Social work faculty, students discuss faith-led practices at annual conference

Liberty University’s Department of Social Work took full advantage of the 2025 North American Association of Christians in Social Work conference held in state, sending a group of 35 faculty and staff and several students to Norfolk, Va., Nov. 13-16 to represent LU through presentations, sponsorship, and hosting a student event.

The North American Association of Christians in Social Work is a nonprofit organization with the mission of equipping its members to integrate Christian faith and professional social work practice. The association celebrated its 75th anniversary during the conference and also appointed Liberty professor Dr. Angela Gaddis as president of the board.

With the conference taking place only a few hours from Liberty’s campus, Department Chair Dr. Cheryl Nitz said it provided an opportunity for Liberty to make an impact.

“They meet all around the country, but this year it was a drivable distance,” she said. “I think it was a good exposure for Liberty, for people to become familiar with us and for us to contribute to (NACSW) through the presentations. We knew that by Liberty helping to sponsor it in part, we could support this valuable organization.”

In addition to sponsoring a plenary speaker session, Liberty social work faculty gave a total of 16 presentations throughout the conference, focusing on topics like addressing childhood traumas in schools, facilitating international work, leading with a shepherd’s touch, and preventing worker burnout, among others.

Liberty also hosted an event for college students who attended the conference, where faculty spoke about their different practices and what it looks like  to carry out their Christian values in the workplace. The event honored the 75th anniversary with a throwback 1970s theme, featuring fun outfits and bingo.

“The event for students is really to get them focused on what it looks like to integrate their faith as they’re becoming emerging social work professionals,” said Karen Reid, department chair. “Students become the lifeblood of organizations as they continue to grow and get bought in to their missions, so we wanted to help them get involved.”

Senior social work students Annika Riebe and Lea Jordan led worship for the conference. Riebe said she was encouraged by the community of Christian professionals in the social work field.

“I had the opportunity to engage in bridging conversations with professionals and students who align in social work values and faith beliefs, and I found it encouraging and empowering to be so connected with like-minded people,” Riebe said. “When I got back, I told my family and friends that there is no other place that I have felt so connected, understood, and united in values and purpose. It reminded me that though the world is broken and filled with challenging situations, there are Christians who want to love people and work together to fulfill God’s purpose.”

Liberty’s B.S. in Social Work and Master of Social Work, offered both residentially and online, are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The bachelor’s degree program includes areas of study in healthcare, aging, and medical social work as well as child and family. The master’s degree program includes traditional or advanced standing formats within the generalist or individual and family clinical specialization.