Leadership in Action Symposium in D.C. encourages students to stand for their faith

Liberty University’s Standing for Freedom Center held its annual Leadership in Action Symposium on Wednesday at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., where more than 100 students heard invaluable life and leadership lessons from speakers who stand for truth in the public square and continue to have a monumental impact on today’s culture.

After their bus ride from campus to the capital, the students were first welcomed at the event by Ryan Helfenbein, executive director of the Standing for Freedom Center.

“You are called for action; you are called for leadership,” he told them. “But the question is: are you ready? God put you where you are for a reason. Do not waste it.”

Helfenbein pointed to the example of Charlie Kirk, the late co-founder of the conservative student organization Turning Point USA who was assassinated last fall, and spoke about Founding Fathers like Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and George Washington, who risked their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” for a cause greater than themselves.

Gary Hamrick, pastor of Cornerstone Chapel in nearby Leesburg, Va., encouraged Liberty students to be the generation that boldly fights for faith and freedom in whatever sphere of life God has planted them. He also noted how being close to the nation’s capital has given him countless opportunities to minister to government officials and elected leaders, including President Donald Trump.

A member of Gen Z herself, Arkansas Rep. Alyssa Brown shared how critical it is for the next generation to be civically engaged, and she encouraged them to always remember that true success doesn’t come from one’s intelligence, talent, or unique gifts, but from trusting and obeying God. She referenced King David, who wasn’t chosen because of his talent but because of his heart for God.

Students also heard a recorded message from U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner about the importance of servant leadership and putting the needs of others ahead of oneself.

Helfenbein held a fireside chat with pro-life advocate Mark Crosby, who was brutally attacked along with his friend Richard Schaefer in June 2023 while praying outside of a Baltimore Planned Parenthood clinic. Crosby, who suffered severe damage to his eye, broken facial bones, and neck injuries, said he was inspired to follow the biblical example of Job, calling the day of his attack “the most glorious day of (his) life” because he was able to suffer for Christ.

Crosby also shared the story of how Trump called and prayed with him while he was still in the emergency room. He exhorted Christians to stand up for the most vulnerable among us, stating that the joy he gets from advocating for the unborn is like nothing he has ever experienced in the world, except for knowing Christ.

Derrick Morgan, executive vice president of The Heritage Foundation, kicked off the second half of the event, encouraging students to not become enamored with the drama and personalities of national politics but to work to make a real political and cultural difference by getting involved in local races and issues, consistently attending church, and maintaining their own community by establishing healthy friendships and strong families. Dr. Jay Strack, president of Student Leadership University, followed by reminding students that having an impact doesn’t always involve their job or social media platforms.

Social media personality Chris Elston, better known by some as “Billboard Chris,” shared his testimony of standing up for truth in the public square and exposing truths about the transgender agenda. He reminded students that they have a duty to speak out and not shrink back, even in difficult times.

Those who attended the event were also treated to a catered meal and the opportunity to spend a few hours touring the museum before returning to campus.