your team. Pray and ask the Lord to guide you to the right person for this

event.

https://womensministrytoolbox.com/how-to-select-a-theme/

https://womensministrytoolbox.com/womens-ministry-theme/

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BOOKING SPEAKERS DURING A PANDEMIC

Leader, I hope and pray you're still hosting events for your women, even if they have to be entirely online.

Bringing in an outside speaker could provide curiosity, excitement, and fresh energy to your ministry

right now.

Most of the speakers in this guide, if not all, should be available for booking virtual events. You may even

find they are willing to do so for a slightly reduced rate.

Booking a speaker for an online-only event is not the same as booking a speaker for an in-person event.

Speaking to a camera is very different than speaking to a live audience. Request a sample video or view

videos they have shared on social media. And then, during the event, be sure to provide someone to act as

the host/tech support during the event so they can focus on sharing the message God has given them.

Most speakers are still willing to travel if you are hosting in-person events. Please discuss what they will

need to feel comfortable.

If you have to reschedule an in-person event, please request a list of available dates from your speaker

before selecting a new event date. Avoid canceling, if at all possible. Not only may you still have to pay a

portion of the speaker's fee (read their contract carefully), but your women will miss out too!

Be sure to check out my post on How to a Host a Women's Ministry Online Event.

https://womensministrytoolbox.com/how-to-host-a-womens-ministry-event-online/

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WHY SHOULD I HIRE A PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER?

Not sure you need a professional speaker? Do you need to convince the rest of your team? I pray this list is

helpful!

Why You Should Hire a Professional Speaker

1. They'll have the skill set to take your event from average to excellent.

Experienced speakers carry themselves with confidence. They take charge of the room, quickly

grabbing the group's attention. They'll be prompt and prepared. They will be experts on the content

they are presenting.

2. Their message will be polished and refined.

Many seasoned speakers offer a list of topics from which to choose. Repeated sharing of the same

message ensures a smoother delivery and confidence that a less seasoned speaker may lack.

3. They are skilled as crafting and sharing stories that will grab your attendee's attention.

Most every speaker I know spends hours each week honing her craft. She regularly attends speaking

and writing conferences. She has, and continues, to develop skills that improve her delivery of the

message.

4. They'll utilize techniques and tricks that will allow your group to remember the message.

Great speakers know how to drive home bullet points in their message. They use repetition, stories,

dramatic pauses, alliteration, and the like to make their message stick.

5. A paid speaker subconsciously demands time and respect from attendees.

Women are likely to treat women they know more casually and will even interrupt them or ask

questions while they are speaking. While not meaning to be rude, they won't commit these same

faux pas with a paid speaker.

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6. Women long to hear a fresh message from a fresh face.

We need to hear from women whose voices don't sound the same as our own. We need to see the

excitement and passion another believer has for her relationship with the Lord. There comes a time

when most of the women at your church will know "Lisa's" story. It will no longer have the effect or

garner the attention of your group.

7. We break the cycle of repetition of which we may be unaware.

You may not even realize that you've relied upon the same four women to speak at your events for

the past few years. Your women may be tired, or their messages may be stale. Mixing things up a bit

will often boost your attendance.

8. A paid speaker adds value to an event.

Yes, it's psychological, but we give more value to those things which cost more. Women are more

likely to pay for an event that features a professional speaker than they are to hear someone from

your church. Well-known speakers are more likely to draw in guests and visitors.

9. You're not stuck speaking yourself or recruiting (often begging) other women to speak.

There's a church I know that has never brought in an outside speaker for their retreats. They spend

weeks, and often months, stressing and searching for women in the church to speak. Often speaking

at one or more sessions themselves, they are exhausted instead of rested after each retreat.

10. You've got a contract and a serious commitment.

A paid speaker is going to take serious their preparation for your event. They want a good

recommendation from you. This is their livelihood. Sometimes women in our own church will back

out of the commitment they've made to speak, or they don't prepare to the standards we expected.

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SPEAKER CONTACT FORM

As you make contact with potential speakers for your event, use this form to keep track of the details of

your correspondence.

