Mike Urso, a Word of Life Bible Institute alumnus (class of 2000), exemplifies how biblical training can shape someone’s life. From his journey at WOLBI to his role as a Chick-fil-A franchisee, Mike continues to live out his faith by investing in young leaders and creating a Christ-centered workplace.
In this Q&A, Mike shares how his time at WOLBI shaped his faith and continues to influence his leadership and career today.
Q: Can you share with us what led you to attend Word of Life Bible Institute, and how your time there impacted your faith in Christ?
I didn’t come to faith in Christ until my senior year of high school, so when I started at the University of South Florida (USF), I quickly realized it wasn’t the right environment for me. While I loved Jesus, I knew very little about the Bible or how to live as a Christian. As a music major at USF, I was required to attend concerts and recitals, and one of those performances happened to feature a Word of Life Bible Institute singing group. When I heard about the Bible program, I immediately knew it was exactly what I needed.
Walking away from a full-ride scholarship at USF was a difficult decision, but I was confident it was what God intended for me. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions of my life.
WOLBI completely transformed me. I was hungry to understand the Bible, and that hunger was satisfied there! As Romans 12:2 says, my mind was renewed through the knowledge and training I received. I didn’t just learn what we believe as Christians—I learned why we believe it. That foundation has shaped my entire life and continues to guide me in my faith, family, and career.
Q: During your time at Word of Life Bible Institute, what experiences or lessons had the most lasting impact on your life, and how have they influenced you in your current situation?
Coming into WOLBI, I knew very little about the Bible, so every class and book we studied made a lasting impression on me. However, the most significant impact was learning to develop a biblical worldview. I often teach others that we must use the Bible as the lens through which we interpret the world—not the other way around.
This foundational lesson continues to shape every aspect of my life. From leadership to parenting, the Bible provides the framework through which I navigate life. That perspective has been invaluable in my role as a Chick-fil-A franchisee, where I have the opportunity to influence and invest in young leaders every day.
Q: You are passionate about your work in leadership and business. What sparked your passion for this, and how does it shape your endeavors?
As a Chick-fil-A franchisee, I am part of a company whose purpose is:
“To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”
Before working with Chick-fil-A, I didn’t realize there were companies founded on biblical principles. It has been a privilege to be part of an organization built on the same foundation that grounds my life.
Beyond aligning with Chick-fil-A’s values, I have always been passionate about working with young people, developing leaders, and creating efficiencies. Chick-fil-A provides an incredible opportunity to leverage my strengths—not just to provide for my family, but to glorify God and represent Jesus in all I do.
Q: As a leader in your field, what are some of the most rewarding aspects of your role, and how does your faith impact your leadership and interactions with those you work with?
As a leader, I have the privilege of helping others develop into better versions of themselves. I intentionally lead my business in a way that reflects Christ, striving to create a culture where people feel valued, respected, and challenged to grow. Many of my team members come from broken homes or from jobs where they weren’t treated with honor. My goal is for them to experience the love of Christ—whether they realize it or not—through the way we do business.
At Christmas each year, I throw a big party for my team, complete with a catered meal, gifts, and fun games. I also use this time to share the gospel with them. Many of my team members may never step foot in a church, so this might be the only opportunity they have to hear about Jesus. Seeing team members come to faith or grow spiritually is the greatest reward of my job.
In addition to spiritual impact, I love growing leaders. Through our leadership development program, we’ve seen shy teenagers become confident, capable professionals. We’ve watched people mature right before our eyes and launch into successful careers and families. It’s incredibly rewarding to have a front-row seat to that transformation.
Q: Looking back at your journey from Word of Life to where you are now, what advice would you give to current students who are seeking God’s direction for their future?
The advice I would give to current students is:
- Pray for wisdom as often as you can (James 1:5). It will shape how you interpret the world and influence the decisions you make.
- Use the Bible as the filter for your life. Be careful not to allow tradition, ritual, or preference to distort what Scripture says. Be full of grace when engaging with others, and don’t become like the Pharisees, who loved rules more than people.
- Matthew 6:25-33 tells us not to worry about tomorrow. Hold your plans loosely and trust that God’s plan is greater than your own. Instead of clinging to a specific career path or future goal, surrender your plans fully to Him and be willing to follow where He leads.
If students take these principles to heart, they will find themselves right where God wants them to be.
Accomplishments and Recognitions:
- Degree in Music Education (Percussion) – Tennessee Temple University
- Chick-fil-A Awards: Rookie of the Year, Symbol of Success, Guardian of the Brand
- Author of The Intentional Man
- Proud father of Braden (21), Macy (20), and Garrett (18)—all pursuing Jesus while in college
Want to learn more?
Visit Mike’s website to purchase his book.
Read about a special team member in Mike’s Chick-fil-A franchise: Chick-fil-A Press Room.
