Hey Wendy, you lead our women’s ministry. You lead Bible study. You are a perfect fit!
“For what?,” I asked.
We need a speaker to share a short message for our next women’s event. Can you put together a quick twenty-minute message for next Thursday?”
Gulp! Yes, I can lead. I can pray. I can host. Even facilitate. But I can’t speak. I’m not a speaker.
I was terrified.
I said yes and did the best I could. But once it was over, I never wanted to feel like that again.
I needed equipping.
Today, I want to save you from experiencing that same terror. I want you to prepare you so you can receive your next invitation to speak with confidence.
As I sat down to prepare my message, my mind when to Isaiah 55:11. I thought, “Okay, Lord, this doesn’t have to be perfect. You promise that when your word goes out, it won’t return void and will accomplish what you desire and achieve the purposes for which you sent it.”
And that is true. Our message doesn’t have to be perfect. And God will ensure that when His Word goes out it will be effective. But that does not give us an excuse not to speak it and teach it with excellence.
How do we best accomplish this? Three easy steps.
First, think back on a need in your own life, a place of desperation, confusion or hardship. A place where God met you in a very real and personal way. That is where you want to begin. You want to craft a message that will intersect personally and powerfully with your audience. That will meet a need in their lives.
Second, show how God met that need. Share the truth or promise He gave you and how it came alive in your life. Share specifically and authentically. Yes, share the ugly stuff. That’s what helps them identify with and trust you.
Finally, teach them how to apply that same truth or promise in their own lives. Make it practical. Through Scripture memorization. Praying God’s Word back to Him. Confessing, repenting and forgiving another. Committing to a daily quiet time.
These three simple steps connect your heart with the heart of your audience.
Present a need.
Show how God met that need.
Teach your audience how to apply what you have shared to their need.
So now, the next time that invitation comes, you can boldly say yes!
What about you? Leave a comment sharing what tips or ideas you have for preparing to speak.
→ Discover more in-depth methods for preparing a message in this video training from Wendy Blight for members of womensministry.net. Not a member? Join now – hurry, before public enrollment closes!
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