Jill Richardson Popular Speaking Topics

Other Speaking Topics

For Church Groups, Leadership Events, Conferences, seminars, panels, and Retreats

Topics can be stand alone presentations or 3-4 part retreat series.

Those Meddling Kids: Leading with Understanding and Love for the Next Generation
(See above description and video)

I’ve Got a Gun in My Garage, a Sword in My Car, and a Body in My Freezer–Life Lessons from Community Theater

Life is full of improvising, creating something out of nothing, getting out there ready or not, and helping others take the lead. So is church, as we’ve been made painfully aware.

A humorous look at how my ten years leading community theater and 25 years leading church relate to building the kingdom of God. It takes a brave leader to embrace the unexpected and turn it into ministry gold. How can change be good for the church, and how do we lead that change well?

(Jill has a doctorate literally in: Church Leadership in a Changing Context.)

Discipling the Next Generation Toward Leadership

Motivating the next generation to lead the church is a great idea—both biblically and practically. Yet often, pastors ask me the wrong questions: How can I get the young people in my church to take responsibility? How can I convince them to lead?

Leaders, those questions won’t get you where you want to be. Through a process of examining our attitudes, learning motivating questions and values, and evaluating our practical needs, we can come to a workable model for developing leadership among our younger generations. But first, we have to humbly ask the right questions. And listen to the answers.

“Jill’s many years of experience in ministry, drama, and writing give her a unique blend of gifts that is a blessing to both the church and the community. Her creativity and artistry are rare qualities, and her voice is one that needs to be heard.”

Preaching in the Sound Bite Age

Jill has spent the last five years studying the intersection of preaching, post-modern culture, adult learning methods, and church leadership. She's come to one conclusion—the way we preach sermons does not disciple our people, particularly our younger generations. If it is accurate that we retain only about five percent of what we hear, what is the fate of the average Sunday morning monologue?

If the average Christian attends church only once to twice a month, and few to no study events in between, how much better use should we be making of the time we have? How can we change our methods, not our message, to invite a sound bite generation into deep discipleship on Sunday morning?

Surrender Isn’t for Losers

Why is surrender a bad word in our society? American culture loves the bully, the take-charge-take-no-prisoners attitude, the Bruce Willis hero who considers a white flag a sign of cowardice. Yet Scripture speaks of surrender as a good thing—as an ultimate goal.

So how does that dissonance make discipleship difficult? What does a life surrendered to God look like? In reality, personal surrender to God’s desires is the ultimate act of courage and rebellion. It makes us more peaceful, grace-filled, and honest. It also gives us the power to take on anything he calls us to.

Saying Yes to Good Enough

We are exhausted. By living amid the cult of excellence. By being told anything less than 110% is a failure. By believing that making mistakes means we are failures. I suspect we might also get the subversive suspicion that, sometimes, good enough really is good enough.

Let’s run with that suspicion. Let’s learn to stop living in the prisons of comparison, condemnation, and control. FOMO doesn’t have to run our lives, and neither does fear of failure. What happens if we all embrace the possibility of good enough—and what happens after that? Let’s make a prison break to recapture joyful life.

“Loved the honesty. I feel like I can really face my issues because you did.”

Hobbits, Dragons, and Your Own Epic Kingdom Story

Based on Jill’s book, Hobbits, You, and the Spiritual World of Middle-earth. What makes epic stories epic? What are people looking for when they pick up an epic story, and how can we channel those longings into Kingdom purposes? How can we learn from the stories others tell how to make our own lives they story they were meant to be? As Samwise explains, stories matter. And the best ones should be our own.

Stories of Resilience: How Immigrants Make America Great

I downloaded the application to volunteer with refugees three times. I never filled it out. Only when tiny Alan Kurdi washed ashore in Turkey and uppercut all our consciences did I search for that form again. After three years of picking refugees up at the airport, teaching them English, and helping their kids with homework, I know a deep love and respect for these people who have defied death, and survived bureaucracy, to gain safety.

The massive contributions to American life, culture, and economy that immigrants make is one of the unknown stories of our time. The church teeters between fear and fulfillment, with the most potential to welcome but the greatest fear of the “other.” What if they knew the people I know? What if they heard their stories? What if they discovered their contributions? Could the church re-envision its role?

