Discover Our Ministries under the direction of Carol Kent
Our Journey
Responding to God’s Call
Speak Up Ministries wasn’t born from a business plan, but through prayer, recognizing needs, and walking through divinely opened doors. As Carol Kent shares, “It all happened slowly over a long period of time, based on prayer, seeing a need, and walking through open doors.”
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.
— 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)
The Speak Up Ministries Timeline
A Story of Faithful Growth
Early
1980s
The Seed Is Planted
Carol Kent, finishing her season as a Teaching Leader for Bible Study Fellowship, recognizes a need. Many women have powerful testimonies but lack confidence in sharing them with gospel application. Drawing from her background as a speech and English teacher and her experience as a Director of Women’s Ministries, Carol responds to the Holy Spirit’s prompting.
1980s
The Living Room Beginnings
A small group of women gather in Carol’s living room for a six-week training program—the seed that would grow into the Speak Up Conference. The focus: developing Christ-centered presentations, incorporating illustrations, and delivering messages in a dynamic way.
1983
Taking Ministry on the Road
After teaching day and evening classes at her church, Carol receives an invitation to train pastors’ wives from across the country. This pivotal opportunity opens doors to take Speak Up training on the road beginning in the fall of 1983.
1983-2003
Years of Steady Growth
The ministry continues to expand as interest grows. A vision emerges: Christian speakers need to write, and writers need to speak to multiply the number of people who hear God’s truth. Blogs, articles, and books become recognized as powerful tools for spreading the Gospel globally.
2004
Expanding the Reach
Speak Up for Hope is established, a specialized ministry dedicated to serving prison inmates and their families. This extension of Speak Up’s mission brings hope, support, and biblical teaching to those affected by incarceration.
2012
The Writers’ Track Emerges
Recognizing the natural connection between speaking and writing, Speak Up adds a Writers’ Track alongside the Speakers’ Track. Additional faculty members bring their expertise, and participants gain opportunities to connect with author and speaker mentors, acquisition editors, publishers, literary agents, and platform-building specialists.
2020-2021
Thriving Through Challenges
When COVID forces the ministry to “go virtual,” God turns challenge into opportunity. Instead of slowing down, Speak Up doubles in size, with attendees joining from 46 states and 12 countries. Under the skilled leadership of Conference Director Bonnie Emmorey, the ministry flourishes despite unprecedented circumstances.
2021
Renewal and Innovation
Speak Up offers its first in-person conference following the pandemic while maintaining a virtual option. The ministry expands to include MasterMind and Intensive Coaching Groups for speakers, writers, and leaders, directed by Rachel Wojo.
Fall
2022
Certification Program Launches
The Speak Up Speaker Certification Course debuts, offering a six-week intensive that helps participants fine-tune their Signature Keynote Presentations through critiqued verbal assignments. Graduates receive a certificate of completion and a digital logo for their websites.
Our Journey
Our Mission Today
Today, Speak Up Ministries continues to equip and empower communicators of God’s truth. Our commitment remains the same: multiplying the number of leaders, speakers, and writers equipped for global evangelism and Bible teaching.
We provide the training, community, and practical tools needed to effectively communicate life-changing truth in a world hungry for hope. Each program—from conferences to certification courses—represents faithful stewardship of the vision God entrusted to Carol Kent.
We invite you to join us in this mission, whether you’re just beginning to explore your calling as a communicator or seeking to refine skills developed over years of ministry. At Speak Up, we believe your story matters—and we’re here to help you tell it in ways that glorify God and transform lives.
From The Speak Up Community
There is a reason Speak Up attendees keep coming back year after year. This conference can be a life-changing investment for the future of your ministry–and His kingdom. But don’t just take our word for it. Take a look at what past attendees have had to say.
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