The instructor asked the ten of us in the room an unusual question. It went something like this: How has your life been impacted by top Christian speakers who visited your church or camp? In addition to the question, what arrested my attention was the brimming confidence in his demeanor. He didn’t ask IF we had been impacted by top Christian itinerant (traveling) speakers, but HOW. There was no doubt in his mind that each one would have critical, life-trajectory-defining moments to report.
He was right.
For the next hour the atmosphere reverberated with the cataclysmic influence of God-called, God-sent itinerant speakers.
When it was my turn, I thought of me as a high school senior, completely unsure about my next step in life. Thankfully, the leadership of my church invited top Christian speakers for a week-long special event that February. One night the speaker spoke about purpose. He invited anyone wrestling with that question to simply pray, “Lord, show me what You want me to do,” and then just be quiet. I responded. Nothing visibly or audibly significant happened during that time of prayer, but God was about to answer in the way He knew I needed. After all the “Amens” were said, a church leader bee-lined toward me and asked if I’d heard of a specific ministry training program. I had earlier that very day! The most dramatic peace replaced the tiring heaviness I’d been carrying. I wore a beaming smile as I told some friends, “I know what I’m supposed to do next!”
The Role of Top Christian Speakers in Spiritual Growth
Every story has its unique attributes, but the common denominators found in thousands of stories should get us, and especially those in leadership positions, on the edge of our seats. In other words, my story includes details not meant to be copied and pasted for everyone else. God works uniquely, creatively, individually. How many “burning bush experiences” occurred in the Bible? Just one—even though many encountered God and were called to a specific assignment. While there are several components, one key ingredient in millions of “God changed my life” stories is God’s use of an itinerant speaker, whether top Christian speakers or relatively unknown, nevertheless, God-sent speakers.
The Statistics Behind the Influence
80+% of pastors and missionaries credit their ministry “call” to the ministry of an itinerant speaker who came to their church, conference, camp, or special event! Wow! Additionally, how many people began their new life with God when a visiting speaker shared the Good News of what Jesus Christ has done on their behalf? While I don’t have an exact answer, it hits close to home. I discovered in recent years: that was true for my mom at age 14 when top Christian speakers visited Jamestown, NY, and also for my Dad, who was raised in church but made a commitment to Christ when a guest speaker came! How many have grown in their faith, been empowered or equipped, heard “a word in due season,” made life-altering decisions, or “came back home” because of the influence of an itinerant speaker?
Chances are you know at least one.
Partnering with Top Christian Speakers
Has God placed you in a position of leadership or influence? You desire to see God transform the lives around you. You labor week after week building God’s kingdom. Perhaps you feel alone or worn in the task. First things first – thank YOU for your service! God sees everything you do, the manner you do it, and promises to reward those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). “My dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (I Corinthians 15:58 CSB). Don’t give up!
Perhaps there is a practical step to consider. History and modern events prove that God has accomplished much and gotten hold of untold lives when God-called local leaders and laborers AND God-called itinerant speakers work together! They are not in competition. When a pastor or leadership team calls top Christian speakers, it doesn’t imply a poor job at the local level. It’s a wise use of partnership that can benefit everybody. Many local leaders have found ministry partners, counsel, encouragement, and lifelong friendship from the visit of an itinerant speaker. And many visiting speakers have found the same from pastors and churches!
Biblical Examples of Itinerant Speakers
The apostle Paul would have certainly been considered one of the top Christian speakers of his time! He served on staff at a local church and later traveled as an itinerant. Listen to the heart of this traveling speaker who loved local churches, found in Romans 1:8-17:
- “Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you!”
- “God knows how often I pray for you.”
- “I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.”
- “I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.”
- “I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit.”
- “I am eager to come to you…to preach the Good News.”
Read those items again slowly. God still calls certain like-minded individuals to fulfill certain kingdom purposes as itinerant speakers.
Inviting Top Christian Speakers
Not all top Christian speakers resemble these desires, so it’s important to call those who do. If you have proven connections, maybe it’s time to strategize as leaders and invite one for a special event! These events often breed the atmosphere of expectancy, enthusiasm, unity, and urgency, which prepare the way for lives to be changed! Maybe you feel stirred or interested but are unsure where to turn. Good news! Forge has a God-called team of passionate itinerant speakers available to you!
Is it time to call a speaker to your church, conference, camp, event, or retreat?
I for one am glad my pastor did!
