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SPEAKING

Dr. Venessa Ellen Speaks

I teach from a thoroughly Biblical perspective on topics designed to help women grow in godliness, deepen their walk with Christ, and navigate life with wisdom and hope. My teaching ministry is focused on serving women through Scripture-centered instruction and practical application that honors God’s design and encourages spiritual maturity.

The Lord has allowed me to serve for more than 30 years in women’s discipleship, biblical counseling, and ministry leadership. Through conferences, retreats, and women’s ministry gatherings, I aim to equip women to serve well in their homes, churches, and communities.

Speaking engagements typically include an honorarium along with coverage of travel-related expenses. Because each event and ministry context is unique, honorarium details are discussed individually after a speaker request is submitted. I am always glad to work with churches and organizations to determine what is appropriate and feasible for their event.

If you’d like to explore the teaching themes I regularly offer, you can view a list of suggested topics below. If you do not see a topic that fits your event, we can discuss whether one of my existing sessions can be tailored to your group’s needs. If you are interested in inviting me to speak at your next women’s event, please select the SPEAKER REQUEST button below.

For those planning a women’s retreat or conference, you may find this article from The Gospel Coalition helpful:

What Your Retreat Speaker Needs from You

In addition, I’ve provided a brief Speaking Engagement Overview that outlines session structure and key logistical considerations specific to my speaking ministry. This overview is intended to help you understand what it typically looks like to invite me to serve at your event.

My Speaking Engagement Overview (PDF)

SPEAKER REQUEST

Real Life

Dr. Venessa Ellen, President - Real Life Women's Ministry, LLC.

Dr. Venessa Ellen is the President of Real Life Women's Ministry, LLC., Vice President of Expository Counseling Training Center and Director of Women’s Ministry at Community of Faith Bible Church. Additionally, she has been internationally recognized as a speaker, lecturer and trainer in Women's Ministry for over 25 years. Dr. Ellen has also been known for teaching and training on the subject of Church Administration / Organization. Dr. Ellen has spoken globally and is valued for her compassion, understanding and biblical insight. Her messages are grounded in her faith in Jesus Christ. She has developed various Women’s Ministry programs while leading Women’s ministries and provided training in biblical counseling for women. Dr. Ellen previously served as Chair and Professor of the Women’s Ministry Department at a well-known Bible College in Houston, Texas. Additionally, she has served as a blogger for many different Christian organizations.

SPEAKING TOPICS

Biblical Womanhood

Biblical Womanhood & Identity

These sessions equip women to understand God’s design for womanhood, embrace their identity in Christ, and walk faithfully in every season of life. Each workshop is grounded in Scripture and offers practical encouragement for living out biblical truth in the home, the church, and the community.

  • Understanding Biblical Womanhood: God’s Design & Our Daily Walk - Gen.1:16-27, Titus 2, Prov. 31This session lays the foundation for what it truly means to be a woman according to Scripture—not modern culture. Drawing from creation, purpose, design, and identity, women learn how to navigate the pressures of feminism, clarify the distinctions between roles and worth, and joyfully embrace the identity God has ordained for them as His daughters.
  • Following Christ First: Understanding Biblical Submission in Every Area of Life - John 14:7-15, Rom. 13:1-5, 1 Pet 2:13-15, 18-20Biblical submission begins long before marriage—it begins with submitting to Christ. This session explores submission to the Lord, to governing authorities, and within the home. Women will examine the heart attitudes that honor God, learn what healthy oneness looks like in marriage, and gain practical insight into trusting God’s design rather than cultural expectations.
  • Becoming a Titus 2 Woman: Godly Character, Home Life & Everyday Faithfulness - Titus 2:3-5, Prov. 31Drawing from Titus 2:3–5, this session focuses on the character, lifestyle, and priorities of a mature Christian woman. Using Scripture and practical examples, women will learn how holiness, kindness, purity, and faithfulness shape life at home and in the church. This teaching emphasizes disciple-making through example, integrity, and everyday godliness.
  • Women Walking Together: Christ-Centered Discipleship & Mentoring - Titus 2:1-8 (Discipling & Mentoring Principles)Healthy women’s ministry begins with Christ-centered relationships. This session unpacks what it means to build up other women in faith, maturity, and spiritual growth. Participants learn how to cultivate relationships that help one another believe in Christ, become like Christ, and belong to the community of Christ. It’s a practical, heart-oriented guide to biblical mentoring and discipleship.
  • Biblical Hope for the Hurting Mother’s Soul - James 1:1-4, 1 Pet. 1:7, John 15:2Motherhood can bring deep sorrow, disappointment, and spiritual testing. This session uses James 1 to encourage mothers who are walking through trials with their children—whether rebellion, suffering, or heartbreak. Women are guided to examine their responses, anchor their hope in God’s character, and cultivate joy that flows from trusting the Lord rather than their circumstances.
  • The Influence of a Godly Wife: How a Woman Shapes the Heart of Her Home - Prov. 31:10-31, Matt. 14:1-11Every wife influences her home—either toward godliness or toward destruction. Through biblical examples like Proverbs 31 and sobering warnings from Herodias, this session helps women examine their character, attitudes, and daily impact. Participants learn how humility, self-control, repentance, and obedience shape a wife’s spiritual influence on her husband and household.
  • Single vs. Single-Minded: Pursuing Christ with an Undivided Heart - 1 Cor. 7:1-2, 8-11, 33-35, Matt. 7:11This session encourages single women to embrace their season with purpose, devotion, and joy. Using 1 Corinthians 7, women learn to identify distractions, evaluate desires, resist immorality, and cultivate contentment. Rather than living in “waiting mode,” singles are encouraged to live fully for Christ with clarity, strength, and wholehearted devotion.

