- Bible Women Who Lead
Sue has preached and taught on many incredible women in the Bible who lead their families, their ministries, and their nations to trust God and live in freedom. The narratives of women of the Bible contain accounts of abuse and neglect, yet Scripture treats women with dignity and respect, a concept that was foreign to ancient writers, except for the transformation from the Spirit in their lives. Sue boldly unpacks women’s stories, which have been often misinterpreted and undervalued by ministers and teachers. Google Sue Schlesman at West End Assembly of God/WEAG Church for videos of her sermons about Bible women. Often, they are Mother’s Day sermons (but not exclusively for mothers). Always, she shares personal stories with vulnerability and courage. You are sure to laugh and cry.
Her favorite women to teach about are:
Abigail
Bathsheba
Deborah & Jael
Esther
Hagar & Sarai
Hannah
Jocabed
Mary Magdalene
Mary & Martha
Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Mary, the Mother of John-Mark
Michel
Rahab
Ruth & Naomi
Tamar
The Shunammite Woman
The Widows
The Woman at the Well
Psalm 68:11–The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng.
- Stress Test: how to lead with a healthy heart
Sue, with her husband Shane, speak about handling pastoral & leadership stress. Sue and Shane have spoken to pastors, leaders, and church staffs about the why and how to lead from a place of rest and peace, rather than expectation and anxiety. Sue and Shane’s book Death by Pastoring launches in May 2024. Its pages are filled with personal stories, biblical exegesis, and heart-healthy how-tos for identifying debilitating stress and eliminating performance-based work. Sue and Shane unpack the principles in Psalm 23 and Matthew 11 to address how and why God intends for us to join him in his work.
Sue and Shane present this challenging and inspiring material in multiple sessions or sermons. Their podcast Stress Test Podcast features interviews with leaders and pastors willing to share how catalytic moments of stress redirected them toward the lives God meant for them to live.
Sue also loves to speak to pastors’ wives about the struggles of pastoral ministry and raising kids in the fishbowl.
- Soulspeak
Praying powerful change into unexpected places.
- Resilient
Surviving and thriving in a unpredictable and overwhelming life.
- Shame Off Us
Sue speaks often about dismantling the shame that shackles us. This topic is appropriate for unbelievers, believers, and even women in particular. During a series on damaging emotions called “Broken and Beautiful,” Sue delivered this message on shame (Hagar & Sarai) for Mother’s Day. It was powerful, evoking response for healing and freedom.
- How to tell delicate stories with respect and compassion
Telling true transformation stories without shaming the characters
- How to write riveting creative nonfiction
Blending the art of storytelling with expository writing
- Common writing mistakes you can avoid and correct
Eliminating novice errors and standing out to publishers
- Any Biblical content or topic
You choose the topic. Sue is an avid student of the Bible, and will excitedly unpack probably any theme or topic of your choosing. Here’s a sample from a sermon series about Jesus and his disciples.
Sue also speaks with her husband Shane, who is the Lead Pastor of their church. Here is a sample of a sermon they gave together.
- Searching for my Father
The story of my father’s mysterious death, finding his crash site, and awakening to my Heavenly Father
- Living Well
Exploring grief, joy, and connection to God
Invite Sue to Speak
I love speaking to classes, retreats, conferences, and audiences of all sizes. Some of my talks have been recorded on YouTube, podcast, and radio. Visit the media page for a sampling.
Invite SueSue was such a blessing to our group! She was incredibly intentional about the content she shared. She connected with our ladies in a deep and authentic way that was so special. She was very present and personal with each lady who wanted to talk with her.
Kandace L.I have NEVER heard the story of Hannah explained as well as you did today. You spoke directly to my heart and were so powerful. Thank you for allowing God to speak through you today.
Melba B.Thank you so much for your message on Mother's Day. It was so moving and powerful. Everyone around us was talking about it. My husband talked about it for days afterwards. Thank you for being willing to share it.
Laura P.Our ladies loved her! Lots of compliments on her teaching style and authenticity.
Justin F.Such a wonderful message. May you birth more spiritual daughters into the kingdom. I could sense a holy boldness in you as you were delivering the message. It came out with power and conviction. You are a blessing to me and many other women.
Yamini R.What a powerful message you brought this morning! It was so different from those Hannah messages! Wow, God is really working in you. Today I sat tearing up for every point you delivered because what you brought was what I needed to hear; my soul was stirred, and I left making things right with God! Thank you for being a spiritual mother.
Yoneko S.Sue hit a home run at our women’s conference. The Holy Spirit spoke through her to each woman who attended. They can’t stop talking about it.
Lisa H.Sue could have spoken on any topic and hit it out of the park. After she left, I heard comments such as ‘best speaker ever’ and ‘great, practical information.’ I immediately asked her to come back to our group next year!
Karen B.Sue engages her audience with well-crafted questions and challenges listeners to engage more deeply with Scripture for transformational growth. I highly recommend her as a guest speaker in any context.
Marlyn D.I can remember the first time I heard Sue speak. She told the story of losing her father, and it was one of the most poignant I had ever heard. Even more powerful was how she allowed her pain to shape her life so positively. She has dignity yet vulnerability and relatability that makes her message extraordinary and unforgettable.
Renee C.I just want to let you know how thankful I am for your message. God has used you to help and encourage me to continue to move forward.
Mary C.Such a powerful message from Sue!
Ginny G.What a superb telling of Bathsheba, David, and Solomon!
Terry G.Your message this morning was a real blessing! Thank you for sharing your journey with us so beautifully.
Joyce M.