Over the past 30 years, I have had the privilege to speak and present in a variety of settings and on a variety of topics including: faith, technology, church culture, parenting, kindness, preaching, parenting, race, and politics.
I am grateful for every speaking invitation and chance to share what I am passionate about, as well as for the opportunity to get to know others who share the same desire to make the world a better place.
NOTE: If your event or organization is not LGBTQIA+ affirming, does not have women in leadership, and/or does not prioritize diversity in its speaking roster, I am unlikely to consider speaking at your event. We can discuss this, and I won't say never or put you on blast, but I am not willing to lend my name to spaces that are not actively engaging in or pursuing intersectional work.
If you're still here, that's fantastic!
Here are just a few of the gatherings where I have spoken, preached, or presented in the past.
- Multiple congregational retreats and educational events
- Festival of Homiletics
- The Earl Lectures
- Montreat Youth and College Conferences
- Next Church
- Lion & the Lamb Festival
- Presbyterian Youth Triennium
- Wildgoose Festival
- Search for Meaning Festival
COST AND FEES: Not all organizations can afford to invite speakers for gatherings and events. I also know that being away from home comes at a cost to my family and the local communities I serve. All fees are negotiable, but at the bare minimum, I request compensation at the same rate as previous speakers. A note of thanks to organizations and congregations that have and use their money in ways that allow me to say yes to others who may not have the same resources.
I value transparency and setting clear expectations. Below are both my starting costs and preferred accommodation vendors. All arrangements are negotiable, but here is where I start:
Booked in 2025 Guest Preaching Fees & Logistics:
- $500-$1,500 for Sunday worship and town hall or conversation time. These fees are dependent upon the size of the congregation and/or the current guest preaching rate.
- If travel us required, the congregation will reimburse for mileage, airfare and/or hotel (see below for details)
Booked in 2025 Zoom Speaking & Logistics:
- $500-1,000/hour depending on content needs.
- I am available from 6:00am – 6:00pm Pacific Time
- I limit Zoom/Online to 1 hour increments and not more than 3 hours total.
Booked in 2025 In-Person Speaking Fees & Logistics:
- Presentation Fees: $4,000 for the first day and $500 for each additional day.
- Travel: The event will cover flight and/or car rental. I will come in the day before and/or stay a day after to avoid early or late flights because I am old 🙂
- Lodging: The event will cover lodging at the event site or a local hotel As much as I love people, I need my introvert time, so I am not open to shared housing.
- Food: I am not picky, but I do need to eat. The event will cover all food costs during the event as well as travel days. I love eating out at local eateries and def appreciate invitations to join folks in exploring the local food scene.
- Technology: Generally, the event will be able to provide projection capabilities where I can plug my laptop in via HDMI and I am able to control with my bluetooth remote. Sermons are the exception.
- Other expenses: I do not generally have many other expenses associated with my speaking, so any other costs would be agreed upon beforehand.
EXAMPLE: In-Person, Three Days
$4,000 + $500 + 500 = $5,000 + Travel and Housing
- Thursday/Friday: I arrive by plane, car, or flying unicorn.
- Friday: Intro and Session 1 (60-90 Minutes)
- Saturday I: Workshop (120-180 Minutes)
- Saturday II: Casual Conversations (Meal or gathering with church leaders)
- Sunday I: Preach During worship service/s
- Sunday II: Adult Education
- Sunday PM or Monday AM: Depart
Preferred Vendors
- Airline: Southwest "Choice Preferred"
- Hotel: Hilton Brand
- Car Rental: Hertz Rental
- Insurance: I carry my own travel insurance via Allianz.
Other Details
- Invoicing and Billing: The event will invoiced via Bill.com, but can be paid via Paypal, Venmo, Credit Card or Check.
- Contract and Deposit: After we agree on a date/time, I will block the time on my calendar, and the event will be sent a contract requesting a 50% deposit to confirm. The Deposit is forfeited if the event is canceled less than 30 days before the beginning of the event.
- Diva Stuff: Before we do this, note that I also expect white doves to scatter lavender rose petals before me as I leave my room each day. In extreme cases, gray doves will suffice. /sarcasm
- Date Check: The biggest obstacle to my being with you are dates. While there may be a few things not listed below, the following calendar is my confirmed and tentative speaking and travel schedule.