short biography examples for church

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20+ Minister BIO examples

In this post we’ll be providing you with 20 Minister bio examples. For anyone looking to create a short and informative bio for a minister, this post has got you covered. Your bio should clearly explain your ministry career and provide an insight into your beliefs and values.

Having a well-crafted bio on hand can be invaluable for public speaking events and fundraising drives.

Read through our list of 20 minister bio examples to get inspired.

1. A minister with over 25 years in ministry, possessing a Doctoral Degree in theology, who brings strong leadership to the church and has a heart for the local and global mission field.

2. An ordained minister with over a decade in ministry, utilizing their Masters Degree in Biblical Studies to help lead their church members to a closer walk with Christ.

3. A minister who is driven to advance the kingdom of God through their commitment to the same faith that they were founded upon.

4. A personable minister who is passionate about connecting people with God and encouraging believers to live out their faith.

5. A minister with a strong background in educational ministry, working to create spiritual and educational opportunities for people at all stages of their faith journey.

6. A meaningful minister who works to connect people through Bible study, inspiring people to develop a more meaningful relationship with God.

7. An encouraging minister who seeks to provide spiritual guidance and insight, connecting people to the power of prayer and Scripture .

8. A historic minister with a long tradition of ministry in their area, helming their church for many years and working to share the Gospel with those around them.

9. A creative minister who is interested in exploring new ways to be in ministry, bringing innovative ideas and fresh perspectives to the table.

10. A minister with an evangelistic spirit, passionate about sharing the message of the Gospel and igniting a love for God in individuals’ lives.

11. An analytical minister who is seen as a spiritual leader, providing wise counsel when called upon and challenging people to think beyond boundaries.

12. A minister who is devoted to advancing their faith through commitment to the mission of the church and their work to spread the message of God’s love.

13. An empathic minister who is seen as a shepherd, helping people through difficult times and providing grace and comfort when it is needed most.

14. A ministerial leader who works to uphold the traditions and standards of the church while also seeking out ways to improve and enhance the mission field locally and around the world.

15. A contributor in ministry who shares their resources and talents to benefit the church and those around them, living their life in a way that reflects their faith.

16. A minister who has influenced many lives in their community and has been an instrumental part in the spiritual transformation of many people.

17. A minister who is known for being relational, understanding the need for one-on-one mentorship, and inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to become closer to God.

18. A minister who looks to bring elements of community into the church, connecting people to God and to one another, and developing a fellowship of believers.

19. A minister who upholds the tenets of holiness and morality while also seeking social justice and expanding their outreach to those in need.

20. A minister who has the unique ability of bridging the gap between the church community and the secular world, creating opportunities for spiritual growth in both.

Before creating a minister bio, it’s important to understand the context of your audience and the impact it may have. By using one of these minister bio examples, you can craft a compelling and inspirational bio that will help you stand out. Use these examples to create a unique and engaging bio that will inform and inspire your audience.

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Sample Of Biography About Myself For Church

• by Oluwajuwon
• July 23, 2022 March 21, 2024

If you are a church leader, then you should realize that your role as a church leader changes with time. Pastors used to be more about leading worship and sermons, but now pastors are more about providing leadership for the youth; it is almost like having a different mindset when you are leading kids. Therefore, if you want to become an elder in your church or youth pastor, then you will need to have some sort of bio for yourself so that people know who you are without having to come up with one yourself.

Are you looking for sample of biography for church? Then you have come to the right place. Right here on churchgists, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on sample of biography about myself for church, how to write a mini biography for a church ministry outreach, samples & tips on how to write your local church history, and so much more. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information on similar topics.

A church leader’s bio is more than a letter of introduction to your congregation. It’s also an opportunity to deepen their understanding of who you are and what motivates you as a leader. And it can make all the difference in how people view your church. Hi there. I’m Pastor Mike, the Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church of New Orleans. In this bio we’ll take you through my journey and what is going on in my life today.

When you’re writing a biography for your church, the most important thing to remember is that it should be interesting and engaging. The best way to do this is to talk about the people who have had an impact on your life and ministry and then weave those stories into a larger narrative that demonstrates how they have shaped you.

You also want to include some details about yourself—what your hobbies are, what your family looks like, etc.—but don’t feel like you need to go overboard with these. A good rule of thumb is that if you can’t explain why something is important to you in two sentences or less, then leave it out.

If you’re looking for examples of biographies written by other pastors or ministers, check out our catalog for more information on similar topics!

Churchgists affords you unrestricted access to a litany of valuable information on the aforementioned and related topics. Take out time to surf through our catalog for more information on similar topics.

5 Short Sample of Biography About Myself for Church

1. early life.

I was born and raised in a small town in the Midwest. My parents were devout Christians, and they raised me with strong Christian values from a young age. I attended church regularly with my family and participated in various church activities throughout my childhood.

2. Education

I graduated from high school with honors and went on to attend a Christian college where I studied theology. During my time in college, I became actively involved in campus ministry and served as a leader in several student-led Bible study groups.

3. Mission Work

After graduating from college, I felt called to do mission work overseas. I spent several years living in a rural village in Africa, where I helped to build churches and schools, and spread the message of Christianity to the local community.

4. Family Life

Upon returning from my mission work, I met and married my wife, who shares my passion for serving the church. We now have two young children who we are raising in the church and teaching them the importance of faith and service to others.

5. Church Leadership

Currently, I serve as a deacon in my church and help to organize various outreach programs and events. I am passionate about helping others grow in their faith and connecting with the community through service and fellowship.

Ministry bio examples

A ministry bio serves as a concise ⁣and impactful way to ‍introduce‌ oneself and share key aspects of their ministry engagement. Examples of ministry bios can vary depending on the unique ⁣gifts, talents, and roles of individuals within the church community.

In my ⁤ministry bio example, I focus on highlighting the⁢ areas of ministry ​that I am⁤ actively⁣ involved in. These may include leadership positions within specific ministries, such as the worship team, youth ministry, or outreach programs.

Furthermore, my ministry bio example incorporates ⁤relevant Bible verses that⁢ align with the specific ministries I ⁢serve in. For instance, if I am involved in the children’s ministry, I may include a‌ verse like Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in ‍the way he should ⁢go, and ​when he ‌is old‌ he will not depart ⁣from it.”‌ This serves ‍as a reminder of the spiritual impact and responsibility entrusted ‍to me within that ministry.

How to write a ministry bio

Writing a ministry bio can be an exercise in self-reflection and prayerful consideration of one’s unique calling and ‍involvement in ministry. Here are some⁣ steps ⁢to guide you in crafting your‌ own ministry bio:

• Begin by praying for guidance and seeking the Holy Spirit’s ‍leading in reflecting on your ministry involvement and experiences.
• Identify the key areas of ministry that ‌you are actively engaged in or have a⁤ deep passion for.
• Reflect on the ⁤impact and transformation you have‌ witnessed within those ministries.
• Consider incorporating relevant⁤ Bible verses that ​align with your passion and areas of‌ ministry. This will demonstrate your biblical ‌foundation and inspire others.
• Write a concise and compelling summary of⁤ your ministry involvement, focusing on⁤ the unique gifts, skills, and ⁤experiences⁤ that equip you for service.
• Proofread and‌ edit your ministry⁢ bio for​ clarity, grammar, and cohesiveness.
• Share your ministry ⁢bio with trusted friends or mentors for feedback ⁣and suggestions.
• Continually update and revise‍ your ministry bio as⁤ you grow in your faith journey and undertake new ministry opportunities.

Remember, a ministry bio is an opportunity to share your passion ⁢for⁤ serving God​ and others.⁤ It should embody both your unique calling ⁣and your commitment to utilizing ‍your gifts for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.

Short pastor bio examples

A ​short pastor bio is a concise introduction ⁣to a pastor’s life, ministry, and calling.‍ These examples are useful for bulletin inserts, church websites, or programs where a brief overview of the pastor’s background is desired.

In my short pastor bio example, ‌I ​focus on highlighting the key aspects of my journey as a pastor, including my educational background, ordination, and primary⁣ areas of pastoral focus. ‌I also include a reference ⁣to a Bible ‌verse⁣ that encapsulates my passion and guiding principles as a pastor.

Here is an example: “Rev. John ⁢Smith is an ordained minister with ⁢a deep love for⁣ God and⁣ His people. With a Master’s degree in Divinity from ​XYZ Seminary, Rev. Smith brings a ⁢wealth of⁣ theological⁣ knowledge and practical pastoral experience to‍ his ‍role. His ⁢passion for discipleship and fostering ⁢spiritual growth is reflected in his favorite‍ verse, ⁤2 Timothy 2:2, ‘And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to⁢ teach others.'”

By providing a short pastor bio, congregants can gain insight into their pastor’s background and calling, fostering a‌ sense of familiarity and connection.

I love working with young people. It inspires me to help others grow in their faith, regardless of the age or stage of life. I began my journey in youth ministry as a Bible teacher my senior year of high school. I wanted to become the best youth minister there ever was, but soon realized that God already had plans for me. Now I’m a Youth Pastor at my local church and like many pastors, I know there’s no road map to leading well.

Church leaders are a vital part of any congregation. They are responsible for implementing the principles and doctrines taught in their particular denomination; training youth workers; counseling and discipling members; and showing the importance of spiritual growth to everyone who attends. But it’s not just the role they play that makes them important — it’s what they bring with them as well.

How to Write a Personal Biography About Myself

It’s not easy to write a personal biography. You want to be honest, but you also want to make yourself look good—and you don’t want to bore the reader with the same old facts that everyone else includes in their bios.

Here are some tips for writing a compelling bio that will get people’s attention:

During your career, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to write a biography about yourself for websites, social media, conference programs, membership in professional organizations and more. The problem is, too many people seize that moment to pontificate about themselves as if they’d won an Academy Award or Nobel Prize. But writing an effective bio can do more than just tout your accomplishments—it can really serve to advance your ideas and message. Now’s a good time to rethink your bio, and here’s a handful of important principles to keep in mind:

1) Mention your accomplishments, but don’t go over the top.  Far too many bios include phrases like “changing the world,” “bestselling author,” “in demand speaker” or “internationally respected _______.” Unless those types of accolades can be verified, don’t stretch the truth. It hurts your credibility. Always remember that in the Internet age, everything can be verified.

2) Focus on your “One Big Thing.”  Too many bios list a wide array of interests and work, and leave the reader wondering what your area of expertise actually is. Instead, use your bio to share what you feel called and prepared to accomplish with your life. (And if you don’t know what that is, then read my book.)

3) Write your bio for a specific audience.  Is the bio being used for a leadership conference? Then focus on your expertise in that area. For a job site? Focus on your qualifications. For a professional organization? Make it clear why you’re part of that group. Always think about the specific reader of the bio and what they need to know.

4) Keep it short and sweet.  Generally speaking, I’ve noticed that in conference programs, the least experienced person usually has the longest biography. That’s because the most qualified speakers don’t need to promote themselves in their bio. Keep it short and focused on the purpose at hand.

5) If you’re young or haven’t accomplished a great deal, then don’t fake it.  When someone starts in a new career, they often feel like there isn’t much to say. If that’s the case, then make what little you’ve done look good. And think about things outside the workplace to talk about—maybe your work for a local cause or nonprofit. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself, but  don’t make things up. Your integrity matters, so just keep it simple.

6) Finally, have some fun.  When Paula Zahn joked on CNN that I was “the only working producer in Hollywood with a Ph.D. in Theology,” I included that in my bio. The only reason my wife went out with me on our first date is that when I called her, she thought I was someone else—so I’ve used that in a bio. Maybe you have an odd hobby, or a quirky past. Don’t be so serious all the time. People will enjoy seeing your personality.

