FAQs on Inviting Brent to Speak
(1) Do you speak at churches, conferences, colleges/universities, and other events?
Yes, I do a good bit of this and enjoy each of these contexts. I am happy to consider any and all invitations to speak or preach.
(2) What do you typically speak or preach about?
Lectures/Talks
Topics relating to books and articles I have already written. These include the importance (and decline) of the Old Testament as Christian Scripture; how to read/preach Scripture faithfully; the books of Psalms, Deuteronomy, Exodus, Jonah, and Ecclesiastes; the Ten Commandments; Old Testament Law; biblical poetry; and so forth. See, for example, my booksThe Old Testament Is Dying: A Diagnosis and Recommended Treatment (2017), Lies My Preacher Told Me: An Honest Look at the Old Testament (2021), Honest to God Preaching: Talking Sin, Suffering, and Violence (2021), and The Incomparable God: Readings in Biblical Theology (2023). Many of my essays and articles can be viewed on www.academia.edu.
Topics relating to books and articles I am currently working on. These are often related to items mentioned in #1. I am presently at work on book-length projects on Jonah, Amos, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Psalms, biblical poetry, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostles’ Creed.
Topics that you might want me to talk about.
While ##1-2 are most at the ready, I am happy to consider #3 and often find a fresh challenge both exciting and fun!
Sermons
Texts/topics assigned to me, whether by my hosts or by the lectionary, or suggested by the church calendar.
Texts/topics of my own choice.
I probably prefer #2, but I am happy to consider #1, especially if there is enough lead time (see next question).
(3) When do we need to ask you about your availability?
The earlier the better! While I am happy to entertain short notice invitations, the best bet is to contact me as far in advance as possible.
This is especially true if the engagement involves out-of-town travel and an overnight stay.
(4) Do you have a set speaker fee?
No, because each event is unique. I also do my best to never let financial matters be the final arbiter in my decision to speak.
That said, please be clear in your communication regarding whether your invitation is a volunteer one (that is, pro bono) or if an honorarium is involved. Unless otherwise specified, I assume honoraria figures are separate from covering expenses (travel, accommodations, food, etc.) which is typically paid separately by reimbursement.
I am happy to provide you with a suggested honorarium range if you are uncertain as to what might be appropriate. This range will reflect amounts I have been paid for similar events in recent years.
Some factors that are useful to consider as you contemplate an honorarium amount:
Preparation time—Even if I am speaking on something I am familiar with, there will be a decent amount of work to do ahead of time. New talks, of course, require significantly more preparation time.
Travel and time away—Speaking outside my immediate community means I am taking time away from my family and from my teaching and research obligations.
Scope of the event—How many talks will I be giving? How long is the talk(s)? Is there additional time for Q&A? What is the expected attendance? What other elements might I be expected to do (e.g., some aspect of a worship service in addition to the sermon; serving on a discussion panel; meals with attendees or organizers; etc.).
Clustering of events—Is it possible to cluster my event with your group with that of another group in the vicinity on an adjacent day?
Recording of the event—Do you wish the event to be recorded? Where and how will you host the recording and/or share it?
(5) What do we need to cover in terms of your travel?
If within driving distance: mileage and travel meals (if applicable).
If flying: roundtrip airfare, rideshare to and from my airport, rental car or rideshare in your city (if transportation of some sort is not already being handled some other way), hotel accommodations, travel meals.
I will email receipts for airfare and car rental (if applicable) when I book them; I will send the remaining receipts after I return home. If possible, for sake of bookkeeping, I prefer reimbursements to be sent separately from the honorarium.
If you are open to covering my wife’s travel as well, let me know, as that might influence my decision.
Have I missed anything? Feel free to reach out directly!