The annual event, held at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C, featured high-profile speakers, including U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Scott Turner and Pastor Gary Hamrick, discussing how Christians can effectively stand up for truth and have a Kingdom impact in a hostile world.
Liberty University’s Standing for Freedom Center held its annual Leadership in Action Symposium yesterday at the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C.
More than 100 Liberty University students woke up before dawn to make the four-hour bus trip to the event, where they heard invaluable life and leadership lessons from speakers whose stand for truth in the public square has — and continue to have — a monumental impact on today’s culture.
Shortly after arriving and climbing several flights of stairs to the museum’s top floor, Liberty students received a warm welcome from Ryan Helfenbein, the executive director of the Standing for Freedom Center. Helfenbein encouraged the students by reminding them: “You are called for action; you are called for leadership. But the question is: Are you ready? God put you where you are for a reason. Do not waste it!”
For inspiration, he pointed to the example of Charlie Kirk, who boldly went onto hostile campuses to speak truth and was able to accomplish so much in his short life, as well as the Founding Fathers like Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and George Washington, who risked “their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” for a cause greater than themselves.
The first speaker of the day was Gary Hamrick, the pastor of Cornerstone Chapel in nearby Leesburg, Virginia. Pastor Hamrick 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 had given him countless opportunities to minister with government officials and elected leaders, including President Trump.
Next, the group heard from Arkansas Rep. Alyssa Brown, R, a member of Gen Z who represents the people of north-central Arkansas in the state’s 41sthouse district. She shared just how critically important it is for the next generation to be civically engaged, not to dismiss seasons that feel beneath one’s talent and gifting, but to instead make the most of them. 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. In particular, she referenced the Biblical example of King David, who wasn’t chosen because of his talent but because of his heart for God.
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Scott Turner weighed in briefly in a recorded message about the importance of servant leadership and putting the needs of others ahead of oneself.
After that, Helfenbein held a “fireside chat” with a special guest: pro-life advocate Mark Crosby. Crosby and his friend Richard Schaefer were brutally attacked in June 2023 while praying outside of a Baltimore Planned Parenthood clinic. The assailant hit and kicked Crosby in the head and face, which left him with severe damage to his eye, broken facial bones, neck injuries, and a concussion; the attacker was convicted but sentenced to zero jail time. Crosby says that he was inspired to follow the biblical example of Job, calling that day “the most glorious day of my life” because he was able to suffer for Christ, just like Christ suffered for us.
He also shared the shocking and touching story of how President Trump called him while he was still in the ER and prayed with him. 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 Himself.
Crosby added that he was inspired to reach out to the Standing for Freedom Center team after reading an article written about the attack, highlighting his courageous stand for life.
The second half of the event was headlined by a series of additional speakers, beginning with Derrick Morgan, executive vice president of the Heritage Foundation. He encouraged 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 this up by reminding students that having an impact doesn’t always involve your job or social media platforms. Instead, he encouraged them to “Build relationships not for what you can get out of it, but what you can offer. Relationships are the secret sauce for ever having a life of influence.” Lastly, social media phenomenon Chris Elston, better known as “Billboard Chris”, shared his testimony of standing up for truth in the public square and exposing the lies of the transgender delusion. He reminded students that they have a duty to speak out and not to 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, including the popular Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit. By just past 4 p.m., students were back on the buses and headed back to Lynchburg. The students all agreed that it had been incredibly rewarding day.
On reflection, the 2026 Leadership in Action Symposium was a resounding success, not only for the Standing for Freedom Center but for the hundreds of students who were inspired to stand up for truth and have a positive influence on our culture and communities. It is an example of the types of unique opportunities Liberty University uses to encourage the next generation to not just talk about their Christian faith but to serve as Champions for Christ in the public square, shining a light in the darkness and utilizing a servant leadership philosophy to change the world around them for the better.
This isn’t political activism but discipleship in action, fulfilling the words of 1Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down upon you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
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