Religion and faith have been a part of my life since the day I was born. My grandfather has been a pastor at Selma Church of God for 39 years and my mom, along with my grandmother and aunts, run our churches worship team. One could only assume, I have spent much of my life in the church. From years of children ‘s church and Sunday school, I learned of God ‘s unconditional love for me and His constant willingness to forgive me of my sins. My family and teachers explained the crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. As a child, I knew all these things, these wonderful things about my God and my religion, but it was not until my early teens that I began to thirst for more.

At my church, one had to be in seventh grade to attend our youth group service. I could not wait to going into junior high so I could hang out with the teenagers and talk about actual teen issues and how The Bible tells us to handle them. The summer before seventh grade our church had new…show more content… I was always lying to my parents, going out to parties, and staying at places I should not have been. My lifestyle was something I could not talk to my parents about, but I could confide in other friend ‘s parents or my youth pastors. I always wonder how different my teenage years would have been if my parents were more open and approachable about living life in God ‘s image. At home, we all knew of our faith and acted according, no cursing, no drinking, but we never specifically spoke of how difficult it can be to not fall into temptation. My parents were not understanding of any mistakes; it was, “you better not be doing those kinds of things,” the end. This is not to say my parents are at fault for me being a rebellious teenager who lied to her parents and got drunk on the weekends because I was well aware of the sins I was committing and I attempted many times to Get Access Check Writing Quality Related Truman State Application Essay The biggest influencers in my faith have been my family, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization, and ultimately, myself. As I stated before, I grew up in church. In fact, the church I attend today is the one my father started attending when he was only seven months old. I have strong familial ties to my church and that is ultimately where my faith began. I sometimes reminisce back to when my father would sing Amazing Grace with me and my mother would teach me Bible stories.

Spiritual autobiography Many factors in the past have influenced my relationship with God and continue to do so daily. I first learned to be a Christian from my parents. They took me to Sunday School and “preaching” on Sunday mornings when I was young. They made sure I was involved in the youth group and children’s and youth choirs while growing up. They taught me to say a blessing before every meal, and they laugh when I still occasionally break into our traditional “God is great, God is good.

Personal Testimony Church became a hobby to me, I didn’t hate going there but it was just what you did. I thought that all families were like that also, I didn’t realize till my teenage years that not everyone goes to church every Sunday morning and Wednesday night. But as I grew older and started really listening to what my friends would talk about at school, I saw that life wasn’t all about going to church and being a Christian for some people. During my seventh grade year, my church went to a youth rally at a local church on weekend. Because of this rally and the message it sent, I realized and wanted to give my life to Jesus through baptism.

Speech On Generosity What have I done to show my generosity to others? I pray for each student in my every class every day, no matter he or she is a Christian or not. I listen whatever my students want to share with me about their lives patiently and give them my advice from the Bible guiding them in the way they can see the grace from God. I spent a whole week with some youth using reusable materials to finish decoration for VBS event. I spent two months talking to my parents via international calls every midnight, prayed for them, and wanted to let them know how much love they have been receiving from Jesus Christ.

Reflective Essay On Spiritual Life Sunday school really impacted my life by showing me what I was missing out on and that you can always learn new things. Around my freshman year in high school, I decided to get baptized and confirmed into the church which was a big step in my spiritual life. Being baptized and confirmed into the church was scary because you have this sense that you have to be better and always succeed. At the age of 15, I decided to take God into my life and continue to learn what he has to offer. Confirmation classes went for about a year as we studied the bibles and certain scriptures to prepare us for our test.

MOM Are you and your family active members in a faith community? Yes If so, please tell us the name of the faith community (church, parish, other) and describe your involvement in this community. Our faith community is St. Paul of the Cross Church and School in Park Ridge, Illinois. We have been parishioners of St. Paul of the Cross since 1998 when we moved to Edison Park. We attend mass regularly as a family – on Sundays, Holy Days of Obligations and special occasions.

British Evangelists: Smith Wigglesworth His decision to believe Christ for his salvation was decided that day. He was immediately filled with the desire to evangelize and led his own mother to Christ. Smith has been to many different church’s growing up in his time. He began at an Episcopal Church and then at the age thirteen he attended the Weslyan Methodist church. Once he was sixteen he started working at a Salvation Army and was doing very well there.

Haslett Community Church Those involved in the early days of the Haslett Community Church were united in their purpose and included persons with many vocations – plumbers, electricians, painters,… … middle of paper … …9, 1997, Rev. Miles preached his last sermon at HCC. Since our newly selected minister, Rev. Kurt A. Kirchoff, was not scheduled to arrive until mid August, Romi Chaffee – long-time HCC member and ordained UCC minister, provided pastoral care and Sunday sermons for this interim six-week period. Finally the Kirchoff family arrived, and Rev.

The Turning Point Of My Life My Dad found a different church as well.His church was near Atlanta, Georgia and it was named Berean Christian Church. So, once my dad founded a home church, I was going to church with my Dad every single Sunday. Faith played a huge part in my parents forgiveness of each other. The weeks I’m with my Dad, he cooked more. Talked to more to my sister and I more and he became a better listener.It was like he was becoming a better father.

Autobiography Thus, I grew up in a Christian family, with devout Christian parents, who exemplified the Christian faith in their commitment to the Community. Every morning and evening my daddy who had a little knowledge about scripture would yet read and expound from the Scripture and my mother being the Sunday school teacher would always encouraged and helped me involved in singing, drama and other Christian activities as a young boy. Home and Sunday school were the first places where my Christian faith took shaped and grew. However, until the age of 14, I was not sure of my salvation. Then, during a youth crusade, I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, and I became sure of my salvation.

How To Write A Mini Biography For A Church Ministry Outreach

A biography is a document that highlights the milestones of a person’s life and tells an audience general facts about him. While longer biographies often detail life events, shorter biographies also serve a purpose in introducing a person and focusing on specific portions of their lives. For example, a short biography for a church ministry outreach may introduce the person to the reader, yet also include personal and professional ties to the church. Knowing what facts to include will help you write a short biography that still provides enough information about a person’s life and professional ties.

Gather a list of facts about the person. Answer basic questions such as her hometown, current city of residence and connection with the church. Put the facts in chronological order.

Write a list of specific qualities about the person. Ask yourself which qualities make this person interesting. Write the first qualities that come to mind.

Discover the person’s education and certifications. In the case of a biography for a church ministry outreach, double check with the person to make sure the credentials you have are correct.

List the person’s accomplishments. Tie these accomplishments in with her work for the church.

Review the list of the person’s outstanding qualities and accomplishments. Choose the ones that describe her best and represent her ties to the church.

Write the mini biography in chronological order. Start with the general facts about the person, followed by her initial contact with the church. Finish by describing the qualities and accomplishments that make her an outstanding member of the church.

Let the biography sit for a day then edit and polish the final copy.

Samples & Tips On How To Write Your Local Church History

History is important in every realm of life. No matter your occupation, location, or background, your daily life is influenced by history and those who made discoveries before you. In the same way, Christianity hinges on history. In fact, the Nation of Israel recognized history as a means through which God made His mark in the world. Literally speaking, it is “His story.” Therefore, it is no doubt that local church histories play a significant part in the progression of the world, and God’s plan for the world.

What are the samples and tips for how to write local church history?  There are 13 main points to include in local church history. Additionally, there are 13 stylistic and detailed oriented points to add. Furthermore, it is beneficial for churches to first understand their purpose of establishing church history. From there, churches can gather their information and format it in over 7 ways.

This blog outlines and explains the necessities of local church history. It also expands on details to help churches find what works for them. I have written tips for gathering information and where to get it. I have also presented reflection questions for churches to better understand their goal and vision for their church history. Lastly, I discuss, various formatting and three distinct samples.

The Main Elements to Include

When it comes to church history, it is personal to each and every church. There is no right or wrong way to assemble church history. Cultural and societal atmospheres greatly impact local churches. The way that a city progresses through history also plays a role.

Areas that have experienced great hardship (the Great Depression, lack of daily needs, deep loss, progression, political uproar, etc.) are often shaped by these things. With that in mind, there may be additional things that your church should include in its history. Despite these variances, I do believe there are a few key things to include. This list can help give you an idea of the types of content that should be in your church history.

• The Original Vision or Reason to Begin the Church.
• Who the First Leaders Were.
• When the Leaders First Decided there Was a Need for the Church.
• Significant Needs that the Church was Seeking to Meet.
• Any Connections to Other Church Plants.
• What the Process looked like.
• Where the First Place of Meeting Was.
• The Major Statements of Belief and Doctrine.
• The Church Mission Statement.
• The First Landmark Occurrences (baptisms, success in evangelism and discipleship, unique ways that the Lord worked).
• Church Growth and Fruitfulness.
• The Progression Over the Years and the Factors that Influenced Them.
• Where the Church Stands Now Compared to its History.

Additional Information to Provide

Here is some additional information to provide. These add interest and style to your church history. Furthermore, these types of elements make church history more personal, informational, interactive, and memorable. Choose what is best for your project and church.

• Interviews with Church Members of All Ages.
• Pictures and Videos of Past and Recent Events.
• Charts, Graphs, and Timelines to Easily Display Content.
• Quotes and Inspirational Content from Church Members or Leadership.
• Testimonies.
• Scripture References.
• History of the City or Town.
• Pictures of the First Building Project. (Before and After Photos).
• Financial Statements or Use of Funds.
• Future Goals.
• Steps to Reach Those Goals.
• How Members of the Church Can Become Involved.

Deciding the Purpose of Your Local Church History

Before I give a list on how to construct your history and where to make it available for your church attenders, you should be clear on your purpose. You may decide on a few of these methods and strategies, depending on your purpose. If you are clear on your vision and intention, you will have a better idea of what types of resources to use.

Are you providing church history for first-time attendees to understand the church vision? Is your church history geared towards honoring the older generations in your church? Is your history designed as a gift to a Pastor or leader?

What is the overarching purpose of documenting your local church history? Do you seek to inspire or influence others for change? Are you hoping to stir up faith and hope within your local church and community? Will you present your church history and movement online as a means of evangelism? Is this more for logistical reasons than anything else?

Gathering Information

The best place to look for information is from the church itself. If you can, look through old records, pictures, and documents that the church has kept. If you are the Pastor, elder, or in leadership, check with the other leaders in the church to ensure accountability and that you aren’t opening any sensitive or personal documents about church members.

For those who are not in leadership, ask your church leadership for permission before you dive into their paperwork. Additionally, you may find information from your town’s city hall or government offices that may contain records. Looking at the history of your city can provide great information and background into the needs that the church was seeking to meet.

Another great place to gather information is from church members. If you have members in your church who were involved at the beginning of the church, this is ideal. If these individuals are no longer present, ask their close family members who have been involved. Chances are, these individuals told stories or raised their families in the church.

You can also interview various generations within the church. Staring with oldest to youngest. This will give a fresh perspective. It will be exciting for the older generations in the church to see the young people being impacted. Moreover, it is beneficial for the young generations to know their heritage, the hardships, and the joy that was experienced. Ask your church attendees if they have any photos, memories, objects, or anything else to contribute to the project.

Formatting Church History

Once you gather your information, it is time to decide how you will organize and present it. I recommend making photocopies of documents, pictures, and historical information. Use the photocopies in your project records or upload them in a file online. Keep the original copies in a safe and secure place.

I don’t recommend using the original content for your presentation. That is to say, if you are formating your church history in a hardcopy form. If you are using a digital program, you don’t have to worry about preserving important documents. In addition, label personal items that church members have contributed so as not to lose them.

Service Bulletin

Many churches have a bulletin that they hand out each service. You may want to add a section within this bulletin for history. Since a bulletin is limited in space, use the most crucial information and keep out the details. You can use the details in another location.

The design and layout of this depend on the theme that you are already using for your bulletin. You may desire to write a short paragraph, use a listicle form, or dedicate a whole page to your church history.

