I've been asked to speak...

[DarlingNiki1977]

at church, and I have no idea what to say! Specifically, I'm being asked to talk about empowering the congregation and emphasizing that everyone can be a leader in the church. Can you ladies give me some ideas about what you would like to hear from a speaker with regard to being empowered in the church?

The pastor pointed me in the direction of using this verse: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

From there, I am thinking of talking about how we all are in a position to empower others throughout all relationships that we have and in our day to day lives. I also was going to talk about keeping the Lord first in your life and that everything will follow naturally from there. Flowing from the theme of connecting with your fellow man in your day to day life, I was thinking of discussing some issues I see in the black community in general. I also planned to work in the need for civility and caring for the common man, and paying attention to what we say and how we say it (power in the tongue).

I say all this to say...I'm having a hard time coming up with things to discuss for 15 minutes! Help! Can anyone give me some ideas, let me know your thoughts, and tell me some things you would like to hear about from a speaker at your church? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!

 

[kila82]

Well I don't have any suggestions for you but I promise to pray mightily for you so God will give you the right words to say

 

[DarlingNiki1977]

Thank you so much kila82!! I need all the prayers I can get. It is very much appreciated.

 

[LucieLoo12]

I will be back..

 

[Iwanthealthyhair67]

@DarlingNiki1977 ..what a powerful verse...

of course read chapter 2 in it's entirety other verses in the chapter can be helpful, meditate on that scripture and ask God to give you something that the people need to hear right now.

And also fast if you can...

and know that you can do this, with God's help

 

[DarlingNiki1977]

Thank you Iwanthealthyhair67! I've never fasted before,what should I do? And for how long?

 

[Iwanthealthyhair67]

when do you speak?

 

[DarlingNiki1977]

November 11th

 

[Iwanthealthyhair67]

there's a sticky on the CF about prayer and fasting as well as other threads that you can research ...

I'll be back ..I'm sure the other ladies will chime in

 

[DarlingNiki1977]

Also, thank you for recommending that I read chapter 2 in its entirety (and as a side, I'm impressed that you knew the scripture immediately). I had only really read that one particular verse, but you are right, the whole chapter is powerful.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

The best message to me for the church: to be empowered is to be restored.

Being Restored, to Be Empowered!

Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart about restoration and the heart of man. When people are healed: spirit, soul, body and relationships, then they are empowered to do the work of the ministry effectively and will be able to do the work joyfully and not grudgingly.

He (The Holy Spirit) will guide you in this. I will be praying for you.

 

[LucieLoo12]

1). Relax. God will not put you before His people and not give you the words to say

That is a very good scripture as well. There are just my ideas! I do urge you to pray and seek the Lord on what He would have to say.

But I think what would be good to discuss is purpose. What gets people moving and encouraged is when they can see they have a purpose. That God is calling them beyond just sitting in a pew. But that they have a work to do. Show them the meaning of the Body of Christ, why and how we are put together. Let them know that God wants to interact PERSONALLY with them

If God leads you, read 1 Cor ch.12 . It tells you the the order of the body. You want to give vision. The bible says without a vision, the people wander, meaning they have no direction. It also shows we EACH have a particular calling.

You may also want to look in the Book of Acts. It showed how God moved through the early church. It also shows how devoted they were to God and the love they had for one another. This can demonstrate the move that God wants to do with us.

Another thing is to show them how important their dedication and sanctification is. They can truly find their purpose when they seek the face of God. Let them know that the work of ministry can not take the place of their relationship for God. That everything must start with a passion for God, and that God will not give his glory to another. And everything must be done through love (you can even read 1 cor 13 to get a better understanding)

One more thing. Let them know what true leadership is. Jesus told his disciples to let the greatest among them serve them. Leadership is not about calling shots but its about serving. That when you enter into the Christian life, you have just enter into a life of servitude.

Ok for real one more thing The scripture says we are a chosen people....
What are we chosen for?
How do we know we are chosen?
How must we act once we understand we have been chosen?
How do we show forth his praises?
What is this light?

Just somethings you may want to look at


Man I am excited like I am doing the speaking.

