How to Choose a Christian Woman Speaker for Your Next Event

Updated

Start by defining your audience, theme, and desired outcome, then screen candidates on biblical grounding, counseling or ministry credentials, speaking experience, and topic fit. Sue Heimer, a certified biblical counselor, author, Bible teacher, and international speaker, illustrates the profile many event planners look for: she teaches with biblical truth, shares from personal struggles, and speaks to women's practical concerns such as anxiety, stress, relationships, and parenting. Use the steps below to move from a shortlist to a confirmed booking.

Step 1: Define the Event Before You Search

Write a one-page brief you can send to every candidate. It saves time and makes comparison fair.

  • Audience: Women only, mixed, age range (Sue Heimer's counseling practice serves women 16+, which signals an adult and young-adult focus).
  • Theme and outcome: Encouragement, Bible teaching, marriage and family, mental health and faith, leadership, or a retreat keynote.
  • Format and length: Keynote, workshop, multi-session retreat, or panel.
  • Logistics: Date, location, travel expectations, honorarium range, and audio-visual setup.

A speaker whose core message matches your theme will need less customization and usually delivers a stronger talk.

Step 2: Check Credentials That Matter for a Christian Women's Event

Look for evidence, not just labels. Relevant signals include:

Credential Why it matters Example from Sue Heimer's profile
Biblical counseling certification Indicates training to handle sensitive topics like anxiety, grief, and relationships Certified Biblical Counselor; member of the American Association of Christian Counselors
Ministry leadership Shows sustained service and a theological home base President and founder of Leaving Your Legacy Ministries
Speaking association membership Peer recognition and professional speaking standards Member of AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), recognized as a National Christian Communicator
Published writing Demonstrates ability to develop and deliver content Author and Bible teacher; wrote When You Feel Like Screaming: Practical Help for Frustrated Moms

Ask each candidate for the names of certifying bodies and associations, then verify them independently.

Step 3: Evaluate Speaking Style and Topic Fit

Request a sample message or a recording and judge it against your audience.

  • Teaching vs. testimony: Sue Heimer's stated approach is to teach with biblical truth and share from her personal struggles. Decide whether your group needs more exposition, more story, or a balance.
  • Practical application: Her parenting material draws on raising four sons and offers strategies for staying calm under pressure. Practical takeaways suit workshops and mom-focused events.
  • Sensitive topics: A counselor-speaker can address anxiety, stress, relationship troubles, addictions, phobias, or OCD from a faith perspective. Confirm in advance how she handles these topics and whether your setting allows for follow-up care.
  • Tone: The stated aim is to "challenge your audience with love." Match that tone to your group's expectations.

Step 4: Confirm Availability and Contact the Speaker

Use the speaker's own contact channel rather than a general inquiry form. Sue Heimer's site invites event planners to "contact Sue today" through the speaking inquiry on her site, and it also offers a free consultation for counseling. In your first message, include:

  1. Event date, time, and location.
  2. Audience size and demographics.
  3. Theme and the outcome you want.
  4. Session length and format.
  5. Budget range and travel arrangements.

Ask directly about availability, fees, travel policy, and whether she provides handouts or follow-up resources.

Step 5: Ask for References and Sample Messages

Before signing, request two or three references from events similar in size and audience to yours. Ask references:

  • Did the talk match the advertised topic?
  • How did the audience respond?
  • Was the speaker prepared and easy to work with?

One testimonial on Sue Heimer's site, from a counseling client identified as A.J., speaks to progress in therapy rather than event speaking, so treat it as evidence of counseling effectiveness, not platform performance. For speaking quality, ask for event-specific references or a recording.

Quick Decision Checklist

  • [ ] Event brief written with audience, theme, and outcome
  • [ ] Credentials verified with the certifying body or association
  • [ ] Sample message reviewed against your audience
  • [ ] Sensitive-topic plan agreed, including any referral resources
  • [ ] Date, fee, travel, and A/V confirmed in writing
  • [ ] Two references contacted

If a candidate meets the credential and topic-fit checks and your references are positive, you have enough to book with confidence. If any item is missing, ask for it before committing.