I'd love to hear from you. Please post a comment or email me directly at editor@proverbs31.org.
If you are interested in booking me for a speaking event, please know that I am currently taking a sabbatical from speaking while I undergo an intensive training program to improve my ability to communicate God's truths, and reach women more effectively. This may take a few months, but I will be available for speaking engagements soon.
If you need an immediate speaker, please contact Proverbs 31 for a list of wonderful speakers. You can send an email to Barb at speaker@proverbs31.org. Or call them at 1-877-P31-HOME.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Event Planning Tips
Many women in ministry find themselves assigned to oversee a retreat or conference. With no experience, they set off on a journey to plan a spiritually enriching experience for the women of their church … but they don’t know where to start.
If you are new to women’s ministry, here are some tips that might help you plan an event.
Get it on the church calendar.
Before you even know exactly what you want to do, reserve the dates and the rooms. Talk to whoever is in charge of your facility and get their support and advice. Ask them to begin praying for the event.
Create a leadership team.
Try and assign responsibilities to a variety of people. When possible, match individual gifting and skills to the responsibility. For instance, if Jane loves to keep things organized, ask her to oversee registration. If Sherrie is creative, maybe she can do decorations. The more women on your leadership team, the better.
Identify the purpose for the event.
Whether it’s a retreat, a one-day conference or a special dinner, what do you want for the women who attend? Do you want them to know more about the Bible, make new friends, grow spiritually or maybe be introduced to Jesus for the first time? Take some time to pray with your leadership team about the purpose for the event.
Pick a speaker.
Picking a speaker is an important part of planning your event. You can bounce around ideas together, or even get some new ideas. If your speaker is a part of your church, try to not have her be involved in the administrative details of your event. Get your speaker booked as soon as possible.
Pick a theme.
This can actually happen before you have a speaker, but some speakers may have difficulty adapting their talks to your theme, or creating new talks. If you are set on a theme, let the speaker know up front. When picking a theme, consider how you can incorporate it in skits, decorations, music, ice breakers, door prizes, snacks, meals, etc. Some fun themes I’ve heard of include a cruise, chocolate, ice cream, and a spa. Coffee is always good too.
Assemble a prayer team.
Identify a group of people who will agree to pray for the event even months before, and even afterwards. These people might be available at the event if the participants want prayer.
Plan and Pray
Once you’ve got your leadership team in place, the speaker picked out and the theme identified, you can proceed with the planning. It won’t seem so overwhelming now. Make sure you have regular meetings, create a countdown calendar with deadlines and pray over it all. Then, when it’s time for the event, you can focus on ministry and having fun.
I’ve been in women’s ministry for many years and overseen lots of events. If I can help you with any questions, please contact me.
Many women in ministry find themselves assigned to oversee a retreat or conference. With no experience, they set off on a journey to plan a spiritually enriching experience for the women of their church … but they don’t know where to start.
If you are new to women’s ministry, here are some tips that might help you plan an event.
Get it on the church calendar.
Before you even know exactly what you want to do, reserve the dates and the rooms. Talk to whoever is in charge of your facility and get their support and advice. Ask them to begin praying for the event.
Create a leadership team.
Try and assign responsibilities to a variety of people. When possible, match individual gifting and skills to the responsibility. For instance, if Jane loves to keep things organized, ask her to oversee registration. If Sherrie is creative, maybe she can do decorations. The more women on your leadership team, the better.
Identify the purpose for the event.
Whether it’s a retreat, a one-day conference or a special dinner, what do you want for the women who attend? Do you want them to know more about the Bible, make new friends, grow spiritually or maybe be introduced to Jesus for the first time? Take some time to pray with your leadership team about the purpose for the event.
Pick a speaker.
Picking a speaker is an important part of planning your event. You can bounce around ideas together, or even get some new ideas. If your speaker is a part of your church, try to not have her be involved in the administrative details of your event. Get your speaker booked as soon as possible.
Pick a theme.