 

[DarlingNiki1977]

Wow! You ladies are absolutely amazing!!!!!!! Nice & Wavy and LucieLoo12, you are fantastic. Thank you soooo very much for providing me with some MUCH needed direction. I mean, I felt like there was a lot in me, but I just couldnt get it together, or organize my thoughts. Also, I'm not the best when it comes to actually speaking on the bible. I'm not a minister or anything and while I love myself some Joel Osteen, I dont have a regular church home. But, I do love the Lord and I was raised in the church, and I'm actually pretty excited to speak, albeit a bit nervous at the same time. Its funny, I'm actually a lawyer, so I'm okay with public speaking, but, speaking about the bible is incredibly intimidating to me. If you dont mind, I will probably come back here with more thoughts/questions, and if you have any more advice for me, feel free to let me know.

THANK YOU!!!!

 

[LifeafterLHCF]

I will keep it 100 in regards to your topic. Please do not bore people with cliche things. I'm saying this from the depths of my soul because I see so many weary people daily from coworkers to customers. Society needs a encouraging word,something of substance. There enough sappy fake happy christian's in the world. Don't be one of them. Know what the word says and embody that. Be confident about what you really know about God. Hasn't he kept you,hasn't he restored your soul deeply,hasn't he encouraged you. Use your own experiences to show that he is working right now in this day. I hope it goes well. I hope one day to speak at a church once I'm older and have become more idealistic of what christian chick should appear to be.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

Wow! You ladies are absolutely amazing!!!!!!! Nice & Wavy and @LucieLoo12, you are fantastic. Thank you soooo very much for providing me with some MUCH needed direction. I mean, I felt like there was a lot in me, but I just couldnt get it together, or organize my thoughts. Also, I'm not the best when it comes to actually speaking on the bible. I'm not a minister or anything and while I love myself some Joel Osteen, I dont have a regular church home. But, I do love the Lord and I was raised in the church, and I'm actually pretty excited to speak, albeit a bit nervous at the same time. Its funny, I'm actually a lawyer, so I'm okay with public speaking, but, speaking about the bible is incredibly intimidating to me. If you dont mind, I will probably come back here with more thoughts/questions, and if you have any more advice for me, feel free to let me know.

THANK YOU!!!!

You are more than welcome. Remember this...satan doesn't want you to do this so no matter what happens or what is said, always keep the joy of the Lord that will always be your strength.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

I will keep it 100 in regards to your topic. Please do not bore people with cliche things. I'm saying this from the depths of my soul because I see so many weary people daily from coworkers to customers. Society needs a encouraging word,something of substance. There enough sappy fake happy christian's in the world. Don't be one of them. Know what the word says and embody that. Be confident about what you really know about God. Hasn't he kept you,hasn't he restored your soul deeply,hasn't he encouraged you. Use your own experiences to show that he is working right now in this day. I hope it goes well. I hope one day to speak at a church once I'm older and have become more idealistic of what christian chick should appear to be.

Can I ask you a question? What about the topic is a cliche? What makes you think it wouldn't have substance?

 

[LifeafterLHCF]

Nice & Wavy You sure can ask a question. I will give my honest humble answer. Cliche or at least to me is those who say I'm the head and not the tail,I'm above and not beneath. I know what the words says and those are true but to a degree when some base their whole sermon or speech on it it loses it's strength. Yes I'm the head because my God created the world without anything. However one must show the humanity of their walk thus using examples of how these thoughts are actually demonstrated then that makes it substance base. It's like folks for me at least that give alot of hot air about things but no scripture base to back it up.

There must be both in my view point to really go the distance. I have heard a many of sermons as I was always in the church. I heard a lot of spiritual fluff but also heard some true biblical doctrine that one can digest and implement that day.We live in a jacked up world where people have lost all hope. They are overloaded with anxiety and stress and lack hope. If one has no hope then they have no faith and if they have no faith they are lost because they then can't please God.

I may be totally off my rocker on my view points but having been around a bit maybe not as old as some I know very well the society as a whole not the church going folks but those who don't touch a church are going through. See the message OP will give isn't for those sitting all nice and pretty on those pews, it's for them to take that message to the streets in their day to day. What goes forth from the pulpit should have such a profound affect that it goes out into the world.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

@Nice & Wavy You sure can ask a question. I will give my honest humble answer. Cliche or at least to me is those who say I'm the head and not the tail,I'm above and not beneath. I know what the words says and those are true but to a degree when some base their whole sermon or speech on it it loses it's strength. Yes I'm the head because my God created the world without anything. However one must show the humanity of their walk thus using examples of how these thoughts are actually demonstrated then that makes it substance base. It's like folks for me at least that give alot of hot air about things but no scripture base to back it up.