Additionally, you can use a timeline. A timeline can be placed in any format. For example, you may make a hard copy timeline to display in your church lobby. You can also create a timeline to add to your church website, social media, a PowerPoint presentation, or a video.

A timeline is a creative way to display history because it can include pictures and various details that may be left out in other formats. Furthermore, a timeline is a simple and quick way for members to understand church history. Since there are many different learning styles, the timeline format would cater to your members who are visual learners.

Wall of History

In the same vein of thought, there is a wall of history. This wall is a dedicated place in the church to display photos, testimonies, facts, the mission statement, major beliefs, and personal church history. This is helpful because it is a concrete place for history to be recognized and for new announcements and landmark events to be documented.

Establish your wall of history in a strategic place so that first-time visitors see it upon entry. Many people who are searching for a church want to know more about the church before they commit. This is especially helpful in large churches where newcomers can easily walk in and out without connecting with church leadership about their questions.

PowerPoint Presentation

Speakers may give a PowerPoint presentation during a service. The speaker may want to incorporate written details, pictures, videos, interviews, a timeline, graphs, charts, ministry opportunities, and financial information. This is a great avenue for churches who are specifically reviewing their church history and deciding goals for the future.

Video Presentation

A video presentation fits any purpose you decide. Presentation times can be in church services, church events or parties, or through continual viewing. Continual presentations are played on TVs or computers in the church lobby. Additionally, videos can be added to the church’s website or social media.

Social Media

Social media is prominent worldwide. Especially for the younger generations, social media is a significant way to reach people. You can use your church history video or media content to reach the unchurched. Or, you can use it for personal needs and reasons of the local church. Either way, it is beneficial to have your local church history readily available.

Church Website

A church website is crucial. Since we live in a digital age, I advocate that the church uses media for God’s glory and purposes. The extent of this varies. However, a church website is where many people experience church before they walk through the doors. The website should contain information about service times, location, contact information, and ministries. Moreover, it should give statements of belief.

Church history is crucial in this process. You may present your church history through any of the means presented above. Having church history readily available to all attendees of a local church is favorable. The way in which you do this may vary. Yet, I do recommend that the history is clearly displayed and located.

Sample of Written History

Here is a sample of local church history from Bethany Church in Bloomington, MN. Find the following section word for word at bethanychurchmn.com. For the purpose of format replication, I have split up the statement of history. I have established subheadings that were not originally used by Bethany Church.

My purpose in this is to provide you a clear example. You may use the subheadings as a basis for your church history. After we look at this sample, we will discuss certain elements and how they were positively utilized.

The Igniting Factor and Progression

“The beginnings of Bethany Church are rooted in God’s intervention and transformation of the life of Ted Hegre in 1935. Ted and his wife Lucile were newlyweds when Rev. Joe Stump spoke at the church they attended in South Minneapolis for a week of evangelistic meetings. Ted later wrote, ‘For the first time I heard God’s estimate of sin and the sinner and I discovered I was hopelessly lost. But thanks to God, Jesus was revealed as the Savior of sinners and I accepted him as my Savior.’

In late 1942 in the midst of World War II Ted started a Bible study where 40 young people began coming regularly. The group eventually purchased a chapel at 57th and Nicollet and the first service of Bethany Chapel was held on Palm Sunday, April 25th, 1943.

In the coming season, the Holy Spirit spoke to the tiny congregation about a vision for missions, and specifically, sending 100 missionaries. Five families from the church committed themselves to missions, sold their individual homes, pooled their personal resources, and moved into one home to form Bethany Fellowship to fulfill the vision to train, send, and support one hundred missionaries.

Development and Fruit

From this radical commitment, God blessed the efforts of Bethany Fellowship – one organization with different ministries including the church (today called Bethany Church), Bethany Fellowship Missionary Training Center (today Bethany Global University), Bethany Fellowship Missions (now Bethany Gateways), Bethany House Publishers (now owned by Baker Publishing), Bethany Academy (K-12 Christian school), Bethany Press International, and other entrepreneurial efforts started to support world-wide evangelization.

The values that gave birth to our church and to the move of God at Bethany still prevail as we cultivate a community of believers who pledge to continue “going deep, reaching wide, and living for the age to come.”

The Content that Bethany Church Included

Bethany Church presents their history on their webpage. They dedicated an “about” section on the website for this information. Additionally, they added a black and white photo of the church’s early beginnings.

Specific information is added. For example, dates, the first street address, and reference to Palm Sunday are used. Any information like this makes local church history standout.

Then, Bethany Church outlined the initial goals of the church. They explain what God was speaking during that time. Next, they show the steps of obedience they took. From there, they add all that God has done. They explain the ministries, organizations, and fruit that has resulted over the years.

Sample of Testimonial History

Bethany Global University also has a section on its website about its history. Since it began as a branch of Bethany Church, much of its history is similar. However, two elements that Bethany Global University uses on its website stand out to me.

First, it categorizes its history in a broad category labeled, “about”. Within this category are a detailed history, videos, frequently asked questions, the mission statement, and statement of faith. Then, the University presents testimonies. Here are some of the testimonies (verbatim).

“Everyone here is so passionate and focused on Jesus and the beautiful mission He gave the church. I’m thankful to be around people who want to go out and share his love. It holds me accountable and gives me a ton of joy and hope.” —Maddy C.

“I like being in an environment where I know that God is present. Being involved here has helped me develop time management and given me valuable life skills.” —Logan F.

“BGU is an awesome community to grow and learn in fellowship about God and His word.” —Chris M.

“I love and trust the leadership and staff members at BGU. I appreciate their passion and that they really care about us.” —Tiffany G.

“Bethany has a rich heritage, a spiritual DNA of faith, international fruitfulness, and a great future ahead.” —Loren Cunningham

Verses to Use in Church History

Scripture is crucial to all Bible-believing churches. Therefore, you may want to include scripture in your church history. The following verse references are derived from the blog, A Primary List of Verses about the Local Church. You may refer to this blog if you are looking for additional verses.

• Hebrews 10:25
• Hebrews 13:17
• 1 Peter 5:1-2
• Colossians 3:16
• 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
• Ephesians 3:10
• Galatians 6:10

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How to write a compelling minister profile or personal bio

Published Saturday, Sep. 26th, 2020

Written by Jessica Levey

Tips for wedding officiants on how to write an engaging minister profile or personal bio

You’re ordained! (We’ll imagine handfuls of confetti falling all around you while we say that.) Congratulations!

Now what? If you want to work as a professional officiant, an important next step is writing a compelling bio to add to your AMM minister profile or personal website, and other wedding services websites like The Knot and WeddingWire.

(Visit our Minister Directory to view examples of minister profiles to help you write your own.)

Get started by jotting down various details you want to include, then organize them into a great couple of paragraphs. Here are a few questions and tips to help guide the process. 

Gathering Details

What are four words you or a friend would use to describe your personality? 

How would a friend describe you to a stranger? What qualities do you like most about yourself? Are you laid back? Energetic? Open minded? Imaginative? Highly organized or efficient? 

Remember that you’re helping people to get to know you, not someone else. You want to present the best version of yourself, but being honest will help couples find the best fit for their ceremony. 

What are your professional goals? 

Think about where you’d like to be in a year or two. What are you working toward professionally, and why? What do you love most about weddings, and what do you hope to contribute?

You might want to establish yourself as a full time wedding officiant, or just help friends-of-friends and family craft their perfect ceremonies. Think about whether you’d like to specialize in a certain type of ceremony, work with a specific demographic, or build a wildly diverse portfolio of weddings.

(Looking for inspiration? Visit our Wedding Wall  to see examples of real wedding ceremonies by AMM ministers!)

What are your personal values? 

Make a list of qualities or principles you value most. A few common examples of personal values are equality, determination, loyalty, respect, hard work, teamwork, commitment, personal growth, and honesty. 

In many cases, our personal values carry over into our professional lives and help us find satisfaction and connection in our working relationships. It’s useful to know what your top three are. 

What kinds of work experience do you have? 

Every job we do teaches us new skills, whether we’re waiting tables, managing employees, or building cabinets. 

Make a list of the jobs you’ve benefited from the most, and then jot down two or three skills you honed at each. Skills can include attention to detail, adapting quickly to change, chatting casually with a wide variety of people, or showing up each day ready to learn something new. 

If you have direct ties with the wedding industry or previous experience officiating, this is (of course) especially valuable. But if not, don’t worry. You’ll gain experience, and can update your profile as your portfolio expands. 

(For more insight into how professional officiants can make the most of their skills, read Are First-Time Wedding Officiants Hurting Professionals? Here’s How to Adapt to Online Ordination. )

What unique talents do you have that other officiants don't?

Are you an experienced rock climber, or fluent in another language? Are you able to travel out of state to national parks or haunted ghost towns to perform ceremonies? Are you knowledgeable about Celtic history or modern dance? Do you have a degree in theatre, or can you captain a boat?

Your special abilities can help set you apart, so think about including them.

Putting It All Together

Open with a short summary paragraph.

Every great profile starts with a hook. If your profile is mid-length or longer (3 short paragraphs or more), you’ll want to lead with an engaging first paragraph that succinctly summarizes your strengths, experience, and the key elements and values you’ll bring to every ceremony. 

Next, describe your skills and experience in more detail.

Now’s the time to showcase strengths based on your previous work experience and to share any unique qualifications that will be a draw for couples.

For example, let couples know you work well under tight deadlines or have experience as a public speaker. Let them know you’d love to lead their bilingual ceremony, or travel to their hometown, or that you’ll bring authenticity to their Klingon wedding that other officiants never could.  

It’s helpful to understand the role of officiants when tailoring this part of your profile, and recommend reading  What is the Role of the Officiant in a Wedding Ceremony?

End on a personal note.

End your profile on a warm, personal note. This is one more chance for a couple to gain some insight into your personality and values, and what you’ll bring to their ceremony. 

You might share a little about what brought you to officiating in the first place, and what you love most about weddings and engagement ceremonies. You might add a sentence or two about your respect for the role of officiant, and the types of couples you hope to work with. 

Include a photo!

Photos are still worth a thousand words! 

Include a high-resolution headshot or a photo of you ‘on the job.’ Make sure it’s in focus, fairly recent, and sends an accurate message about your personality and approach. 

Color photos are usually more engaging than black and white photos. Don’t over edit or use too many filters… Polished, candid shots will look the most authentic.  

Read next: Putting Yourself Out There, Pt. 1: How To Build Your Portfolio and Gain Exposure as an Officiant.

Lead Staff Writer & Illustrator

Jessica loves exploring the history and magic of ritual, the connections between people and places, and sharing true stories about love and commitment. She's an advocate for marriage equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and individuality, and is an ordained Minister with AMM. When she’s not writing or illustrating for AMM, she enjoys city hikes, fantasy novels, comics, and traveling.

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Anchored in Christ

KevinHalloran.net

Kevin / March 5, 2018

100+ of the Best Christian Biographies (HUGE LIST)

Looking for the best Christian biographies out there? Look no further.

I love how John Piper describes the value of reading biography:

Biography is such an efficient way of study. It’s got history. It’s got theology. It’s got psychology. It’s got counseling. It’s got politics. It’s got economics. It’s got geography. It’s got devotion and piety all wrapped into one good book, so it’s really valuable to our faith and life and thinking.[1]

In other words, Christian biographies offer us more than most other books. It’s one thing to learn the ins and outs of a topic, say prayer , it’s another thing to see how prayer drove the ministry of George Müller.

Over the past couple of years, I have been asked for recommendations of the best Christian biographies. Those questions gave me the idea to create the huge list of Christian biographies and autobiographies that you see below.

Praise the Lord for the wealth of biographies that testify to His faithfulness and power!

