Speaking Engagements

Report Back: Starry Night Women’s Christmas Banquet

It was such a joy, recently, to share with the wonderful women of Blackshear, Georgia, at Emmanuel Baptist Church’s women’s Christmas banquet, Starry Night. And, what a heartwarming delight to fellowship with dear friends (Pastor) Mike and Andrea Stone again.

My husband and I arrived in Blackshear Thursday night after a blessedly uneventful drive in. On Friday, we met Andrea and event coordinator, Yvonne, along with a few other church members, for lunch at a “homey” little bistro called J. Leonard’s on Main.

Friday night’s banquet was a delicious meal at Blackshear’s charming Train Depot. Each table was stunningly decorated by various EBC ladies.

Yvonne warmly welcomed us and guided us———————-Olivia provided our lovely special music.
through the evening as emcee.

The topic of my keynote devotional was The Women of Christmas. We looked at the stories of Elizabeth, Anna, and Mary in Luke 1-2, examining these sisters’ godly character and how they serve as examples to us as Christian women today. (No audio or video is available, but we used my notes for the evening to record a similar episode of A Word Fitly Spoken, also titled The Women of Christmas.)

The planning committee graciously gave me a wonderful gift bag from Ganas Pecan Co. in nearby Waycross, Georgia. Oh my! So delicious. And I almost can’t wait to take down my Christmas towels and display this cute cloth in my kitchen.

The ladies all seemed to have an enjoyable evening of food, fun, and fellowship.

The lovely evening was all too brief, and we said our goodbyes and headed back to the hotel. I was so glad Mike was able to stop by for a visit after a day of deer hunting. He is such a dear brother.

Scott Lesley, Michelle Lesley, Mike Stone

Before leaving the next morning, I was able to squeeze in breakfast with Andrea and our friend Hayley. Sisterly fellowship time is so special.

Hayley, Michelle, Andrea

On our way back home we were able to stop in northern Florida to visit some old family friends and the lake.

It was such a wonderful weekend with the ladies of Emmanuel Baptist, Blackshear. Thanks so much to Mike, Andrea, Yvonne, and all the other brothers and sisters of EBC who made us feel right at home and worked so hard to host a fantastic banquet. If you’re ever in the area and need a good church to visit, make plans to spend the Lord’s Day with these wonderful brothers and sisters.


If your church or organization is ever in need of a speaker for a womenโ€™s event, Iโ€™d love to come share with your ladies as well. Click here for more information, or to find an upcoming event near you!


Photo Credits

Many thanks to all of the attendees who took or shared many of the event photos above. You may assume that if I’m in the picture or if it’s a good quality photo that I didn’t take it. The remaining photos were shot by me.

Doctrinally Sound Teachers

Doctrinally Sound Christian Women to Follow – 3

Canโ€™t you just recommend somebody โ€“ anybody โ€“ whose Christian book we can walk into a store, pick up off the best-seller shelf, and buy?

Unfortunately, with a few rare exceptions, the answer is no. There are several reasons for that which I wonโ€™t go into in this article, but, generally speaking, youโ€™re not going to be able to walk into your local Christian retailer and buy a book authored by a doctrinally sound Christian woman whose name you recognize. Women who rightly handle Godโ€™s word? Youโ€™ll usually find them out of the spotlight and close to home- serving their husbands, families, and local churches, and impacting them with the gospel- too busy for book tours and autograph sessions.

Thatโ€™s the kind of Christian women youโ€™ll find below, only theyโ€™ve dedicated their moments of spare time to edifying others. Their blogs, podcasts, and other materials can be a great leisure time supplement to what youโ€™re learning in church- but theyโ€™re not a substitute. Look to your pastor, good teachers, and the godly women of your church for teaching and discipleship.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Donโ€™t take my (or anyone elseโ€™s) word for it that any ministry, podcast, book, or blog is biblical in its doctrine. You MUST do the work of comparing with Scripture everything you read and hear. If it doesnโ€™t match up with Godโ€™s word (in context), chuck it.

