CEO Summit launches its 3-day event with Faith Factor panel
Attendees of the CEO Summit, held by Liberty University’s School of Business, were able to hear from renowned leaders in business and government during the Faith Factor: Faith, Freedom and Friendship panel on Oct. 6.
The panel was comprised of multiple CEOs as well as government and academic leaders.
Dr. Farson Swanzay, pastor and connector, moderated the panel along with Dave Brat, dean of the School of Business. Swanzay has been a key networking agent for the School of Business.
The panel was focused on how the importance of living a life of faith, as well as how faith plays a large role in government and business.
John Mahama, the former president of Ghana, spoke about the difficulties that he experienced during his time as the president of Ghana and how his faith was a guide and an anchor for him through those times.
“I recognize that my faith and a certain divine hand has continued to guide me in the direction that I’ve ended up,” Mahama said.
Mahama connected the idea of faith to that of an anchor, giving us something to hold onto in difficult times.
“We are like ships on the open sea, affected by waves,” Mahama said. “If you don’t have an anchor, you will just drift and eventually capsize.”
Steve Green, president of Hobby Lobby, spoke about how the Bible is a living book, and how everyone serves a living God.
“The Bible makes a pretty bold claim. It says it’s living,” Steve Green said. “It’s paper. It’s ink. I believe it can say that because as we go and we read it. A living God shows up and he speaks to us.”
Steve Green also shared his hope for those who visit the Museum of the Bible.
“On our history floor, we’re showing the evidence for this book. The evidence is overwhelming for those who are willing to go where the evidence leads,” Steve Green said. “We want to show how this book has had an impact for good in every aspect of life.”
Jackie Green, co-founder of the Museum of the Bible and wife of Steve Green, spoke about the importance of being obedient to the Lord, even in difficult times.
“There will be good times and there will be tough times. God’s got your back,” Jackie Green said. “The most important thing is to be obedient.”
Jackie Green believes that each one of us has a responsibility to use our time in a way that is pleasing and honoring to God.
“Every single one of us in this room has 24 hours in a day,” Jackie Green said. “We all have a responsibility as to how we’re going to use those 24 hours.”
Scott Hicks, provost and chief academic officer at Liberty, spoke about the importance of having a healthy work-life balance, as well as the importance of being obedient and abiding to the Lord.
“I believe that in the garden we were built to work. Our work is our worship when done properly,” Hicks said. “You’re doing it for him, and your fellow man gets the reciprocal of that service.”
The CEO Summit will continue at the School of Business until Oct. 7, featuring more panel discussions with speakers such as Kiron Skinner, Rod Martin and Newt Gingrich.
Kristina Smith is the News Editor at the Liberty Champion. Follow her on Twitter @