A few things to consider:

• The categories below are artificial. The Apostle Paul was a preacher, theologian, and missionary; but was only included under one heading for practical purposes. I also have a separate category for women. That doesn’t mean they do not fit in other categories—this is to serve those specifically looking for biographies of Christian women.
• This is an eclectic and broadly evangelical list, meaning it contains people who I differ with on some theology. I hope this list will serve a wide range of evangelicals and interests.
• By no means do I consider this list comprehensive or perfect. Since I live in the US, this is admittedly a western-focused list. If I’m missing anything, email me and I may update this page.
• I include links to free online Christian biographies (Kindle and PDFs) when I can. I will also try to link to movies of Christian biographies for your viewing pleasure.
• While reading biographies of famous Christians can be extremely edifying,  avoid these dangers .

**The links on this post are affiliate links, which means I make a small cut of purchases at no extra cost for you. This helps me cover escalating blog expenses. Thanks for understanding! 🙂

Best Christian Biographies of Pastors and Preachers

Billy Graham (1918–2018) – Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham , A Prophet with Honor: The Billy Graham Story by William Martin (Justin Taylor’s top book on Graham)

Calvin Miller (1936–2010) – Life Is Mostly Edges: A Memoir by Calvin Miller (a favorite of Trevin Wax)

Charles Simeon (1759–1836) –  Charles Simeon by Handley Moule (a favorite of Fred Sanders),  Charles Simeon of Cambridge by Hugh Evans Hopkins (Nathan Finn calls this “required reading for pastors”)

D.L. Moody (1837–1899) – A Passion for Souls by Lyle W. Dorsett (a favorite of Jason Cook)

David Wilkerson (1931–2011) – The Cross and the Switchblade (Autobiographical; see  full movie on YouTube )

J.C. Ryle (1816–1900) – Prepared to Stand Alone by Iain Murray, Bishop J.C. Ryle’s Autobiography

Jack Miller (1928–1996) — Cheer Up! The Life and Ministry of Jack Miller by Michael A. Graham

Jerry Bridges (1929–2016) – God Took Me by the Hand: A Story of God’s Unusual Providence by Jerry Bridges (Memoir)

John A. Broadus (1827–1895) – The Life and Letters of John A. Broadus by A.T. Robertson ( free download )

John Bunyan (1628–1688) – Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (Autobiography; free for Kindle; recommended by Mark Dever), Fearless Pilgrim: The Life and Times of John Bunyan by Faith Cook.

John MacArthur (1939– ) – John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock by Iain Murray (a favorite of Tim Challies)

John Newton (1725–1807) – John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitken (a favorite of Randy Alcorn), Out of the Depths: The Autobiography of John Newton , John Newton (Bitesize Biographies) (recommended by Elyse Fitzpatrick)

John Stott (1921–2011) – Godly Ambition: John Stott and the Evangelical Movement by Alister Chapman (a favorite of Kevin DeYoung), The Early Years and The Later Years by Timothy Dudley-Smith

John Wesley (1703–1791) – John Wesley: A Biography by Stephen Tomkins, Wesley and Men Who Followed by Iain Murray, The Burning Heart: John Wesley: Evangelist by Skevington Wood

Oswald Chambers (1874–1917) – Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God by David McCasland

Robert Murray McCheyne (1813–1843) – Robert Murray M’Cheyne by Andrew Bonar ( free Kindle version )

Warren Wiersbe (1929–) – Be Myself: The Autobiography of a Bridge Builder by Warren Wiersbe

William Still (1911–1997) – William Still: Dying to Live by Sheana Brown (a favorite of Bryan Chapell)

William Tyndale (1494–1536) — William Tyndale by David Daniell (recommended by Albert Mohler)

Best Christian Biographies of Theologians from Church History

Abraham Kuyper (1837–1920) – Modern Calvinist, Christian Democrat by James D. Bratt (James K.A. Smith calls this “masterful”)

A.W. Pink (1886–1952) – The Life of A.W. Pink by Iain Murray

Carl F.H. Henry (1913–2003) –  Recovering Classic Evangelicalism: Applying the Wisdom and Vision of Carl F.H. Henry by Gregory Thornbury

Charles Hodge (1797–1878) –  Charles Hodge: The Pride of Princeton by W. Andrew Hoffecker  (Recommended by Michael Krueger), Charles Hodge: Guardian of American Orthodoxy by Paul Gutjahr (recommended by Kevin DeYoung)

George Eldon Ladd (1911–1982) – A Place at the Table: George Eldon Ladd and the Rehabilitation of Evangelical Scholarship in America by John D’Elia (recommended by Tim Keller)

J. Gresham Machen (1881–1937) – Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America by D.G. Hart (recommended by Albert Mohler)

J.I. Packer (1926–2020) – J.I. Packer: An Evangelical Life by Leland Ryken

James Petigru Boyce (1827–1888) – James Petigru Boyce: A Southern Baptist Statesman by Thomas J. Nettles

John Murray (1898–1975) – The Life of John Murray by Iain Murray

John Owen (1616–1683) – God’s Statesman: The Life and Work of John Owen by Peter Toon, John Owen: Prince of Puritans by Andrew Thomson, John Owen: Reformed Catholic, Renaissance Man by Carl Trueman

Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) — Jonathan Edwards – A Life by George Marsden (recommended by Albert Mohler, Ray Ortlund, Mark Dever and others; also see A Short Life ), Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography by Iain Murray (recommended by Mark Dever)

R.C. Sproul (1939-2017) – R.C. Sproul – A Life by Stephen J. Nichols

Richard Sibbes (1577–1635) – The Affectionate Theology of Richard Sibbes  by Mark Dever

Best Biographies of Christian Apologists

Christopher Yuan – Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son’s Journey to God. A Broken Mother’s Search for Hope (Autobiography)

Cornelius Van Til (1895–1987) – Cornelius Van Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman  by John Muether

Lee Strobel (1952– ) —  The Case for Christ (Autobiographical journey to faith and movie )

Other Christian Biographies (Musicians, Politicians, Athletes, etc.)

Charles Wesley (1707–1788) – A Heart Set Free: The Life of Charles Wesley by Arnold Dallimore

Ira “Teen” Palm – Hitler in the Crosshairs: A GI’s Story of Courage and Faith by John Woodbridge and Maurice Possley

Isaac Watts (1674–1748) – Isaac Watts: His Life and Thoughts by Graham Benyon, The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts by Douglas Bond

Johnny Cash (1932–2003) –  The Man Called CASH: The Life, Love, and Faith of an American Legend by Steve Turner

Lecrae Moore (1979– ) – Unashamed (Autobiography)

Louis Dooley – Prison Saved My Life

Louis Zamperini (1917–2014) – Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resiience by Laura Hillenbrand (a favorite of Trevin Wax)

Manny Mill – Radical Redemption: The Story of Manny Mill (Autobiography)

Mosab Hassan Yousef – Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices (Autobiography)

Nick Vujicic (1982–) – Life without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life (Autobiographical)

Rich Mullins (1955–1997) – Rich Mullins: A Devotional Biography: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven by James Bryan Smith (Movie)

Steven Curtis Chapman (1962– ) — Between Heaven and the Real World: My Story (Autobiographical)

The Best Missionary Biographies (and International Category)

Andrew Fuller (1754–1815) –  Andrew Fuller: Holy Faith, Worthy Gospel, World Mission by John Piper ( free PDF )

Brother Andrew (1928– ) – God’s Smuggler by Andrew Van der Dijl, John and Elizabeth Sherill

Brother Yun – The Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun by Paul Hattaway

C.T. Studd (1860–1931) –  C.T. Studd: Cricketer & Pioneer by Norman Grubb

David Brainerd (1718–1747) – The Life of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards (recommended by Fred Sanders)

Eric Liddell (1902–1945) – Eric Liddell: Pure Gold: A Biography of the Olympic Champion Who Inspired Chariots of Fire by David McCasland (also see Chariots of Fire movie )

Henry Martyn (1781–1812) – The Life of Henry Martyn, Missionary to India and Persia by Sarah J. Rhea (free for Kindle), For the Love of India: The Story of Henry Martyn by Jim Cromarty

Hudson Taylor (1832–1935) – Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Frederick Howard Taylor ( free audiobook ), J. Hudson Taylor: An Auto-biography , Hudson Taylor: In Early Years – The Growth of the Soul by Howard Taylor

James O. Fraser (1886–1938) – Mountain Rain: A Biography of James O. Fraser by Eileen Fraser Crossman

John G. Paton (1824–1907) – John G. Paton: The Autobiography of the Pioneer Missionary to the New Hebrides , John G. Patton: Missionary to the Cannibals of the South Seas by Paul Schlehlein, The Story of John G. Paton by John G. Paton (free Kindle), You Will Be Eaten By Cannibals! by John Piper ( free eBook )

John Stam (1907–1934) and Betty Stam (1906–1934) – John & Betty Stam by Vance Christie

Nik Ripken –  The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected by Nik Ripken (see movie by same name)

Richard Wurmbrand (1909–2001) – Tortured for Christ (a favorite of Randy Alcorn)

Stan Dale (–1968) –  Lords of the Earth: An Incredible but True Story from the Stone-Age Hell of Papua’s Jungle by Don Richardson

Stephen Lungu (1942–2021) — Out of the Black Shadows by Stephen Lungu and Anne Combes. One of my personal favorites! Watch Stephen tell part of his story (spoiler alert).

St. Patrick (385–461) – Patrick of Ireland by Michael A. Haykin

William (1829–1912) and Catherine Booth (1829–1890) – Blood and Fire: William and Catherine Booth and Their Salvation Army by Roy Hattersley

Xi Shengmo (1836–1896) – Pastor Hsi: A Struggle for Chinese Christianity by Geraldine Taylor

Compilation: From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions by Ruth Tucker

Best Christian Biographies of Women

Abby Johnson (1980–) – Unplanned: The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader’s Eye Opening Journey across the Life Line by Abby Johnson

Anne Bradstreet (1612–1672) – Anne Bradstreet: Pilgrim and Poe t by Faith Cook

Ann Judson (1789–1826) –  My Heart in His Hands: Ann Judson of Burma by Sharon James

Katharina Luther (1499–1552) – Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk by Michelle DeRusha

Elizabeth Elliot (1926–2015) –  These Strange Ashes: Is God Still in Charge? (Autobiography; recommended by Courtney Reissig)

Fanny Crosby (1820–1915) –  Fanny Crosby: Her Heart Can See: The Life and Hymns of Fanny J. Crosby by Edith L. Blumhofer

Gladys Aylward (1902–1970) – Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman (Autobiography)

Hannah More (1745–1833) – Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More: Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist by Karen Swallow Prior

Helen Roseveare (1925–2016) –  Give Me This Mountain (Autobiography)

Isobel Kuhn (1901–1957) –  By Searching: My Journey Through Doubt Into Faith (Autobiography)

Jackie Hill Perry (1989– ) –  Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been

Jane Grey (1537–1554) – The Nine Day Queen of England: Lady Jane Grey by Faith Cook

Joni Eareckson Tada (1949–) – Joni: An Unforgettable Story (Autobiography), Joni and Ken: An Untold Love Story (Autobiography)

Laura Perry – Transgender to Transformed: A Story of Transition That Will Truly Set You Free by Laura Perry

Lilias Trotter (1853–1928) – A Passion for the Impossible: The Life of Lilias Trotter by Miriam Huffman Rockness (missionary to Algerian Muslims)

Mary Slessor (1848–1915) – Mary Slessor of Calabar Pioneer Missionary by W.P. Livingstone

Mary Winslow (1774-1854) –  Life in Jesus: A Memoir of Mary Winslow  by Octavius Winslow

Sarah Edwards (1710–1758) –  In Love with Christ: The Narrative of Sarah Edwards by Jennifer Adams, Marriage to a Difficult Man: The Uncommon Union of Jonathan & Sarah Edwards by Elizabeth Dodds

Sophie Scholl (1921–1943) – Sophie Scholl and the White Rose by Annette Dumback and Jud Newborn ( watch full movie on YouTube of Sophie Scholl: The Final Days )