Ribbons of Grace: The First Three Chapters of Genesis in a New Light

The Garden of Eden is a story we all learn in Sunday school. (Or, you did maybe. I didn’t grow up in church.) It’s probably gotten so comfortable that we don’t ever look at it with fresh eyes. Creation, those 7 days of wonder, sets the stage for everything. It tells us who we are. It tells us why we’re made. It explains why we do the things we do that wreck relationships, our planet, and lots of other things.

These chapters matter so much to how we see ourselves and the world. They form a worldview that takes God seriously and gives his people a new understanding of the ribbons that run through the entire Bible, from here to the end, changing the way we interact in the world.

(Can be multiple presentations as needed)

Equally Yoked: Marriage (and before) the Way God Envisions Your Partnership

Most Christian couples want to live as God intended them to live together. Much of what is taught, however, doesn’t really tell the story of what God planned when he placed two people in the Garden. God planned a partnership. A co-regency of the earth. Two people, side by side, bringing his image everywhere they went. A pair who helped one another to handle both the wins and the losses.

There is no biblical manhood or womanhood, but there is biblical partnership. Learning how we can lean in to that role, rather than away from one another, is the key to truly joyful relationships.

Identity Theft

So many conflicting voices tell us who we are and who we’re supposed to be. Since humanity’s first rupture from God, we’ve been attempting to find who we are from anywhere we can—because we forgot whose we were. Current polarization between people, dividing into groups of “us” and “them,” shows how badly we look for identity in what we belong to rather than whom we belong to.

Only one voice wants to give us a life of promise and an identity that is secure beyond all fears and lies. So much that is broken in our lives can be healed by knowing who we are and who we were born to be. So much can be clear when we realize we are seen, known, and chosen for a purpose. Do you dare to live the story He has for you?

(This talk also can be crafted into a women’s Christmas event featuring the women in Jesus’ genealogy.)

“Jill is a well-traveled and published author with a relevant message. She will delight the listeners, and they will leave with a broader knowledge of who they are as well as having enjoyed her fellowship,” -Diana Flegel, Hartline Literacy Agency

Custom Discussion Format Topics
If you are holding a panel-type discussion in your church on a topic, consider Jill on issues dealing with: women in the church, missions and families, discipleship with Millennials, and Thoughtful Christianity.

For Writing and Writers

Writing Bravely–What’s Keeping You from Reaching Your Goals?

What’s the biggest handicap hindering your writing goals? Writer’s block? Marketing skills? Craft? Getting the contract? You really want to know? It’s probably fear. Fear of failure, inadequacy, and yes, even success. Fear we will offend. Fear the truth will hurt. Fear we don't know our own voice. Fear of someone finding out we don't know what we're doing (imposter syndrome).

In this workshop, participants work through the fears that are keeping them from reaching for their goals and find practical steps for conquering them. If you’re looking for a workshop that will send you out with peace and happiness unicorns, this is probably not your option. But if you want real tools and a kick toward where you want to be, come on in. Don’t be afraid.

Making It Memorable—Creative Nonfiction and Writing Stories that Change Us

There are movies my family can produce a quote from at any moment. Why have they made such an impact? Because the characters, conflict, and scene building are so exquisite we remember the words. Nonfiction writers can learn to infuse their work with creative techniques that bring us beyond mere telling of the facts to stories so memorable we see them.

This shouldn’t surprise us, because Jesus always communicated that way. Theology, history, and psychology all tell us people are changed by story, but too often, we write to tell people how to change rather than show them changed lives.

How do we take the information we want to convey and create an engaging, creative, true narrative of life touched by God? How can we write something an editor and a reader will remember long after they’ve forgotten your three alliterative main points?

We’ll cover creative nonfiction basics of description, introductions, sensory detail, and more as well as work on fun in-class exercises to practice it all.

Growing Your Voice—Who Am I, What’s My Point, What’s My Brand?

Do people tell you your writing needs focus? That you’re trying to write about too many things (raising my hand here)? Are you searching for that passion you really want to write about—the one that makes finding writing time joyful rather than stressful? Maybe you’ve heard all about brand, but you have no clue what yours should be. Or, perhaps you’re switching gears and stages and your voice is changing.