This can actually happen before you have a speaker, but some speakers may have difficulty adapting their talks to your theme, or creating new talks. If you are set on a theme, let the speaker know up front. When picking a theme, consider how you can incorporate it in skits, decorations, music, ice breakers, door prizes, snacks, meals, etc. Some fun themes I’ve heard of include a cruise, chocolate, ice cream, and a spa. Coffee is always good too.
Assemble a prayer team.
Identify a group of people who will agree to pray for the event even months before, and even afterwards. These people might be available at the event if the participants want prayer.
Plan and Pray
Once you’ve got your leadership team in place, the speaker picked out and the theme identified, you can proceed with the planning. It won’t seem so overwhelming now. Make sure you have regular meetings, create a countdown calendar with deadlines and pray over it all. Then, when it’s time for the event, you can focus on ministry and having fun.
I’ve been in women’s ministry for many years and overseen lots of events. If I can help you with any questions, please contact me.
Glynnis’ Most Popular Topics
Becoming a Woman of Purpose
At some point in her life, every woman wonders, “Is there more to life than this?” In this 3 or 4-session retreat, Glynnis identifies “purpose-stealers” and offers five ways to “BE-come” the women God intended. This retreat package also includes two small group discussion guides and two personal devotions. This topic is also available in a condensed version for a single presentation, or a one-day conference.
The Heart of a Woman: Her Legacy, His Promise, Your Potential
Scripture is clear that God looks past the surface of our lives and peers directly into our hearts. In the Bible, we find stories of women whose hearts pleased God. From Rahab, who got past her past; to Mary the mother of Jesus, who had a predetermined heart to say “yes,” Glynnis looks at women in Scripture and uncovers the heart characteristics that pleased God. She also shares how we can please God today.
Work@home: Making the Transition and Making it Work
Women are leaving the workplace to work at home in great numbers. This includes women who are following a dream to be an entrepreneur and women who are caring for children and needing to help with finances too. There are many presentation options with this topic. Glynnis can present a seminar, speak to a small group or create a retreat for women who work at home, or want to work at home.
The 31 Flavors of the Proverbs 31 Woman
What do ice cream and a godly woman have in common? More than you might think! In this fun and insightful presentation, Glynnis takes the top five ice cream flavors in the United States and compares them to the Proverbs 31 Woman. Jesus often made analogies between spiritual truths and food. See how we can learn more about God through His delicious creation.
Soaring over the Hurdles of Life
We face challenges every day: emotional, relational and spiritual, to name a few. For a woman who follows Jesus, sometimes overcoming those challenges becomes eternally important. When faced with a hurdle, do you soar over it, stumble through it or does it end your race? We discuss the top hurdles facing women, such a finding balance and dealing with criticism, and how God helps us overcome them. This seminar can be adapted for women in ministry leadership.
Moving From Fear to Faith
Fear is a common emotion among women … fear of what others will say, fear of rejections, fear for our children and fear for ourselves. Fear doesn’t affect just women. Many of the best known and loved biblical leaders dealt with fear, but they weren’t stopped by it. This presentation discusses why we are afraid, and what to do about it.
Raising Faithful Kids in an Unfaithful World
How can parents raise children who embrace their faith once they are grown? Glynnis asked young adults who are strong Christians, “What did your parents do right?” The answers are presented in this inspiring and encouraging program.
Organizing Your Home Room by Room
Starting at your front door, Glynnis escorts you room-by-room and offers practical and affordable tips to help you create a more organized home. A Power Point presentation is available.
Giving Your Best This Christmas
Mary said “yes,” Joseph braved scorn, the shepherds told the story, and the Wise Men traveled far. Each person in the Christmas story gave Jesus the best they had. Christmas is a time to give gifts. We give them to co-workers, our spouse and children. This presentation looks at the gifts that were given to Jesus and how we can offer our best to Jesus this year.
