Writing a Ministry Bio

P

lease send your bio? This is usually one of the first requests that will be asked of you when a church or organization invites you to speak at their function. A biography is a summarization of your accomplishments and some personal information into a couple short sentences or even a few paragraphs.

Bio writing is challenging. It forces you to prioritize what’s most important about you. It’s an intimidating task to reduce information about “the wonderful you” into a brief clear and concise writing.

Here are a few tips about writing bios:

1.      Read other biographies for inspiration of what to do and what not to do.

2.      Gather a list of facts about yourself in chronological order. These facts should be related to your purpose. Include your hometown & current location, current church & pastor, spouse’s name, number of children, education and certifications.

3.      Write a list of specific qualities about yourself. Ask yourself which qualities make you interesting.

4.      List the person's accomplishments. Tie these accomplishments in with your ministry work.

5.      Review your list of qualities and accomplishments. Choose the ones that describe you best and represents your ties to ministry.

6.      Resist the urge to impress. Humility goes a long way! Just give the facts

A SPARK of Wisdom - PUBLIC SPEAKING

Here is the 'bones" from our August meeting

I have observed a LEADERSHIP call in each one of you. As a leader you will be required to speak to a group of people. Whether informal or formal, large or small audience, you will have an audience. Why? God has called you to LEAD, therefore, he has an AUDIENCE for you.

FIVE FLAME TIPS

1)      Avoid apologies….be confident. Things to avoid 1) saying I’m nervous 2) Avoid giving the “in case I mess up excuse”, i.e., Pray for me I haven’t been feeling well, my throat is hurting, I wasn’t scheduled to be up here today,

2)      Be yourself – Have personality

3)      Use testimonies when appropriate to enhance lessons, sermon points, and singing. – Make sure your testimony fits the theme of the occasion and message.

4)      Be open to learn from others what works and what does not.

5)      Speak directly into the microphone to be heard. Even if you have a loud voice, don’t assume everyone in the room can hear you without the use of a mic. The people in the back are usually straining to hear.