David Green & Family: A Life Rooted in Faith and Enterprise

David Green, the founder of Hobby Lobby, stands as a unique figure in American business—one who has consistently woven his Christian faith into the fabric of his enterprise. Born on November 13, 1941, in Emporia, Kansas, Green was raised in a deeply religious family. His father was a preacher who ministered in small rural churches, and the family often lived in poverty. Despite limited financial means, Green’s upbringing was rich in spiritual values, and it is this foundation that later shaped the trajectory of his life and business.

Green began his retail career modestly, working in a five-and-dime store. It was in this environment that he gained firsthand experience in merchandising and store operations. In 1970, he took a leap of faith and borrowed $600 to start a home business assembling and selling miniature picture frames. Working out of his garage in Oklahoma City, Green and his wife Barbara, along with their children, began a family venture that would eventually evolve into Hobby Lobby, a nationwide chain of arts and crafts stores.

By 1972, the first Hobby Lobby store opened. It was a small 300-square-foot space, but it marked the beginning of what would become a retail empire. Green’s commitment to Christian principles was evident from the start. He closed stores on Sundays to allow employees to rest and spend time with their families. Over the years, this policy, though counterintuitive to many in retail, became a hallmark of the company’s values and contributed to a loyal workforce and customer base.

David Green’s business philosophy is inseparable from his spiritual beliefs. He has often stated that he views himself not as the owner of Hobby Lobby, but as a steward of God’s resources. This belief has influenced how he handles corporate profits, employee relations, and philanthropic activities. Green implemented a minimum wage for Hobby Lobby employees that exceeded federal requirements, underscoring his desire to care for workers. He also created a culture where employees are encouraged to live by moral and ethical principles, and he incorporates prayer and faith discussions into corporate life.

The Green family’s devotion extends beyond the business realm. They are major philanthropists in Christian education and biblical studies. David Green and his family have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to religious causes, including the establishment of the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. The museum, which opened in 2017, was largely funded by the Greens and aims to engage people with the Bible through scholarly research, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. The endeavor reflects their commitment to preserving and promoting the influence of the Bible in culture.

Family plays a central role in Green’s life and enterprise. His wife, Barbara, has been by his side since the beginning, not only in marriage but also in business. Their three children have taken active roles in the Hobby Lobby organization and other Green family initiatives. Steve Green, their son, serves as Hobby Lobby’s president and was instrumental in the creation of the Museum of the Bible. Mart Green, another son, founded Mardel Christian & Education, a Christian bookstore and educational supply chain. The Greens operate under a belief in generational stewardship, aiming to pass down not just wealth, but values and mission to their descendants.

One of the most high-profile moments in David Green’s public life came in 2014 when Hobby Lobby was at the center of a landmark Supreme Court case. The case, Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., concerned the Affordable Care Act’s mandate that employers provide insurance coverage for contraception. Green argued that the mandate violated his religious beliefs. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court sided with Hobby Lobby, stating that closely held corporations could be exempt from regulations that violate the owners’ religious beliefs. The case made Green a prominent figure in debates about religious freedom and corporate responsibility.

Though he has faced criticism for mixing business and religion, Green remains unwavering in his convictions. He believes that faith should guide every aspect of life, including business. His book, Giving It All Away…and Getting It All Back Again, outlines his philosophy of generosity and stewardship, emphasizing that material success is fleeting unless it serves a greater purpose. Green often speaks about legacy—not just in terms of business continuity, but in spiritual impact and moral example.

David Green’s story is one of humility and faith, a tale of building an empire without compromising personal values. He has resisted the trappings of wealth, reportedly living modestly despite his billionaire status. Instead of focusing on personal luxury, he has funneled resources into spreading the Gospel and empowering Christian institutions. Through the Hobby Lobby business and various philanthropic arms, the Green family seeks to influence society in a way that aligns with their beliefs.

The Green legacy is now carried forward by the next generation, but the foundational ethos remains unchanged. David Green’s journey from a preacher’s son in rural Kansas to the head of a major corporation is a testament to the power of faith-infused leadership. In a time when corporate America is often criticized for being impersonal or profit-driven, Green offers an alternative model—one in which values take precedence over the bottom line. His life story continues to inspire entrepreneurs, believers, and those seeking a purpose-driven path in both business and life.