Counseling

Counseling & Care 

     

  • Healing Hearts: Biblical Hope for the Grieving and Soon-to-Be Grieving

    Learn how to walk with women facing active grief or anticipatory loss. This session provides biblical definitions, practical encouragement, and Christ-centered hope for those experiencing sorrow, fear, or uncertainty as they enter the valley of grief.

  • Comfort in Crisis: Biblical Wisdom for End-of-Life & Critical Care Counseling

    This workshop equips believers to navigate end-of-life decisions with clarity, Scripture, and compassion. Participants learn how to discern preference versus precept, support families through complex medical choices, and provide a steady, biblical presence in critical moments.

  • Finding Strength in Struggle: Biblical Counseling for Women Facing Chronic Illness

    Chronic illness brings ongoing emotional, physical, and spiritual strain. This session offers biblical perspective, practical support, and guidance for helping women cultivate trust, gratitude, and endurance as they face daily limitations or long-term medical conditions.

  • When Motherhood Overwhelms: Biblical Encouragement for Discouraged Moms

    Motherhood can expose fears, exhaustion, and discouragement. Using James 1, this session helps women examine their responses, embrace God’s refining work, and find renewed strength and joy in His presence—even in painful seasons of parenting.

  • Comfort in Dark Times: Biblical Counseling for Women Struggling with Loneliness

    Loneliness is a quiet but persistent struggle for many women. This presentation addresses expectations, perceptions, and faulty solutions while directing women to the faithful presence of God and practical steps toward Christ-centered community.

  • From Coveting to Contentment: Shepherding the Heart Through Jealousy and Envy

    Jealousy and envy reveal misplaced desires and dissatisfaction with God’s providence. This session helps women examine heart motivations, pursue gratitude, and embrace biblical contentment in Christ rather than comparison or competition.

  • Anger, Fear & Words That Wound: Biblical Counseling for God-Honoring Communication

    Communication struggles often flow from deeper heart issues such as anger, fear, pride, and self-protection. This workshop provides practical biblical tools for speaking truth in love, listening well, rejecting lies, and using words that honor Christ.

Leader’s Wives

Leader's Wives

  • The Life of the Ministry Leaders Wife (2 Parts)
    • A look at the potential joys & sorrows and expectations that are always present within ourselves and others.
  • How to encourage and support your Pastor/Husband –
    • Topics: Unity, dealing with your “emotions”, how to handle difficult seasons
  • Building Godly Relationships with the Women in the Church – Rom. 12:1-8
    • A discussion on how to Build Godly Relationships with Women in the Church potential barriers to these relationships.
  • Perceptions and Expectations of Others – 1 Cor. 4:1-4
    • A look at difficulties some face in ministry relating to the perceptions and expectations of others and concluding with recommendations on how to respond biblically.

Women's Ministry Training & Leadership

Women's Ministry Training & Leadership

These workshops equip women’s ministry leaders and teams to build strong, biblically anchored ministries that support the health of the local church. Each session focuses on servant-hearted leadership, wise stewardship of responsibilities, and Christ-centered ministry practices that foster unity, discipleship, and spiritual growth among women.