If you’re not sure what your writing voice is, or you’d like to hone it to make it sharper and more “on brand,” come learn some ways to find your voice, as well as practice in class skills that will focus your path. You'll leave knowing far more about what you uniquely need to say and do to make your writing speak your voice. If you want to grow in your writing this year—you first need to grow your voice.

Come and See—Writing Like a Disciple To Make Disciples

Some of Jesus’ first words were a question: What do you want? Literally, what is your purpose here? Do you sometimes wonder that, as a writer? We know all the disciplines—write every day, market constantly, build a tribe, query, rinse and repeat.

Sometimes though, do you question if you’re still connected to the One who called you to start the writing journey in the first place? If your job is to make disciples (and it is!), do you doubt your effectiveness in the middle of the business, and busyness, of writing?

If you’re questioning your niche, brand, or overall purpose in this writing work, maybe you need to sit with Jesus’ question. Jill takes Jesus’ first question—what do you want?—and digs into it for writers. We will follow, comer, see, and stay with Jesus in ways that make our writing ring with purpose.

Getting the Ask—Writing Queries and Intros that Get Noticed

I don’t always get a contract, but when I do . . . it’s because I wrote a great query. The market is tough and getting tougher. How do you stand out in the inbox and make sure you get the ask for your work? Surprising mistakes you don’t know you’re making may be keeping you from getting that coveted green light. We’ll cover some basics of stellar queries as well as some nuances for particular markets. Bring an idea and work on polishing it here.
Jill has received a “yes” in the past from from CT Pastors, CT Women, MOPS, (in)courage, and more.

Writing for Postmodern Parents

The writing I did as a new parent almost 30 years ago is significantly different than the writing. I do for parents now. Why? Does anything really change? You bet it does.

The values of newer generations are different. The tone they expect is different. The entire experience of "parenting the trophy kid" versus "parenting as a crazy, messy team" is radically different. We'll work through topics that are hot as well as ways to embrace (and not to offend) the new audience of parents.

Those Meddling Kids: Writing with Understanding and Love for the Next Generation

The values and goals of the generations behind us differ radically from our own. If we continue to write through only our lens, we will lose the ears of those coming after us--those we could both be passing wisdom to and learning from.

We'll examine five conflicting values and talk about why they make understanding our differences so difficult. Then we'll discover how we can learn from the values and goals of others and write words that bridge the divide.

Angry Prophets: Writing for Justice With Integrity and Grace

In Jill’s favorite movie series, King Theoden utters the line—“What can (people) do against such reckless hate?” Do you feel that way sometimes as you try to fathom the anger that permeates so much of our public communication today? Do you want to be part of the solution to reckless hate, but sometimes you fall victim to it because loving our enemies, in print, is hard work?

If God calls you to be a prophetic writer—one who speaks for justice and kindness in an unkind world—he’s also going to equip you to do it with grace and truth. He might well use righteous anger--God doesn't think an angry tone is altogether unwarranted at times. Yet He will use grace beside it. No matter what your genre or expectations, if you want to learn to speak well and wisely about public issues, come talk. We’ll consider how we can put these two together when we use our words for God’s calling.

Your Worst Nightmare—Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Grammar and Style

Have editors told you you need to eliminate the passive voice? Show not tell? Cut your dearly beloved adjectives and adverbs? Here’s why—and how. Polishing your manuscript to free it from errors and awkward style issues not only gets you a second look, but in this competitive market, it’s not even negotiable.

Jill will address using descriptive language, finding strong words to mean what you say, grammar rules you never knew, and more. The session is interactive with practice doing what you’re learning. Tackling all your confusion about commas, passion about punctuation, and terror of tense, Jill brings her experience as a teacher, a copyeditor for Tyndale House, and a freelance editor to your grammar and style questions.

For Parents

How Come I Was So Nice before I Had Kids

(See description and video above)

The Work of Play

Play is something we think we’ve grown out of. Yet in today’s world of “don’t waste time on anything that can’t go on a resume,” play is making a comeback. Why is it important? What does it do for us? How can we relearn to play ourselves, and how important is it to let our children just play?

Practical ideas and latest research on going back to the wonder of play in a busy mom’s world.

