t the W o hou rl ug d ro Th Disciples of ing k a Je M su s he Politica nt i lA st re i r n h a C 2019 ANNUAL REPORT t the W o hou rl ug d ro Th Disciples of ing k a Je M su s he Politica nt i lA st re i r n h a C “I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings and shall not be ashamed.”  Psa l m 119: 4 6 Mission Making Disciples of Jesus Christ in the Political Arena Throughout the World Vision Local 10,000 ministries in 40,000 cities and counties State 50 ministries in 50 states Washington, D.C. Three ministries in three branches International 200 ministries in 200 countries 2  CM 2018   International inside Mission & Vision. . ...................................................................... 2 International Ministries..........................................................28 From the President.....................................................................4 SOUTH PACIFIC...................................................................... 30 Dependence.. ................................................................................ 7 NORTH AMERICA.................................................................... 31 From the Chair............................................................................8 LATIN AMERICA.......................................................................32 Board of Directors......................................................................9 CARIBBEAN..............................................................................33 History.. ....................................................................................... 1 0 EUROPE................................................................................... 34 EURASIA. . ..................................................................................35 Our Ministries........................................................................... 1 2 AFRICA......................................................................................36 Local Government Ministries............................................... 14 ASIA.......................................................................................... 38 State Ministries. . ........................................................................ 1 6 Gospel Reach.............................................................................39 CALIFORNIA. . ........................................................................... 1 8 Our Bible Studies. . ................................................................... 40 COLORADO. . ............................................................................ 1 9 Oaks in Office. . ........................................................................... 42 IOWA.. ....................................................................................... 20 Technology................................................................................ 44 MISSOURI.. .................................................................................21 CAPMIN ON FACEBOOK....................................................... 44 NEVADA....................................................................................22 CAPMIN APP. . .......................................................................... 44 OREGON. . .................................................................................23 CAPMIN AUDIO...................................................................... 44 OKLAHOMA. . ............................................................................24 REBUILDING AMERICA........................................................ 45 SOUTH CAROLINA..................................................................25 Ministry Objectives. . ............................................................... 46 Washington, D.C. Ministries.. ...............................................26 Partnership................................................................................ 48 © 2020 CAPITOL MINISTRIES ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No content may be reproduced from this publication without the publisher’s written permission. ® Washington, D.C. panorama featuring the Washington Monument and Thomas Jefferson Memorial with cherry blossoms in bloom “It is very beneficial for lawmakers to be involved in a serious Bible study. We should look to the Bible for examples of leaders. In fact, when Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel spoke to a joint session of Congress he looked up from the speaker’s rostrum and saw Moses staring down at him. Here is the face of Moses who provided the law. Capitol Ministries Bible study has been very helpful to me personally. I enjoy the accountability of a weekly study that keeps us in the Word, as well as the interaction and fellowship with other members which is a real encouragement.” ® Steve Daines U.S. Senator, Montana 4  CM 2019    From the President From the President A t Capitol Ministries®, Mark 13:10, “The gospel must first be preached to all the nations,” impels us! Jesus is stating throughout Mark 13 what the prerequisites are to His second coming in all His glory (cf. verse 26). It is verse 10 in particular that relates to our ministry calling, purpose, and passion: We can’t help but think that the gospel will be preached in every capital of the world prior to Christ’s return! Jesus’ words are very motivational to our missional thinking, purpose, and quest for fulfillment; we labor to plant sustainable, ongoing disciple-making ministries in 200 foreign federal capitals of the world—and in all 50 U.S. state capitols as well as in local city and county governments. We are driven by the pure essence of the Great Commission! Toward that end, God blessed us with an outstanding 2019! One of the more exciting advancements this year is in Local Government Ministries (LGM). Imagine with us this: ministries in city and county governments across America— the place where most state and national leaders begin their careers. It is in local government evangelism and discipleship ministries where these leaders begin to develop a Christian world view that will enable them to govern in keeping with God’s precepts. This year we made great strides in developing the infrastructure for such an undertaking. Helping to promote this venture will be Faithlife, the ministry organization that created and publishes Logos Bible Software which now has 6 million users! Through our partnership, Faithlife will market LGM to local churches nationwide. I firmly believe that the greatest long-term impact Capitol Ministries® will have on America will be local government ministries and Rick Perry, the former Governor of Texas, and the recently retired U.S. Secretary of the Department of Energy agrees; that is why he is now partnering with us to inform community political leaders about CapMin’s ministries to them in local governments across America. “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  1 Ti mot h y 2:1– 4 “At a time when many are trying to minimize the influence of the Judeo-Christian foundation of our nation, the work of Capitol Ministries in spreading the good news is more important than ever. ® This year we saw additional state capitol ministries added. We either launched or are building ministries in Alaska, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, and Vermont. We were delighted that God raised up additional global directors. We have eight directors on six continents and in the South Pacific which greatly propelled overseas expansion efforts. We have added ministries in several African and Latin American nations and new ministry leaders have been trained to create discipleship Bible studies in Paris and Rome. We are excited by the growth and maturity of this ministry as we look ahead to 2020 and anticipate the new challenges that following God’s leading will bring. Reaching leaders for Christ was the way the apostles “turned the world upside down” in the first century. With a mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ in the political arena throughout the world, Capitol Ministries® is using that same game plan today. It is only through Christ that real change begins and lasts. When the hearts of leaders change, a nation will change. As William Penn once said, good hearts lead to good laws. To God be all the glory for the things He is doing through this, His ministry. Having enough perspective to realize that people who disagree with you are not automatically your enemies and learning how to treat each other and the constituents of this nation with respect will go a long way toward healing our nation. The work of Capitol Ministries is interwoven into those goals.” ® Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr. In His service, Ralph and Danielle Drollinger From the President   CM 2019  5  “T “Capitol Ministries has been a blessing to me throughout my first year in Congress. Ralph and Danielle are strong messengers of God’s Word. I look forward to our time together each week to share breakfast and deepen my understanding of God’s allpowerful love and perfect leadership. ® The Biblical truths revealed in our meetings help to keep us grounded in our passion for God and His desire for us to become more like Him as a husband, father, friend, and leader. I am so appreciative for their commitment to the Word and the impact it can have on the world.” Kevin Hern U.S. Representative, Oklahoma 1st Congressional District 6  CM 2019    Dependence Kevin Cramer U.S. Senator North Dakota here are a lot of reasons that in-depth Bible studies are important to political leaders. Let me start with the most obvious one, and that is fellowship itself. You can have fellowship over at the bar or the gym and a lot of places, but for people who