Liberty University Finance majors network for careers at Kingdom Advisors’ Orlando conference

Thirty-nine students piled in for a long bus trip to Florida this past week to learn how to be “Fearless” financial planners for God through Kingdom Advisors’ annual conference in Orlando, held Feb. 19-21.

Liberty professor Kurt Cornfield, who helped head the trip, explained what it means to be a Certified Kingdom
Advisor (CKA).

“All that means is that we’ve gone through a training course that teaches us what the Bible says about money and finances so that we can hopefully practice that in our own lives,” Cornfield said. “But, more importantly for the financial advising capacity, we can influence our client relationship with the influence of Scripture. So, it sets a foundation in our lives that allows us to really serve people in a kingdom-oriented way, hence the name of the organization.”

This was Liberty’s 10th year attending the annual conference. Each year the speakers address a specific theme. 

“What was cool was the theme of the conference was ‘fearless’ and every speaker … spoke into that message in terms of us being fearless in our ability to be able to go out and serve God,” Cornfield said.

Students heard from a variety of financial planning experts that focused on planning how to help clients plan their finances for the future.

“Ronald Blue had some awesome God stories he shared about how he started and founded his business on the Lord,” Megan Thomas, a junior finance major who attended the event, said. “Mitch Anthony also was one of my favorite speakers, too. Mitch talked about the value of relationships and asking people about their story.”

Thomas touched on how sharing the experience with Liberty alumni helped her.

“A Liberty graduate named Ian especially was a blessing to talk to. He had awesome advice for new emerging advisors and how to balance your social life with work,” Thomas said. “Outside of school I’d really like to go to the CFP (certified financial planner) designation and CKA to biblically plan people’s finances and futures for the glory of God.”

Cornfield saw students learning how God can use them in their occupation at the conference.

“I think the students really captured a vision of how God can use them in their careers. In my experience, and I’m in my 60s, this generation probably more than other generations really wants as Christians to serve God in all parts of their lives,” Cornfield said. “This profession really gives them an opportunity to do that, but when they go to the conference, I think it really comes together for them. They see it, feel it and live it for two and a half days.”

Thomas said she was initially concerned about going on the trip but realized the conference was worth it. She encourages others to attend in coming years. 

“For those considering going on the (Kingdom Advisor) trip next year, please do it,” Thomas said. “I was on the fence at first due to missing six days of school and homework but at the last minute I decided to go, and it was so worth it. Honestly, I learned way more practical information at this conference than any business class.”

Haydon is a news reporter.