Other topics are available
This is a just a sample of the programs and topics available. Glynnis is always working on new presentations, and is willing to address the needs of your group and develop a specialized message. She has also recently done retreats on the topic of friendship and spiritual growth with a gardening theme.
work@home: A Practical Guide for Women Who Want to Work from Homeby Glynnis Whitwer (published by New Hope Publishers)
“Work@home” is a practical and inspirational guide offering help with all aspects of transitioning from the corporate workplace to working from home. Transitioning home requires careful thought, organization and expectations. Glynnis helps readers analyze the true cost of working outside the home, create a budget, define a timeline, find employment at home, and be successful working from home.
Worship: Nearing the Heart of GodBy Brian T. Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer (published by Ampelon Publishing)
What is worship really all about? Why do we do it? What purpose and place does it have in our lives among a community of fellow followers of Jesus? This 6-week small group study guide explores the following issues: settling the issue of lordship, experiencing God in worship, gaining a God-perspective, developing our character through worship, overcoming obstacles to worship and advancing God’s kingdom.
Six Habits of Highly Effective ChristiansBy Brian T. Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer (published by Ampelon Publishing)
Simply going to church and adhering to a list of “dos” and “don’ts” are a far cry from the life God intends for us to have as Christians. He wants us to change the world around us, which begins by understanding the power of a deep relationship with Him. This 6-week small group study guide explores the following topics: knowing the Bible, making prayer a priority, living a life of obedience, giving to God, living in community, and serving others.
The Character of God: Understanding His Heart for UsBy Brian T. Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer (published by Ampelon Publishing)
Knowing God makes all the difference in how we navigate our daily lives. Not know about God, but really knowing God as we know a friend and understanding the depth and nature of His character. This 6-week small group study guide covers the topics of the sovereignty of God, His unchanging character, His amazing grace, the trustworthyness of God, His nearness and His unending love.
Welcome to Community: Experiencing Life the Way God IntendedBy Brian T. Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer (published by Ampelon Publishing)
What was God’s original design for community? When Jesus established the first “church” there were no stained glass windows, pews or organs. As challenging as it would be to unite such a diverse group into a purpose-filled family, Jesus knew it was His Heavenly Father’s desire. This 6-week small group study guide covers the topics of the family of believers, why community is good, loving one another, learning to forgive, cultivating spiritual growth and identifying our part.
Other writing credits:
The Best of the Proverbs 31 Ministry, Glynnis Whitwer editor
Contributing author to God’s Purpose for Every Woman, (Harvest House)
Contributing author to Leading Women to the Heart of God (Focus on the Family)
Contributing author to Building Your Women’s Ministry (Harvest House)
Thank you for visiting my website. I’ve put it together for two simple reasons. Not to promote myself as a speaker or author. Not to list my accomplishments. And not to sell books. I’ve created this website for two reasons: to be obedient to God and lead others to Him
You see, if you had known me years ago, you might be surprised to discover that I am speaking to women around the country and writing books. I was the weird one who would have rather gone to the dentist than speak in front of a group. I surely didn’t see myself in this position. But apparently God had other plans.
It all started in 1998 when I submitted to my husband’s desire to move across the country. I didn’t want to go, and my “submission” involved more gritting of teeth than true love and humility. I arrived in the South a bitter, resentful woman who thought my husband had moved us so far out of God’s will that I was going to suffer in darkness for the two years we were planning on being there. Little did I know then God had orchestrated that move to connect me with Proverbs 31 Ministries, a Christian women’s organization that teaches women to respect their husbands, among other things. Hmmm …. Do you think God was up to something? He was.
It didn’t take long for God to direct us to a church where I met Lysa TerKeurst, the president of Proverbs 31. After hearing her on the radio, I clearly heard God tell me to call her. I was nervous, and rattled off something about myself like “I’ve just moved here, I saw you at church, heard you on the radio, then God told me to call and volunteer. I’ve got a degree in journalism, do you need any help?”