Susannah Spurgeon (1832–1903) – Free Grace and Dying Love: Moring Devotions by Charles Ray and Susannah Spurgeon

Susannah Wesley (1669–1745) – Susannah Wesley: The Mother of John and Charles Wesley by Arnold A. Dallimore

Virginia Prodan – Saving My Assassin

Best Biographies of Biblical Figures

Abraham – Abraham: The Obedience of Faith by F.B. Meyer

David – David: Shepherd, Psalmist, King by F.B. Meyer, David: A Man of Passion and Destiny by Charles Swindoll

Elijah –  Elijah and the Secret of His Power by F.B. Meyer, Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility by Charles Swindoll

Esther – Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity by Charles Swindoll

Israel – Israel: A Prince with God: The Story of Jacob by F.B. Meyer

Jesus – One Perfect Life: The Complete Story of the Lord Jesus by John MacArthur, The Jesus Story: Everything that Happens in the New Testament in Plain English by Dr. William Marty

Job — Job: A Man of Heroic Endurance by Charles Swindoll

John the Baptist — John the Baptist by F.B. Meyer

Joshua – Joshua and the Land of Promise by F.B. Meyer

Paul –  The Apostle: A Life of Paul by John Pollock (a favorite of Tim Challies), An Illustrated Life of Paul by Charles L. Quarles, Apostle of the Heart Set Free by F.F. Bruce (a book D.A. Carson assigns to students),  Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit by Charles Swindoll

Samuel – Samuel the Prophet by F.B. Meyer

The Thief on the Cross — Heaven, How I Got Here by Colin S. Smith

The Best Christian Biographies for Children and Teens

Christian Biographies for Young Readers by Simonetta Carr

Little Lights Complete Box Sets One and Two  (individual titles also available)

Good for Teens: The Christian Heroes Then & Now Series 

Compilation Book:  Everyone a Child Should Know by Clare Heath-Whyte

Books Sharing Various Christian Biographies

50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren Wiersbe

Eric Metaxas’ 7 Men and 7 Women

Feminine Threads: Women in the Tapestry of Christian History by Diana Severance

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (a favorite of Randy Alcorn)

Iain Murray’s 7 Leaders: Pastors and Preachers

More Than Conquerors: Portraits of Believers from All Walks of Life by John Woodbridge

John Piper’s The Swans are Not Silent Series

People who (unknowingly!) helped with this list: Albert Mohler , Bruce Ashford , Bryan Chapell , Elyse Fitzpatrick , Fred Sanders , James K.A. Smith ,  Jason Cook , Justin Taylor , Kevin DeYoung ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ), Mark Dever , Melissa Krueger and friends , Nancy Guthrie , R.C. Sproul , Randy Alcorn , Ray Ortlund , Russell Moore , Tim Challies , Timothy George , Trevin Wax ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ).

Phew! That list took me a while. I hope it encourages your heart as you contemplate God’s grace in the lives of His servants across the centuries. What a mighty God we serve!

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36

[1] John Piper in “Will You Write More Biographies?” https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/will-you-write-more-biographies.

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Home Equipping Leaders Older Adults Tell Me Your Story: How to Write Your Spiritual Memoir

October 02, 2015

October 2015

Tell Me Your Story: How to Write Your Spiritual Memoir

In the years since my parents’ passing, I have found myself saying, “I wish I had asked Dad or Mom about something when they were still living.” This wish applies doubly when it comes to asking them questions about their faith, since they were the original source of my understanding of God. Though they shared openly their own beliefs and stories about how they came to faith, unfortunately, I never recorded any of it. Neither did they leave behind their own record of faith. Because I have come to realize just how much my own faith journey was influenced by my parents’ relationship with God, I have learned how important it is to write – and periodically update – my own spiritual autobiography. I know the gift that a spiritual memoir can be to love ones left behind. But even more so, I am aware of the gift that spiritual memoirs or autobiographies can be to those who write them. They can help their authors better appreciate their own lives and comprehend God’s presence throughout their lifetimes.

Spiritual autobiographies can be a wonderful ministry tool with baby boomers and older adults who are thinking about their legacy and purpose in life. For many people, the idea of writing their life story is a daunting and overwhelming task. Left to their own devices, older adults may not know how and where to begin to record or keep their stories going. There are several common methods and systems available for recording a spiritual autobiography. Older-adult leaders should pick one method they trust and then experiment with this method themselves before handing it off to those they serve. Chances are, if a leader finds the method too time consuming, it will be too time consuming for the average older adult. Or if a leader finds the method is incomplete or confusing, then it will seem incomplete and confusing to the older adults.

One of the more common methods of spiritual autobiography is the question and answer method, which has proven questions that are designed to reveal patterns and common themes in a person’s life. The responses to the question form the core of a narrative which becomes the autobiography. When this method is followed, the writer only needs to link the answers together to form a spiritual autobiography.

A second common methodology begins with having the writer list the major events from his or her life and reflect on the events with the idea of looking for a common theme or unifying principle to tie the events together. This methodology becomes a guided tour of life, so the writer is able to see the moments of life that changed, challenged, and contributed to the faith journey.

Perhaps less known, but equally effective, is the methodology that begins with the desired result and reverse engineers it by working backward from the greatest faith insights one has learned in growing more like Christ.

Churches can use a variety of formats in helping older adults write their spiritual memoirs. Traditional instruction methods such as classes, workshops, and seminars in autobiography writing are common. Individual interviews by trained writers on a one-on-one basis, is another effective approach. However, this method can be expensive if the church decides to purchase a commercially available spiritual autobiography service. A creative approach for smaller, less affluent churches might be to train volunteers to conduct interviews and write the autobiographies for the older adults. This also works well as a group activity. Older adult members could be assigned to interview one another and serve as writing partners who work together on each other’s memoirs. Churches could use an intergenerational approach and ask children and youth in the church to record interviews with the older adults. One church asked older adults to bring their photograph albums and collections of pictures, slides, and images to church. Then they were to describe to the youth and youth leaders what was happening when the picture was taken. A great season to collect these interviews is during Advent and Lent. During Advent, older adults can reflect upon memorable Christmases. During Lent, they can be asked to reflect on their views about heaven and death and dying. This can be a helpful way to work with seniors in death preparation. Another intergenerational approach is to interview the adult children of older adults and their older-adult parents, asking them to answer the same series of questions about faith. The Office on Aging and Older-Adult Ministry has several sets of starter questions available for completing this task.

Whatever the method chosen to help older adults write their autobiographies, it is a great form of older-adult ministry. Helping older adults write their faith narratives can be a valuable gift for their loved ones and themselves. In writing their spiritual memoirs, older adults can see how sustaining their faith has been. They will grow in appreciation for who God created them to become in life as they share their stories with loved ones.

Below is a list of resources for help in writing spiritual autobiographies.

Spiritual Autobiography Resources

Books (in order of recommendation)

• Remembering Your Story , by Dr. Richard Morgan, Upper Room Books, (2002)
• Writing Life Stories: How to Make Memories into Memoirs, Ideas into Essays and Life Into Literature , by Bill Roorbach, Writer’s Digest Books (2008).
• Writing Your Life, 4E: A Guide to Writing Autobiographies , by Mary Borg, Prufrock Press, (2013).
• The Story of Your Life: Writing a Spiritual Autobiography , by Dan Wakefield, Beacon Press, (1990).
• Voices of Aging , by Missy Buchanan, Upper Room Books (2015).
• Life bio – Biography writing service geared toward older adults
• University of California Berkley, Online Course in Spiritual Autobiographies
• Healing Memoir and Spiritual Autobiography with Linda Joy Myers
• Guided Autobiography Service

Please also see “ So You Want to Write Your Story: Do’s and Don’ts for Older Adults Writing their Spiritual Memoirs”

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Six Details to Include in Your Church Staff Bios

by Jonathan Howe

By Jonathan Howe

When we talk with first-time guests about church websites, many of them share their surprise that the website fails to include bios or any information other than a name for the church staff.

I have to admit, I’m surprised when I see this happen as well.

Staff bios help guests—and church members—relate better to those who are charged with the spiritual care of a congregation. While they don’t have to be exhaustive, there are a few items to consider including in each church staff member’s bio.

• A current, professional photo of the staff member. The number of church staff pages that just list names and nothing else puzzles me. Photos help people identify with the church. Having a professional photo that is current for each staff member communicates that a church cares about details and doing things well.
• Information about what their job entails. With the growing number of unorthodox job titles in churches, there is often confusion over what area of ministry a staff member relates to. For example, a “creative arts director” could work with the worship ministry, the media ministry, the communications team, or all three. Provide clarity for each staff member so that someone can easily identify to whom they can direct questions or ideas.
• How long they’ve been at the church. It’s not an essential item, but it is helpful. Knowing how long a staff person has been at a church provides context to visitors and members. There is a catch with this approach though. If you say “Joe has been on staff for 12 years,” then you have to update it every year. Try a format like “Joe joined the staff as student minister in 2005” instead.
• Social media profiles. I understand that many people still do not have social media profiles or want them shared. But consider providing at least some social media connection if at all possible. Each staff member could pick the one social media platform they prefer and use it. Or you could list all available platforms. The specifics don’t matter as long as there’s at least some way to connect with the staff other than email.
• An email address. Other than a picture, this might be the most important part of a staff bio. Contacting a church staff member should be as easy as possible. And email is the best way to allow for that contact to take place without providing too much personal information.
• Personal information. If any of these could be considered optional, it would be this one. However, like a picture, personal information (likes, dislikes, alma maters, spouse and kids’ names) helps people better relate to the staff. So if it’s possible, then include it.

What else does your church include in its staff bios? What would you add to this list?

Posted on May 25, 2017

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28 Comments

Wow, great blog.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.

I have been reading your posts for quite some time. And every time, it adds to my knowledge. But could you please elaborate on the last section in your upcoming post? Keep writing.

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7 Steps to Compelling Staff Bios on Your Nonprofit Website [Updated]

Updated March 24, 2022

If you’ve spent any time in the world of nonprofit copywriting, you’ll have heard the maxim: people give to people, not causes . We like people. We care about real people because they remind us of those we love and care about. Ourselves, our friends, our kids, and our communities. However, many nonprofits forget that the same applies to our own organizations as well, not just our fundraising materials. We’re in the relationship business. Major gifts fundraisers—how much time do you spend getting to know your donors? Then it makes sense to let your donors get to know you too! Here’s why you should include staff bios on your website (and how to make them compelling).

How to Have a Great Staff Page (with Examples!)

Have a biography.

Bio page from Cross-Cultural Solutions – short and sweet bio, and you can click for more.

One of the cardinal sins of nonprofit staff pages is not having a bio for your staff members at all .

It’s not enough to have a contact number and email, or a name. Stopping there would be very corporate—and not in a good way. In addition, don’t put up a wall between people and get them to stop thinking of you not as a real, breathing person who cares about the world.

You don’t want to be a name and a job title.

Plus, subconsciously, you’ll communicate the same thing about your donors: they aren’t real, dynamic people. They’re just anonymous billfolds, like you’re an anonymous suit.

So what should you put in your bio? Good question. Keep reading.

Don’t Be BORING

Okay, here’s the one exception to the rule of always having a biography: if your bio is boring, kill it .

You might as well select your bio text, hit DELETE and click SAVE.