  • How to Build a Thriving Women’s Ministry: Biblical Leadership for Healthy Church Life

    Primary Scriptures: Proverbs 31:30; Titus 2:3–5
    A flourishing women’s ministry begins with biblical purpose, godly character, and intentional structure. This session provides a practical framework for shaping a ministry that supports the mission of the local church. Leaders learn how to establish clear goals, develop discipleship pathways, strengthen ministry teams, and cultivate a culture of sound doctrine, unity, and Spirit-led service among women.

  • Leading with Grace & Truth: The Essence of a Godly Servant Leader

    Primary Scriptures: Ezra 7:10; 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 12:2
    Biblical leadership is grounded in devotion to God, integrity of character, and a transformed mind. Using Ezra, Paul, and other key texts, this session explores the marks of a true servant leader—one who studies God’s Word carefully, lives it faithfully, and teaches it humbly. Women will be encouraged to examine their hearts, reject worldly leadership models, and pursue Christlike service in every ministry assignment.

  • How to Resolve Conflict in Women’s Ministry Teams: Biblical Strategies That Work

    Primary Scriptures: Genesis 3; James 4:1–10; Galatians 5:16–26
    Every ministry team faces conflict, but Scripture provides clear guidance for navigating it wisely. This workshop examines the origin of conflict in Genesis, exposes the heart-level issues behind quarrels in James 4, and highlights the Spirit-produced character needed for reconciliation. Leaders will gain practical tools for addressing sin, communicating truth in love, restoring relationships, and promoting unity within the body of Christ.

  • Finding Peace in Your Priorities: Balancing Work & Worship in Ministry Life

    Primary Scriptures: Proverbs 31:10–31; Titus 2:3–5
    Ministry opportunities can become overwhelming when priorities shift or responsibilities multiply. This session helps women discern biblical priorities and guard against distraction and overextension. Through Scripture and practical application, leaders learn to cultivate devotion to Christ, steward their homes and ministries wisely, and maintain peace and faithfulness in the midst of busy ministry seasons.

  • Mary or Martha? Finding Devotion and Discernment in Ministry Life

    Primary Scripture: Luke 10:38–42
    This session uses the account of Mary and Martha to help ministry women evaluate their priorities and service. Leaders will learn to identify patterns of worry, distraction, misplaced expectations, and service-driven fatigue. Through Christ’s gentle correction, women are encouraged to choose “the better part” by cultivating discernment, spiritual attentiveness, and a life centered on Christ rather than activity.

  • The Influence of a Wife

    Primary Scriptures: Proverbs 31:10–31; Matthew 14:1–11
    A wife’s influence is powerful—capable of building up or tearing down her home, marriage, and ministry impact. Using the contrast between the honorable Proverbs 31 woman and the destructive influence of Herodias, this session examines the characteristics of a mature, godly wife and the dangers of selfish, manipulative, or ungodly influence. Women are encouraged to pursue spiritual maturity, embrace biblical character, resist sinful speech and attitudes, and cultivate an influence that strengthens their husbands, homes, and ministries for God’s glory.

  • Me and My Family Shall Reap What I Sow

    Primary Scriptures: 2 Samuel 11–13; Psalm 51
    Sin never stays contained—its influence reaches far beyond the one who commits it. In this session, we trace the heartbreaking consequences of David’s choices and the ripple effects that unfolded in the lives of his children. Through this sobering account, women are urged to examine the seeds they are planting in their own hearts and homes. This lesson encourages women to pursue repentance, cultivate godly habits, and sow righteousness with the understanding that what we plant today can influence the spiritual direction of our families tomorrow. With Scripture as our guide, we learn to walk humbly, lean on God’s mercy, and trust Him to produce lasting fruit for His glory.

Marriage & Family

Marriage and Family

     

