Reading: Introduction to Ministry Speaking

Outline of "So You've Been Asked to Speak" Course Introduction by Bruce Ballast

Introduction

• Bruce Ballast introduces himself as the course leader with significant experience in ministry and preaching.
• He sets the context for the course, which is designed for individuals asked to speak in various capacities within a church setting.

Assumptions of the Course

• The course assumes that participants have been asked to engage in roles like preaching, leading devotions, or conducting Bible studies.
• It is aimed at helping participants construct effective, impactful messages.

Content Overview

• The course material Bruce presents is a subset of a more extensive 36-session course on preaching available at Christian Leaders Institute (CLI).
• He encourages further exploration of CLI's offerings for those interested in deeper learning.

Focus on Preaching

• Bruce acknowledges his background in preaching and confirms that while he will focus on preaching, the principles taught are applicable to any form of public speaking within religious contexts.

Personal Experience and Motivation

• Bruce shares his early experiences in preaching, highlighting a pivotal moment with a mentor who helped him focus on audience engagement and effective communication.
• This mentorship sparked his lifelong interest in refining the art of preaching.

Effective Communication

• He emphasizes that the effectiveness of a message often depends on the Holy Spirit's influence, but certain skills and strategies can enhance a speaker's impact.
• Bruce advocates for crafting messages with the listener in mind, ensuring clarity and engagement.

Source of Messages

• Messages can originate from divine inspiration as experienced by the prophets who felt directly compelled by God to deliver specific communications.
• Personal conviction or a strong impulse to convey a particular message can also drive the content of speeches.

Developing Messages

• Bruce discusses the process of message development, starting from a divine or inner urge, through scriptural insights, to personal or observed experiences.
• He explains how messages can also arise from connections made between the speaker’s insights and the audience’s needs or contexts.

Methodologies and Tools

• The course will explore different methodologies for message development, ensuring participants can create resonant and meaningful content.
• Future sessions will delve deeper into where messages come from and how to structure them effectively.

Conclusion and Invitation

• Bruce concludes the introduction by inviting participants to return for the next session, promising to continue exploring effective strategies for public speaking within a religious framework.

Summary

• The course introduction sets the stage for understanding the essentials of public speaking in a religious context, emphasizing the need for speakers to be engaging, thoughtful, and sensitive to the spiritual dynamics of their audience.