Is there a minimum number of people required to request a speaker?
For every request we have to weigh-up several factors – audience size is one of them. However, we don’t have a size limit as such. If you have flexibility with your date, we may be able to accommodate your request when travelling on regional visits.
What is required of me if I book a speaker?
This depends on the type of event taking place. If it is a regular church service, we simply require you to meet with us 30 minutes before the service to pray and run through any technical requirements (a data projector is appreciated). We will provide a PowerPoint slide for you to advertise in your church notices a week or two before the date – your endorsement and encouragement are appreciated.
If it is a community event, we can provide flyers for advertising and Eventbrite registration. We are happy to support you any way we can to make the event a success.
Can I specify the theme or topic of the talk?
Yes – we are happy to tailor a message to fit with a series or theme. We also have prepared some excellent messages that we can adapt to your specific context.
Will it cost anything to have a speaker travel to my church, organisation or group?
The short answer is no – however, Tearfund is a charity and if you would like to cover any accommodation or travel costs this will keep our costs to a minimum. This would be a donation to Tearfund not the speaker.
I am supportive of child sponsorship but do not want my church service to be a 30 min infomercial. What is your format?
We are deeply respectful of the sacredness of this space and our messages for a church service are aimed at ultimately inspiring and challenging people to put their faith in action. Sponsoring a child is one way they could do this. Our messages are generally a combination of a selected scripture, personal stories and examples that weave through the message.
Can I request a speaker to speak on a topic that does not involve child sponsorship?
Yes – Tearfund has amazing partners around the world undertaking a variety of international aid and development. If there is a particular issue you are passionate about, we are happy to work with you on that.
Our church sponsors children from a certain country can we ask that children available to be sponsored also come from this country?
Yes, you can, all you need to do is let us know the country you would like us to focus on and we can make sure the children available for sponsorship come from that location.
Can I request a speaker that is not in my region?
We always like to accommodate people’s requests if it is at all possible. If you are able to assist with the costs involved to bring the speaker to you, that would help. If not, it would have to depend on the size of and type of event and our speaker’s availability.
Are your speakers theologically trained?
At Tearfund, we are blessed to have an in-house theologian to assist us in the development of our messages. One of our team members (Dale Campbell) also has a master’s degree from Carey Baptist College in Auckland. As a team, we work collaboratively sharing our messages and receive regular training.
Do we need to provide an honorarium to the speaker?
No, however, you can make a donation to Tearfund to minimise our costs.
Are your speakers Christians?
Yes – everyone in the church team has a deep faith and love of Jesus. We see our work for Tearfund as an expression of our faith and love to encourage others. All our church team are also members of a local church and attend regularly.