Helping Women Personally Encounter God Through His Word
Spiritually Grounding Experiences for Women Carrying Real Life
Hi, I’m Kari!
I’m a Bible teacher, spiritual director, and speaker who helps Christian women move beyond simply studying Scripture to personally encountering God through it.
Many women are carrying more than anyone realizes.
Grief. Transition. Spiritual exhaustion. Questions they can’t quite put words to yet. A longing for God that feels deeper than quick answers or polished Bible study responses.
They don’t need to simply hear about Scripture. They need space to breathe, to reflect honestly, and to reconnect with God in a way that feels personal, grounded, and real.
Rather than simply reading the Bible from a distance, I invite women to step inside the story. Scripture often becomes more alive, more personal, and more accessible than they ever thought possible. They feel seen. They reconnect with hope. They realize they aren’t alone.
Your attendees won’t just hear the text. They’re going to step into it.
My talks are especially meaningful for women who are:
In a season of healing, rebuilding, or still becoming
Walking through grief, transition, or uncertainty
Feeling spiritually tired or emotionally overwhelmed
Longing for a deeper, more honest connection with God
Carrying stories that feel tender or unresolved
Craving slowness, reflection, and space to breathe
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 Ertl, Founder of Small Church Ministry & Co-Founder of Smart Soulful Business
Gatherings I’ve Been Honored to Serve
Signature Talk
Encountering God in the Word
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.
Each talk is customized to the event theme or chosen passage, while maintaining a consistent framework designed to move listeners from information to transformation.
A Few of My Other Go-To Topics for Women
Gentle Rhythms for Spiritual Growth
Helping spiritually tired women reconnect with God through simple, grace-filled practices that create space for rest, attentiveness, and deeper spiritual grounding.
Journaling During Hard Seasons
A compassionate, reflective experience for women navigating grief, uncertainty, emotional overwhelm, or seasons that still feel unfinished.
Courageous Care
Helping women feel more confident and emotionally equipped to show up for hurting people with compassion, wisdom, and presence.
No matter the topic you choose, your attendees will walk away feeling:
- More connected to God and His presence
- Less alone in the season they’re carrying
- Emotionally lighter and spiritually grounded
- More confident in engaging Scripture personally
- Encouraged to slow down and listen for God again
- Seen, understood, and gently invited toward hope
- Equipped with practical tools they can continue to use long after the event
Her style of presenting Scriptures was like storytelling...
“Kari’s presentation style was inviting, calming, and connected to her heart. I was immediately engaged. She put herself out there with authentic vulnerability that I related to. Her style of presenting Scriptures was like storytelling. I was captured by her questions because she shared them from her perspective.”
— Velma, women’s conference participant
Professional Bio
Kari Bartkus is a Bible teacher, speaker, and spiritual director who helps Christian women encounter God personally through Scripture. Not just in the polished or put-together seasons of life, but in the tender, confusing, still-in-progress ones too (which, if we’re honest, is most of it).
Through biblical teaching, imaginative prayer, journaling, and gentle spiritual formation practices, Kari creates space for women to slow down, listen closely, and reconnect with God in ways that feel personal, grounded, and deeply rooted in His Word.
Kari has served in children’s, youth, and adult ministry for many years and spent over a decade teaching college-level public speaking. She holds a master’s degree in Professional Communication Studies and has additional training in spiritual direction and journal therapy.
She lives in a small town in Indiana with her husband, their kids, and two very mismatched dogs (a 90-pound black lab and a 5-pound chihuahua)!
Perfectly suited for gatherings of any size...
“Kari’s deep love for the Lord and gentle spirit was apparent in all she did. Her message and style were perfectly suited for gatherings of any size—whether for a group of 10 or a large audience of 300+—which speaks volumes about her ability to connect and inspire women in any setting. We would definitely have her back.”
— Cheryl Hackney, Women’s Team Leader, Sunbury Christian Church
Let’s Create Space for Your Attendees to Encounter God,
Not Just Learn About Him
If you’re looking for a speaker who will create spiritually grounding experiences for women carrying real life, I’d love to connect with you.
Get a Feel for My Teaching Style
God in the Midst of the Storm
The Power of Prayer Journaling in Making Life Decisions
