Engaging Indifferent People

A Short Word, July 2025

Imagine teaching the Bible to people who might only be there for the free dinner.

That was the reality at the Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition when Amy Gower began teaching there. Each week, female survivors would gather for Narcotics or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings with the option to stay for Bible study and dinner. The catch? You can only get dinner if you attend Bible study.

Amy believes that God’s Word is relevant and powerful, but she realized she needed to grow in understanding and engaging her indifferent audience—both believers and unbelievers. She found help in the persuasion principles and the Chicago Course Intensive for women. “Now I anticipate and address questions and challenges. I acknowledge and talk to the unbelievers in the room.” It has made a difference. Women are coming to faith. “We have had moments where members come up after the teaching saying they have given their life over to Jesus.” Additionally, the demand for Bible teaching has grown. There are now three weekly Bible studies—and not all serve food! Amy is even training some survivors to teach the Bible. It’s safe to say that women are now coming for more than dinner.

In Christ,
Colleen McFadden
Director of Women’s Workshops and Church Partnerships Manager