How to Take the First Step: Starting a Speaking Ministry

Have you ever had to step out of the boat like Peter did, when the seas were raging, the wind was blowing, the mist was slapping at his face, and the waves were crashing so furiously he could hardly see Jesus in front of him? At first, Peter was gung-ho about taking his first step, but then he doubted himself until Jesus reassured him that everything was okay.

It’s scary to take that first step sometimes.

At other times, the first step is easy — it’s the next steps that become difficult.

Have you ever taken on a project, ready to do whatever was necessary, only to lose steam and motivation and determination after the task at hand didn’t quite go as planned, took longer than you thought it would, or was just plain more difficult than you ever imagined?

A couple years ago, David and I had an amazing opportunity. A literary agent gave us the encouragement and resources to finally write our story. In addition to telling us it was time to write our book, she nudged us to also start up a speaking ministry.

This scared us. We took several weeks to process what this might look like. We prayed diligently about it. Then we took a leap of faith as we called our agent and told her “Yes. We will give this a shot, purely out of an act of obedience.”

We didn’t have any idea what the first step was, let alone the many steps after that. But you know what? God knows the steps of our future.

In our situation, God placed amazing people in our midst that taught us what we needed to know to start a social media network. God placed an incredibly talented ghostwriter in our lives who helped us capture our story onto the pages of our book, “Walk Through Fire.”

God hooked us up with a speaking coach who taught us the basics of developing our message so we could take the next step in creating our speaking ministry.

I have a dear friend, Robyn, who reminds me that “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.”

“God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” Click To Tweet

On our own, we can’t do anything. But with God, all things are possible!

Here are a few things I’ve found helpful when I’ve been nervous about taking the next step, whatever that might be. Maybe it’s a decision about a new job, or moving to a new community, or volunteering in a new ministry, or trying out for the worship team at your church, or writing your story…

• Don’t give up just because it gets tough.
• Keep using the God-given gifts and talents you have.
• Ask close friends and mentors their opinions on what you’re doing. Get feedback.
• Pray! Don’t forget to ask God to give you wisdom, strength and peace.

And remember: sometimes, you just have to take the very first step out of the boat. It might seem like a leap of faith, but God will reach out His hand to calm the waters and help you take the first step and the next steps as well. Remember to keep your eyes on Christ.

If you’re interested in having David and me come speak at an event or group, please contact us at bowers.carly@yahoo.com