profess a common faith in Jesus Christ, the opportunity to fellowship together in His name while studying His Word is extremely important, especially for government leaders because there are so many other things that don’t bring us together. They emphasize where we’re different, particularly in this culture we are living in now, so there is this incredible benefit of being with brothers and sisters who you grow to love and who you share intimate things with, who you love but who hold you accountable, that is invaluable to our political process, in my view, today. But more in particular in the Senate Bible study, we drill down pretty deep. We spend weeks if not on a single verse, then on a single chapter, and several weeks on a specific passage to begin to understand intellectually. Because we are intellectual people, as politicians and government officials, we are naturally intellectually curious. And so, to be able to take that natural intellectual curiosity and apply it to Scripture with the benefit of good teaching, and the additional benefit of collective wisdom of the participants is very rich. And it also allows us to drill down on theology and doctrine and application of Scripture rather than laws and regulations and other things, and there is therapy in that too. Perhaps the most important thing is at the end of the day we have a source of encouragement, and a source of direction and a source of correction, that is really important to the decisions we make as individuals and as an institution.” “ G Dependence overnments, like clocks, go from the motion men give them, and as governments are made and moved by men, so by them they are ruined too. Wherefore governments rather depend upon men than men upon governments. Let men be good, and the government cannot be bad; if it be ill, they will cure it. But if men be bad, let the government be never so good, they will endeavour to warp and spoil to their turn.” “Getting together with my Senate colleagues for Bible study is a highlight of my week. It’s a time where we can shut out all the partisan noise and focus on what matters most, our faith. Without the work of Capitol Ministries , this wouldn’t be possible. This important ministry helps creates an environment where we can come together to build unity over divisiveness, and reminds us to seek and maintain harmony within our families, friendships, communities, and nation.” ® Joni Ernst William Penn U.S. Senator, Iowa Founder of the colony of Pennsylvania. From The Founders’ Constitution, University of Chicago Press. Dependence    CM 2019  7  From the Chair C “Laura and I didn’t know anything about Capitol Ministries before we met Ralph and Danielle through mutual friends. We knew our country was headed in the wrong direction and we had been praying for the nation and those who serve. I was blown away to learn that Capitol Ministries was leading Bible studies to political leaders in states and the U.S. capital where laws and policies are made, and now foreign leaders are calling Ralph to bring the gospel to their nations. I see God’s hand all over this ministry and it’s a blessing to be a part of it.” ® ® Tom Moiola Member of the Capitol Ministries Board of Directors and the owner of Moiola Brothers Cattle Feeders, the family business that Tom’s father and his two brothers began in 1946. ® 8  CM 2019    From the Chair apitol Ministries® has been described as a thinking man’s ministry because political leaders aren’t the first who come to mind when we think of fulfilling the Great Commission. Usually we think of the multitudes—the general populations—in other nations who have never heard the gospel. Reaching them is important, but Capitol Ministries® focuses on a less obvious group of people because they were identified by God as those who should be reached first. In Acts 9:15, God tells Ananias to heal Saul’s eyes, and He explains the mission of Saul, the man He would rename “Paul.” “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel.’” We focus on kings, or as is more applicable in our world, the leaders of nations. When this is explained, we often hear mature Christians and many pastors alike say that the passage was always in plain sight, but that they missed it and its implication that a greater number of people will be reached with the gospel because of the influence leaders have on so many others. I am grateful for our loyal donors and supporters who have caught this vision and who faithfully contribute to further the work of Capitol Ministries®. This year as I contemplate the achievements of this ministry, I am very grateful that God is raising up godly men of substance to teach His Word. I was heartened to see this for myself this year at conferences in Seattle, WA, and Washington, D.C. Those who have joined with us are experienced believers, knowledgeable in God’s Word and well connected with other believers in their regions and who strongly desire to teach the Bible to the leaders of their nations. We are also seeing the great impact that the Bible study Ralph Drollinger leads weekly to members of the White House Cabinet is having across the world. Legislators and parliamentarians from many other nations have noticed and have contacted us to ask if we would develop Bible study ministries for them and their colleagues. For the first time to aid in these efforts, we have global leaders across the world, men who are well connected and steeped in the Word. Closer to home, we have had tremendous progress in our Local Government Ministries with former Texas Governor Rick Perry leading efforts to create ministries to city and county officials across America. As a member and sponsor of the D.C. Bible studies, Gov. Perry’s dedication to spreading the gospel to other political leaders at every level will inspire many. Ralph and Danielle Drollinger’s boundless energy and passion for this ministry have resulted in significant achievements this year and I am thankful for their leadership. As chairman of the board, I am very grateful that as we close this year all our bills are paid and once again, Capitol Ministries® is in the black. And finally, I am grateful for all of you—the men and women of Christ—who support the work of this ministry. I ask for your continued financial support and prayers as we follow God’s leading to fulfill the Great Commission among the political leaders of the world. Blessings, Rob Hilarides Board of Directors ROB HILARIDES CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Owner, Hilarides Dairies DR. TOM PRICE Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Former U.S. Representative, Georgia ® RALPH DROLLINGER President and Founder Capitol Ministries® DAN MADISON RON KOLAR Founder and CEO, L’Abri Management DR. RANDY ADAMS Executive Director, Treasurer Northwest Baptist Convention MATT SWANSON President, Associated Feed and Supply Company STEVE TAYLOR Owner, Organic Girl BARRY MEGUIAR President, Meguiar’s, Inc. WILLIAM MORROW Former State Senator, California “Capitol Ministries has a vital mission. What other national ministry is intentional about imparting Christ, teaching the Word of God in a disciplined manner, making disciples, and building a Christian world view into the lives political leaders? Without such an orchestrated effort today, and with the trending overall secularization of society, we will not have leaders who share the historical ideological underpinnings that made America great. I am excited to join other board members along with Rick Perry to build CapMin nationwide— and worldwide! The mission is essential and must be fostered aggressively; I cannot think of a better way to invest my time, experience, and treasure.” TREASURER Director, National Ministries Aurora Ministries® (retired) MICHELE BACHMANN Former U.S. Representative Minnesota TRENT FRANKS Former U.S. Representative, Arizona President and Majority Owner Liberty Petroleum Corporation ROLAND HINZ Owner, Hi-Torque Publications Founder, Radio Inspiration ROGER MCCARTY Senior Pastor, First Baptist Community Church of Los Gatos, CA Trent Franks Former U.S. Representative President and Majority Owner Liberty Petroleum Corporation Capitol Ministries Board Member ® TOM MOIOLA Owner, Moiola Brothers Cattle Feeders LARRY SMITH Owner, MHI Board of Directors   CM 2019  9  “There is wisdom in seeking God’s truth as we navigate the tumultuous waters of life and the source of God’s truth is His Holy Word, the Bible. There is not a problem known to mankind that the Bible does not address—from relationships, to budgets, to immigration, to our economy and national security, and more—all we have to do is seek the answer. Ralph Drollinger’s Capitol Ministries Bible study is an invaluable conduit to the wisdom found in God’s Word, where the truth about how to handle the challenges of life, whatever they are, can be found. It’s the single best hour of my week.” ® Bill Johnson U.S. Representative, Ohio 6th Congressional District 10  CM 2019    History California State Capitol Sacramento History A s with many good ideas, Capitol Ministries was born out of a frustration to a baffling problem: shortly after newly elected Christian legislators landed in Sacramento, it became clear that many of them lacked the spiritual maturity to stand up for the principles they claimed to possess. Danielle Drollinger had seen this occur time and again as the executive director of a successful California state political action committee (PAC) that had helped numerous Christians become elected to state office. She had expressed frustration to her husband, Ralph Drollinger. A former professional athlete who spent the majority of his career playing basketball for Athletes in Action (AIA), Ralph was experienced in the American sports ministry movement that planted ministries to