Stonecroft speakers play a key role in outreach events as they effectively present the gospel message. If you are a speaker, what encouragement would you pass along to someone who is just beginning to speak? If you work with speakers, what ideas do you have to share? This is your place to dialogue with each other.
Given the fact that today’s culture is not clear on the meaning of Christianity, we can no longer assume our “audience” knows the basics of Jesus Christ , born son of God and yet human, died on the cross as subsitutue sacrifice for our sins and resurrected to new life for eternity, giving us that same hope. The audience may not know that the Holy Spirit is the third aspect of God’s personality and serves as a comforter and indwelling guide for us after we accept Jesus as our Savior. The audience also needs to realize that “being a sinner” means that we are not perfect, not necessarily that we have huge sins in our lives. As a speaker I try to make this clear in non-churchy words. It is also important to connect with the women to whom we speak, letting them know we are facing the same challenges they face and that we are not superChristians because we are the speakers. We have to “be real !”
I have found when speaking, that praying for the women who will be attending the outreach meeting gives me a heart for them. I can’t describe the joy and love I feel when I look out over the audience and see them as individuals Christ died for. It is such a privilege to tell them about Him! As a technical point, I find it is important to be familiar enough with my talk so I can make regular eye contact with the audience and not have to always be reading my notes. When I see a nod of affirmation or a smile from a woman in the audience, it encourages me to tell my story of God’s work in my life even more fervently.
As an Regional Speaker Trainer I have found when working with a potential speaker, two of us (a Reviewer and myself) work with the speaker on her talk through email and sometimes in person and phone. When we believe she is ready there is a local bank that has a community meeting room we are able to use at no charge. I set it up with podium and mic and invite another reviewer to this session; one that has not heard or read her talk. We conduct this as if it were an actual connection starting with her introduction. I have found this to work very well and the speaker and reviewers like it too. This way we can work with the speaker as far as mic goes and actually hear and see how she presents herself. Then we are able to give her extra tips and pointers and explain how to handle the comment cards. The advantage of having the reviewer come who has not had any contact with this potential speaker lets someone hear her from a fresh perspective. Sometimes in the process of working with a speaker we can have tunnel vision and it is good to see how she comes across to someone who hasn’t read or heard her talk. Praising God for all of our Speakers and everyone who works with them through Stonecroft Ministries. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful leadership from Stonecroft Headquarters who totally rely on God!!! Blessings to all of you!
As a speaker for four years at nearly 100 outreach meetings and other women’s events, I have found the best “bridge” between me and the audience is my passion. Once I remember the reality of my message (the Gospel) and the impact it had on my life, I speak with a fresh passion that draws my listeners to Jesus.
If there is any area that a speaker should know “by heart” and not have to refer to her notes, it is her opening and the gospel.
By speaking both of these parts without notes, a speaker can make good eye contact and connect with the audience.
I was encouraged by TJ Roethe when I first started speaking to come out from behind the lectern. In order for me to do that, I had to know my message. Once I was no longer dependant on my notes, and stepped to the side of or in front of the podium, there were no barriers between me and the listeners. I saw positive feedback.
As a new Regional Speaker Trainer, I look forward to coaching speakers to revisit the passion that led them to speak in the first place so their message will be delivered with the excellence I know each one desires.
I recently went to a “speakers conference” put on by Jan Mathers in Oregon. My, how many new resources and options we have as speakers! Drama, Interview, topical etc. I am charged/challenged and and renewed!
But my heart is for these younger gals who have yet to share their stories! The goal is 25% under 40 (I think) in the next year plus. I met a couple new, young gals who have just begun to speak who are from Oregon and my heart pounded with excitement for them! And for the audience who will relate to their stories.
My first time speaking was in 1985 I was 42. I only spoke a year but it was wonderful. Then in 2000 Janice Spayd spurred me on to consider speaking again. I took the challenge but only because my story is His-story. And I had 15 year old granddaughter and SHE wanted to speak sharing her story to reach the “as yet unreached” for God through Stonecroft Ministries! We spoke one time together … it was then that we found that Tiffany was going to go through much as she began a journey with cancer. Tiffany graduated in 2004 to her heavenly reward. She now enjoys face to Face fellowship with Jesus her Lord while you and I still wholly rely on faith that we will one day be with Him as is she. Tiff was just 18. Now grandma speaks for both her and Jesus. My heart is to look wherever I go for other ‘Tiffany’s’ who have His-story to tell. And if they have yet to meet the Savior I tell them about Tiff and how she is my special treasure laid up in heaven and I tell them about the One who loves them more than anyone will ever love them and how they can know Him now and one day meet Him face to wonderful Face in heaven.
OK tomorrow is Thanksgiving and my heart is tender and grateful and it burns within me to share. Through the avenue of Stonecroft we speakers have the wonderful God given opportunity to speak to those whom Jesus is missing most … telling His wonderful story! I just want to thank God, Stonecroft, you speakers, and you on the outreach Teams who keep a place going where this story can continue to be told. Happy Thanksgiving! Keep on the path He has set before you. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus! Hebrews 12:12-15
Loving you in Oregon, Faye Marie DCC
Having had the honor of being on the speaking circut nce 1991, I have come to wisdom that is it not my story, my personality, or anything that I say that wins the sole, but rather, it is the prayer preparation of myself and the leadership team that bring results. It is exciting and encouraging to see the holy spirit at work as we pray for the details of the program, the guests, and my presentation of the gospel. I truely believe it is solely the very living word of God that penetrates the hearts that are in the audience. Obedience in using scripture ver batum brings the harvest. The word goes out and does not come back void. Thank God we have such a promise.
God Bless you all as you share the gospel and Pray, Pray,Pray.
A Dear Pastor friend shared an unforgetable lesson on prayer some 28 years ago. “Do you know what happens when we don’t pray?” NOTHING
Thank you to the other speakers for sharing their thoughts!
I Love you all, Kathy in Lodi Wisconsin