2013 Speaking Schedule

As promised, I’ve updated my speaking schedule, which this year will bring me to a lot of cool places, from Blacksburg to Portland to Cozumel. Winter/spring is just about as booked as I’d like it to be, and I’ve got plans to take the summer off. But there are still some slots open for the fall. If you’re interested in having me speak at your conference, college, or church, contact Jim Chaffee of Chaffee Management.

The three things I tell myself before a speaking gig:

The three things I used to tell myself before a speaking gig:  

1. Be smart. 
2. Be entertaining. 
3. Be careful (not to offend). 

The three things I now tell myself before a speaking gig: 

1. Be yourself. 
2. Be honest. 
3. Be kind. 

Let me tell you, the last three work much better—both in life and behind the podium.

Open Mic: What triggers your doubts?

photo © 2008 Paul | more info (via: Wylio)

Over the next few weeks I’ll be participating in a couple of forums about faith and doubt—one at Big Tent Christianity and one at Bryan College.

I’d love to share your story as well as mine, so today’s going to be a sort of open mic focused around one question:  What triggers doubt in your life? 

Maybe it’s the sense that faith conflicts with science.  Maybe it’s troubling Bible passages that seem to condone genocide. Maybe it’s theologies related to hell. Maybe it’s personal struggles that make you wonder if God is even there. 

Feel free to be as brief (one word!) or as lengthy (your life story!) or as creative (a haiku!) as you would like. Any quotes I use at the forums will be anonymous. 

See you in Waco, Phoenix, Dayton, Wenham, and Quincy!

After a quiet January, I’ve managed to book a February full of travel. Hopefully this will give me the chance to connect with some of you in person.  Let me know if you plan to attend any of the following events:  

February 7: Baylor University Chapel  - Waco, Texas  
Monday, 9:05 a.m., 10:10 a.m., & 11:15 a.m. in Waco Hall 
I’ll be talking about the Bible as a conversation-starter, sharing some of the ups and downs of my biblical womanhood project. 

February 10-11: Big Tent Christianity – Phoenix, Arizona  
Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at The Church of the Beatitudes 
I’ll be joining Brian McLaren, Marcus Borg, Carol Howard Merritt, Nadia Bolz-Weber, and many more to talk about new and old ways of being and becoming the Church. 

February 15: Bryan College Center for Worldview Studies Panel Conversation – Dayton, Tennessee
Tuesday, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 
Along with Dr. Paul Boling and Dr. Clark Rose, I’ll address the question: Is doubt a help or hindrance to a Christian’s faith?

 February 23: Gordon College Chapel - Wenham, Massachusetts 
Wednesday, 10:25 a.m. - A.J. Gordon Memorial Chapel 
Again I’ll be talking about the Bible as a conversation-starter, focusing on the importance of “study” as it applies to the spiritual disciplines, and of course sharing some of the ups and downs of my biblical womanhood project

February 25: Eastern Nazarene College Chapel – Quincy, Massachusetts
Friday, 10:25 a.m. – Wollaston Church of the Nazarene
I’ll  be talking about the Bible as a conversation-starter, sharing some of the ups and downs of my biblical womanhood project.

If you’re interested in having me speak at your college, conference, or church, please contact me. 

So, will I see you in Waco, Phoenix, Dayton, Wenham, or Qunicy? Got any speaking or travel tips?

Let’s get coffee…in YOUR hometown

As we approach the big book launch in July, I’m putting together a speaking tour for the summer and fall of 2010. My favorite part of traveling is getting the chance to meet readers in person – so I’d love for your hometown to make it to the list.

If you would like me to come to your church, school, conference, or local bookstore, visit the speaking page to check out a video Dan put together for me about my speaking topics. Then send an email to your contacts suggesting they invite me. Attach this link: http://rachelheldevans.com/contact

(If you have any questions or ideas, feel free to contact me.)

Cities I’m especially interested in include: Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Dallas, Cincinnati, Chicago, Philadelphia, Grand Rapids, Princeton (NJ), New York, Boston (I’ll be there June 9-12),LA, and Seattle.

In the meantime, let’s have a little roll call. In the comments, leave the name of your hometown and your favorite local coffee shop (or hangout) and I’ll randomly select one of you to win a free copy of Evolving in Monkey Town!

(Contest open until 9 a.m. EST tomorrow - May 18, 2010; Photo by alex-s)

[UPDATE June, 2012: All speaking requests are now handled by Chaffee Management]