athletes in high schools, colleges, and professional sports teams. In the fall of 1996 while talking about the political problem and the successful sports ministry model, the couple realized they could begin a new organization that would birth ministries of evangelism and discipleship in capitol buildings where the Word of God would consistently be taught through weekly exegetical, indepth Bible studies, and where Christian lawmakers could be strengthened through support, prayer, and one-on-one ministry. Their prayerful vision was to establish 50 ministries in 50 state capitols, national ministries in Washington, D.C. and in foreign federal capitols; and Capitol Ministries® was born with a mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ in the political arena throughout the world. With much prayer, Ralph headed off to Sacramento where he founded Capitol Ministries®’ first discipleship Bible study to public servants in the Sacramento State House, while Danielle worked from their Santa Clarita home and cared for the three children. The Sacramento ministry quickly proved wildly successful, and the couple began to recruit strong Bible teachers who had hearts for evangelism and discipleship to replicate the model in other states. Capitol Ministries®’ mission was reinforced and made more urgent in 2000 when Ralph discovered a recurring theme in the New Testament. Scripture pertaining to the Great Commission was replete with illustrations, examples, and commands that emphasized the importance of winning governmental leaders for Christ. In Acts 9:15, God reveals Paul’s mission: “Bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel.” God had chosen the Apostle Paul to take His Word to this set-apart group of kings and those in authority. And even though Paul was well aware of the widespread political corruption and how the Romans had abused his Jewish contemporaries and ancestors in Palestine, his solitary focus was to see those in authority delivered from the deadly bondage of sin and made alive through new life in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5). This is our biblical mandate. This methodology sets us apart from other religious organizations that involve themselves in politics attempting to change the tide of our country. Capitol Ministries® seeks to fulfill the Great Commission not by lobbying legislators, but by reaching their hearts and minds with the gospel. We believe that anchoring a political leader’s soul in Christ is the only real hope for our nation’s future, or for the future of any nation. “Capitol Ministries offers a rare treat in today’s fastpaced world—an hour a week of intimate fellowship with colleagues seeking to grow in faith. Our weekly Bible study dives deeply into Christ’s lessons of humility and love and faith and reminds us that cabinet officers are public servants, that we serve best when our decisions are grounded in eternal biblical truths, and that our service is, in truth, a conduit for the Lord’s will. I leave Wednesday morning Bible study strengthened by a calming confidence that the Lord has set a path for each of us, and for me.” ® Alexander Acosta Former U.S. Secretary of Labor “… the Lord said …“Go … bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel.” Acts 9:15 History   CM 2019  11  Our Ministries T “Ralph and Danielle lead our Bible study. Republicans and Democrats alike come together to learn and grow in our faith. This once-a-week opportunity provides an atmosphere of trust and learning. This is a time to examine our spiritual needs, study the Bible, and reflect on the graces received from our Lord and Savior.” Mike Rounds U.S. Senator, South Dakota 12  CM 2019   Our Ministries he political arena of the world is our mission field. Capitol Ministries exists to help fulfill the Great Commission by bringing the Word of God to a nation’s leaders from the start of their careers in local government to the highest levels they reach. Across our country and around the world Capitol Ministries® recruits, trains, and develops ministry leaders, godly Bible teachers, who are skilled in evangelism and discipleship. We partner them with elected or appointed public servants who sponsor their ministries, provide a meeting place inside the capitol, and invite their colleagues to attend weekly Bible studies. These ministry leaders lead weekly in-depth exegetical Bible studies that are specific to the personal as well as political decision-making needs of these public servants. They disciple Christian public servants, minister to them one-on-one, and evangelize those who do not know Him and lead them toward maturity in Christ. Our ambitious goal is to deliver the gospel to every public servant in every capitol every year. We call this our Big Hairy Audacious Goal—our BHAG—and it is one we embrace with enthusiasm. To illustrate our BHAG, we use the all-American icon, the baseball diamond, to chart our course. Home plate represents local government—city and county commissioners, mayors, school board members, among others in the hometowns of America where many public servants begin their political careers. First base signifies state government elected or appointed legislators, judges, and constitutional officers. Second base is Washington, D.C. a final destination for many public servants as U.S. White House Cabinet members, senators, representatives, and Supreme Court justices. Third Base represents international public servants in foreign federal capitols such as parliamentarians, deputies, judges, legislators, cabinet members, and presidents. Our mission is to reach public servants at every stop along their careers and immerse them in the Word of God all along the way as they ascend to higher office. For 23 years Capitol Ministries® has endeavored to see our BHAGs realized. So far, we have: HOME PLATE: Planted the first successful Local Government Ministries (LGM) in the United States and have trained more than 40 ministry leaders in foreign nations who are working to launch LGMs in Europe. FIRST BASE: Planted discipleship ministries in 43 state capitols to benefit state representatives, senators, judges, and constitutional officers. SECOND BASE: Established thriving ministries and separate Bible studies to members of the White House Cabinet, U.S. Senate, and House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. Birthed discipleship ministries in more than 24 foreign federal capitols. THIRD BASE: Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ in the political arena throughout the world at every stratum of government. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  M at t h ew 2 8:19-2 0 The career and influence path of most public servants 2ND BASE U.S. Congress, Executive Branch & Judges 3RD BASE 1ST BASE Foreign National Leaders State Capitols & Judges HOME PLATE School Board & Civic Government Our Ministries   CM 2019  13  Rick Perry Former Governor of Texas Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy “America’s future political leaders are in the making today; they presently hold positions of leadership in local government. I am passionate about Capitol Ministries ’ efforts to reach today’s 500,000 elected local government leaders with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and disciple them with the Word of God so they may form a Christian worldview in their hearts. ® I see this effort as critically important. America’s ideological future hangs in the balance. I believe this is one of CapMin’s most strategic long-term ministries. Accordingly, I am committed to helping achieve this as CapMin’s spokesman for Local Government Ministries (LGM). In 2020 we will begin sharing the same in-depth Bible studies to elected local government leaders that Ralph is teaching to me and to other White House Cabinet members, U.S. senators, and representatives every week. In the process, we are praying that God will raise up many LGM leaders throughout our nation to lead these grass roots Bible studies. We covet your prayers as we embark on this tremendously important endeavor.” 14  CM 2019   Bible Studies Local government ministries T omorrow’s leaders of the United States are working today in the city halls and county chambers of smalltown America. That is what studies show and that is why we are committed to creating discipleship ministries to local leaders all across America. Through 2019 we worked to establish an efficient methodology to enable us to effectively create discipleship ministries to city and county council members, mayors, judges, and other local elected and appointed leaders in the 40,000 incorporated municipalities of the U.S. That technological ability has now been accomplished. This year we also developed a database of the 500,000 elected local government leaders in the U.S. that is continually being updated. Using this resource, Governor Rick Perry will invite America’s local leaders to receive the same Bible studies at the same time they are delivered to White House Cabinet, Senate, and House members in our ongoing D.C. Bible studies which he sponsors. The first exemplar Local Government Ministries (LGM) Bible study was created this year by Dr. Dan DeShong, LGM Director for Sacramento, CA, who is still leading that study to several commissioners from different governments. A second study was created and is being led to local leaders by Keith Hill, LGM ministry leader in Austin, TX. Dr. DeShong, a retired business owner who has served in leadership positions for a number of ministries, said public servants were surprised to learn how much the Bible had to say about immigration, parenting, racism, deficit spending, and other contemporary issues. The Bible study groups consist of elected leaders from different communities to avoid having a quorum of one