Episode 12 | How to Prepare to Speak at a Women's Event: Practical Tips for Bible Teachers

You've been asked to teach a Bible study, a retreat session or a women's event, and now you have questions you feel silly asking. Should you ask about pay? What should you wear with a headset mic? Why do you feel so low the week after? In Episode 12, Kelly Needham and Lindsay Schott cover the practical side of teaching at your own church or somewhere new, from the first invitation to the days after the event.

This episode is a practical guide for women Bible teachers preparing to speak at a church, retreat or women's ministry event. It covers:

• How to decide whether to say yes
• What to ask the event leader
• How to handle bios, headshots, outfits, mics and travel
• How to prepare spiritually
• What to do about the slump after you teach

Key topics & timestamps

• 1:42 – Should you say yes right away when you're asked to teach?
• 4:47 – How do you count the real cost of prep time, child care and your season of life?
• 7:35 – Is it okay to ask whether you'll be paid to teach?
• 8:45 – What should you ask the event leader before you teach?
• 13:35 – Why is prayer the first step in preparing?
• 18:38 – How do you write a speaker bio and get a headshot?
• 23:20 – What should you wear when you speak at a church event?
• 28:03 – How does the type of mic affect your outfit and earrings?
• 29:47 – Can you ask a church to reimburse mileage and travel costs?
• 33:21 – Should you spend time alone or with the attendees before you teach?
• 37:30 – How do you handle spiritual warfare before and after teaching?
• 42:08 – Why bring a friend when you speak out of town?
• 43:56 – What is the slump after teaching, and how do you handle it?

What should I ask before speaking at a women's event?

Ask about the women who will be there: their ages and life stages, what the church has been through recently, what they're studying and what they struggle with. Also confirm the details: the date, how long you'll speak, the theme or key verse, what people usually wear, the type of mic and whether you'll be recorded.

Is it wrong to ask about pay when a church asks me to teach?

No. Kelly and Lindsay say either choice can be right. Some teachers choose to serve for free, while others need pay to cover child care and prep time. Make the decision with your spouse or close friends, and it's always reasonable to ask for travel costs to be reimbursed.

What should a Bible teacher wear to speak at an event?

Choose something you won't think about once you're on stage. Avoid fabrics that show sweat, and add a third layer such as a blazer or vest. With a headset mic, wear pockets or a waistband for the mic pack, and small stud earrings instead of hoops or dangles.

How do I write a speaker bio?

Ask a friend who knows you well to write three sentences about you. Or copy the format of an author bio from the back of a book you like and fill in your own details.

Why do I feel down after teaching?

The slump after teaching is common. It happens when the adrenaline and nervous energy from weeks of preparation wear off. Naming it helps, and so does remembering that faithfulness in everyday life at home matters to God as much as teaching on a stage.

Resources Mentioned:

• Trained to Teach by Kelly and Lindsay. It comes out March 1, 2027 and is available for pre-order on Amazon now.
• The Teach Equip Program: Our comprehensive training program designed to equip women to handle God's word faithfully.
• Questions to ask event leaders before you teach
• Earlier Teach Equip episodes: When a teaching doesn't go well
• Scripture references:
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 ("whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God")
• Matthew 6:4, 6 ("your Father who sees in secret will reward you")
• 1 Samuel 16:7 ("the Lord does not see as man sees")
• Revelation 12:10 ("the accuser of the brethren")

➡️ Do you know a Bible teacher with an event coming up? Send her this episode and offer to be on her prayer team. If the show has helped you, please rate and review it. That helps other teachers find it. Subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

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