There must be both in my view point to really go the distance. I have heard a many of sermons as I was always in the church. I heard a lot of spiritual fluff but also heard some true biblical doctrine that one can digest and implement that day.We live in a jacked up world where people have lost all hope. They are overloaded with anxiety and stress and lack hope. If one has no hope then they have no faith and if they have no faith they are lost because they then can't please God.

I may be totally off my rocker on my view points but having been around a bit maybe not as old as some I know very well the society as a whole not the church going folks but those who don't touch a church are going through. See the message OP will give isn't for those sitting all nice and pretty on those pews, it's for them to take that message to the streets in their day to day. What goes forth from the pulpit should have such a profound affect that it goes out into the world.

Thanks for responding.

I think I understand what you are trying to say. However, what myself and LucieLoo gave her were words of truth..something that she can take in, yet allow the Holy Spirit to help her with what HE desires for her to speak about.

When you are asked to speak to a congregation, it is not easy. So for some, they need a little extra push and that is what she was seeking.

We must be careful when we suggest anything to people who are asking for help in this type of thing because it can encourage them or make them feel insecure. I do know you mean well, but your post seemed a bit off-key to me concerning the OP and what she was asking. I hope you understand what I'm saying.

Again, thanks for responding to my question

 

[LifeafterLHCF]

Thanks for responding.

I think I understand what you are trying to say. However, what myself and LucieLoo gave her were words of truth..something that she can take in, yet allow the Holy Spirit to help her with what HE desires for her to speak about.

When you are asked to speak to a congregation, it is not easy. So for some, they need a little extra push and that is what she was seeking.

We must be careful when we suggest anything to people who are asking for help in this type of thing because it can encourage them or make them feel insecure. I do know you mean well, but your post seemed a bit off-key to me concerning the OP and what she was asking. I hope you understand what I'm saying.

Again, thanks for responding to my question

I get your and the other poster's pov. However being out there with the masses I just wanted op to know the greatness she can produce when speaking. I know it's not easy at all. It takes quite a bit of focus to do such. I wish I could take my lens off so you can see through them. And heck if you could take your lens off so I can see yours. On my side of the fence it's real sad. I talked to a girl today at length which I normally don't do because she really needed to be uplifted. A word about empowerment is so in dire need right now. For those esp the ones who work with the massed and common person we needed in order to keep afloat for them and ourselves.

I hope I didn't come off rude OP, I'm a bit brash because I'm passionate about this type of matters. We have enough glazed eyed speakers like Joel Olsten and such who are giving pep talks coated as sermons. I know your not giving a sermon but those 15 minutes could be the very thing to help someone not go home and blow their mind out. When empowered with what God has called you to be it's like awesomeness.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

Oh, ok...thanks.

 

[DarlingNiki1977]

I get your and the other poster's pov. However being out there with the masses I just wanted op to know the greatness she can produce when speaking. I know it's not easy at all. It takes quite a bit of focus to do such. I wish I could take my lens off so you can see through them. And heck if you could take your lens off so I can see yours. On my side of the fence it's real sad. I talked to a girl today at length which I normally don't do because she really needed to be uplifted. A word about empowerment is so in dire need right now. For those esp the ones who work with the massed and common person we needed in order to keep afloat for them and ourselves.

I hope I didn't come off rude OP, I'm a bit brash because I'm passionate about this type of matters. We have enough glazed eyed speakers like Joel Olsten and such who are giving pep talks coated as sermons. I know your not giving a sermon but those 15 minutes could be the very thing to help someone not go home and blow their mind out. When empowered with what God has called you to be it's like awesomeness.

I didnt find you to be rude. In fact, I am quite happy for someone to keep it 100. I think you are driving home the point that this is serious and I truly need to take it seriously. I truly do need to meditate/study/pray on this to ensure that I say whatever it is that needs to be said. I pray that I am able to touch or help people like the friend that you spoke of above. Thanks for responding. Its appreciated.