Womenโ€™s Hope Podcastโ€“ โ€œJoin Dr. Shelbi Cullen and Kimberly Cummings as they bring hope and encouragement through 25 years of combined experience in biblical discipleship and counseling as ACBC counselors. Shelbi and Kimberly provide biblical and practical wisdom by coming alongside women with the teaching and resources necessary to grow in the grace and the knowledge of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”  Facebook Group Twitter Instagram

Sheologiansโ€“ Tune in weekly (available on iTunes) for episodes dealing withโ€ฆwell, you never know. From feminism to abortion, chick-lit to Christian bands,ย Summer Jaegerย and Joy Hunter tackle a wide array of topics, both sacred and secular, from a biblical perspective. Itโ€™s good theology with a healthy dose of hilarity. Check out theirย articles, too!ย Facebook Twitter Instagram

4 Truth Ministry– “4 Truth Ministry seeks to publicly proclaim with boldness and clarity truths from Holy Scripture. Our mission is to teach through a public venue into places where the whole of Scripture might not be clearly taught…We do seek to make teaching available to believers who may have theological questions which they are not getting answers for in their particular contexts.” Kerri Sheldon (a previous guest poster here on the blog) helps run 4 Truth Ministry alongside her mom and theologian dad, with whom she co-authored the book Resolute. Facebook Twitter Instagram

The Berean Millennial– You can always find super content on Katie’s platforms, especially Instagram. Geared toward young women hungry for good theology and doctrinally sound resources, Katie informs her audience on everything from church history to great homeschool books to biblical terminology and concepts, and more! And be sure to check out her podcast, Abide, with her co-host, Natalie. Facebook Twitter Instagram

A Word Fitly Spoken– I don’t mention it often here on the blog, but I actually have a podcast too, with my lovely co-host, Amy Spreeman. We cover a wide variety of topics – discernment, discipleship, church, current events in evangelicalism, the occasional interview, and even a fun listener Q&A every now and then – all from a doctrinally sound perspective. Listen in on your favorite podcast platform or on the AWFS website. Facebook Twitter Instagram


You can always find these – and more great Christian women and men to follow – at the Recommended Bible Teachers tab in the blue menu bar at the top of this page.

Doctrinally Sound Teachers

Doctrinally Sound Christian Women to Follow – 2

The internet is glutted with โ€œChristianโ€ womenโ€™s blogs, many of which are anything but Christian because they donโ€™t teach what accords with sound doctrine.

Well, genuinely regenerated Christian women have had enough. Enough of the false doctrine from celebrity divangelistas. Enough of the feel-good fluff that takes them nowhere in their quest for spiritual maturity. We want teachers who will push us to study Godโ€™s word, who exhort and encourage and even step on our toes as we seek to be conformed to the image of Christ.

If you loved Doctrinally Sound Christian Women to Follow โ€“ 1 and wanted more, you’ve found it.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Donโ€™t take my (or anyone elseโ€™s) word for it that any ministry, podcast, book, or blog is biblical in its doctrine. You MUST do the work of comparing with Scripture everything you read and hear. If it doesnโ€™t match up with Godโ€™s word (in context), chuck it.

Berean Researchโ€“ โ€œBerean Research is a resource to help Christians equip and keep themselves and their brothers and sisters from falling into deception. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns us of a time when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but will gravitate to a great number of teachers whoโ€™ll say what their itching ears want to hear. We believe this deception has never been greater than it is right now. Thatโ€™s why sound doctrine is so important.โ€ Join Amy Spreeman and Marsha West over at Berean Research. Facebook Twitter

Abandoned to Christโ€“ Sunny Shell writes โ€œabout marriage, biblical submission, parenting, friendships, evangelism, and my battle with a rare metabolic diseaseโ€ฆall with the eternal, rich and hope-filled perspective of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I try to keep it real, while keeping it pure, to keep it praiseworthy.โ€ Facebook  Twitter

Solid Food Resourcesโ€“ Debi Martinโ€™s excellent blog and podcast examine Scripture and a variety of theological topics. โ€œSolid Food Resources exists to provide Biblically sound resources (solid food) for the maturing believer โ€“ helping Christians grow from milk to meat.โ€

Women Under Graceโ€“ Formerly a blog, Women Under Grace is now a Facebook group. “We are a community of Christian women who, first and foremost, seek to glorify God in all areas of our lives….predominantly a forum for dialogue between Reformed women. That being said, we welcome all those who genuinely seek to know the truths of the Scriptures…Our desire is that this would be a safe place where women can come to ask genuine questions and discuss a variety of topics from theology, doctrine, Scripture, and even how to address issues in culture and entertainment through a biblical lens. But most of all, we want to strive to cultivate an atmosphere that encourages the members to โ€œgrow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christโ€ as we seek to โ€œtest all thingsโ€ by the Scriptures.” Facebook