Failing Successfully

Who would think that failure had anything to do with hope? Given the number of young people living with anxiety over it, finding the tools to learn to fail successfully, and teaching them to our children, seems a very sane path toward hope.

Jill will teach some of the practical ideas outlined in her article on the A Fine Parent website. How can learning to fail truly release us from fears? How can teaching our children how to fail help them be happier, healthier, ultimately more successful kids?

“Thank you so much. I really needed that reminder in our crazy, pressurized world. These were great ideas for starting small where I am.”

Raising Girls in a #MeToo World

We can’t insulate our kids from all danger. There are, however, parenting choices we can make to help our children learn the respect, confidence, and intuition that offer a buffer against sexual abuse. Jill will go through some of the steps outlined in her article here on A Fine Parent.

She knows firsthand the harm caused by sexual predation, and with three grown daughters, she’s had ample practice in working toward avoiding #MeToo in one’s family. She will particularly address some of the mores in Christian culture that could be contributing to endangering our girls and how to biblically address them.

Unplugged

It takes bravery indeed to suggest not being available 24/7 in a plugged in world. What’s good and bad about technology and families? How do we set realistic limits? What are the alternatives? Recapture your kids (and yourself!) from an age of always ‘on’ and move toward making sane choices for your family.

Regain imagination, generosity, communication—oh the possibilities!—without becoming Amish. Practical plans for starting now.

“I am taking all of this home and applying it now.”

All Stressed Up and No Place to Go

Having a hospitable home at all times, even though Martha doesn’t live there and your kids definitely do. What does it mean to be hospitable? Does it look like the cover of a magazine, or does it look like something far better? What would it take to redefine hospitality and re-purpose your home to be truly welcoming? Especially requested during the holidays.

Families on Mission

Can toddlers serve God? Why would we make the effort, given that just getting them to church is like training for the Ironman? Serving with our children, at any age, isn’t just about doing good. It’s about creating little disciples who will love God and others naturally, daily. Jill outlines reasons, benefits, and practical how-to’s for making serving with kids a priority.

Showing Kindness to the Woman in the Mirror

Sometimes the last person we are kind to is the one in the mirror. When is the last time you did something nice for you? What was the last kind thing you said to yourself? What are the ways, little and large, we can stop treating ourselves like a last resort and start believing we deserve a little kindness? And you know what? When we are kind to ourselves, we shower that starry-eyed kindness on our kids, our spouses, and our world.

For Schools

Hobbits, Dragons, and Your Own Epic Kingdom Story

Based on Jill’s book, Hobbits, You, and the Spiritual World of Middle-earth. What makes epic stories epic? What are people looking for when they pick up an epic story, and how can we channel those longings into real life purposes? How can we learn from the stories others tell how to make our own lives they story they were meant to be?

So You Think You Can Write

Of course you can. Anyone can make his or her writing more interesting, fun, and, maybe, even publishable. What does it take to bring your creations from boooring to A+? A hands-on look at some basic tools of good writing that anyone, age 10-110, can use to get to the head of the class.

Writing with the Stars

How does a person go from writing down her thoughts in a journal or on a computer to seeing her name on the cover of a book? (Or in the credits for an e-book?) Jill’s journey from procrastination to publication and the nuts and bolts of how you might take that journey as well.

Your Worst Nightmare—Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Grammar and Style

Have teachers told you you need to eliminate the passive voice? Show not tell? Cut your dearly beloved adjectives and adverbs? Here’s why—and how. Using descriptive language, finding strong words to mean what you say, grammar rules you never knew, and more.

The session is interactive with practice doing what you’re learning. Tackling all your confusion about commas, passion about punctuation, and terror of tense, Jill brings her experience as a teacher, a copyeditor for Tyndale House, and a freelance editor to your questions.

Fantasy and Theology—Finding the Reason Behind Story

What is the purpose of fantasy and how can we use it to promote positive aspects of life? Is it purely escapism, or does fantasy serve a purpose that other writing can’t? How does this type of fiction affect culture, and does it matter?

Tolkien, Heroes, and Hope

How the ideas of JRR Tolkien, especially regarding heroes and hope, can change people today and give us a positive cultural impact.

Popular Speaking Topics

Other Speaking Topics

Join the Mailing List

Quick Links