 

[momi]

Just chiming in to say that I completely understand how you feel. I have to speak on occasion and each time I lose a few pounds prior because I desire to please God and share a word that will motivate His people to live for him. Actually, the fact that you are seeking wisdom and counsel testifies to the fact that you know you are in dire need of His help as you prepare and your spirit is humble and your trust is in The Lord.

The scripture that speaks to me as I prepare is Romans 10:11 - As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

Use your study guides to lead you towards scriptures about the responsibility of a leader or teacher to God's people... Also part of preparation is asking The Lord through prayer to search your heart to be certain there are not any areas that He needs you to clean so that you can teach with clean hands and a clean heart.

 

[momi]

I will keep it 100 in regards to your topic. Please do not bore people with cliche things. I'm saying this from the depths of my soul because I see so many weary people daily from coworkers to customers. Society needs a encouraging word,something of substance. There enough sappy fake happy christian's in the world. Don't be one of them. Know what the word says and embody that. Be confident about what you really know about God. Hasn't he kept you,hasn't he restored your soul deeply,hasn't he encouraged you. Use your own experiences to show that he is working right now in this day. I hope it goes well. I hope one day to speak at a church once I'm older and have become more idealistic of what christian chick should appear to be.

I agree with you regarding the "overuse" of cliche's. The minute I hear:

1. Your season is about to change
2. There is a shifting in the atmosphere
3. Or anything about your haters

I immediately tune out and start planning my grocery list for the next week.

 

[Shimmie]

Congratulations...

My only advice...

Speak from your heart. It will flow. Share what encourages you and what got you through. Use the scriputure that God used to keep you going and what it means to you.

It will never fail because you don't have to think about nor remember anything, it just simply pours from your heart and blesses others.

 

[LucieLoo12]

Also, it is good to go with a "agenda" but always be sensitive to the voice of God. It has been so many times I have ministered and had a "plan" and God changed it up. But I had to go with it because God knows the needs and the condition of the people that will be in the audience. I heard a minister say 80% prayer, 20% study. He wasn't saying to study little , it was just an analogy saying you always want to be in the presence of God seeking a word,than just in your bible getting information. I have seen many "intelligent" speakers minster the word of God but they had no anointing because it was all book knowledge. But in prayer is where God anoints us and prepare our hearts for the work.

We have the thing at my church called "Be instant". It's done on Wednesdays every now and then. Meaning the pastor will call you up out the blue to come minister to the people. Now of course our Pastor is going to be led, he is not about to call up a visitor or a new convert. But God uses the person EVERY single time! He never made anyone ashamed because their trust was in God, not in their own ability. We as Christians don't run to our bible just when we have to speak, but reading the word of God is something we should do daily (Not saying you dont just making a general statement) It has been times my pastor has called me like 2 hrs before service to minister at the bible study. But I don't run to my word, I go to prayer first so God can lead where to go in my word. Girl, sometimes, I go into prayer before I have to speak and i get NOTHING. God puts nothing on my heart! And it is not until I go up to the podium, that He fills my mouth. It's all about connection/relationship and trust. So you do have about 2 weeks to prepare and that's good. But remember to spend more time on your face praying and God will lead you.. You don't want to go with a bunch of scriptures but no anointing. Because it is the anointing that will break the yoke.

 

[Laela]

^^I agree, LucieLoo, that God already knows what that audience needs to hear.... the Anointing is the Holy Spirit... not oil or titular designation by man. So one-on-one time with Him is good (prayer, fasting, etc) to hear clearly from the Holy Spirit. I've seen people with prepared sermons deviate from the "script" because God had something to say to us, that was not on that piece of paper... and someone needed to hear that. That's how God works... "off script" lol

DarlingNiki1977 .. also consider Moses, he had no idea what to tell God's people and how... God had something to say about that:

Exodus 4:11-12The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

 

[DarlingNiki1977]

Thank you thank you thank you thank you ladies so much!! (especially Iwanthealthyhair67, LucieLoo12, Nice & Wavy, momi, Shimmie & Laela) I cant thank you all quite enough!! My speech went so well. Everyone was very complimentary, and I was told that I touched on all subjects and really spoke to them. The pastor said I did a fantastic job, and the board said I was profound and wise beyond my years. I truly couldn't have done it without you ladies. You pointed me in the right direction, and I am so grateful for that. You ladies ROCK!!!!