When I was asked to provide a brief history of the Speakers Directory, which is Women’s Ministries' most requested resource, it took me much longer than it should have to respond. First, I had to take a long trip down memory lane through the seven-year period in the 90’s when it was my privilege to serve as Director of Women’s Ministries for Vision New England, which was then called Evangelistic Association of New England.

When I joined the staff in 1991, I was responsible for planning and directing our annual leadership conference, known as Women in the Word, as well as networking and serving as a resource for those involved in ministering to women throughout our six-state region. I quickly discovered, though, that most phone calls to my office were from women seeking speakers for retreats and outreach events. I hesitated recommending speakers without having heard them either personally or on tape, but as my involvement in regional ministry grew, so did my personal referral list. I did my best to help the callers match our available list of speakers with their specific needs.

One of my ministry trips took me to Elmbrook Church near Milwaukee, WI, where Jill Briscoe, the noted author and speaker, had initiated a women’s ministry program that I consider the flagship program in the U.S. One of the resources that Elmbrook provided was a regional directory of women speakers for area churches. An idea was born! Why not provide the same service free of charge to our network of churches throughout New England?

In 1993, Betty Moberger and I created the first New England Speakers Directory for Women’s Ministries. I gathered contacts, biographical and topic information for every female speaker we were aware of throughout our six-state region: all 16 of them! Betty supplied the computer expertise to produce our little pink 16-page directory. I have to smile at how young we all looked and at our now very dated 90’s hairdos. But it was a start at bringing New England’s most valuable natural resource – people – to those who had requested it.

In 1995, we published an expanded version of the directory, and in 1998, a much more comprehensive booklet with twice as many speakers, plus a preparatory guide. As God continued to use these speakers and teachers, we could only return the glory and praise to Him.

Many years ago, I chose a life verse that expressed my own desire to serve the Lord as a woman in ministry: 1 Peter 4:11. "If anyone speaks, (s)he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, (s)he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever." I continue to believe that this powerful Scripture is a mandate for all those who share their faith through a public ministry of teaching.

Bringing glory to God through our words remains the central purpose behind bringing speakers and churches together. Forever. For always.

[After 25 years of ministry in New England, Maggie now lives with her family in Wheaton, IL, where she serves as a pastor’s wife, freelance writer, dramatist and speaker.]

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