Scripture That Speaks
Helping women encounter God personally through His Word.
Kari is honestly one of our favorite speakers to work with.
“Whether she’s sharing practical tools, offering heartfelt encouragement, or helping people take the next small step forward, Kari brings such a meaningful, down-to-earth presence. She’s consistent, easy to work with, and always brings her whole heart. I recommend her every chance I get.”
— Laurie Graham, Founder of Small Church Ministry & Co-Founder of Smart Soulful Business
Hi, I’m Kari!
Christian women often show up tired, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward. My style of teaching meets them with compassion and biblical grounding—never pressure or hype—so they feel seen, safe, and shepherded.
It is my heart to serve your women well:
- To create space for honest conversations.
- To help women recognize God’s presence in the middle of their real, everyday lives.
- And to offer practical tools they can carry with them long after the event is over.
I’ve spoken at online events like Small Church Summits and the Global Church Mental Health Summit, and I value the partnership that happens when we minister to women together.
Signature Talk
Encountering God in the Word
Description:
What if Scripture wasn’t just something we study — but somewhere we meet with God?
In this interactive teaching experience, Kari guides women through a passage of Scripture using rich biblical insight, imaginative prayer, and intentional reflection. Participants don’t just learn the text. They step into it.
Blending thoughtful teaching with practical spiritual formation practices, this session helps women slow down, listen deeply, and personally encounter the Lord through His Word.
Each talk is customized to the event theme or chosen passage, while maintaining a consistent framework designed to move listeners from information to transformation.
Participants will:
- Learn how to engage Scripture in a deeper, more personal way
- Experience guided imaginative prayer rooted in biblical truth
- Practice reflection or journaling that moves truth from mind to heart
- Gain a simple, repeatable framework they can use long after the event
- Leave with renewed confidence in hearing from God through His Word
Types of Events
This session works especially well for:
- Women’s retreats
- Church conferences
- Spiritual formation events
- Leadership gatherings
- Events focused on discernment, rest, transition, or renewal
If you’re dreaming up something a little different, feel free to ask. I love collaborating.
What It’s Like to Work With Me
I want planning your event to feel peaceful—not stressful.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Prayerful preparation for your audience
- Clear communication and timely responses
- A message shaped to fit your goals
- A gentle, nurturing tone suited especially for women who are overwhelmed, hurting, or discerning God’s next step
- Professional materials (bio, headshots, and descriptions) ready for you to use
- A partner-minded approach—I care about your event’s success as much as you do
Ready to Invite Kari to Speak?
Thank you for considering me for your event. It would be an honor to serve your community!
Fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch soon.
(Or email me directly if that’s easier.)
I look forward to partnering with you.
Official Bio:
Kari Bartkus is a spiritual director who walks with women who are hurting to help them recognize God’s presence in the midst of their pain—specifically through writing and journaling. She has served in children’s ministry, youth ministry, adult Bible studies, and small groups, and her greatest passion is bringing Scripture to life in ways that are relatable, gentle, and deeply rooted in God’s heart.
Kari holds a master’s degree in Professional Communication Studies with a focus on rhetoric and transformational leadership communication. She is a Certified Writing Guide through Write Your Self, a Certified Life Coach, a Certified Painted Prayers Instructor, and has ten years of experience teaching college-level public speaking. Her training spans biblical studies, spiritual formation, spiritual direction, editing, and journal therapy.
She lives in a small town in Indiana with her husband, kids, a 90-pound black lab, and a 5-pound chihuahua. Learn more at lovedoesthat.org.
Kari is honestly one of our favorite speakers to work with.
We run four online conferences a year, so I’m constantly recruiting speakers–and I’m always paying attention to the ones I can count on. Not just for great content, but for how they show up, how they communicate, and how they care about the people on the other side of the screen. Kari checks every box.
She takes the time to understand who she’s speaking to and tailors her message in a way that feels personal, thoughtful, and really grounded. You can tell she’s lived what she teaches. She has this humble authority about her . . . steady, kind, and genuinely invested in helping people grow.
Whether she’s sharing practical tools, offering heartfelt encouragement, or helping people take the next small step forward, Kari brings such a meaningful, down-to-earth presence. She’s consistent, easy to work with, and always brings her whole heart.
I recommend her every chance I get.
Laurie Graham, Founder of Small Church Ministry & Co-Founder of Smart Soulful Business
