Speaking

One of my greatest joys is speaking. I love connecting with people online and through books and articles, but there’s just no substitute for in-person connection, is there?

But my speaking isn’t about me—it’s about you and your needs. So here are some things you might want to know about my approach to your event.

• Availability. We’ve all attended events featuring a “sage on the stage” who is unapproachable and unavailable. That’s not me. My commitment is to be fully present at your event, ready to interact with attendees.
• Professionalism. In addition to being available to your event’s attendees, I commit to being available to you and your planning team as you prepare. It’s often said “The devil’s in the details,” and I know that you have many details to attend to. I’ll pray with you to keep the devil out of your plans and will work with you to ensure that all runs smoothly.
• Prayerful content. I’ve never been much of a proponent of a “one size fits all” approach, so I’m happy to work with you to craft an event that’s suited for your group’s needs. 

I’ve spoken to groups ranging in size from 25 to 2500. As a member of the Renovaré Ministry Team, I love to participate in events that are designed to help attendees grow in their love for God and one another. 



My speaking experience includes these venues:

• Renovaré regional and local conferences
• Apprentice National Gathering
• Pastors’ retreats
• Prayer retreats
• Church of the Brethren Annual Conference
• Women’s conferences
• Local worship services

"Richella was a keynote speaker at a weekend prayer conference for which I served as director. With a soft spoken graciousness, Richella delivers her powerful message with clarity, compassion, and love.  She bravely speaks of struggles in her own life and her strong faith that provides support through the difficult times.  All of this she does with a confidence that is infectious and leads those who hear her to feel that movement of Spirit in their own lives. 

 She is at the top of my list for presenters who are engaged with the audience and present their authentic selves."

                                                                                         --Regina Strader Hunt, Spiritual Director

Speaking topics for Retreats and Conferences

Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison: The subject of my book Mythical Me, this topic is both timely and timeless. We know that “comparison is the thief of joy,” but why? Is comparison ever useful? Is there a way to avoid harmful comparison? All these questions and more will be explored in a one-day event involving three talks or a longer retreat including several talks and breakout sessions.

Living Loved: “God so loved the world,” of course, but does God love me? How can I know? And does it make any difference? These questions are addressed head-on in a thoughtful mix of theology, personal story, and Bible study. Excellent for a one-day event.

Introduction to Spiritual Formation: The subject of my ebook A Spiritual Formation Primer, this is an excellent subject for a conference or retreat. Can include plenary talks and smaller sessions on individual spiritual disciplines as well as experiential sessions including soul-training exercises.

Embracing and Imparting Grace: Keynote address about the grace of God and its power to change our lives.

Embracing Love: Keynote address about accepting the love of God and learning to love yourself and your neighbor.

I'd love to talk with you about the possibility of speaking at your event. Get in touch with me at richellap@gmail.com. I look forward to working with you!