elected body which, in some cases, could violate open meetings laws. The retired pastors and lay leaders who will lead LGM will be found in local churches through a partnership we forged this year with the church marketing department of Faithlife—makers of Logos Bible Software which has six million users world-wide. We also began work with Faithlife to create a series of online training videos for ministry leaders. We believe this growth in our infrastructure, along with our new budding partnership with Faithlife will prove to be effective in terms of long-term ministry growth, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Political and faith leaders in Europe have already caught the LGM vision. This year, 40 ministry leaders were trained on how to create and sustain local government ministries in Ukrainian provinces and work is underway to establish local ministries in other nations. “… Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”  R o m ans 10:1 7 “For the past year I have had the privilege of leading a Local Government Ministries (LGM) Bible study to elected leaders in greater Sacramento, CA. We have been studying Oaks in Office which contains 52 Bible studies that Ralph has taught to national leaders in Washington, D.C. It has been a great journey! I have seen much spiritual maturation and a Christian worldview form and develop in the lives of these leaders as we plumb the depths of God’s Word together. I also have the privilege of training future local government ministry leaders and helping them through the certification process. Our vision and prayer is to see God raise up thousands of LGM leaders nationwide.” Dr. Dan DeShong Director of Leader Certification Local Government Ministries Local Government   CM 2019  15  State capitol ministries O “The Great Commission is about taking the gospel to every creature on earth, but the church has neglected reaching government officials. That is who we minister to.” Perry Gauthier North America Director State Director, Nebraska (in transition) State Director, Texas 16  CM 2019    State Capitols ur primary mission as we endeavor to plant discipleship Bible studies in all 50 states is to reach legislators, constitutional officers, and judges who do not know the gospel so they may make decisions for Christ. Jesus said, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36) In our work to help fulfill the Great Commission, we give priority to evangelism so we may lovingly explain salvation through Jesus Christ. We focus on discipling Christian public servants so they may grow in their faith and develop a biblical world view which will impact their personal lives as well as the decisions they make as law and policy makers. In our weekly Bible studies, ministry leaders drill down deep. They teach exegetically, a method that involves examining the original Greek and Hebrew, the language, grammar, the history and culture, setting and customs, and text context, among other things. Scripture is taught one verse at a time, one book or biblical issue at a time. Studying one book of the Bible could take more than a year to complete. To teach these studies, we recruit Bible-teaching evangelists who are mature in their faith and biblically reliant. We pair them with Christian public servants who sponsor the ministries, provide a room for studies, and invite their colleagues to attend. The legislative Bible studies are open to lawmakers and constitutional officers and separate studies are created for staff. Separate Bible studies are established for judges and the executive branch. Ministry leaders also serve as pastors in the capitol to public ser- vants, provide biblical counseling, mentoring, guidance, and friendship. As in all our ministries, we do not push political agendas. Rather than working to change laws, we focus on the biblical model of changing hearts and minds and winning public servants for Christ. We take time to find the right people to lead these ministries. Perry Gauthier is CapMin’s North America Director who is charged with growing the ministry in the United States and Canada. As Ralph Drollinger has often said, the progress of CapMin’s ministries is measured in years and sometimes decades. Since 1996, we have planted ministries in 43 states. This year, ministries were launched in Alaska, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, and Vermont. If a public servant is well anchored in the Word while on the state level, those who ascend in their careers will be wellequipped for the often rough and tumble world of national politics. Studies show that the national leaders of tomorrow —senators, representatives, judges and White House Cabinet members among them—largely come from the state governments of today. We envision a nation in which every state capitol houses a biblically based ministry of evangelism and discipleship where elected officials and constitutional officers from all political parties gather to study the Word of God. Featured on the following pages are highlights of some of our state capitol ministries. “… And you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.”  M at t h ew 10 :18 U.S. Vision Since 1996 50 ministries in 50 capitols WASHINGTON WASHINGTON MAINE NORTH DAKOTA MONTANA VERMONT MINNESOTA NEW HAMPSHIRE OREGON WISCONSIN SOUTH DAKOTA IDAHO MICHIGAN PENNSYLVANIA IOWA NEBRASKA ILLINOIS UTAH COLORADO CALIFORNIA KANSAS MISSOURI INDIANA RHODE ISLAND CONNECTICUT WYOMING NEVADA MASSACHUSETTS NEW YORK OHIO NEW JERSEY DELAWARE WEST VIRGINIA VIRGINIA KENTUCKY MARYLAND WASHINGTON, D.C. NORTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE OKLAHOMA ARIZONA NEW MEXICO ALABAMA TEXAS ALASKA SOUTH CAROLINA ARKANSAS GEORGIA MISSISSIPPI New Capitol Ministries® leader in training and scheduled to launch LOUISIANA FLORIDA HAWAII Ministry started by Capitol Ministries® and now operating by us, in conjunction with us, or independently. Operational ministry currently exists that has been started apart from Capitol Ministries® Capitol Ministries® is presently working to plant a ministry. How can you help us? Progress Ministries have been planted in 43 state capitols to benefit state representatives, senators, and constitutional officers For progress updates, visit capmin.org State Capitols    CM 2019  17  CALIFORNIA Valley view at Yosemite National Park with El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls California State Capitol capital: Sacramento population: 39.5 million governor: Gavin Newsom legislature: 120 members Mike Shreve State Director, California 18  CM 2019    State Capitols A phrase is engraved on a prominent building at the California State Capitol complex: “Bring me men to match my mountains,” it says. Bold and rugged, steadfast and strong, men with character and dedication who stand unwavering amid the tempests and upheavals of life. To that we add Bible-teaching evangelists who are biblically reliant, purposeful, and committed in their determination to lovingly share God’s Word with believers and seekers alike. These are the men we recruit as ministry leaders to teach God’s Word to the world’s political leaders. We found such a man in Mike Shreve who, since 2015, has ministered to members of the California legislature from all political parties and capitol staff. With an emphasis on ministry, discipleship, and evangelism, Pastor Shreve ministers to about 250 people a week. Daily, he emails a Scripture with a picture he has taken on his travels. Once, the Scripture “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1) resonated with so many people that Pastor Shreve printed banners and distributed them in the capitol. Then House Minority Leader Brian Dahle (now a senator) was among many who placed the banner above his office door as a reminder of Whom it is he serves. Pastor Shreve leads a brown-bag lunch Bible study for up to 30 Capitol staff. He delivers his written Bible study to dozens of senators and assemblymen and leads the study to those available to meet with him in their offices one or two at a time. After laying a firm foundation and building strong relationships, Pastor Shreve is nearing his initial objective of creating a sit-down weekly legislative Bible study. He has begun meeting with five dedicated and godly senators and representatives whom he has discipled for years. Through this core group, Pastor Shreve is praying that God will bless the study with growth. Before joining with Capitol Ministries® Pastor Shreve, or Mountain Mike, as he is widely known for his prowess in mountain climbing, founded the Ultimate Wilderness Adventures ministry and led believers on week-long backpack trips to worship the Creator in His glorious creation. Now leading Bible studies to public servants, Pastor Shreve said, “I am a shepherd. That is who God wired me to be. I’ve been up in the mountains shepherding a few sheep, and now God is bringing me down to the valley to shepherd giants.” COLORADO Skyline of Denver, Colorado W e’ve heard this many times—God may have been preparing Brian Solomon to minister to political leaders long before he knew Capitol Ministries® existed. Early next year, Pastor Solomon will be leaving a post he has held for 13 years at Southgate Baptist Church in Springfield, Ohio to create a discipleship Bible study ministry to members of the Colorado legislature and constitutional officers. “I believe this is the most important mission field in the world today,” he said. While he loves serving as family ministries pastor, the job became mostly administrative and Pastor Solomon yearned to teach and preach. He shared this desire with long-time friend Brian Hanson, CapMin’s International Director and ministry leader to the Ohio legislature. Pastor Hanson told him about CapMin and invited the Solomons to attend the May 