What should people carry home?
Name one change you hope to see: a new understanding, a conversation to start, a habit to practice, or a response of faith. A clear outcome is more useful than a long list of topics.
Resource for event organizers · Speaker planning checklist
Better gatherings start
before the stage.
A practical checklist for youth directors, church leaders, and conference teams choosing a speaker and preparing a meaningful experience.
Discuss your event ↗An organizer's checklist
Five decisions that make the experience stronger.
Based on years working in youth ministry, conference sessions, and event facilitation, these are practical questions AJ recommends settling before a speaker begins building the experience.
Who is actually in the room?
Describe the age range, faith background, adult leaders, group size, and known pastoral sensitivities. A room of seventh graders needs a different pace than adult volunteers.
Where does the message fit?
Share the larger schedule: worship, discussion, free time, music, and transitions. For multi-session events, build a coherent thread instead of unrelated talks.
What does the space make possible?
Confirm microphones, screen visibility, power, movement space, props, stage access, and rehearsal or sound-check time. Let your speaker know which production requests need advance approval.
Who supports the response afterward?
Designate the leaders who can help attendees process questions or take practical steps after the session. The most valuable conversations may happen outside the auditorium.
Make the inquiry easy to answer.
Include proposed dates, location, expected attendance, age group, session count, theme, budget guidance, and travel expectations. Specifics help clarify fit and scope sooner.
Program ideas
Match the message to the gathering.
If you're organizing a middle- or high-school event, start with youth speaking and explore Unfiltered for a connected experience centered on identity and grace.
If you're planning a retreat for adults or a leadership gathering, explore adult speaking and workshops covering identity, community, daily faith, and healthy influence.
Frequently asked questions
Good questions. Clear answers.
How early should we invite a speaker?
As soon as you know tentative dates, audience, theme, and a working budget. Availability is not guaranteed until details are confirmed.
Should every session have a separate topic?
Not necessarily. A connected narrative can help a multi-session gathering deepen the message and make space for reflection across the weekend.
Do you recommend built-in reflection time?
Yes, when appropriate for the event. A short pause for guided reflection or small-group conversation can help students and adults process what they have heard.
What information belongs in the first inquiry?
Include organization, contact, proposed dates, venue or location, audience ages and size, planned sessions, event theme, and any known travel or budget constraints.
Bring the right message to your room.
Tell AJ what you're planning, who will be there, and what you want people to carry home.