Welcome!
Ruth Bell Olsson is an activist in spirit and an ally at heart. Here you’ll find her writings and teachings on a variety of subjects as she wrestles with the deep mysteries of living a life of faith in a complicated world.
About Ruth
Ruth Bell Olsson is an activist in spirit and an ally at heart. After over a decade of HIV/AIDS advocacy, Ruth’s channels of alignment and activism now focus on the systemic issues that surround and compound the pandemic. These include: gender inequality and patriarchy, LGBTQ inclusion, racial equity, non-violence and peacemaking, as well as changing the world’s approach to the global orphan crisis.
Ruth earned her Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Wheaton College and her Master of Arts in global leadership from Fuller Seminary. Ruth has traveled to some of the hardest places in the world and has witnessed God in every corner. She writes and speaks on a variety of subjects and loves to wrestle with the deep mysteries of living a life of faith in a complicated world. Ruth lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan and is part of a transracial family including her husband Jeff and their three children.
Activist & Ally
Writing
With multiple award winning essays and an ability to place words directly into the emotional heart of a matter, Ruth is an accomplished writer who can provide insight into a variety of topics related to faithful activism.
Speaking
Ruth has spoken in venues ranging from college campuses, mega churches, international conferences, and non-profit fundraisers to home groups, Bible studies, a rural teen outreach event, and even inside a South African jail.
Consulting
Ruth has an ability to inspire and inform change within organizations. With decades of experience leading, growing, and fostering organizations’ ability to integrate global, holistic thinking into their DNA, its no surprise that many turn to her for guidance.
Ruth is one of the founding members of Mars Hill Church where she and a team launched a global outreach initiative that, at its peak, served over 100 global partners and tackled some of the most neglected and forsaken people, places and issues. In 2014 Ruth joined Bethany Global as the leader of their global consulting division, working to change the world’s response to global orphan care. Currently Ruth works as the Pastoral Associate at Mayflower Congregational Church and she continues to write, speak, and consult on the intersection of faith and activism.
Contact Ruth
Ruth loves hearing from fellow activists and allies. Feel free to say hello.
For speaking inquiries, please include information in your message related to the type of event (educational institution, national conference, church or non-profit event, etc.), event location, information about your organization, and proposed dates.
For writing inquiries, please include information in your message your organization and a brief overview of the topic(s) that you’d like Ruth to explore.
For consulting inquiring, please include information in your message about your organization, where its located, and a brief overview of the topic(s) that you’d like to discuss with Ruth.