Author-Speaker Inspires Other Women

By Jim Niemi, The Lexington Herald-Leader, Ky.

Jul. 26–When nationally acclaimed Christian author and inspirational speaker Beth Moore takes to the stage at Louisville’s Southeast Christian Church on Aug. 1-2, thousands of women like Karen Allen will tune in.

Allen, a member of Versailles Baptist Church, is inspired by Moore’s teachings on a weekly basis. Her church is among the dozens in Central Kentucky that use her videos, cassettes and books to create Sunday school and Bible school lessons geared to women’s everyday issues, from feelings of insecurity to finding freedom in a relationship with Christ.

Moore will speak to a sold-out audience at the Louisville church, and her presentation will be simulcast across the state, including at NorthEast Christian in Lexington.

“She has a way of connecting with women,” said Allen, a layperson who facilitates Bible study at her church. “She is knowledgeable about Scripture, pulling more out of it than the average reader. She connects the Old Testament with the New Testament and makes you think.”

Pat Rohach, the women’s ministries director at NorthEast Christian Church in Lexington, has a long history with Moore’s teaching curriculum.

“I was in a church in Nevada when her first one (Bible study) came out,” Rohach said. Later, in her decade as a member at Southland Christian Church in Lexington, “we used Moore’s work extensively. She’s very personable, able to express things on women’s hearts. She’s right where we are.”

Moore’s Bible studies are designed to reach participants on three levels, Rohach said. In preparation for the weekly lesson, members work individually from a workbook to consider their own thoughts and questions. Then, in class, they see a video in which Moore expands on the lesson. Finally, using the workbook assignment and Moore’s insights, the members discuss the lesson.

Moore’s teaching via the videos is especially effective, said Stephanie Techau, a women’s Bible study teacher at the First Church of God in Cynthiana.

“It’s more of a facilitating position than teaching,” Techau said. “I’ve seen more growth spiritually in the lives of our women at the church.”

Allen said Moore’s topics involve marriage, parenting, temptations and guilt, subjects to which many people can easily relate.

Although Moore’s home church is the First Baptist Church in Houston, “she does not speak just to the denomination of the church,” Allen said.

And Techau said Moore’s lessons could benefit men as well as women.

“Anybody could get a lot from her teaching,” Techau said.

Reach Jim Niemi at (859) 231-3216 or 1-800-950-6397, Ext. 3216.

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Copyright (c) 2008, The Lexington Herald-Leader, Ky.

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