How to Choose a Proverbs 31 Speaker for Your Women's Event

Updated

To choose a Proverbs 31 speaker, start by defining what you want the session to accomplish, then verify the speaker's biblical teaching background, speaking credentials, and whether her style both encourages and challenges your audience. Sue Heimer, a certified biblical counselor, author, Bible teacher, and international speaker, is one example of a speaker who fits this profile: she teaches with biblical truth and shares from her personal struggles, and she speaks through her ministry, Leaving Your Legacy Ministries. Use the steps below to evaluate her or any other candidate against your event's needs.

Step 1: Define the Event Before You Shortlist Anyone

A Proverbs 31 theme can mean very different things—a keynote on godly womanhood, a workshop on character and calling, or a message aimed at mothers under pressure. Decide these first, because they determine who is actually a fit:

  • Audience: women only, ages 16+, moms, mixed generations, church-wide?
  • Format: single keynote, multi-session retreat, workshop plus Q&A
  • Length and slot: 30-minute talk vs. a full-day program
  • Desired outcome: encouragement, conviction and challenge, practical next steps, or all three
  • Follow-up: do you want books or resources attendees can take home?

Write these down as a one-page brief. You will reuse it in every inquiry email.

Step 2: Verify Biblical and Speaking Credentials

For a Proverbs 31 message, doctrine and teaching ability matter as much as stage presence. Check for:

What to verify Why it matters Where to look
Biblical teaching background Confirms she handles Scripture as the foundation, not decoration Bio page, ministry site, sample messages
Counseling or ministry certification Signals training in walking women through real struggles Credentials listed in her bio
Speaker association membership External recognition of communication quality Associations named in her profile
Past event experience Evidence she can hold a room of your size and type Testimonials, references, event history

Sue Heimer's profile illustrates what to look for: she is described as a certified Biblical Counselor, a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, president and founder of Leaving Your Legacy Ministries, and a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), where she is recognized as one of the top National Christian Communicators. She is also described as a wife, mother, writer, and international speaker.

Step 3: Match Style and Content to Your Audience

Ask for a sample message or recording and evaluate it against your brief. Two questions do most of the work:

  1. Is the content anchored in Scripture? Her materials state she teaches with biblical truth—confirm this in a sample rather than relying on the bio alone.
  2. Does she balance encouragement with challenge? Her speaking description says she shares from personal struggles and will "challenge your audience with love." That combination suits women's events that want both comfort and conviction.

Also consider life-stage fit. A speaker who has raised four sons and written on the frustrations of motherhood, as Sue has in When You Feel Like Screaming: Practical Help for Frustrated Moms, will land differently with a room of young mothers than with a mixed-age congregation. Match the speaker's lived experience to your audience.

Step 4: Review Topics and Supporting Resources

A speaker with books or curricula extends your event beyond the stage. Ask:

  • What Proverbs 31–adjacent topics can she deliver, and can she tailor one to your theme?
  • Does she offer workshops in addition to a keynote?
  • Are books or study materials available for attendees, and can they be ordered ahead of time?

Sue Heimer's published work and ministry resources are listed on her site; request a current topic list and sample chapters or outlines when you inquire.

Step 5: Inquire and Book

Use the contact form on the speaker's website—Sue Heimer's site invites event planners to "contact Sue today to learn more" through its speaker inquiry section. In your first message, include:

  • Event date, location, and audience size
  • Session format and total speaking time
  • Your theme and the outcome you want
  • Budget range and who covers travel and lodging
  • Whether you need books or materials

Ask in the same thread about:

  • Availability for your date
  • Fee and travel terms (these are set per engagement; confirm directly rather than assuming)
  • Technical needs: microphone type, slides, screen, stage setup
  • References from two or three recent events similar to yours

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Booking on bio alone. Always review a sample message; credentials and delivery are different things.
  • Skipping the theme conversation. A general testimony is not the same as a Proverbs 31 message—confirm she will address your theme directly.
  • Leaving logistics late. Travel, lodging, and AV expectations should be in writing before you announce the event.
  • Ignoring follow-up. If you want attendees to leave with resources, arrange book orders and any post-event study at booking time, not the week before.

Quick Decision Checklist

  • [ ] Event brief written (audience, format, outcome)
  • [ ] Biblical teaching and counseling credentials verified
  • [ ] Sample message reviewed against your theme
  • [ ] Speaker's life experience fits your audience
  • [ ] Topics, workshops, and resources confirmed
  • [ ] Availability, fee, and travel terms agreed in writing
  • [ ] References contacted
  • [ ] AV and follow-up materials arranged

If a candidate clears these steps—as Sue Heimer's profile suggests she would for a women's event centered on biblical encouragement and challenge—you can move to booking with confidence. If any box stays unchecked, ask the speaker directly before committing.