  • Who is the God of your marriage? Do I Really Love My Husband – John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-11
    • What kind of love do you exhibit to your husband?  Is it God’s kind of love?
  • The Role of a Wife in Marriage – Gen. 2:18, Titus 2:3-5, Eph 5:23
    • Examining the practical side of marriage – after the honeymoon! Looking into the concepts of loving God and others, being a helper to your husband.  All for the glory of God and the benefit of your family.
  • The Purpose and Principles of Sex (Intimacy in Marriage) – Gen. 2:24-25, Song of Solomon 7:1-12
    • A discussion regarding God’s design for Sex in marriage – theory and practice.
  • The Proverbs 31 Wife – Proverbs 31
    • A contrast of the kind of woman the world praises and the kind of woman God says should be praised.
  • The Influence of a Wife – Matt. 14:1-11
    • All wives have influence with their husbands.  However, this influence can be used for good or for evil – It’s our choice!
  • A Mother’s Hope While Afflicted – James 1:1-2
    • A Christian Mother seeks to have the proper biblical heart attitude while afflicted with various trials with her children.  Therefore, Christian mothers can have Joy while afflicted with various trials with their children.
  • A Daughter’s Joy While Afflicted with personal Trials and Tribulations – James 1:1-2
    • Daughters of the King have the Love of God and Love from God when afflicted with various trials in life.  Therefore, we can have Joy while afflicted with various trials that Christian women face.
  • Me AND My Family shall Reap what I Sow – 2 Samuel 13
    • My sin will probably affect others in my life each at some point!
  • Abortifacients – Exodus 20:13
    • What constitutes abortion? When does life begin? Are we obligated to be stewards of human life?
  • The Silent Cry – Loneliness in Marriage – Gen. 2:18, John 3:16, Heb. 13:5-6
    • An in depth look at what loneliness is and how to biblically deal with this feeling.

Sanctification

Sanctification & Spiritual Growth

  • Praying as Jesus Taught — Growing in the Discipline of Biblical Prayer

    Matthew 6:9–13
    Prayer is not a ritual to recite but a relationship to pursue. In this session we examine the Lord’s Prayer as a model for cultivating dependence, reverence, and submission to God’s will. We discuss the heart posture required for biblical prayer, common hindrances that weaken our communion with the Lord, and how each petition reflects a life yielded to Him. Women will be encouraged to pray with sincerity, faith, and total dependence on God as Jesus taught.

  • Understanding How to Trust God — Finding Strength in His Faithful Plan

    Proverbs 3:5–6
    Trusting God is more than a comforting phrase—it is a deliberate act of obedience. This session walks through the biblical process of learning to rely on God’s wisdom, submit to His leading, and rest in His good purposes even when life feels uncertain. Using Scripture’s call to lean not on our own understanding, we consider how belief, contentment, thanksgiving, and hope reflect trust in God’s faithful character.

  • Seeking God First in Everything — Setting Biblical Priorities that Honor Christ

    Matthew 6:25–33; Colossians 3:1–2
    Seeking God first is not a suggestion—it is a command that shapes every area of a believer’s life. In this session we walk through how a Christian woman can intentionally place Christ at the center of her thoughts, desires, time, relationships, and daily decisions. We examine the dangers of misplaced priorities, the heart issues behind worry and distraction, and the practical steps Scripture gives for pursuing the things above. Women will be encouraged to cultivate purposeful, God-honoring priorities that reflect trust in His care and obedience to His Word.

  • A Transformed Life — From Religion to Relationship in Christ

    Acts 9:1–16; Philippians 3; Romans 12:1–2
    True transformation begins with a relationship with Christ—not outward religion or rule-keeping. In this session we follow Paul’s journey from external performance to genuine heart change, examining how the gospel reshapes our thinking, affections, and priorities. Using Romans 12 and Philippians 3, we consider what it means to present ourselves to God, renew our minds through His Word, and live out a faith that produces real, lasting growth. Women will be encouraged to pursue a relationship with Christ that leads to transformed attitudes, transformed behavior, and transformed relationships.

  • Behave — Living as a Mature Daughter of the King (Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ)

    Romans 6:1–2
    Christian behavior flows from Christian identity. In this session we look at what it means to live as a true daughter of the King—rejecting compromise, putting off sinful patterns, and growing in Christlike character. Using Romans 6 as a foundation, we examine how regeneration produces new desires, how sanctification leads to godly conduct, and why maturity requires intentional obedience. Women will be encouraged to pursue holiness with gratitude, humility, and hope as they walk in newness of life.

  • Moral Temptations Women Face — God’s Faithful Way of Escape (1 Cor. 10:13)

    1 Corinthians 10:12–13
    Temptation is a universal struggle for every believer, and no Christian woman is exempt from its pressures. In this session we examine the heart issues behind common moral temptations—pride, fear, comparison, sensuality, and the desire for control—and explore how Scripture exposes the enemy’s schemes. Using 1 Corinthians 10, we consider God’s promise to provide a way of escape and discuss practical, biblical steps for resisting temptation and choosing obedience. Women will be encouraged by God’s faithfulness and strengthened to walk in righteousness through His grace.