Naomiโ€™s Tableโ€“ Founded by Amy Spreeman, Naomi’s Table is a Bible study resource for women who are earnestly abiding in Jesus Christ through His Word. “Here at the Table, you are invited to peruse our Bible studies and use them for yourself or with a group to learn at the feet of our magnificent Savior, Jesus Christ. We study His Word and learn about the often confusing roles the world tells us we need to take on, and compare those pressures with what the Bible says about Godly women and discipleship. Since 2014, most of our Bible studies are taught by Beth Seifert.” Facebook  Twitter

Tulips & Honeyโ€“ โ€œThe Tulips & Honey Hub is a group of like minded Reformed bloggers and podcasters seeking to make His name known to man, and to glorify Him!โ€ Check out the T&H podcast and blog!  Facebook Twitter Instagram

Truth + Fireโ€“ You might have caught a glimpse of my friend Constance in the film American Gospel: Christ Alone, but did you know she has a blog and a podcast, too? โ€œTruth + Fire boldly examines faith, pop culture, relationships and current events from a witty Christian perspective. Infusing humor, practicality and Biblical wisdom, its topics are covered full of righteous judgment and with as little filter the good Lord will allow. Its goal is to expose readers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to declare the full counsel of God and to demonstrate the relevance of Godโ€™s Word in our present generation and individual lives. Readers should come away from this blog edified in their faith and encouraged to abide in Christ through further study and sincere application of His Word.โ€  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

Thankful Homemaker– “Thankful Homemaker provides truth-filled, gospel-driven encouragement to homemakers who amid their ordinary days desire to honor and glorify God in all things.” Check out the TH blog and podcast hosted by Marci Ferrell. Facebook Twitter Instagram

Transformed for More– Sarah and Susan “are twin sisters with a passion to help provide Christians with resources to help them live a transformed life by the power of Jesus Christ. From 2016-2019, this site focused specifically on Christian teenage girls, but for 2020 and beyond, we wanted to expand it to help a wider audience.” Facebook Twitter Instagram


You can always find these – and more great Christian women and men to follow – at the Recommended Bible Teachers tab in the blue menu bar at the top of this page.

Doctrinally Sound Teachers

Doctrinally Sound Christian Women to Follow – 1

False teachers. You can’t throw a rock out the window these days without hitting one. But are there any “good guys” out there who are getting it right? Discipleship, Bible study, and theological issues bloggers who rightly divide God’s word? You bet. You might have to do a little digging and turn over a few rocks, but they are out there, most, sans “Christian Celebrity” status, plugging away day after day, faithfully teaching God’s word. Here are some godly Christian women who are getting it right. No name it and claim it. No signs and wonders. No health, wealth, and prosperity. Just sound doctrine straight from God’s word.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Don’t just take my (or anyone else’s) word for it that any ministry, podcast, book, or blog is biblical in its doctrine. You MUST do the work of comparing with Scripture everything you read and hear. If it doesn’t match up with God’s word (in context), chuck it.

Chapter 3 Ministries–  Sharon Lareau writes a wonderful blog on marriage, apologetics, and the Christian life. “Marriage and apologetics are the two main topics addressed here, but not the only ones. Chapter 3 Ministries reaches beyond them. We cannot limit our Christian experience to one or two things. There is so much in Christ to love and learn about!” Facebook  Twitter

The End Time– Elizabeth Prata is a blogging machine. Her articles are always thoughtful and well researched. “This blog is about encouragement, discernment, and prophecy. Each essay focuses on one of these with the prayer that through them, God is exalted. No matter how dark the days or how weary the heart, He is the Light and our hope.” Facebook  Twitter

Christian Answers for the New Age– When it comes to mysticism and the New Age movement, Marcia Montenegro really knows her stuff. “Christian Answers for the New Age is a ministry responding to alternative religions: to inform and educate others about New Age and occult beliefs; to respond to those involved in New Age/ occult/ Eastern belief systems with the love and truth of Christ (I Peter 3:15-16); and to serve as a resource on aspects of New Age/ occult thinking and practices such as astrology, psychic powers, meditation, witchcraft/ Wicca, alternative healing, magick, etc.” Marcia writes most actively on these topics on her Facebook page.