Why Boring Bios Happen

If you’re like me, having a boring bio is tempting because of the potential rewards of doing so:

• Trying to be impressive to funders : We worry that grant-givers don’t give to organizations that are not professional and serious about what they do. So we stuff all of our biggest, most boring achievements in our biographies. Believe me, if funders aren’t sure about giving to your organization, your impressive biography is not going to sway them.
• Attempting to be impressive to individual donors : Okay, when individual donors click on your About page, they care about two things. A) Whether you are run by real people, and B) If you are the kind of people she would be friends with. If you have staff bios at all, you pass Test A. And if you’re not boring, you pass Test B. There is no Test C for whether you’re impressive. Individual donors don’t care about your job title. They won’t remember it in 10 minutes.
• Trying to impress our bosses : Your bosses are neither your donors or funders. Send them to this article if they want you to have boring bios (they probably don’t).
• Wanting to feel impressive to yourself : You aren’t your donors or your funders, either. You are special. You don’t need to brag to know that.
• Trying to fill space : We have a hard time talking about ourselves, sometimes. So we put all the obvious boring stuff in our biographies to fill space. Stop and just be normal! See “Have a Personality” below.
• Not having to try too hard : It’s really easy to write your job title and how many years you’ve been in the organization and where you went to school. Stop being lazy.

Now that you know there are no rewards for being boring, you can stop! Feels good to be interesting, doesn’t it?

Have a Picture

Back on My Feet ’s bio page pictures are polaroid-esque photos that incorporate the running theme into them. Awesome job.

First, too many people don’t have a picture at all . This is a huge mistake.

Why don’t you have a picture? People like pictures. Today, we’re spoiled by visual social media like Facebook and Pinterest. If you have a picture, people are much more likely to believe you exist, and to feel connected to you.

Have a GOOD Picture

Secondly, make sure your picture isn’t terrible . A professional headshot is the best way to go, but you don’t necessarily need a full-fledged photoshoot. Pull out a smartphone, have someone who understands photography just a little bit take the photo, and use a photo editor app to adjust the lighting or background. Then you’re all set to add it to your website.

Most of us walk around with little high-resolution cameras in our pockets, so you’re out of excuses for not having a photo of yourself on your website.

Have a Personality

DoSomething.org ’s bio pages have personality that matches their target demographic’s sensibilities, as younger kids.

Again, people only want a couple things from your staff biographies: they want to know you’re real and that you’re someone they wouldn’t hate to be associated with. This is a really low bar! You can do it if you have a little personality .

Think about these things:

• What do you like to do in your spare time?
• What inspires you?
• Why are you in nonprofit work? What are the emotional reasons?
• Who is a hero of yours?
• What’s something quirky about you?

We want to connect with real people , so be unapologetically real. Err on the side of too much personality. It’s way better to be a little weird and remembered than being boring, safe… and totally ignored.

Here is a real staff bio from an operations manager at a nonprofit in Oregon. (Allison—you are a wonderful human being!)

I bolded the most personable parts of Allison’s bio:

Allison provides administrative support to the Capacity Building Services team. Allison is a native Oregonian and has worked in the nonprofit community in Portland as an Office Manager and Program Coordinator for the last six years. She received a BA in Community Development from Portland State University with a focus in community organization and change. Allison developed a strong sense of devotion for the nonprofit sector as a beneficiary of an informal youth development program at the Audubon Society of Portland nearly 16 years ago . This experience gave her a deep appreciation for how nonprofits seek to improve the quality of life for our region; one program at a time .

Allison’s bio is 110 words long—a great length. It even has a great picture. The one problem: the bio could use more personality .

For one, the language is pretty stiff and formal. Might be trying to impress us with notable achievements. But instead of being impressed, I’m a little bored. This is tragic because Allison is a vibrant, interesting person! Here’s a quick revision of her bio:

A native Oregonian, Allison fell in love with nonprofits when she was only a teenager. Inspired at a summer camp led by the Audubon Society of Portland, Allison quickly developed a deep passion for charitable work. This resolve stuck with her through college, leading her to get her BA in Community Development from Portland State U. Over 16 years later, Allison provides support to our Capacity Building Services team and is happy spending her days keeping Oregon an amazing place to live, one program at a time.

Notice how the personal details, not the job title, are the details we focus on most. The tone is casual, and we’re told a STORY of Allison’s journey, not given a list of plain facts. Native Oregonians are probably nodding and thinking to themselves “ I remember summer camp! I hope other people get to experience that .”

The bio could still be more fun (what does Allison love about Oregon? It’s lush state parks? Hiking? Kayaking? The open skies?)—but it feels fresher already! Not too difficult, right? With your own bio, focus on varying the sentences and being personable with your language. This will keep boredom at bay.

Practice Storytelling

Acumen Fund ’s bio page—loving the quotes. Very personable.

Your bio page is a great time to practice your nonprofit storytelling .

In the nonprofit world, literally every time you answer the question “ So what do you do? ” you’re given a chance to tell a story about what you do and why your work matters. Your answer is fundraising 101, and it should be fun!

For example, if your bio mentions a specific field like journalism or environmental work, make it part of your story! In other words, don’t just drop it for no reason .

Unless there’s some specific reason your school affiliation would resonate with or legitimize you with potential donors or constituents, I wouldn’t even mention it. Most of your website visitors wouldn’t trade the time of day for information about your alma mater. You may have that sense of school pride, but it’s not the same for others who take pride in their own educational path.

More story tips: Ask yourself, why are you involved in this work? What about your life experiences makes it matter so much to you? Don’t just say “because my cause is important”—that’s lazy. Say why it’s important to you individually . It’s likely your motivations are similar to potential donors’ own motivations, so it’s a great chance to connect on a deeper level and build stronger relationships with them.

Provide a Way to Contact You

Sarah Durham , one of our favorite nonprofit thought leaders. So many good things about this bio page, but note—you can reach out to her on Twitter! Hurrah!

Above all, make sure there’s a way to contact each staff member .

This can be a phone number, email, or even your Twitter handle or LinkedIn profile. Just make sure there’s a way that folks can reach out to you and connect. You’re in the relationship business, after all—connection is what it’s all about.

In conclusion, remember people give to people . People connect with people. When it comes to compelling staff bios, you want your words to make that connection for you. You want donors and website visitors to really get to know you.

Always make your communications more personal, more genuine and more human, and you’ll never go wrong.

*Originally published in 2013

Marc Koenig

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Bio for Minister Denise Cook-Godfrey

Minister Denise has devoted her life to God in true worship and desires to be used to motivate, inspire, and arouse the Body of Christ to worship God in Spirit and in Truth.  After ministering at the local city jail for about eight years, she accepted her public call to ministry in late 2006 and is a licensed Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  She has ministered at Women’s Conferences and other services locally.  Minister Godfrey also can be heard each second Sunday of the month on WFEB Radio 1340 AM at 6:30 a.m.

The ministry also involves teaching the Body of Christ to utilize the arts such as praise and worship dancing, interpretive movement and expressive signing, drama, and poetry within the local church in order to bring edification, comfort, exhortation, and deliverance.  The goal is to set the gospel in motion in order to provoke transformation! Minister Godfrey has received certification and training as a Liturgical Dance Educator. She  has written several books, Gospel Stage Plays, and Poetry over the years.

Minister Godfrey is currently the director of the dance and drama ministry at the New Beginning Ministries where she serves also as one of the Associate Ministers under the covering of Overseer Erastus Godfrey and Pastor DeForest Godfrey.  She is the wife of Assistant Pastor DeForest Godfrey, the mother of two children, and is a loving grandmother.  Minister Godfrey enjoys writing, aerobic exercising, dancing, and just spending time with her family.

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During your career, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to write a biography about yourself for websites, social media, conference programs, membership in professional organizations and more. The problem is, too many people seize that moment to pontificate about themselves as if they’d won an Academy Award or Nobel Prize . But writing an effective personal biography can do more than just tout your accomplishments—it can really serve to advance your ideas and message. Now’s a good time to rethink your personal biography, and here’s a handful of important principles to keep in mind:

1) Mention your accomplishments, but don’t go over the top.

Far too many bios include phrases like “changing the world,” “bestselling author,” “in demand speaker” or “internationally respected _______.” Unless those types of accolades can be verified, don’t stretch the truth. It hurts your credibility. Always remember that in the Internet age, everything can be verified.

2) Focus on your “ One Big Thing .”

Too many bios list a wide array of interests and work, and leave the reader wondering what your area of expertise actually is. Instead, use your bio to share what you feel called and prepared to accomplish with your life. (And if you don’t know what that is, then read my book .)

3) Write your personal biography for a specific audience.

Is the bio being used for a leadership conference? Then focus on your expertise in that area. For a job site? Focus on your qualifications. For a professional organization? Make it clear why you’re part of that group. Always think about the specific reader of the bio and what they need to know.

4) Keep it short and sweet.

Generally speaking, I’ve noticed that in conference programs, the least experienced person usually has the longest biography. That’s because the most qualified speakers don’t need to promote themselves in their bio. Keep it short and focused on the purpose at hand.

5) Don’t fake it.

When someone starts in a new career, they often feel like there isn’t much to say. If that’s the case, then make what little you’ve done look good. And think about things outside the workplace to talk about—maybe your work for a local cause or nonprofit. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself, but don’t make things up. Your integrity matters, so just keep it simple.

6) Have some fun.

When  Paula Zahn joked on CNN that I was “the only working producer in Hollywood with a Ph.D. in Theology,” I included that in my personal biography. The only reason my wife went out with me on our first date is that when I called her, she thought I was someone else—so I’ve used that in a bio. Maybe you have an odd hobby, or a quirky past. Don’t be so serious all the time. It’s a personal biography – people will enjoy seeing your personality.

Remember—your biography isn’t about bragging rights, it’s about credibility.  Why should I listen to your speech, check out your website or connect with you online? Lose the hype, be authentic and have some fun.

This article bout how to write your personal biography originally appeared here , and is used by permission.

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Effective Conference Speaker Bios: 9 Examples That Stand Out

• Carolyn Manion Kinnie
• January 16, 2024

Table of Contents

When you land your first big speaking gig, one of the first things your event planner will ask for is a headshot and bio. Composing a bio for a conference is an important way to attract audience members to your talk. It also contributes to marketing for the event itself. Are you worried about coming up short when faced with this task? That’s why we’ve gathered a variety of great conference speaker bio examples just for you. Use these bios drawn from our own students and coaches at The Speaker Lab for inspiration as you get ready for your next speaking engagement!

Event bios can be tricky because you often have a word limit, whereas on your speaker website you have free reign to pick and choose how much and what information you include. Furthermore, if you offer a variety of options on your speaker menu, the bio you use for one talk/audience might not be well suited to the others. 

If the program will be appearing online ahead of the event, your conference speaker bio also plays a role in event promotion. Helping draw attendees to an event with your effective bio will endear you to conference event planners and gain you a positive reputation in the speaking world. While that may seem like a secondary concern, it plays an important role in building your network . 

What Makes a good Conference Speaker Bio?

As a refresher, we covered the ins and outs of writing a solid speaker bio here. And we’ve provided several templates for different kinds of speaker bios here . (Remember: we always recommend maintaining a longer “master bio” which you can edit and pare down to make shorter bios for conferences, speaker proposals, social media, and more.)

The most important factor that makes or breaks any speaker bio is your audience. Always keep your audience (and the event) in mind when you write a speaker bio for a conference. Are they professionals, creatives, executives, parents, entrepreneurs? Is this a connection and community oriented conference or one focused on presenting data-driven research without all the fluff? Even if you keep the same basic info, subtle adjustments to tone and the order you present information can make a huge difference! Our examples cover a variety of industries and event types so you can get a feel for how to change things up based on your client and audience. 

Before we get on to our conference speaker bio examples, let’s review our open-ended template. 

Conference Speaker Bio Template

• Open with a positioning statement aligned with the conference theme that establishes your expertise.

[Name] is a [seasoned expert] who [does interesting and important things in your industry].

• List the career highlights that are relevant to your talk. 

[Name] has [X years, decades] of experience doing [what your audience does or wants to do]. 

• Include a taste of your mission and vision –your “why”–to pique the audience’s interest.

During [life or career experience], [Name] realized that [thing that made you decide to speak]. Now, [Name] does [what you do for a living] to [transformation you hope to achieve].  

