The theme of our trip to Washington, D.C. was Kingdom Influence and how Christianity has influenced and contributed to the development of culture. We discussed the different influence areas, including family, religion, education, government, media, and business. We were asked to think about how we plan to use our societal position to influence those around us for Christ. We were also warned not to confuse Kingdom Influence with altruism. Even if we aren’t explicitly sharing the Gospel with someone, kindness and service toward others can still point people to Christ’s love.
Our first stop was the Museum of the Bible. We spent several hours exploring how the Bible has shaped not only American history but also the world at large. Hearing from different experts and guides who showed us artifacts and explained the history of the Bible reminded us of Scripture’s enduring impact on culture, law, and human rights.
That afternoon, we visited the Victims of Communism Museum—a sobering experience that brought to light the tragic consequences of corrupt power. It was a heavy but essential reminder of what happens when influence is wielded without truth, compassion, or accountability.
The next day began with a series of sessions at our hotel, led by Dr. Gene Fant, president of North Greenville University. One session that stood out focused on art and how creativity reflects the image of God. We discussed where beauty comes from and how art points to light and hope, which, from our worldview, come from Christ alone. Truth, goodness, and beauty are fundamentally rooted in God’s nature and identity. It was fascinating to talk about how churches view the arts and how they may be falling short in ministering to those who practice them. Art can serve as a light in a world that desperately needs hope.
After our sessions with Gene Fant, the groups visited two different museums that afternoon. Some visited the Holocaust Museum while others visited the African American History Museum. Similar to what we learned at the Communism Museum, we further saw how leaders used their influence to severely harm others in unimaginable ways to serve themselves.
We closed the day with a Fellows Alumni Panel, where four former participants shared how they live out their Kingdom Influence today. Hearing their stories gave us a glimpse of how faith can be lived out practically in everyday life, whether in business, government, or personal relationships. Showing kindness and a willingness to listen was a step of faith.
Later, we met with Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma. He shared what it’s like to be a Christian in government, and he offered both encouragement and a call to integrity. His words reminded us that faith isn’t something we compartmentalize; it’s something we carry into every arena.
A quote I remember from the teaching was,
“What is the section of the wall that God is asking me to faithfully build right now?”
I think it is important to maximize the season that God has called us to right now, even if we are tempted to be discontent or too focused on the future. It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about the future—what we’ll do, where we’ll go, who we’ll become. But this trip reminded me to be faithful in the present. God has placed each of us in a specific time and place for a reason. And maybe our most meaningful influence starts right where we are.
Austin Morrow
Class XIX