Integrating Faith and Business

by Justin Walker

Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business (HSB) and the Christian Leadership and Ethics Office (CL&E) hosted the second annual Armes Family Christian Leadership in Business Summit on May 20-21, 2025, at the Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation. The event brought together business leaders, researchers and students to explore what it means to integrate Christian faith into the workplace and to provide practical insights for leading with integrity.

“Our purpose is to equip Christian leaders to feel more empowered to shine the light of Christ in the marketplace,” said Matt Quade, PhD, CL&E director and the Kimberly and Aaron P. Graft Professor in Christian Leadership in Business. “Leadership is about more than just business success; it’s about using our influence to reflect Christ’s character in all we do. This summit helps equip leaders to navigate ethical challenges and lead with conviction.”

The two-day summit featured keynote addresses from influential speakers, including Baylor President Linda Livingstone, who shared her perspective on the intersection of faith and leadership. Additionally, a panel discussion with young HSB alumni provided attendees with firsthand accounts of how faith can shape business decisions and workplace interactions. Various breakout sessions, led by researchers from Baylor, Wheaton College and the University of South Carolina, allowed participants to explore topics such as ethical leadership, servant leadership and the role of faith in organizational culture.

This year’s summit welcomed 220 attendees, including 18 Baylor students who had the opportunity to engage with industry professionals.

“It was great to see students interact with business leaders in this way,” Quade said. “Faith-based leadership is not just about personal beliefs; it’s about creating workplaces where integrity, compassion and service are valued. Seeing students gain this perspective and build relationships with mentors is one of the most rewarding aspects of this event.”

Beyond the formal sessions, networking played a central role in the summit’s design. Attendees connected over meals, coffee breaks and structured networking opportunities, building relationships with peers and mentors who share a commitment to faith-driven leadership. Organizers emphasized the importance of these connections, noting that many participants left with new professional contacts and a stronger sense of community.

“Christian leadership is about stewardship – using our influence to serve others,” Quade said. “The relationships formed here help build a network of leaders who are committed to making a difference in their industries through their faith.”

The summit reflects Baylor’s ongoing mission to integrate faith and business education in meaningful ways. By creating a space for business leaders and students to engage in thoughtful conversations, the event reinforces the idea that Christian leadership extends beyond personal faith – it influences how businesses operate, how employees are treated and how decisions are made.

As the Armes Family Christian Leadership in Business Summit continues to grow, organizers hope to expand its reach and impact.

“Our goal is to equip more leaders each year with the tools and confidence to integrate faith into their professional lives,” Quade said. “As Christian leaders, we are called to be a light in the workplace. This summit helps us encourage and empower one another to live that calling boldly.”