• If relevant: end with a personal fact relatable to your audience. (Leave this out if the conference atmosphere is particularly academic, data-driven, or otherwise impersonal).

[Name] enjoys trying new foods, like [signature dish of the city hosting the conference]. 

The conference speaker bio examples we’ve shared below are from students, alumni, and coaches of our TSL programs. You can listen to even more testimonies from our students and friends who have made their mark on the speaking industry on our podcast . 

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1. Dominique Luster

 2. Dr. Peggy DeLong

3. David Palmiter

Dr. David Palmiter’s bio for a medical society conference is credential-oriented and to the point. He hones in on his psychological expertise after describing his jack-of-all-trades career. Given the serious topic of his panel on substance abuse, an emphasis on professional qualifications is necessary and appropriate. But this conference bio isn’t entirely dry and technical, as it includes how Dr. Palmiter’s interest in magic connects to his desire to change people’s lives. Dr. Palmiter shared some of his magician’s wisdom on our podcast–listen here.

4. Chris Failla  

This profile for a networking event is a great example of a conference bio that combines brevity and thoroughness. Chris elucidates his credentials in the field and specifies the transformation he has wrought that is similar to what attendees will be looking for. He finishes with some personal notes, appropriate for an event that includes lunch and a happy hour where lots of small talk will be happening. While it’s short and to-the-point, you can tell from Chris’s bio that he’s a mission-driven guy, as he shared on our podcast .

5. Shailesh Ghimire  

This conference speaker bio from TSL alum Shailesh Ghimire is a great example of how to pack quite a punch with as few words as possible. In three sentences, Shailesh lets attendees at this dental industry continuing education event know exactly what they can expect to gain from his marketing presentation. 1. He has extensive experience in his field. 2. He can distill digital marketing concepts so they are easily digestible for non-marketers. 3. He will be concise and avoid rambling or jargon. If you’re working with a really strict word limit, try to focus on setting realistic and helpful expectations. Shailesh shared how he built a business out of his lifelong speaking passion on our podcast recently. Listen to his inspirational story here .

6. Anne Marie Anderson

Anne Marie Anderson’s conference bio for a women’s leadership symposium begins with a bang. Hard to beat three Emmys! It follows with a description of the transformation she effects through the keynote she is offering. Then, she covers all the experience and methods that go into her mission. Because Anne Marie has such an outstanding career outside of the motivational speaking realm, her bio serves to explain how her experience in broadcasting applies to her audience. Anne Marie talked to our team about her amazing career and “building an audacious mindset” on the podcast right here.  

7. Amy Fuentes

Are you trying to come up with a paragraph that convinces people to come to your workshop? Here’s a conference speaker bio example for you. Amy’s presentation at an upcoming women’s leadership conference is accompanied by an extremely mission-oriented conference bio. Given the event’s focus on inspiration and empowerment, this is a shrewd strategy to encourage people to come to her breakout session . Listen to Amy’s testimony of how she felt called to empower women through her speaking platform here .

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8. Brittany Richmond

TSL’s very own Brittany Richmond will be presenting at the 2024 National Conference on Student Leadership . We might be biased, but we think this is an incredible conference speaker bio that exudes professionalism and authority in her field. Her introductory statement that gives you an idea of her on-stage persona and credentials. Her career path leads directly to her mission statement as well as a quick description of the many venues she has spoken for. You know exactly what you’re getting into when you listen to Britt’s presentation! Check out one of her recent podcasts with us here .

9. Dan Irvin

We’ll wrap up our slew of examples with a bio from TSL coach Dan Irvin. Dan just spoke to the American Bus Association conference in Nashville. His conference speaker bio hits all of our template requirements, leaves you full of excitement for his session, and offers a dose of relatability. A positioning statement that captures his personality and the transformation he offers starts us off. Then Dan covers his career background which qualifies him especially for work with leaders and executives. He describes his mission (at least for this talk): getting you back on track when you lose sight of your goals while having fun along the way. And he squeezes in a reminder that he too has a family to come back to at the end of this event. Dan shared several of his systems for success with us this year on an episode of The Speaker Lab podcast. 

Writing a conference bio is just one of the steps in the long process of finding, booking, and completing a paid speaking engagement. If you want more tips and guidance throughout this process, get in touch with our team here . 

• Last Updated: March 21, 2024

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Home > Blog > Speaking 101 > 10 Speaker Bio Examples That Will Inspire You To Update Yours

10 Speaker Bio Examples That Will Inspire You To Update Yours

In managing a speaking business, there are dozens of moving pieces that operate simultaneously. There are the more exciting pieces of the puzzle, like the signature on a new contract, as well as the more tedious components, like cleaning out your customer relationship management system ( CRM ). However, of these components, there are a handful that are recycled for each speaking gig, and over time, it becomes easier and easier to not only identify them but also refine them. Together, these details form your “speaker kit,” a comprehensive set of information that provides your clients with all the tools they need to prepare for their event with you as the highlight. Within this kit, although there are many things included, we’re going to just focus on a single one here: your speaker bio.

A few months ago, we published a guide to six quick and easy steps for writing a stellar speaker bio. From things you should include to mistakes you should avoid, these six steps were focused on providing speakers with actionable and straightforward advice, making the process of writing your bio a little easier. However, while we went through plenty of “to-do”s, we didn’t cover many examples for you to reference as you write your bio. In light of that, in this guide, we’re going to highlight the SpeakerFlow team ’s top ten speaker bios.  That way, the next time you give your bio a facelift, you’ll have a solid set of examples to get you started. 👍

1.  Meridith Elliott Powell

First on our list is the one and only Meridith Elliott Powell . As both an experienced saleswoman and a decorated speaker, Meridith’s speaking business can serve as an example in many regards. However, in the context of her speaker bio, there are a few things that make it especially noteworthy. First, it highlights her accomplishments in her field and as a speaker right from the beginning. This shows her confidence as well as her experience, making her a valuable hire for any event organizer reading her bio. Second, she names the industries for which her content is designed, specifically “banking, healthcare, and finance”. In this way, she clears up any confusion the reader may have as to whether or not she’s a good fit for their organization. She also saves herself from having to meet with event organizers that turn out to be a bad fit for her message. 

Lastly, as far as speaker bios go, there are three variations to have on hand: the full version, a 100 word version, and a “super short” version. The version of Meridith’s speaker bio below is a perfect example of what a 100-word version should look like. Direct, detailed, and succinct, it not only communicates everything you would need to know, as an event organizer. More importantly, it does so in a read-time of less than a minute. That means less time spent reading, for the event organizer considering her, and a shorter timeline between “first landed on her website” and “contacted her to learn more”. 

The Biography:

“Voted one of the Top 15 Business Growth Experts to Watch by Currency Fair, sales and leadership expert Meridith Elliott Powell is an award-winning author, keynote speaker and business strategist. With a background in corporate sales and leadership, her career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare, and finance. Meridith worked her way up from an entry-level position to earn her seat at the C-Suite table. Meridith is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), a designation held by less than twelve percent of professional speakers. She is passionate about helping her clients learn the sales and leadership strategies they need to succeed no matter what this marketplace does.”

2. Neen James

Second is Australian leadership and productivity speaker Neen James . In many ways, Neen’s speaker bio is admirable for the same reasons as that is Meridith Elliott Powell. To begin with, it mentions her certifications, both within the speaking industry and outside of it. Additionally, it goes on to give details from her past clients, regarding her value as a speaker, specifically. For example, in the third sentence she states, “Meeting planners love working with Neen, often describing her as the energizer bunny for their events.” This functions well as both a quick way to work in a testimonial and a fun way to suggest her energy. Plus, as someone who has also been described as the “Energizer Bunny,” it already makes me want to get to know her, and I’m not even planning an event! 

Lastly, the final thing to notice in Neen’s speaker bio is her strong and unique ending. In it, she says, “Oh, did we mention that Neen is Australian? Why does that matter? Well, it means that she’s a bit mischievous, is pretty witty and a little cheeky. She also considers herself an unofficial champagne taste tester … and a really slow runner.” In sharing a bit of personal information as well as a few jokes about herself, Neen ends the entire bio with a laid-back and “don’t take life too seriously” sort of attitude. This makes her memorable both as a potential event hire and as a potential connection. After all, who doesn’t like working with someone that works hard but is humble enough to laugh at themselves? I know I do. 🤷

“Neen is a leadership expert who delivers high-energy keynotes presentations that challenge audiences to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most at work and in life. Audiences love her practical strategies they can apply personally and professionally. Meeting planners love working with Neen, often describing her as the energizer bunny for their events.

Neen earned her MBA from Southern Cross University and the Certified Speaking Professional designation from National Speakers Association. She has received numerous awards as a professional speaker. Her strong background in learning, development and managing large corporate teams makes her the perfect fit. Organizations that hire Neen because of her implementable strategies that help employees avoid distractions, stop interruptions, prioritize daily objectives and say ‘no’ to requests that steal time from real goals and priorities.

Oh, did we mention that Neen is Australian? Why does that matter? Well, it means that she’s a bit mischievous, is pretty witty and a little cheeky. She also considers herself an unofficial champagne taste tester … and a really slow runner.”

3. Jason O. Harris

Next up, let’s take a look at the speaker bio for motivational speaker and decorated veteran Jason O. Harris . As one of the longest examples in this list, Jason’s speaker bio clocks in at 224 words. Overall, it’s a great example of what the long version of a bio should look like and the sort of details it should include. From his credentials to his experience, it shares the details about Jason that not only have made him a good person but also a good leader. Because these details are also what makes him a good consultant, speaker, and coach, in sharing them, he subtly shows his value without having to state it outright. In your own speaker bio, that’s exactly the level of class to aim for. In other words, your goal is to provide evidence that you are well worth hiring without ever saying “Hire me!”. 

On a secondary note, Jason’s speaker bio is also smart in that it’s organized with the assumption that the reader may not finish it. The first paragraph alone mentions the services he provides, the experiences that make them credible, and the reasons that hiring him is a good move. In this way, even though it doesn’t necessarily include everything a speaker bio should, it ensures that, as long as the reader makes it through that first paragraph, they’ll want to continue learning about Jason and the benefits of booking him for their event. 

“Jason Harris is a motivational speaker, consultant, and certified character coach who values dedication, service and excellence. As a decorated combat veteran, Jason brings unique perspectives gained from his battlefield experience to your organization, empowering you to unleash the untapped potential of your employees. Using real-world examples, Jason sheds light on how the invaluable talent each person brings to your organization can positively impact your mission.

Jason learned the value of dedication at an early age growing up in East Oakland, CA, as the second of six children in a single-parent home. Jason’s dedication, hard work, and determination to avoid a life of poverty and mediocrity inspired him to earn a congressional nomination to the United States Air Force Academy which lead to an accomplished military career as a decorated Air Force pilot. Jason’s career has been a model of service recognized with awards and decorations.

Earning several military awards for his superior military career has proved this attitude and consistent mission of excellence. Jason knows that excellence is a journey, not simply a destination. This perspective inspired him to teach, develop, inspire, and mentor hundreds of future Air Force leaders as an academic instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He brings this same dedication to his work with business leaders as they strive to empower their teams and achieve greater success.”

4. Mimi Brown

Number four on the speaker bio list is that of the hilarious Mimi Brown . As a speaker and coach, Mimi is all about authenticity, as anyone who’s met her can attest. Whether you’ve seen her speak or talked with her at an NSA event, a conversation with Mimi is relaxed and candid. In the same way, her speaker bio doesn’t just share the standard info about her credentials and speaking skills. It also gives the reader an idea of what Mimi is like, so they can know right off the bat if she’s the speaker they’re looking for. 