Name _____________________________________________________________________

Is she available for our event date?

❑ Yes

❑ No

What is her speaking fee for an event of this type?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Contact information for referrals:

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Does she have speaking videos online that you can preview?

❑ Yes

❑ No

Website link _________________________________________________________________________

Other info:

Next steps:

❑ Schedule interview

❑ Save for a different future event

❑ Not a good fit for our church

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SPEAKER FEES

Ask your potential speaker for her/his speaking fees. If they do not have a formal list, then ask what they

have been paid for events with a similar number of speaking sessions and length.

Here are two online resources for speakers that list recommended speaking fees:

http://writingspeakingplatform.com/2017/04/sample-fee-schedule-christian-womens-speakers/

https://nextstepcoachingservices.com/determining-your-speaking-level-and-fees/

*These are examples and should not be the determining factor in what you pay your speaker.

Tips for negotiating speaker's fees:

• Most speaker's fees are somewhat negotiable but don't expect a huge discount. If you're "in the

ballpark," let them know what your budget does allow and see if they might be willing to work with

you.

• Booking a speaker when they are already in the area can eliminate or greatly decrease paying for

their travel expenses. If you have flexibility with your date, you may be able to get a speaker to add

a day or two to their traveling schedule for your event.

• Partner with another ministry, such as your Youth Pastor or Worship Pastor. They may be interested

in having your speaker perform in the worship service or lead a session for the Youth the night

before or during Sunday school the morning after. They may have a bigger budget that could absorb

some of the cost. Approach them with a solid plan and list of benefits for their ministry.

• Find out what other church leaders pay for their speakers and make similar requests in your budget

or event proposal. Negotiations may need to happen within the church, not with the speaker.

• See the post 12 Creative Ways to Cut the Cost of Your Event.

Get it in writing - Most speakers will send a speaking contract for you to sign and return with a deposit. If

they don't, then create one yourself or repurpose a template that your church or team has used in the past.

http://writingspeakingplatform.com/2017/04/sample-fee-schedule-christian-womens-speakers/

https://nextstepcoachingservices.com/determining-your-speaking-level-and-fees/

https://womensministrytoolbox.com/reduce-cost-womens-ministry-event/



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SPEAKER INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Name:

Experience:

How long have you been a speaker?

How many events do you typically do within a year?

Beliefs:

What church do you currently attend and where have you attended in the past?

Who are some Christian authors you enjoy reading, podcasts you listen to, and Christian leaders you follow

on social media?

Booking:

Do you have a speaking contract we can preview?

What is the process for booking should our team choose to move forward?

Will you need a deposit, if so for how much?

Do you have an assistant that travels with you? (Make sure any charges are noted in the contract, separate

room, etc.)

Can you hold the date for our group and, if so, for how long?

Presentation:

What can our women expect? (Video, interactive, drama, music, number and length of sessions, humor,

etc.)

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Do you usually teach topically or through a passage of Scripture (expository teaching)?

Do you customize your presentation for your audience?

Do you present the plan of salvation? If so, how do you explain salvation to an unbeliever?

Do you use videos or slides?

May we record you (audio, video, both)?

Can we distribute the recording to attendees and/or those who were unable to attend?

Logistics:

What are your expectations of our church/event? (Do you need a table for selling books? A practice room

with a piano?)

Will you be distributing handouts? Will we need to make those copies for you?

What publicity materials (posters, videos, slides, etc.) will you supply? (Make sure there is no charge.)

What technical and audio needs will you have? (Find out what kind of microphone they prefer.)

How and when will you be arriving?

Will you be eating lunch/dinner? Do you have any dietary restrictions?

How can we be praying for you?

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WEST COAST SPEAKERS ALASKA, CALIFORNIA, COLORADO, HAWAII, IDAHO, MONTANA, NEVADA, OREGON, UTAH, WASHINGTON, WYOMING

Speaking style: Transparent and passionate

Speaking topics: Spiritual Growth and Transformation, Healthy Boundaries, Spiritual Victory, Spiritual Sight, Prayer, The Power of Sharing Your Story, Biblical Perspective.

