GuideStone CEO Hance Dilbeck Visits University of Mobile for Day of Faith, Calling and Ministry

MOBILE, Ala. — What does it look like to prepare well for a career, live out one’s God-given purpose and keep Christ at the center of it all?

That question shaped a day of conversation at the University of Mobile on Wednesday as Hance Dilbeck, president and CEO of GuideStone Financial Resources, shared with the UM community about faithful service, stewardship and following God’s call.

A ministry luncheon on campus brought together Dilbeck, local pastors, ministry leaders and University of Mobile leaders for fellowship and encouragement focused on caring for those who serve the church.

The luncheon highlighted the importance of financial stewardship in supporting the long-term health of pastors, their families and the churches they serve.

“We serve those who serve the Lord. There are a lot of ministries that focus on the message of the Gospel, but we especially focus on the messenger,” Dilbeck said.

The luncheon connected local pastors with GuideStone resources designed to support their financial well-being and help them care for themselves, their families and their ministries.

“We are thankful for Dr. Dilbeck and GuideStone for investing in our students, encouraging those who serve in local churches and reminding us that whatever our vocation may be, our ultimate calling is to faithfully serve Christ,” said Dr. Charles Smith, president of the University of Mobile.

Founded in 1918 as the financial arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, GuideStone has grown into a leading provider of retirement, investment, insurance and health solutions, serving individuals and organizations across the United States including churches, hospitals, universities and other faith-based ministries.

A New Testament Blessing

Dilbeck also addressed the UM community during chapel, where he encouraged students, faculty and staff to consider how God might use their lives, careers and resources for His purposes.

Preaching from Hebrews 13:20-21, Dilbeck described the passage as a New Testament blessing and invited the UM community to receive it together.

He explained that “amen” is a word of affirmation and submission – an acknowledgment that what is being said is true and an invitation to embrace it personally.

Rather than beginning with the question, “What do you want to do in life?” Dilbeck challenged students to begin with a different statement: “I want to please Him. I want to glorify Him. I want to fulfill His will.”

“You are here to glorify God and enjoy Him forever,” Dilbeck said.

He reminded students that God does not simply call them to His purposes and leave them to accomplish them alone.

“God will equip you with every good thing to do His will,” Dilbeck said.

Preparing Students for Purposeful Careers

Students also had the opportunity to learn about careers in a faith-based organization through career seminars led by Zach Brown, Talent Acquisition Specialist with GuideStone.

During the morning seminar, Brown gave students a behind-the-scenes look at careers within the organization and discussed how professional skills can be used in service to God and others.

“GuideStone’s vision is that every servant of Christ finishes well,” Brown said.

Students engaged in Q&A sessions, while Brown highlighted the organization’s internships, mentorship opportunities, skill-based programs and employee cohorts designed to help team members grow throughout their careers.

The day served as a fitting reminder that work, resources and careers are ultimately opportunities to serve Christ.

The GuideStone visit reflects the University of Mobile’s commitment to preparing students not simply for successful careers, but for lives of purpose, service and faithful stewardship.

Through partnerships with Christian organizations such as GuideStone, the University of Mobile continues to connect its students and community with leaders who challenge them to think beyond what they will do for a living and toward how God can use their lives – For the Kingdom. To the World.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For the Kingdom. To the World.” With a vision to multiply Kingdom leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world, the university equips students through Christ-centered learning and community to pursue God’s calling with courage, purpose and Kingdom impact.

The university was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, UM offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Ashlyn Mitchell

A 2022 UM graduate and former Miss UM, Ashlyn spent four years as a TV news reporter and anchor along the Gulf Coast, where she discovered the power of storytelling to connect people from all backgrounds. As director of university communications, Ashlyn’s prayer is that every story reflects God’s faithfulness and reminds readers that He is writing the greatest story of all. Outside of work, you can find Ashlyn and and her husband, Hugh, playing pickleball, traveling the world and spending time with their dog, Champ.