Susan Heck– “Susan’s ministry emphasizes sequential teaching of the Bible marching verse-by-verse through the Sacred Library. We are involved with teaching Biblical books to capture their originally intended meaning; mentoring women; Scripture memorization; writing Ladies Bible Studies; counseling and discipling. ” Instagram Facebook YouTube

Martha Peace Martha “teaches ladies’ Bible study classes and counseling classes…and travels extensively all over the world and conducts seminars for ladies’ groups” on biblical topics. Be sure to check out her free downloadable Bible studies! Facebook

Doreen Virtue– Raised in the New Age Movement and one of its leaders for years, Doreen has an amazing testimony of how Christ saved her. Now she teaches on the dangers and deceptions of the New Age as well as other biblical topics. Check out her YouTube broadcast.  Facebook Twitter Instagram

Proverbs 9:10 Ministries– “Understanding the Bible and knowing the true Gospel message for yourself is crucial in todayโ€™s world thatโ€™s saturated with false teaching and gospels being preached that are really not the true Gospel message at all…Itโ€™s time to take out the trash, and replace it with truth!” Join this dynamic duo of sound doctrine, Rose Spiller and Chris Paxon, for their podcast No Trash, Just Truth!, subscribe to their YouTube channel, and more! Facebook Instagram

Reagan Scott– “Redeemed. Truth Seeker. Free Thinker” – that’s how Reagan has been known to describe herself. And she couldn’t be more accurate. Formerly Media and Communications Manager for a large conservative political organization, Reagan is now a full time stay at home wife and mom. But she still lights up social media, commenting on politics and social issues with a blatantly biblical bent. On biblical topics, her doctrine is timeless, freshly communicated to young women eager for the truth of Scripture. Reagan’s main online platform is Instagram, so be sure to give her a follow over there and check out her highlights to get started. Facebook Twitter

Robin Self– Robin is a pastor’s wife who blogs about a variety of biblical topics – from false teachers to avoid, to women’s ministry help, to devotions, and more – at A Worthy Walk. Give her a follow! Facebook


You can always find these – and more great Christian women and men to follow – at the Recommended Bible Teachers tab in the blue menu bar at the top of this page.

Speaking Engagements

Y’all Come! – Speaking Engagement Updates

Need an opportunity to get together with other godly women for fellowship and good teaching? I’d love for you to come to one of my conferences!

If you haven’t checked out the calendar of events on my Speaking Engagements page (in the blue menu bar at the top of this page), here’s an update. I hope you’ll be able to attend one of these – I’d love to see you! I’ll be posting more about each of these as the dates get nearer, and I hope to add several more!

2021 Calendar:

June 4-5- Cruciform ConferenceIndianapolis, Indiana. Breakout sessions for women. This one is coโ€“ed (except for my breakout sessions), so bring your husbands, ladies!

July 12-16- Reverence in Radical Times women’s conference, online. (This is the 2021 iteration of the 2020 OHCW online conference.) Join me, Martha Peace, Susan Heck, Erin Coates, Shelbi and Kimberly from the Womenโ€™s Hope podcast, Marci from Thankful Homemaker, and more, as we examine Titus 2:3-5. (More details to come.)

July 31- Women’s Conference, Providence Baptist Church in Opelika, Alabama. (This conference is open to women in the surrounding areas, but you must contact the church directly for details.)

September 11- Women’s Conference, Maranatha Baptist Church in Nashville, Arkansas. (This conference is open to women in the surrounding areas, but you must contact the church directly for details.)

September 25-26 (Sat./Sun.)- Women’s Conference, Ekalaka Bible Church in Ekalaka, Montana. (This conference is open to women in the surrounding areas, but you must contact the church directly for details.)

October 22-23- Womenโ€™s Conference,ย Pop-Up Church inย Faber, Virginia.ย (This conference will be open to women in the surrounding areas, but youย must contact the church directlyย for details.)

Newly added!

November 5-6- Womenโ€™s Conference, New Prospect Baptist Church inย Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.ย (This conference is open to women in the surrounding areas, but youย must contact the church directlyย for details.)

Couldn’t find a conference near you? Stay tuned. I’ve still got a few events pending that I’ll announce as soon as we can get the details ironed out.

Or, if you’re unable to attend one of the events above, host your own! I’d love to come speak to the ladies of your church or Christian organization. I have a few spots left on my 2021 calendar, and now is a great time to start planning for 2022 conference dates.

Need a little help with the details? Check out the rest of the information on my Speaking Engagements page, including my article, Womenโ€™s Events on a Shoestring Budget (Plus- Tips for Hosting an Event!).

I also have a speaking engagement option that makes hosting an event easier and less expensive: speaking engagement packages. Choose from my most popular biblical topics and the most common conference formats, and we’ll send you the set speaking fee for that conference. (Of course, if you have another topic you’d like me to speak on or a format that’s unique to your event, that option is still available.)

I hope to see you soon at an event near you!