  • Lies & Deception — Guarding the Heart Against Falsehood

    Proverbs 6:16–19
    Lying is often minimized, yet God’s Word makes clear that deception is a serious sin that damages relationships and dishonors Him. In this session we examine the many subtle ways Christian women can fall into deceptive patterns—exaggeration, half-truths, excuses, people-pleasing, and hiding—and the heart motives behind them. We also explore how the enemy uses lies to distort our thinking and hinder sanctification. Using Scripture as our guide, we discuss how to confess deception biblically, walk in integrity, and replace lies with truth that reflects Christ.

Sister to Sister

Sister to Sister

     

    • Living Life Together as Sisters in Christ without Compromise
      • Examines the reality that we need each other.  We should help one another grow up in Christ, be more productive in our spiritual lives, strengthen areas of spiritual weakness through encouragement and rebuke and to help one another recover from the consequences of poor or sinful choices.
    • How to Disagree with your Sisters in Christ without Compromise
      • Discusses ways to disagree with your sisters in Christ without being disagreeable.  We may strongly disagree with each other but it is important that we communicate that disagreement in love.
    • How to Love your Sisters in Christ without Compromise
      • Discuss biblical principles and strategies for developing Christ-centered relationships with our sisters in Christ without compromising biblical principles.  All of us want to be loved however, we must love each other in ways that are most glorifying to God and beneficial to one another.
    • Sister to Sister Unity
      • Who qualifies to be called a friend? A look at friendships based on biblical principles instead of worldly desires.
    • Jealousy, Envy and Competition
      • This is a 3 part series that looks at the definition of Jealousy and Envy, review the Biblical Perspective of Jealousy & Envy and discusses a few results of Jealousy & Envy in the life of the Christian Woman.
    • Commitment to our Sisters – Bearing Burdens
      • This session asks and answers the question of why we should bear one another’s burdens.  Additionally it details various burdens that we may have and suggests some practical ways to meet these burdens.  It also examines the difference between meeting a persons burden and carrying their load.
    • Commitment to our sisters – Hospitality
      • This session takes a Biblical Look at a Christian Woman’s Responsibility to show hospitality to her fellow Sister’s in Christ.  Additionally, hospitality will be discussed as it relates to evangelism and discipleship with our family, friends and neighbors.
    • Commitment to our Sisters – Remind them that God is Good
      • This session is a reminder and an encouragement to us as sisters that God is indeed good.  No matter what we may face in this life, God is still good.  This session will examine many Bible passages that remind us of the goodness of God.  The session will conclude that the world, our flesh and the devil may tempt us to look at circumstances and doubt the goodness of God – however – no matter the circumstance God is indeed good.
    • Commitment to our Sisters – Praying for One Another
      • This session will take a Biblical Look at a Christian Woman’s Responsibility to pray for her fellow Sister’s in Christ.  Several biblical passages will be reviewed as it relates to prayer and the question will be asked and answered as to possible reasons why we are lackadaisical in our prayers for each other or why we refuse to pray for each other.
    • Commitment to our Sisters – Bear Much Fruit
      • This session will take a Biblical Look at a Christian Woman’s Responsibility to Bear Much Fruit.  We are to grow up in Christ and Bear Much Fruit for the glory of God.  This session will seek to provide practical ways we can indeed bear much fruit through all seasons of our lives.
    • Woman 2 Woman Relationships – Titus 2:3-5
      • Why is it important to minister to one another?
    • Help a Sista Out! – Heb. 3:12-13, 10:23-25, Prov. 17:17, 27:17
      • Strategies for developing a mentoring/support ministry for women of all ages.
    • Discipleship – One of the Keys in Christianity – Matt. 28:18-20, John 3:1-16, 14:15, 15:1-8
      • This lesson will seek to explore some basic principles for sharing the gospel with women and equipping them for spiritual growth.  It will Define, Analyze and Describe biblical discipleship as it relates to women.  Additionally, it will seek to determine if the function of discipleship should be the first priority of a ministry to women.

2024 SPEAKING SCHEDULE

February 22-25 Calvary Baptist Church (Minnesota)

Women's Conference

Minnesota
March 1-3 Cielo Vista Church (El Paso, TX)

Marriage Conference

Texas
March 21-23 Grace Community Church ()

Marriage Conference

April 24-27 Kindred Church (Anaheim Hills, CA)

Women's Conference

California
June 19-22 New Life Presbyterian Church of La Mesa (La Mesa, CA)

IBCD Counseling Conference

California
September 11-15 Grace Fellowship Church (KY)

Biblical Counseling Conference

Kentucky
October 11 Mars Hill Community Church (Powder Springs, GA)

Women's Retreat

Georgia