January 1, 2008

Women's Speakers Conference

Without a doubt, there are far less opportunities for women in the church to hone their speaking skills than their are for men. I was at my church this Sunday where we had the opportunity to hear from a seminary student in his mdiv program, obviously studying to be a pastor. He wasn't horrible, and although my kids were able to point out some of his inadequacies, I'm quite sure he struggled because his subject matter was a little too broad. He engaged the commentaries, but had a hard time engaging his listeners. I'm sure he would have done much better if his topic had been a bit narrower, but it was an excellent opportunity for him to become a better preacher with hands-on experience.

As I listened to him, and as I ponder it more this morning, I wish there were more opportunities for women's leaders to develop and grow their speaking and teaching gifts. In my world, the pulpit on Sunday morning will not serve this need (and I'm ok with that). So what exists that will give women more opportunities to get this training? And is there a need for it?

Last question first: there is a need for it. The more gifted women's speakers there are at the local church level, the more opportunity we have to provide solid teaching events. Being a teacher necessitates some degree of speaking ability, and while on the job training is helpful, it's very minimal within the women's ministry context.

First question: what exists that will give women more opportunities to further develop their speaking skills? Carol Kent provides Speak Up seminars that help women's speakers to fine tune what they do. These seminars get into the nuts and bolts of how to be a great speaker/teacher. I've never personally attended one of her events, though I wouldn't mind doing so in the future. I know someone who has and she greatly benefited from the event. Beyond Speak Up, there isn't really anything else. But an event like the Evangelical Theological Society's annual conference would provide women opportunities to speak on selected topics with theological/biblical content. Women theologians and student academics are already involved in these events (as do many male mdiv students aspiring to the pastorate), but nothing like this exists on the women's lay leadership level. Some would argue that it need not exist.

Would you participate in a women's leadership speaking conference?

7 comments:

Michelle Van Loon said...

I found your blog via Eric Nygren's - and I definitely would be interested in something like this. I'm a "layperson", a writer and sometime speaker and who reads a lot of theology. Where do I fit in?

Sarah J. Flashing said...

I think you are the kind of leader who could benefit from this sort of event. I'll keep you posted, feel free to stay in touch with me on this. Also, you might be interested in a local leadership training I'm involved in on Feb. 2. Email me if you're interested in knowing more. sarahflashing@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I'd be interested! I teach women's Bible studies, but my teaching method is usually more interactive than a formal presentation. I'd love a forum for practicing the preparation and execution of presentations, while getting the opportunity for feedback from fellow laywomen!

Mrs. Y said...

I feel strongly called to help parents teach their children about human sexuality in a moral context and I am interested in building my speaking skills to that end. Sounds like a conference could be just the thing!

Letitia (The Damsel) said...

Hi Sarah,

I tried to leave a comment some time ago, but I think my browser quit on me at just the right time!

I would participate in just such a conference. I can't come to Chicago next month, but I'd love to know more. Keep us all posted!

Thanks,
*Letitia*

Anonymous said...

There is actually a conference that allows women to learn to be better speakers and writers. It is called the CLASSeminar. I went several years ago, and it helped me improve my skills. I was even able to start my own speaking ministry. I now have the wonderful honor of being on their staff. Please check out their website: www.classervices.com. You can also feel free to e-mail me any questions at andrea@andreachevalier.com. God bless you ladies and hope to see you at the seminar!

His Study and His Scribe * Karyn Brownlee said...

Please check out our ministry, ProvenWay Ministries, which exists to help women develop their God-given potential in life and leadership. We offer events, networking opportunities, resources, trainings and one-on-one mentoring. We would love to fellowship with you as you seek to serve our Lord by serving women.
Please visit our website at www.provenway.org and our blog at www.provenway.blogspot.com. Blessings to you!