Additionally, like Jason O. Harris’s speaker bio, Mimi’s speaker bio begins with the most important information you should know about her, if you’re considering her for your event. As a whole, her first paragraph also serves as an example of what a promise statement should look like. If you haven’t heard of a promise statement, essentially, it’s a short and sweet description of a speaker, their clients, their services, and the results of their work. Considering this, besides looking to Mimi’s bio as an example of what a full speaker bio looks like, it’s definitely worth looking at the first paragraph for crafting your promise statement, too. 

“Motivational Keynote Speaker, Mimi Brown works with individuals and organizations to amplify their communication, connection and confidence so they can make an influential impact on the world. She mentors with passion, guiding her clients to effectively strengthen and elevate their leadership vision to new heights.

With over ten years of corporate training experience, a knack for making meaningful connections with audiences and an insatiable appetite for helping others maximize their potential, Mimi knows how to rock a platform, connect with a crowd and provide training so that others can effectively do the same.

Mimi’s down-to-earth humor compels audiences to laugh while they learn. She engages groups from the moment she steps in front of them and leaves them with empowering tools and focused mindsets that they will use long after the lights have gone out on the event. Mimi is passionate about people, leadership and successful businesses. She is especially inspired to help people take their careers – and themselves – to unprecedented levels.

Mimi’s honors include being recognized as one of Michigan Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40, Ms. Michigan Plus America 2015 and a proud contestant on NBC’s The Biggest Loser.

When not speaking or training, Mimi can be found creating delicious meals with chef and hubby Mr. Brown and bribing her snobby cat Kitty Brown with treats in exchange for snuggles.”

5. Brittany Hodak

Moving on, the fifth speaker bio example comes courtesy of keynote speaker and customer happiness expert Brittany Hodak . Overall, Brittany’s speaker bio is a fine example for several reasons, starting with the length. Unlike those of Jason O. Harris or Mimi Brown, Brittany’s bio totals about 125 words, making it perfect for an event program or landing page. 

Additionally, despite being relatively short, Brittany’s speaker bio is jam-packed with credentials and proof of her skills. In the last paragraph alone, she mentions Walmart , Disney , Amazon , Luke Bryan , and Katy Perry as past clients. These not only catch the reader’s eye, even if they merely skim her bio. They also are a huge testament to her business and speaking abilities, due to their reputation. In the same way, in your own speaker bio, include a few of your biggest clients in the long-form version. That way, even if the reader hasn’t met you before, your clients’ names will give you some added desirability. 

“Brittany Hodak is an international keynote speaker and award-winning entrepreneur. She is widely regarded as the go-to source on customer engagement and retention.

Additionally, Brittany has been invited to speak to organizations across the world including American Express, WeWork, Inc. and the United Nations. She has published more than 350 thought-leadership articles for media including Forbes, Adweek, and Success, and has been featured on CNBC, Bloomberg, NBC, CBS and Shark Tank.

Brittany co-founded, scaled, and successfully exited The Superfan Company, a fan engagement company whose roster included Walmart, Disney, Amazon, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and more under her eight-year leadership. She has been named to Advertising Age’s 40 Under 40 list, Inc.’s 35 Under 35 list, and Billboard’s 30 Under 30 list.”

6. Dave Raymond

Next, let’s take a look at another example, the speaker bio of the self proclaimed “Emperor of Fun,” Dave Raymond . Dave’s bio is a notable example for a few reasons. For one thing, like Brittany Hodak’s bio, it’s short, sweet, and includes the names of some eye-catching clients, in this case the Philadelphia Phillies . Again, including the names of your biggest clients in this way can boost your reputation and make hiring you an easy “yes.” In other words, don’t skip it, if you have some big clients under your belt. It might feel a little like boasting, but it’s almost guaranteed to get other event organizers’ attention. 

In addition, Dave’s bio also stands out from the other examples in this list because of how personal it is. In fact, Dave’s speaker bio focuses less on his speaking life and more on his life as a whole. From his experience on the baseball field to his experience behind a desk, it shares more personal details than the average bio, suggesting the same level of openness between him and his clients. Likewise, when writing your own bio, keep in mind that, while it’s important to include your professional info, it never hurts to include some fun facts about yourself, too. 

“Moving directly from college student to campy green fur-ball, Dave Raymond pioneered the field of sports mascots as the first enhabitor of the world-renowned Phillie Phanatic. Over his sixteen years in the suit, David’s performance as the Phanatic carried the Philadelphia Phillies to World Series victories and unimagined levels of popularity, helping to spawn a revolution in the mascot industry.

Leveraging the unique lessons he learned from the inside out – literally! – Dave made a seamless transition to the world of character branding and mascot training. Since starting Raymond Entertainment nearly twenty years ago, he has overseen the creation and rehabilitation of hundreds of mascots and the brands that support them.

With The Power of Fun, Dave shares his “phantastic” story. Learn how Dave’s time as the Phanatic led him to realize that fun’s transformative effects are the key to living a happier, healthier, and more productive life.”

7. Brandon Farbstein

The seventh speaker bio example we’ll look at comes from empowerment speaker and thought leader Brandon Farbstein . The youngest speaker in this list, Brandon’s bio is a perfect example of what a short bio looks like. To start, it opens with mention of his age and his dwarfism diagnosis, both of which are unique among speakers. From there, it mentions his TED appearance, alluding to his speaking skills and clientele, as well as his purpose, “to change the lens through which people see their world.” Finally, it concludes by asserting “In just three years of speaking, over five million people across the globe have been inspired by Brandon”. In this sentence alone, he shows his dedication and the impact he’s had on his audiences, despite only having been a speaker for a short time. 

All in all, Brandon’s speaker bio covers all of the things we mentioned already. If you forgot, these include your credentials and experience, some personal details, and mention of your target audience. However, it also does an exemplary job of telling a story, engaging the reader and leaving them with a desire to meet Brandon, either for their event or just for a conversation. In the same way, when writing your own speaker bio, try writing it as a story about you. Focus on answering the questions, “What is your experience?,” “Where have you spoken in the past?,” and “What are you doing these days?”. Not only will it help hold the reader’s attention. It will also show your story-telling skills, inadvertently crediting your speaking abilities, as well. 

“At just 20, Brandon Farbstein has already made a name for himself worldwide as a sought after speaker and prominent Gen Z activist. Diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism at the age of 2, Brandon stands at 3’9” – making his life’s journey full of adversity, strength, and impact. After feeling invisible and without a purpose for the first 15 years of his life, he discovered his calling on the TEDx stage, and suddenly realized his life’s meaning: to change the lens through which people see their world.  In just three years of speaking, over five million people across the globe have been inspired by Brandon; and his work continues to touch audiences from every walk of life.”

8. Cassandra Worthy

Eighth on our list of speaker bios is that of change management speaker Cassandra Worthy . Like Meridith Elliott Powell, Cassandra’s speaking brand is spot-on for a variety of areas, including her website and social presence. However, looking at her bio specifically, there are a few things that make it stand out. Arguably, the most noticeable thing that differentiates her speaker bio from the others in this list is that it’s told in first person. In other words, reading Cassandra’s bio, it’s almost as if you’re listening to her, rather than just reading about her. 

Additionally, like Brandon Farbstein, Cassandra’s bio shares her story as just that: a story. For example, between the first and second paragraphs, she states, “Fueled by frustration and stress, I found myself on the precipice of walking out of the office and never coming back. Had I done so, I would have become another statistic. Yet another Africa-American female departed from a STEM-driven industry…But I didn’t.” In doing this, she doesn’t juat pull the reader in. She also gives them a hint of the engaging way in which she speaks. In your own speaker bio, remember this as you tell your story, too. Your voice on paper (or on a screen, alternatively) is just as important as your voice on stage. 

“Early on in my career, when my company was in the aftermath of a $5B acquisition, I almost quit. Fueled by frustration and stress, I found myself on the precipice of walking out of the office and never coming back. Had I done so, I would have become another statistic. Yet another Africa-American female departed from a STEM-driven industry. Top talent voluntarily resigning during a time of significant organizational shift. Another change victim.

But I didn’t. Instead, I woke up one day and decided to view those feelings as a signal that I was sitting in a moment of opportunity. 

An opportunity to transform that chemistry, that feeling into something better. To choose every day to do something, say something, behave in some way that would move the needle of my work experience towards a better feeling. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was cultivating a teachable strategy to inspire anyone to become enthusiastic about change, to find their unique power of resilience during turbulent times.

Today, I help organizations disrupt ‘change as usual’. Through a practical and repeatable framework, I show them how they can transform their culture from surviving change to growing through change.”

9. Wayne Lee

Next is another example of a quick and inviting speaker bio, that of Canadian speaker and hypnotist Wayne Lee . Like the bios of Mimi Brown and Dave Raymond, Wayne’s speaker bio is a written representation of his stage presence. It is straightforward in that it explains his experience and general approach to positively impacting his audiences. However, it’s also engaging in its mention of “magic and visualization,” leading the reader to wonder how that plays a role in his presentations. 

Furthermore, Wayne’s speaker bio is also another great example of finding balance. It’s self-promotional but not to the point of arrogance. It’s engaging but not so much that it’s flashy. Above all, it’s long enough to be detailed but not so long that it’s boring. As you craft your own speaker bio, keep these balances in mind. That way, you can effortlessly gain event organizers’ attention and respect, again, without explicitly saying, “I’m well worth hiring!”.  

“One of North America’s premier Corporate Presenters, Entertainers, and Peak Performance Experts, Wayne Lee is a veteran of thousands of successful shows and presentations, a published author, and a mentor to professionals of all walks of life.

Wayne’s own journey to excellence has been fueled with an unrelenting passion for empowering people. From a childhood fascination with magic and visualization, Wayne’s gift and passion for seeing great potential and acting on it have allowed him to grow his career and perform to audiences worldwide.

Today, he works with leading brands to guide their teams through the high-stress, constant change, and fast-paced environment that is now commonplace. Wayne shows each audience how to reconnect with what matters most so they can achieve any result, all while enjoying the ride of their life.”

10. Gregory Offner

Last but not least on our list of speaker bios is that of creativity speaker and musician Gregory Offner . I saved Greg’s for last partly because it meets all the requirements already mentioned but also because it does a wonderful job of being unique and memorable. For example, one of the most important components of a speaker bio – of any written text, really, is the ending. In Greg’s bio, he ends the entire thing almost as if he wants to be respectful of your time and keep things short. But he has one last thing to mention before letting you go: “Oh, and he also brings an electric piano!” Not only is this a unique selling point. It also gives you a  glimpse of Greg’s down-to-earth attitude, even though his bio is written in third person. 

In the same way, as you write your speaker bio, make sure to start with your background and credentials and then segway into your services and what you’re currently doing. But, most importantly, remember to be authentic in telling your story and end on a high note. At the end of the day, after looking at a bunch of speakers, event organizers are going to consider those they remember the best. Even if it also functions as a source of basic information, the goal of your speaker bio is to put you in that group. 

“Using his background in Music and Entertainment, Greg weaves song and story together with insight from his 16 year career in business and sales to deliver a mesmerizing tale of fortune and frustration – the ups and downs of disruption. Having worked over 40 jobs before turning 30; attending 4 different schools before age 14; and then surviving 12 major surgeries to repair extensive damage to his voice from a career in music and sales, Greg doesn’t just speak on disruption, he’s lived it. 

His studies of Philosophy and Psychology enable him to simplify the science of why we create the patterns we do – where they come from, and how to change them to amplify results. From his 16 year career as a top-performing sales executive with Fortune 500 companies, to a 12 year run around the globe as a professional musician (dueling pianos); Greg brings a track record of integrity, creativity, and passion to every event – oh, and he also brings an electric piano!”

Hopefully, this list of examples provides you with some inspiration as you consider your own speaker bio, moving forward. For more information, check out our previous guide, “ Writing A Speaker Biography: The Beginner’s Guide ”. Conversely, feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] , too, if you have any additional questions. 👋

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