What is a Changemaker?

Throughout American history, many of the men and women whose lives most boldly defined, modeled, and shaped our nation’s ideal of “liberty and justice for all” drew their inspiration from Scripture. These Changemakers were empowered and emboldened by the Word of God. Within the Bible’s pages, they discovered an identity that anchored them, a power that transformed their lives, and a wisdom that guided them through times both turbulent and celebratory.

Today, modern Changemakers are still looking to the Bible for eternal truth and guidance—and finding that its answers make us better parents, neighbors, citizens, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

At American Bible Society, our research and experience tell us that the Bible makes us more generous, more compassionate, more loving toward our neighbors, and more hopeful about our future in this world and the world to come. We believe that engaging with God through his Word leads to true transformation that helps us cultivate a better world for ourselves and for others. That’s why our mission since 1816 has been to help all people experience the life-changing message of God’s Word.

Today, we honor our history in a new video series that shares how different believers experience and advocate for God’s Word.

Here are what a few of the people we’ve interviewed had to say about being Changemakers:

“I think every person has the ability to be a Changemaker if they’ll choose to be used by God. I don’t think there’s anybody who’s left out of the invitation to be a Changemaker.”

- Dr. Ed Stetzer, Professor and Dean at Wheaton College and Executive Director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center

“I really do believe that Changemakers are formed with just a small seed of hope.”

- Rev. Dr. Nicole Martin, former Senior Vice President of Ministry Impact at American Bible Society

“I hope to be a Changemaker, particularly in this area of bringing science and faith together as ways of understanding and admiring and being thankful for God’s creation.”

- Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., Physician-Geneticist, Chief Science Advisor to the President of the United States, and former Director of the National Institutes of Health

“Changemakers are effective leaders. They are people that see a situation. They clearly believe there is a better way and have the courage to do something about it.”

- Kelly King, Retired Chairman and CEO, Truist Financial Corporation

We invite you to explore these personal reflections and thought-provoking interviews with Changemakers. Consider your own relationship to the Bible. Has its message begun transforming you? As you watch, we hope you’ll ask yourself an important question: Are you a Changemaker?

Watch Changemaker Interviews Now