Leaders Challenged to Be an Influence for Christ

On a sunny Friday afternoon, leaders from a range of enterprises and companies gathered at the Billy Graham Library for lunch and a time of encouragement focused on the intersection of professional life and faith in Jesus Christ.

The gathering emphasised Christian living beyond the church, encouraging leaders to view their workplaces as opportunities to demonstrate Biblical values and serve others.

Speakers urged attendees to stand confidently for their Christian beliefs and embrace their God-given opportunities to be a witness wherever they may be.

‘An Influence for Christ in Your Workplace’

“I want to push, challenge, and encourage you to have an influence for Christ in your workplace,” said Frank Harrison, chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Consolidated and board member for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA).

The audience of 160 guests listened intently as Harrison, the key-note speaker, shared about faith, service, and honouring God with their professional lives. As the fourth-generation family leader of the nation’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler, he has focused his management on establishing a culture of servant leaders.

Harrison explained that he began working for the company in 1977 in several entry-level positions before stepping into an executive role in 1994. At that time, reading the Scriptures led him to see his corporate responsibilities in a different light.

“I was reading in Ephesians 5:14,” he said. “‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ This was my wake-up call.”

That changed everything for him. Over the next several years, the company installed chaplains across its distribution centres to support, counsel, and pray for staff. Employees formed peer prayer groups to support one another in faith and community.

Harrison, who leads 17,000 employees nationwide, encouraged the attendees to evaluate the opportunities God is giving them to be a positive influence within their enterprises.

“I learned that culture is your purpose and your purpose is your culture,” he said. In other words, he explained, changing the culture—for good or bad—shifts the purpose of an entire organisation.

“What are you waiting for?” he challenged the audience as he finished his session. “Honour God in all you do.”

A Prison Sentence Brought True Freedom

Following his boss to the podium, Mark Whitacre shared his powerful testimony of coming to Christ while in prison. The now-vice president of culture and care at Coca-Cola Consolidated once served an eight-year sentence for fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, and price-fixing during his time as a high-ranking corporate executive.

“I was following the wrong people and following the ways of the world,” he admitted. He shared how he lived in a 13,000-square-foot home with an eight-car garage. However, God ultimately used a prison sentence for His glory. Under the influence of godly men, including Chuck Colson, founder and chairman of the ministry Prison Fellowship, Whitacre surrendered his life to the Lord.

“I became a free man while in prison,” he declared with humility. “And I thank God for second chances.”

Encouraged to Grow and Serve

Chuck Knowles, owner of Steeple Leadership in Columbia, South Carolina, wouldn’t trade his hour drive to the event. He was deeply moved by Harrison’s message and his sense of urgency to act today—and not be afraid to take the next step.

A couple of attendees were ready to launch their own business and were also inspired by the challenge. “The timing for this [event] was perfect,” said Jennifer*.

“Reflecting on Harrison’s observation to ‘grow your employees and you will grow your profit,’” she said, “getting your website right, planning your marketing, getting the right people is important. But ensuring that you develop, mentor, and grow your people is our takeaway.”

Four staff members of a large church in Indian Land, South Carolina, left the Library with smiles on their faces—and new boldness in their hearts.

“We have two church plants that are about to launch and we needed this encouragement,” said one of them.

Please pray that as these guest return to their communities, they will honour God, serve others, and share their faith in their homes, workplaces, and communities.