Fees: Starting at $200 per session plus travel expenses

Denomination Affiliation: None listed

Speaking Video: Non-denominational

Website: www.butterflybeginnings.net

Contact: [email protected]

Stephanie Miller Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Travel: Yes

Experience: 4 years

http://www.butterflybeginnings.net/


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MIDWEST SPEAKERS ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, MICHIGAN, MISSOURI, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, SOUTH DAKOTA, WISCONSIN

Speaking style: Relatable, encouraging

Speaking topics: Leadership development; Volunteer training, coaching, encouragement; Small group leader training; Parenting teens/pre-teens; Sticky faith of teens; Motherhood; Faith development; Spiritual growth; Love languages of adults & kids; Worry & anxiety; and custom topic requests available.

Fees: Variable, based on available budget, generally starting at $100 per session, negotiable. Travel expenses additional.

Denomination Affiliation: Non-denominational

Speaking Video: NA

Website: www.dianne.dekoning.net


Dianne DeKoning Location: Eden Prarie, MN

Travel: Yes

Experience: 20 years

Speaking style: Interactive teaching

Speaking topics: I encourage others to grow in their relationship with Jesus by connecting with Him through Bible study, being authentic before Him, and creating practical plans to overcome the temptations that keep us from moving forward.

Fees: Starting at $150 per session. Overnight extra.

Denomination Affiliation: Trained and formerly served in the United Methodist church; currently serve in the PCUSA Presbyterian church

Speaking Video: https://youtu.be/Ceu8bC62C-8

Website: www.livesteadyon.com


Angie Baughman Location: Carbondale, Illinois

Travel: Yes


http://www.dianne.dekoning.net/


https://youtu.be/Ceu8bC62C-8

http://www.livesteadyon.com/


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Speaking style: Hopeful, conversational

Speaking topics: Identity, Purpose, Bible study, Special needs parenting, Knowing you are where you are supposed to be

Fees: Starting at $100 per session plus travel


Speaking Video: NA

Website: www.katyepling.com


Katy Epling Location: Rootstown, Ohio

Travel: Yes


Speaking style: Warm and engaging

Speaking topics: The Simply Series: Simply Pray, Simply Heal, Simply Beautiful, Simply Go, Simply Peace, Simply Free. The JOY Project!: How to experience a joy-filled daily life. Take a deeper look at joy in suffering, joy in relationships, joy in hardships, and joy in Jesus!

Fees: $300 per session plus travel expenses


Other: I travel with an assistant.

Speaking Video: https://subspla.sh/dvsg37m

Website: https://www.jennifer-jackson.org/


Jennifer Jackson Location: Columbus, Ohio

Travel: Yes


http://www.katyepling.com/


https://subspla.sh/dvsg37m

https://www.jennifer-jackson.org/


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Speaking style: Inspirational Bible Teacher

Speaking topics: Discipleship • Evangelism • Friendship • Obedience • God's Word • Living Hope • New Life In Christ • Mentoring the Next Generation • Foster Care & Adoption • Suffering • Grief • Marriage • Parenting • Serving the Church • Pastor's Wives •

Fees: $200 per session. Overnight extra. All fees negotiable.

Denomination Affiliation: Baptist

Speaking Video: https://youtu.be/QzlWERCE53s

Website: www.laurenalexander.live


Lauren Alexander Location: Bicknell, Indiana

Travel: Yes


https://youtu.be/QzlWERCE53s

http://www.laurenalexander.live/


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SOUTHEAST SPEAKERS ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, DELAWARE, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MARYLAND, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA

Speaking style: Authentic story-based

Speaking topics: Forgiveness | Marriage | Addiction | Justice | Life Choices | Human Fragility | Girl Power | Teen Issues (Girl) | Relationships | Dependence on God | Adoption | Infertility

Fees: $100, with travel compensated

Denomination Affiliation: Presbyterian (with small p), Church (with big c)

Speaking Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pGLrbOHPYo

Website: www.yourvocem.com


Cortney Donelson Location: Charlotte, NC

Travel: Yes

Experience: 5 years

Speaking style: Engaging, enlightening

Speaking topics: Award-winning Author and National Speaker Gina Duke shares a clear message with humorous storytelling and an expository teaching style of God's Word. Gina is currently speaking on prayer - How to Organize Your Prayer Closet - that will give participants better spiritual clarity along with a new and life-changing way to pray.