2019 Training Conference in Seattle to learn more. The ministry resonated with the couple. After prayer and upon learning that a ministry leader was needed for Colorado— Pastor Solomon’s home state—the couple joined with CapMin. In early 2020, after Naomi’s contract as a public school teacher is fulfilled, the couple will move with their four young daughters to Colorado to begin a weekly legislative Bible study ministry. As he prepares for the move, Pastor Solomon has partnered with Pastor Hanson to lead the Ohio legislative study. The two are making great progress. The house legislative ministry has grown, they began a brown-bag lunch Bible study to more than 16 capitol staff and will soon begin a separate ministry to Ohio senators. While wistful about leaving, Pastor Solomon is also excited and has been working to raise support for the self-supporting missionary position with the hope that Naomi will be able to partner with him. “My prayer is that the Lord will use our efforts to see lost people come to Christ, to embolden political leaders to more faithfully follow Christ in their work and that we will have a gospel impact on the trajectory of our state and country,” he said. “The thing that governs all of that is that I want my life to matter for the kingdom. I want God to be pleased with me and our work. And I think He is pleased when we love people, we love Him, and we point people to Christ.” Colorado State Capitol capital: Denver population: 5.8 million governor: Jared Polis legislature: 100 members Brian Solomon State Director, Colorado State Capitols   CM 2019  19 IOWA Harvest field hay bales in rural Iowa F Iowa State Capitol capital: Des Moines population: 3.2 million governor: Kim Reynolds legislature: 150 members Mark Doss State Director, Iowa 20  CM 2019    State Capitols or public policy to reflect godly precepts a nation must have godly leaders said Mark Doss who this year accepted the post of ministry leader to state elected and appointed public servants in Iowa. “If we want godly decisions, we need godly leaders, and people can’t be godly apart from knowing Jesus Christ as Savior,” he said. “Proverbs talks about it. You can’t have justice without righteousness, so we need to go to political leaders and invite them, challenge them, and nurture them in the truth of Scripture and the gospel message. Capitol Ministries®’ mission of making disciples in the political arena resonates strongly with me.” Experienced in ministry and ordained as a pastor, Pastor Doss worked 24 years for the Evangelical Free Church of America (EV Free). He began as a church planting missionary and rose to a regional administrative post. He left that position on September 30, and he joined with CapMin on October 1. Pastor Doss learned about Capitol Ministries® from Perry Gauthier, CapMin’s North America director who visited Iowa three years ago on a recruiting and ministering trip with Faith, his wife and ministry partner. While working with EV Free, Pastor Doss was a frequent visitor to the Iowa Capitol through a pastor outreach group he participated in. Through that effort he was invited to attend a weekly Bible study led by a state senator where he met many legislators and staff. Those relationships are proving a strong foundation on which he will build his ministry. Pastor Doss will continue attending that Bible study and plans to create several of his own under the CapMin banner. He will begin with a Bible study for legislators that will launch in January. Pastor Doss’ first few Bible studies will be topical, including the biblical rationale for why and how Christians should be involved in government. After that, Pastor Doss will teach an in-depth exegetical study on the book of Ephesians. Eventually, after prayer and with God’s leading, Pastor Doss hopes to create additional studies to staff, members of the executive branch, and judges. “Apart from Jesus Christ we have no hope,” he said, “that is part of the gospel message and that is the message that every person needs. And, too, how can a person determine right and wrong apart from God? When you get into philosophical discussions some people believe you can do that, but with my commitment to Christ and my biblical worldview, I cannot imagine people understanding right from wrong apart from the Bible and the gospel that is presented in it.” MISSOURI Downtown Jefferson City A s a youth in Australia, Matt Goodsell felt a burden placed upon his heart to share the gospel with political leaders. That feeling deepened after he moved to the United States to begin a life with his American wife, Katie. The couple live with their four children in Ashland, Missouri where Pastor Goodsell is the pastor at the Ashland Baptist Church. The calling intensified two years ago when state Rep. Sara Walsh (District 50) who attends his church, invited him to visit the Missouri State Capitol. After that, Pastor Goodsell began to drive to the capitol every week to walk the halls looking for public servants with whom he could share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hoping to learn how to minister to public servants, he searched the internet, discovered the Capitol Ministries® website and found just what he was looking for. He contacted us and was invited to the May 2019 Training Conference in Seattle to learn more. After completing the training, the Goodsells decided to join with Capitol Ministries®. “My heart’s desire is to be a partner in this great effort to reach political leaders,” Pastor Goodsell said. “This is the most important mission field in the world today. Those in leadership have the greatest impact on our world.” Eager to begin but with the legislature out of session, Pastor Goodsell started a ministry to legislative staff which has grown to 30 with six sponsors on both sides of the aisle. After the weekly study, Pastor Goodsell hand-delivers Bible study notes to all 197 offices in the house and senate, and often legislative assistants introduce him to lawmakers. The ministry received unexpectedly attention when Pastor Goodsell was invited to attend the Governor’s Faith Luncheon in October where he led a devotional to Gov. Mike Parson and 21 members of his staff. With a firm foundation built, Pastor Goodsell is ready to launch a Wednesday morning legislative Bible study when the session begins in January. He already has three sponsors, Rep. Walsh, Rep. Ben Baker (District 160), and Rep. Adam Schnelting (District 104). With the support of his outreach-minded congregation, Pastor Goodsell will pastor the church as well as answer the call to minister to legislators that he first felt as a youth. “I deeply desire that those in leadership who are lost be exposed to the gospel through what I am called to do,” he said. “I want to reach legislators with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Missouri State Capitol capital: Jefferson City population: 6.1 million governor: Mike Parson legislature: 197 members Matt Goodsell State Director, Missouri State Capitols   CM 2019  21 NEVADA View of Lake Tahoe shoreline W Nevada State Capitol capital: Carson City population: 3.1 million governor: Steve Sisolak legislature: 63 members Scott Parker State Director, Nevada 22  CM 2019    State Capitols hen Ralph Drollinger told ministry leaders at the Washington, D.C. Fall Training Conference that legislative ministries were measured in years and perhaps decades, Scott Parker acutely understood. In his first year of ministry, Pastor Parker welcomed a maximum of three people at his weekly Bible study to members of the Nevada legislature. On the weeks when no one attended, he waited the full hour and then walked the halls of the Nevada State Capitol praying for legislators and staff as he passed their offices. Nevada presents a number of challenges to the creation of a weekly, sit-down Bible study. It is one of only four states to meet every other year in biennial sessions. Nevada was named the third least churched state on the west coast. The room Pastor Parker was assigned in the capitol for the Bible study could be and was used for other purposes at any time without prior notice. But Pastor Parker is one who overcomes challenges. Born with type 1 diabetes, he is the only person in his family who has not died young from the disease. Later in life he developed debilitating arthritis which has required 23 surgeries. Before retiring, he served for 28 years as the lead pastor at 1,200 member Sparks Christian Church he helped plant in a poor neighborhood that attracts unbelievers, many of whom were struggling with addictions. Under Pastor Parker’s leadership, 23 healing and support groups were formed. A campaign to raise $750,000 for a new roof brought in $2 million, with the remainder invested in missionaries around the world and in meeting the needs of people within the church’s zip code. And so, he persists. “Yes, I live in the one of the least churched state in the nation,” he said. “And I love interacting with people who are not yet connected to Christ.” The legislative Bible study continued to meet despite spotty attendance, and Pastor Parker created a separate study for staff. Now that the legislature is out of session until 2021, Pastor Parker is sending via email “Ancient Leadership Principles,” conveying the wisdom of the Bible to all legislators, and he is developing a plan to focus on senators who serve longer terms. He is also working to become better acquainted with legislators before the 2021 session gets underway. His objective for his ministry remains the same: “My vision is to help people understand how relevant Jesus Christ is to our lives and the strength and the healing He can provide us for all things that happen in life, that He became like us and He knows our struggles. I want them to come