Steve Green, president of Hobby Lobby, is a Christian entrepreneur who leads the rest in benefiting others through his business activities. Green visited the campus of Olivet Nazarene University April 13−14, 2023, as the keynote speaker for the launch of the McGraw School of Business’ Createur Conference & Pitch Competition. He also addressed students, staff and faculty during the Thursday morning chapel service.
“Steve Green is one of the greatest Christian entrepreneurs of our time,” said University President Gregg Chenoweth in introducing Green. “I was raised in the home of an entrepreneur. I know the grit and heartache it takes to lift a business off the ground, keep it together and keep it moving forward. Steve is one of those entrepreneurs who puts his own skin in the game for the benefit of others.”
In his chapel message, Green shared these insights: “Without the event of what Christ did for you and me on the cross, there is no hope, meaning or purpose in life. This is the event of history. The Bible is the incredible book that tells a story that hinges on this event. The Bible is a gift from God. When we go to the Bible and read it and let it read us, the living God shows up to guide and direct our lives.”
Green became president of Hobby Lobby in 2004. Today, this retailer has nearly 1,000 stores in 48 U.S. states and employs 45,000 people. Annual sales are nearly $8 billion. He is also the founder and chairman of the board for Museum of the Bible — a 43,000-square-foot, multi-floor museum just three blocks from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC — which opened in 2017. He is the author of four books with a new book scheduled to release later this year. He and his wife, Jackie, have been married for 38 years. They are the parents of six children and grandparents of eight grandchildren.
ONU recently announced the launch of its new entrepreneurship program. Enrollment is now open to students who want to enter this interdisciplinary field. Classes will begin in fall 2023, and completion of the program will lead to a Bachelor of Science degree. Professor Chris Perez is the director of this new area of study.
To learn more about The McGraw School of Business at Olivet Nazarene University, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
Published 4/17/23
LW