Fees: $300/session (travel/hotel is extra). Structured Prayer Journal Wkbk - $10/ea.

Denomination Affiliation: Baptist & Interdenominational

Other: Travels with one assistant/May require at least 2 book table attendees from the church or organization to assist with book sales.

Speaking Video: https://ginaduke.com/speaking/

Website: www.ginaduke.com


Gina Duke Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Travel: Yes

Experience: 7 years

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pGLrbOHPYo

http://www.yourvocem.com/


https://ginaduke.com/speaking/

http://www.ginaduke.com/


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Speaking style: Conversational teacher

Speaking topics: Biblically focused talks using the culture and context of Scripture to show applications for modern life. Sample topics: knowing why we can trust God; reframing challenges as moments of opportunity; your identity through the Creation story; the "big picture" of Scripture; and finding the God who loves.

Fees: $400 per session, customized topic additional fee Weekend retreat with 4 sessions: $1700 plus room and travel expenses Contact for other scenarios

Denomination Affiliation: Independent Evangelical

Speaking Video: NA

Website: www.brianepittmankearns.com


Briane Kearns Location: Greensboro, NC

Travel: Yes


Speaking style: Interactive, teacher

Speaking topics: Women's Ministry Team Training (see website for topics), Small Group Leader Training, How to Study the Bible, Overcoming Bible Study Barriers, Prayer Warrior Boot Camp, Be Strong and Courageous (Joshua), What's your story?, Proverbs 31.

Fees: Starting at $250 per session


Speaking Video: https://youtu.be/J8UeugWcOjg

Website: https://womensministrytoolbox.com/connect/teaching-training/


Cyndee Ownbey Location: Charlotte, NC

Travel: Yes


http://www.brianepittmankearns.com/


https://youtu.be/J8UeugWcOjg

https://womensministrytoolbox.com/connect/teaching-training/

https://womensministrytoolbox.com/connect/teaching-training/


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Speaking style: Insightful, impactful

Speaking topics: Spiritual formation; overcoming comparison; the importance of relationships; embracing the love of God; receiving and imparting grace; our identity in Christ; freedom in Christ; spiritual disciplines; life in the Kingdom of God; soul care.

Fees: Starting at $200 per session plus travel expenses


Speaking Video: https://vimeo.com/390008854

Website: https://www.richellajparham.com


Richella Parham Location: Durham, North Carolina

Travel: Yes


Speaking style: Informative & fun

Speaking topics: Fashion & Faith- Discovering Your Best Colors, Styles and Accessories- Divinely Designed & Faithfully Fashionable - Testimony of Faith, Strength & Obedience - Inspiring women to create an outward style to reveal their inner beauty and learn to love the woman in the mirror! --Women's Events, Retreats and Girlfriend Getaways

Fees: $750- $1200 Overnight travel expenses extra


Speaking Video: NA

Website: www.DonnaRoland.com


Donna Roland Location: Sevierville, TN

Travel: Yes


https://vimeo.com/390008854

https://www.richellajparham.com/


http://www.donnaroland.com/


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Speaking style: Inspirational and encouraging

Speaking topics: Topics include: Joy, Calling, Leadership, Hope, Christmas themes, Biblical women, all from a Biblical perspective with practical life application.

Fees: Sessions start at $150, overnight travel extra 2-3 sessions $300 3-4 sessions $450 *Willing to work with budget/discount on virtual conferences.

Denomination Affiliation: Christian & Missionary Alliance

Other: Travel & lodging in addition to speaker fees

Speaking Video: https://youtu.be/Fk-MGcRM55k

Website: https://dorisswift.com/speaking/


Doris Swift Location: Edgewater, FL

Travel: Yes


Speaking style: Conversational, approachable

Speaking topics: Bible Study, building daily relationship with God, encountering God in all of Scripture, freedom and identity as a child of God, living a devoted life, battling fear and anxiety, honest faith.