to a relationship with Christ.” OREGON Evening skyline of Salem, Oregon F rank Carpenter, Capitol Ministries®’ very first ministry leader, has returned to lead the ministry to public servants in the state of Oregon that he began 34 years ago. Pastor Carpenter had already been ministering in the Oregon capitol for 11 years when he read a newspaper story about the unique ministry that had been established for California legislators. Eager to speak with a like-minded pastor, he contacted the Drollingers. When he told Danielle about his ministry, he remembers her saying, “Ralph is going to want to talk to you.” After subsequent conversations, Pastor Carpenter quickly joined with CapMin. The relationship confirmed the calling he had as a boy in Yachats, a small coastal town where, he explains, “I was introduced to the greatness of God and lived out the teachings of Romans 1:20, beholding the wonders and glory of our God’s creation.” With a growing interest in politics and a call to ministry, he preached his first sermon on David and Goliath at age 14 in Yachats’ Little Log Church. After earning a Master of Divinity from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, he served at Hillsboro First Baptist Church where the desire to minister to public servants intensified. With permission from the elders, he began ministering once a week at the capitol. Within weeks he was leading a Bible study and in 10 years he was at the capitol full time. He had a thriving ministry. Upward of 20 legislators, staff, and lobbyist attended his studies. After 20 years, Pastor Carpenter and Merrilee, his wife, moved to Arizona to be with family (especially grandchildren), where he worked with the Center for Arizona Policy. Now back in Oregon, Pastor Carpenter has been enthusiastically welcomed by legislators, lobbyists, and staff who remember him. After next year’s short session, Pastor Carpenter will meet legislators in their districts and write the Bible study he will teach on the theology of God, an examination of His nature, character, and essence. “It’s important to know Who we worship,” he said. While challenges may be greater as he begins anew in a state that is now known for left-leaning politics, he will have help. Merrilee will partner with him in ministry, and Greg Wooldridge, former Commander of the Navy Blue Angels precision flight team who was once a gubernatorial candidate, will help reach out to legislators. “The most impressive change I’ve seen is CapMin’s outreach,” Pastor Carpenter said. “Not only across state capitols, but Ralph’s involvement in D.C. and in capitols around the world. God is moving in mighty ways through Capitol Ministries®.” Oregon State Capitol capital: Salem population: 4.2 million governor: Kate Brown legislature: 90 members Frank Carpenter State Director, Oregon State Capitols   CM 2019  23 OKLAHOMA A brilliant sunset over the Oklahoma plains highlights the remnants of a tumbledown, yet picturesque barn Oklahoma State Capitol capital: Oklahoma City population: 4 million governor: Kevin Stitt legislature: 149 members Cheyne Day State Director, Oklahoma 24  CM 2019    State Capitols E very lesson that Cheyne Day taught on the Sermon on the Mount in some way applied to what Oklahoma senators and representatives were grappling with that week. Teaching on the Beatitudes, Pastor Day quoted Jesus in Matthew 5:37, “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.” “I spoke about the importance of letting your words be true and I said, ‘Believe it or not, sometimes in the political realm, people lie’ and they were all astonished to hear that!” he quipped. “After the study, several senators told me they wished everyone in the capitol could hear that. And that is the ultimate goal, to get the Word out with the printed Bible studies and to create additional ministries.” In his first year as ministry leader, Pastor Day has concentrated on the Senate study which is attended by up to 30 members. He is making plans to expand a house ministry with the approval of the capitol chaplain who is currently leading the study. Pastor Day has also set his sights on creating a ministry for constitutional officers and the judiciary after meeting with a supportive judge. In the latter part of the year Pastor Day’s wife, Misty, who is gifted in administration and hospitality, joined as ministry partner and the two have been making the five-and-a-halfhour drives every week from their home in Arkansas to the Oklahoma capital. A move to Oklahoma, which is Pastor Day’s home state, is planned in 2020 after the couple’s son, Calvin, graduates from high school. At that time, Pastor Day will be making the five-and-a-half-hour drive to Arkansas to begin a ministry to legislators there. The ultimate goal is to find a Bible-teaching evangelist to lead the Arkansas ministry, but until that happens, Pastor Day will serve both states. In the meantime, he is working to raise funding for the self-supporting ministry leader position so he may work full time in ministry. The couple says it’s been a blessing to work together in ministry. “We feel we are positioned in this place for such a time as this,” Pastor Day said. SOUTH CAROLINA Church Street, downtown Charleston M ost Capitol Ministries Bible teachers begin serving state legislators but in South Carolina, newly named ministry leader Tom Logan has been presented with an opportunity to teach the Bible to constitutional officers. Logan is the former editor of Ralph Drollinger’s Bible studies. While in California, Logan attended the Bible study Drollinger is teaching weekly in his home to a group of friends. The men are studying acclaimed theologian Wayne Grudem’s book, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. After the move, Logan was invited to attend the study “remotely” from his South Carolina home. So, it was not surprising that Logan was tapped after he and his wife Twinkle moved to a state that did not have a CapMin Bible study. After the couple settled in their new home and found a church, Logan began to concentrate on establishing his ministry. Seeking a sponsor, he met with a state senator in his district office and telephoned other legislators to explain the mission of CapMin. Efforts to create the ministry progressed slowly until he visited the South Carolina State House and met Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers whose office is across the street from the capitol building. The commissioner knew about CapMin from his friend U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue who attends the White House Cabinet Bible study in Washington, D.C. And so, Commissioner Weathers welcomed the opportunity to sponsor Logan’s ministry which will be open to other constitutional officers and legislators. So far the study has one other member, SC Attorney General Alan Wilson. His father, U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson is a sponsor of CapMin’s D.C. ministry. Logan is teaching from Drollinger’s book, Oaks in Office; Biblical Essays for Political Leaders, a collection of Bible studies written specifically for national office holders. Twinkle, a retired caterer and restaurant owner, will partner with her husband in the ministry. While excited by the opportunity, Logan is also “awed by this responsibility.” “I am totally relying on the Lord to give me strength and direction,” he said. “My desire is to teach the Bible to political leaders and to help them better understand the duties of a Christian leader, what God wants them to look at and think about when they are making decisions. If our nation is led by godly men, they will make the right decisions. God is the standard. The Bible is the standard and we need leaders who understand that.” South Carolina State Capitol capital: Columbia population: 5.1 million governor: Henry McMaster legislature: 170 members Tom Logan State Director, South Carolina State Capitols   CM 2019  25 “Without a doubt, the Members Bible study is one of the most important hours of my week. Hearing the Word and spending time with other believers is a wonderful way to center my day, and professional walk, on Christ.” Sonny Perdue Former Governor of Georgia “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”  Psa l m 33:12 26  CM 2019   Washington, D.C. Painting by Hall Groat II, American Artist  www.HallGroat.com Washington, D.C. ministries S ome touted that Capitol Ministries® is at the heart of a spiritual awakening that is underway at the White House when it became known that we established the first Bible study in 100 years to Members of the White House Cabinet. President Donald Trump’s White House Cabinet has been called the most evangelical cabinet in history, and many of the members embraced the idea of a Capitol Ministries® Bible study which has been meeting weekly since March 2017. The study, which is regularly attended by a number of cabinet members, is sponsored by Vice President Mike Pence and six current and four former cabinet members. In 2010, Ralph Drollinger began leading discipleship Bible studies to the U.S. House of Representatives, and in 2015, Capitol Ministries®planted a study to members of the U.S. Senate. The Bible studies are in-depth exegetical studies that examine one book of the Bible at a time, verse by verse, which could take a year or more to complete. The word exegesis comes from the Greek word exegeisthai, which means to explain or to interpret. Exegesis involves discovering the true meaning of the Scripture with respect to grammar, syntax, and setting. The process involves examining what the passage says; interpreting its meaning; correlating how the Scripture relates to the rest of the Bible; and determining how the Scripture should be applied to one’s life. “Scripture says, ‘Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ.’ (Romans 10:17),” Drollinger said. “Fundamental to making disciples in the political arena is teaching the Word of God. It is the irreducible minimum in effective ministry.” In addition to the hour-long weekly studies, Capitol Ministries® also publishes 52 Bible studies every year that address issues specific to the life and careers of public servants. These studies are distributed to cabinet members and con- gressmen, and emailed to 20,000 people around the globe. These written studies begin with Scripture and examine major contemporary social issues, among them: war, government entitlement programs, racism, illegal immigration, the environment, deficit spending, and tax policies. Some of the studies address a public servant’s personal and faith struggles. Topics include dealing with pride, the use of alcohol, prayer, wise decision making, and the husband-and-wife relationship. The primary goal of these studies is to create disciples of Jesus Christ, and to arm the public servant with the Word of God so that he is equipped to be faithful in every circumstance. Every week Ralph and Danielle walk the halls of Congress hand delivering the printed Bible studies to the offices of legislators, meeting with people and building relationships. “The fact that God has allowed me to lead the White House Cabinet member Bible study affords Capitol Ministries® tremendous credibility worldwide in terms of starting in-depth Bible teaching/discipleship ministries in foreign federal capitols,” Drollinger said. “This window of opportunity will not last forever, therefore we are committed to working expeditiously and industriously to establish new ministries in capitals throughout the world. We are so excited about the wide-open doors our Lord continually puts before us. An objective is to establish ministries to the judicial branch and to staff in all three branches.” As a student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Drollinger played basketball and was often inspired by legendary coach John Wooden’s paraphrase of Abraham Lincoln’s famous quote: “I will prepare and perhaps my opportunity will come.” Today, with our mission more vital than ever before, our resolve remains strong to fulfill the Great Commission by boldly proclaiming the Word of God in the halls of government to the leaders who need to know Him and whose decisions chart the very course of our nation. Washington, D.C.    CM 2019  27  International Ministries “When I was a teenager, I asked God if He would please use me to change the world. I never knew what that meant and I wondered if that would be speaking in large stadiums like Billy Graham. God, in His humor and direction, makes your paths straight. He has planted me in a ministry that I could never have imagined, one that has taken me to foreign nations where I’ve met the leaders of countries. I am an evangelist at heart and while I will not be speaking before thousands of people like Billy Graham, I am working with ministry leaders who are affecting the lives of thousands of people across the globe.” Brian Hanson International Director State Director, Ohio L egislators and policy makers are taught biblical precepts and principles, and if their hearts are won for Christ, the Holy Spirit will lead them into truth and they will think biblically as they chart the trajectory of their nations. It is for this reason that Capitol Ministries® takes the gospel to those in authority on foreign shores. With international ministries flourishing again this year, we have named Brian Hanson as international director to oversee existing ministries and to work with political and faith leaders to establish CapMin ministries in countries that do not have them. Pastor Hanson is also the ministry leader to the Ohio legislature, a self-supporting position he has held since 2016. One of Pastor Hanson’s responsibilities as international director is holding training conferences around the world where newly named ministry leaders are taught CapMin’s biblical methods of creating and sustaining discipleship ministries to political leaders. Helping Pastor Hanson with this work are CapMin’s global directors. We have sought the right men for years and in 2019 all eight positions were filled. These global directors are well established in their regions, are mature Christians, and many are experienced in politics. With this international conduit in place, CapMin leaders from around the world will propel the mission forward through networking and relationship building. In the international arena, we employ the same successful CapMin model that has worked so well in our nation. Each global director is tasked with expanding the ministry in his sphere of the world by finding Bible-teaching evangelists and pairing them with Christian public servant sponsors who invite their colleagues to attend weekly Bible studies. “We teach leaders to view the world through the lens of Scripture so they are laser focused for any decision they will make,” Pastor Hanson said. “We help them build a foundation of truth by teaching Scripture exegetically which, rather than give our opinions, allows them to see what Scripture has to say for itself.” We were pleased this year that through God’s blessing, our Local Government Ministries (LGM) concept proliferated in Europe. We trained 40 LGM leaders in Ukraine alone with work underway in other nations. The need and demand for CapMin to plant sustainable ongoing discipleship ministries to political leaders has been growing rapidly over the past few years and in 2019, it quickened, Ralph Drollinger said. “We thank God for this wide, wide open door—one that we believe will not only accelerate the fulfillment of the Great Commission but influence the direction of nations.” Featured on the following pages are highlights of some of our international ministries. “Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, but it is swept away by injustice.” 28  CM 2019    International P rov er bs 13:23 Discipleship ministry presence in eight global spheres “For the world to change, the hearts of leaders must change, and Capitol Ministries is dedicated to changing the hearts of the leaders of the world. ® Eurasia Europe North America Caribbean Asia When Paul was first given his calling in Acts chapter 9, it was a unique calling to go to Jews, Gentiles, and the Gentile kings. He was to reach everyone in the world, but there was a very specific statement about going to the leaders. There is something unique about leaders. When Capitol Ministries takes the Word of God to leaders, think about what can be done not only in our D.C. Capitol and in state capitols across the United States, but also in capitols around the world. Leaders will know Him, and they will be encouraged to follow biblical principles and lead with integrity. What a blessing that will be to the people of those nations. It is very significant. I do absolutely believe in the advancement of this ministry worldwide.” ® Latin America Africa South Pacific Vision Progress International: 200 ministries in 200 countries Birthed discipleship ministries in more than 24 foreign federal capitols James Lankford U.S. Senator, Oklahoma International   CM 2019  29 SOUTH PACIFIC Island landscape in Noumea, Caledonia Inoke Kubuabola South Pacific Director Fiji Coming up South Pacific Training Conference Suva, Fiji October 12–16, 2020 30  CM 2019    International S outh Pacific Islands Director Inoke Kubuabola has made great progress in furthering the Gospel of Jesus Christ among political leaders in his area of the world, so much so that Capitol Ministries® is planning a training conference next year in Fiji. Kubuabola is a leading Fiji parliamentarian who has held a number of high-ranking positions in the Fiji government. He is well known among political colleagues and faith leaders alike. In 2017 he was named CapMin’s South Pacific director, a volunteer position, and tasked with planting discipleship Bible studies to leaders of the South Pacific independent island nations, as well as Australia and New Zealand. Under his direction, ministries have been planted in Fiji and Papua New Guinea (PNG). A weekly Bible study to Fiji Parliamentarians is led by the Rev. Aporosa Rageci and the Rev. Isireli Kacimaiwai. The study is faithfully attended by seven members and is growing. So enthusiastic are the parliamentarians that they requested the Bible studies never be canceled, even if they are overburdened with business. A second ministry in PNG is sponsored by Parliamentarian Dr. Allan Marat, the only Pacific islander to graduate with a Doctor of Law from Oxford University. He entered Papua New Guinea Parliament in 2003 and has served as attorney general, deputy prime minister, and acting governor general. Dr. Marat was very excited to learn the Capitol Ministries®’ mission to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to leaders in the political arena of the world and is eager to help further the ministry in the South Pacific, Kubuabola said. Skilled in networking, Kubuabola has created a Capitol Ministries® South Pacific Islands Facebook page and has recruited a group of passionate volunteers to provide prayer and support. He also organized a luncheon where church leaders learned about Capitol Ministries®’ mission and were invited to become partners in taking the gospel to political leaders. Most recently he has recruited ministry leaders to establish Bible studies in Vanuatu as well as a number of other island nations and they will attend the 2020 Training Conference in Fiji to learn how to establish and sustain discipleship ministries to political leaders. “It has been very encouraging to see the positive response from our Pacific Islands’ political leaders,” Kubuabola said. “It