Your annual women’s ministry event is coming up, and on your to-do list: Book a speaker. The discussions begin. “Who should we choose this year?”
The most difficult aspect of planning a women’s event may be choosing the magical date that’s empty of plans (if you figure this out, let me know!). But the task of choosing a speaker may be even more difficult, because it must be taken seriously. Inviting someone to teach God’s Word to your women is no small thing. So, what are some things to consider?
Where does the speaker attend church? No local church is perfect. Still, the best practice is for the speaker to attend a church that theologically aligns closely with yours. You don’t want someone to come and teach things contrary to what your church believes and teaches. Next, consider: Is she an active, plugged-in, serving member at that church? Christians are commanded to gather with believers (Heb. 10:25), use their spiritual gifts to serve their church (Eph. 4:7-16; 1 Cor. 12-13), and be discipled/make disciples (Titus 2:1-5). The primary place we live out these things is within our local church. Therefore, as a women’s ministry leader, a speaker who isn’t plugged into her local church would be a red flag. The local church is THAT important to our Christian walk! I want whoever is teaching our women to be invested in her own church as a sign of her spiritual maturity, desire to grow in the Lord, and need for accountability.
Does she have a theological education? If so, from where? Theological education isn’t required, but some training is beneficial (this can even come from the local church!). A lot of people are given a platform without preparation, and that’s a problem. Ask the same questions about where the theological education came from as the local church questions.
What does she believe? Hopefully, the previous two questions will provide insight into this, but if she has a website, check it for a personal statement of faith. Be sure her beliefs line up with what God’s Word teaches.
Consider what’s good (Titus 2:3). I often hear women leave events saying, “Oh! That was so good!” But what is actually good? God and His Word. Unfortunately, a lot of the “good” isn’t that. It’s emotions stirred and warm fuzzies. Or, it’s some one-liners that sound nice but don’t align with God’s Word. A “good” speaker will accurately communicate God’s Word! Here are some “good” things to consider: The speaker rightly explains God’s Word. The main point of her message is the main point of the passage she’s teaching. The speaker helps all ladies apply the truths from God’s Word to their lives. And of course, she does all of this with the help of the Holy Spirit!
What’s your purpose? Different women’s events will have different purposes. It’s good for your team to pray about and consider this to provide direction in choosing a speaker. One purpose may be a time of testimony, while others may be a time of Bible teaching. If the goal is a testimony, the speaker should still rightly handle God’s Word. Women should walk away saying, “Wow! What a great God!” Not, “Wow! What a great story!” If the purpose is Bible teaching, I highly recommend a speaker who teaches verse-by-verse.
Ask your pastor! One of the pastor’s jobs is to protect sound doctrine. He should have input on who you’re bringing in to speak to your women.
As a women’s ministry leader, I try to be wise and careful with the teaching I put in front of my women. No teacher will be perfect, but I understand that those listening to the speaker do so with a weight and expectation. The words she will say matter. Therefore, I pray and hope her words are as closely aligned with God’s Word as possible. Of course, pray about who you will choose! Ask God for help, wisdom, and discernment. Also, don’t forget the women in your local church! Many of them may have the gift of teaching. Equip them, then use them for the glory of God and edification of your church!
diariesofadaughter.com 