There was a pause on the other end of the line and Lysa said, “We’ve been praying for someone with a degree in journalism.” Within a month I was editing their 2nd book and a year later I was hired as the editor of the magazine, which I still oversee. We did return home to Phoenix, but not until God could connect my heart with Proverbs 31 Ministries, and rearrange all my priorities.
After returning to Phoenix, I told God I would do whatever He wanted me to do, and here I am. I’m still listening for God’s direction, still getting pushed/pulled out of my comfort zone, still dealing with occasional fear, and yet boldly and joyfully going where I have never gone before – and that’s wherever Jesus is going!
I’ve been married to Tod since 1983 and we have five wonderful children. We live in Glendale, Arizona and are actively involved at Vineyard Church North Phoenix, where I am involved in women’s ministry, sing on the worship band and direct the music for the children’s Christmas play.
I have a degree in Journalism and Public Relations from Arizona State University. Before joining the staff of Proverbs 31 Ministries, I worked in public relations and marketing for developers of retirement and assisted living communities.
My husband and I run two home-based businesses, http://www.roselanecottage.com/ and Allwyn Environmental, an engineering consulting firm. If we can ever help you decorate your home with cottage-style accents, or clean up an old gas station, give us a call.
Some of my favorite things:
Starbucks
Diet Coke
Roses
Gardens of any kind
Beatrix Potter figurines
Ruffles and gingham
Tea & scones
Office products of every kind
Especially notebooks
Food Network
Mexican food
Gold Canyon Candles
You see, if you had known me years ago, you might be surprised to discover that I am speaking to women around the country and writing books. I was the weird one who would have rather gone to the dentist than speak in front of a group. I surely didn’t see myself in this position. But apparently God had other plans.
It all started in 1998 when I submitted to my husband’s desire to move across the country. I didn’t want to go, and my “submission” involved more gritting of teeth than true love and humility. I arrived in the South a bitter, resentful woman who thought my husband had moved us so far out of God’s will that I was going to suffer in darkness for the two years we were planning on being there. Little did I know then God had orchestrated that move to connect me with Proverbs 31 Ministries, a Christian women’s organization that teaches women to respect their husbands, among other things. Hmmm …. Do you think God was up to something? He was.
It didn’t take long for God to direct us to a church where I met Lysa TerKeurst, the president of Proverbs 31. After hearing her on the radio, I clearly heard God tell me to call her. I was nervous, and rattled off something about myself like “I’ve just moved here, I saw you at church, heard you on the radio, then God told me to call and volunteer. I’ve got a degree in journalism, do you need any help?”
There was a pause on the other end of the line and Lysa said, “We’ve been praying for someone with a degree in journalism.” Within a month I was editing their 2nd book and a year later I was hired as the editor of the magazine, which I still oversee. We did return home to Phoenix, but not until God could connect my heart with Proverbs 31 Ministries, and rearrange all my priorities.
After returning to Phoenix, I told God I would do whatever He wanted me to do, and here I am. I’m still listening for God’s direction, still getting pushed/pulled out of my comfort zone, still dealing with occasional fear, and yet boldly and joyfully going where I have never gone before – and that’s wherever Jesus is going!
I’ve been married to Tod since 1983 and we have five wonderful children. We live in Glendale, Arizona and are actively involved at Vineyard Church North Phoenix, where I am involved in women’s ministry, sing on the worship band and direct the music for the children’s Christmas play.
I have a degree in Journalism and Public Relations from Arizona State University. Before joining the staff of Proverbs 31 Ministries, I worked in public relations and marketing for developers of retirement and assisted living communities.
My husband and I run two home-based businesses, http://www.roselanecottage.com/ and Allwyn Environmental, an engineering consulting firm. If we can ever help you decorate your home with cottage-style accents, or clean up an old gas station, give us a call.
Some of my favorite things:
Starbucks
Diet Coke
Roses
Gardens of any kind
Beatrix Potter figurines
Ruffles and gingham
Tea & scones
Office products of every kind
Especially notebooks
Food Network
Mexican food
Gold Canyon Candles
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