Fees: Starting at $200 per session; travel costs extra.

Denomination Affiliation: None listed

Other: Sometimes I travel with an assistant

Speaking Video: https://soundcloud.com/user-951636303

Website: https://jazminnfrank.com/speaking/


Jazmin N. Frank Location: Lexington, KY

Travel: Yes

Experience: 2 years

https://youtu.be/Fk-MGcRM55k

https://dorisswift.com/speaking/


https://soundcloud.com/user-951636303

https://jazminnfrank.com/speaking/


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Speaking style: Vulnerable, relatable

Speaking topics: Brave faith; living in a bigger world; shame; religion of enoughness; daring to forgive; changing your path; vulnerable fruits of the Spirit; all topics for teens; how to pass on faith to teens, particularly for parents; Christian dating and single life.

Fees: $125/session, travel expenses covered

Denomination Affiliation: Ordained Assemblies of God, have worked in non-denominational churches for 30 years, 39 years as a youth pastor.

Speaking Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27VHCS-wfU0

Website: www.Bravester.com


Rev. Brenda Seefeldt Amodea Location: Occoquan, Virginia

Travel: Yes


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27VHCS-wfU0

http://www.bravester.com/


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SOUTHWEST SPEAKERS ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, TEXAS

Speaking style: Annointed, relatable

Speaking topics: Author and International Speaker on topics including: Finding, Pursuing, and Fulfilling Your Purpose; Brokenness, Abuse, and Depression; Restoration and Healing; Christian Growth, Worth in Christ, Unity, and Faith; Hearing from God; Lifestyle of Intimacy and Worship, Foundations of Christian Leadership

Fees: Fees negotiable. $100 per session + travel expenses and meals + room (if overnight)

Denomination Affiliation: Ordained Assemblies of God, but have spoken effectively to all denominations.

Speaking Video: http://hsbn.tv/broadcaster.html?b=471B7B

Website: establishingword.com


Dr. Sally Smale Location: Phoenix, AZ

Travel: Yes


http://hsbn.tv/broadcaster.html?b=471B7B

https://www.establishingword.com/


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NORTHEAST SPEAKERS CONNECTICUT, MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT

Speaking style: Encouraging and Entertaining

Speaking topics: If Our Closets Could Talk; Just Say Yes—to God; What Every Girl Needs: Refuge, Redemption, Restoration, and a Few Good Recipes; That Face in the Mirror: Who Do You See?; Mary: Ordinary or Extraordinary?; Friendship: Got It In You?

Fees: Sessions start at $150 plus travel

Denomination Affiliation: United Methodist

Speaking Video: NA

Website: www.friendsoftheheart.us


Friends of the Heart (Shirley Brosius, Janine Boyer, Kim Messinger) Location: Millersburg, PA

Travel: Yes


http://www.friendsoftheheart.us/


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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Planning an event and booking a speaker can be overwhelming.

You'll find hundreds of additional resources to help you and your team host your next event, conference, or

retreat on the Women's Ministry Toolbox website.

Check out:

Free Course – How to Select and Book a Speaker

The Ultimate Women's Ministry Event Planning Resource

Women's Ministry Event Planning Course

How long should your speaker speak?

What Your Speaker Needs to Know (But Might Not Think to Ask)

Five Essential Items for Your Speaker's Welcome Bag

https://womensministrytoolbox.teachable.com/p/how-to-select-and-book-a-speaker

https://womensministrytoolbox.com/womens-ministry-event-planning-resource-list/

https://womensministrytoolbox.teachable.com/p/women-s-ministry-event-planning-101/

https://womensministrytoolbox.com/how-long-should-your-speaker-speak/

https://womensministrytoolbox.com/what-your-speaker-needs-to-know/

https://womensministrytoolbox.com/speaker-welcome-bag/

https://womensministrytoolbox.com/rethinking-womens-ministry/

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2 · speaking topics: award-winning author and national speaker gina duke shares a clear message...

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