Hi, I’m Kayla Andersen—a Christian speaker and writer who helps believers engage honestly with God in the midst of burnout, grief, trauma, and unspoken questions—and find their way back to joy. I’m based in Chicago and love creating retreat spaces where people feel safe to exhale, tell the truth about where they are, and encounter the gentleness of Jesus. With a background in theology and a deep love for the Church—even with its scars—I speak on topics like discipleship, the family of God, spiritual formation, healing, identity, and delight. If you’re looking for a retreat speaker who will meet people where they really are and guide them back to hope, I’d love to talk.
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Write a reviewPrice range: $750-$2500
Languages: English
Gig length: 30 - 90 minutes
I’m a speaker who values the whole person—heart, mind, body, and soul. My teaching connects biblical truth with real-life experiences, offering both depth and gentleness for people who are craving something more than surface-level encouragement. I’m especially passionate about helping lifelong Christians and grown-up church kids walk through the seasons of life when the Sunday school answers just don’t cut it.
With a background in Bible and theology from Moody Bible Institute, I approach Scripture with care and depth. Even in topical workshops, you can expect sound exegesis, thoughtful context, and a clear connection to the heart of God. I’m not a loud or flashy speaker—but I care deeply about creating spaces where people can be honest with God and leave with practical tools for living their faith in everyday life.
Kayla Andersen is a writer, speaker, and blogger based in Illinois. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute with a B.A. in Communications and a focus in Bible and theology, Kayla is passionate about helping believers engage deeply with God through seasons of burnout, grief, healing, and spiritual growth. She has spoken at retreats and events across the Midwest and has been featured on international television programs and national radio shows. In addition to writing for churches and nonprofits, she shares honest reflections and resources on faith, wholeness, and delight at (link hidden).
Please coordinate stage setup and room layout with me ahead of time to ensure a smooth and intentional experience for your attendees.
- A microphone is preferred for any group larger than 15.
- If using a microphone, please ensure a sound technician is available to handle audio levels and setup prior to the event.
- If using audio-visual elements (projector, screen, etc.), please provide a tech-savvy team member who can handle setup and troubleshooting.
- I’m unable to troubleshoot equipment during the event, and issues like broken microphones or projectors can disrupt the flow and distract attendees. Ensuring these elements are functional ahead of time helps create a meaningful and distraction-free environment.
Friday
Youth Retreat
7:00pm - 7:00pm (Sat)
Retreat & Workshop Topics
Available for co-ed groups, women’s events, and youth retreats
Discipleship 101
A practical retreat series on walking with Jesus and making disciples in everyday life. Focused on rhythms of presence, formation, and mission that last beyond the mountaintop experience.
Women with Jesus
A look into the stories of women who encountered Jesus with honesty, courage, and faith. This retreat helps modern women see themselves in Scripture—and reminds them they are deeply seen and valued by Christ.
Back to the Beginning
A retreat study on God’s identity—and how it reshapes our own. By returning to the origin story of Scripture, we’ll explore who we are as image-bearers and how that impacts how we live, rest, and relate.
Becoming Human
A retreat on embracing our limits and experiencing God’s presence in the ordinary. Inspired by the incarnation, this session invites participants to let go of perfectionism and rediscover the beauty of being finite, rooted, and deeply loved.
Life Beyond Survival Mode
Move from spiritual burnout to sustainable rhythms of renewal. This session helps participants identify emotional exhaustion and learn how to rest, reconnect, and live deeply rooted in God’s grace.
Honest Faith
What to do when the Sunday school answers fall short. This session creates space for disappointment, grief, and doubt—offering biblical tools to help people stay connected to God through life’s hardest seasons.
Lament & Healing
Lament isn’t wallowing—it’s worship in the wilderness. Participants will explore biblical lament as a path to deeper intimacy with God and discover healing practices that meet them right where they are.
Unlearning the Lies
Healing from family of origin and church wounds. This workshop helps uncover distorted beliefs about God and ourselves—and offers a redemptive vision of belonging, identity, and wholeness in the family of God.
The Church is Still Beautiful
For those who’ve been hurt by the Church but still love Jesus. This session offers a redemptive, honest vision for belonging—one that acknowledges pain but calls us back to hope, healing, and unity.
National Voices Who’ve Shaped My Faith & Message:
C.S. Lewis • Beth Moore • Francis Chan • Priscilla Shirer • Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth • D.L. Moody • John Mark Comer • Henri Nouwen
Local & Personal Influences:
Aaron Damiani • Kelli Worrall • Brian Kammerzelt • Moody Bible Institute (faculty, legacy, and theological foundation)
Microphone
Description of room & stage setup
Sound guy/audio engineer (for sound check)
Podium
Christian Speaker