has been overwhelming the way God is quickening the ministry. We see the favor of God move amongst our leaders and we believe this is the new season for our beloved nation of Fiji.” NORTH AMERICA Mount Rushmore C apitol Ministries’ envisions in-depth Bible studies for state government office holders in all 50 U.S. States and across Canada and as our North America Director, Perry Gauthier is charged with realizing that objective. A primary responsibility is recruiting Bible teaching evangelists to create CapMin discipleship ministries to political leaders in states that do not have them. Coupled with that is finding Christian public servants to sponsor the studies, provide a meeting place, and invite their colleagues to attend. From this foundation ministries grow through evangelism and discipleship. Pastor Gauthier is also charged with leading, coaching, training, and praying for existing state ministry leaders. To accomplish these goals, Pastor Gauthier and Faith, his wife and ministry partner, travel across the United States every year meeting with our Bible teachers and cultivating relationships with faith leaders and public servants alike. The Gauthiers were instrumental in seven new state ministry launches this year. While some inroads have been made in Canada, currently, the United States remains CapMin’s primary focus. Along with those responsibilities, Pastor Gauthier continues to lead the thriving Nebraska ministry, CapMin’s longest continuously led Bible study. It was begun by CapMin in 2002 and Pastor Gauthier has led the ministry since 2008. Under his leadership, consistent attendance has more than doubled to 12 to 18 of the state’s 49 Senators. An exegetical teacher, Pastor Gauthier authors studies that speak to the personal and professional lives of public servants. This year he taught “Rulers After God’s Own Heart—The Life of David,” which followed last year’s topical series, “Good God: Give Us Good Government!” This year CapMin moved its North America headquarters to Austin, Texas and the Gauthiers have divided their time between the two states. Pastor Gauthier is also ministry leader for Texas. The move has provided the ministry team the opportunity to build relationships and begin ministering to many leaders in the Lone Star state. A talented Bible teacher also skilled in business, Pastor Gauthier owned an architectural firm for 25 years before following a call to ministry. His entrepreneurial background and ministry experience equip Pastor Gauthier for the diversity and the rigors of his many responsibilities. The couple is enthusiastic about their role in helping CapMin further its mission. “I pray that God will bring forth intentional, well-trained disciple-makers who will teach the Word of God in-depth to state leaders,” Pastor Gauthier said. “Strategically reaching political leaders with Scripture is vital since, by God’s design, they reside in the very nerve centers of culture! Most of Paul’s missionary journeys were to capital cities.” Perry Gauthier North America Director State Director, Nebraska and Texas Coming up North America Training Conference Miami, Florida December 1–5, 2020 International   CM 2019  31 LATIN AMERICA Cityscape of Cusco in Peru O Oscar Zamora Latin America Director Peru Coming up Latin America/ Caribbean Training Conference Miami, Florida December 1–5, 2020 32  CM 2019    International scar Zamora observed three years ago that the time is right for Latin American political leaders to turn their hearts to God and that truth has been exceedingly and abundantly realized. We, too, believed Latin America nations were ready for God’s Word, but the magnitude that our efforts have been blessed by our Lord have surprised even us, and we think in terms of BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals). Since named CapMin’s director for Latin America in 2017, Zamora, who lives in Peru, has helped birth ministries in five nations—Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Brazil and is working to establish ministries in four more Central and South America countries. And the efforts have been enthusiastically received. In Mexico, 120 people, including 90 congressmen attended the ministry launch at the Banker’s Club, called the most beautiful auditorium in Mexico City. The Brasilia, Brazil ministry was launched at a breakfast in the Noble Hall of the Chamber of Deputies and attended by 75, including five senators and several deputies. An unexpected opportunity surprised us this year in Nicaragua. Zamora, Ralph Drollinger, and a CapMin contingent traveled to Nicaragua at the invitation of President Daniel Ortega to discuss creating ministries to the president’s cabinet and congress. At the president’s invitation Drollinger spoke about Capitol Ministries® at a televised national event before a live crowd of an estimated one million persons while Zamora stood next to him on the stage and translated into Spanish. Work is underway to launch the Nicaragua ministries. Under Zamora’s leadership, dozens of CapMin Bible studies and Drollinger’s books, Oaks in Office: Biblical Essays for Political Leaders, and Rebuilding a Nation, the Biblical Blueprint have been translated into Spanish and Portuguese. With an extensive background in ministry, vast connections throughout Latin America, and a long-time passion to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to national leaders, Zamora is well suited for his role. Also politically connected is Elizabeth, his wife and ministry partner who ran for a city council seat and once worked for two congressmen. Elizabeth is the daughter of Humberto Lay, an architect and a well-known pastor who founded the National Restoration party, a group of conservative evangelicals, which he chairs. “By God’s grace, the time is right to take the Word of God to political leaders not only in Latin America, but, as is CapMin’s mission, around the world,” Zamora said. “Political leaders are no different from anyone else in that we all need of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Elizabeth and I are so honored to be a part of Capitol Ministries® and its mission which we know is part of God’s agenda for the world today!” CARIBBEAN Shoreline of the Dominican Republic A fter months of networking, planning, and meetings, Caribbean Director Joseph Persaud is in the final stages of planting the first discipleship ministry to national political leaders in Guyana, his home country. Bishop Persaud and Diana, his wife and ministry partner, met with the president of Guyana and leading parliamentarians to finalize plans for the creation of a discipleship ministry to political leaders in the national capitol in 2019. For Bishop Persaud, the ministry will begin to fulfill his passion and vision to see the teaching of the Word of God greatly expand in his area of the world. From this exemplar, and working with his network of ministry friends, he plans to launch ministries in the federal capitals in the 24 neighboring Caribbean island nations that are in his geographic area of influence. Twenty-one of those nations were former colonies of the British Empire and they have a Protestant-based culture. Politically astute and well-connected in the faith community, Bishop Persaud serves the New Testament Churches in Guyana as the Administrative Bishop. Creating ministries to political leaders is a passion that came late to Bishop Persaud. He grew up attending a church that taught that neither the church nor Christians should have anything to do with government or political leaders, and he believed that until he studied the Bible to see what God’s Word said. “I found that the Bible on politics is contrary to what I was taught,” he said. And since then, he’s had a passion to reach political leaders for Christ. That desire met opportunity when Bishop Persaud met Ralph and Danielle Drollinger when they were on a mission trip to Caribbean island nations in 2017. After learning about Capitol Ministries®, the Persauds completed a CapMin training conference and Bishop Persaud was named Capitol Ministries®’ Caribbean Director. “I see a new and prosperous Caribbean where politicians and legislators are positively influenced by Biblical principles,” he said. “I am happy to be a part of Capitol Ministries® because it is the only of its kind that has embraced the Great Commission to engage those who tread the halls of political power. CapMin has a proven track record of 23 years of ministering to the spiritual needs of those so engaged. I believe that with active CapMin discipleship ministries in every country, we can change the world for God and for good.” Joseph Persaud Caribbean Director Guyana Coming up Latin America/ Caribbean Training Conference Miami, Florida December 1–5, 2020 International   CM 2019  33 City skyline of Rome, Italy Ben-Oni Ardelean Europe Director Romania Coming up Western Europe Training Conference Rome, Italy June 15–18, 2020 34  CM 2019    International R EUROPE omanian Parliamentarian Dr. Ben-Oni Ardelean, one of the leading Evangelical office holders in all of Europe, became Capitol Ministries Global Director for Western Europe this year. In this position, Dr. Ardelean will be spearheading work to grow Capitol Ministries in capitals across the continent. “I believe Capitol Ministries could provide the answer for not only spiritual ‘searchers’ in the political arena but could also further transform nations and lead the way for a new environment in divisive Europe,” he said. “Recent events have proved that European Union (EU) links are loose (Brexit proved that!) and are not keeping the continent together. Real unity in Europe cannot be achieved by seeking a common market, rather only by the transforming and powerful Word of God in the lives of political leaders.” Dr. Ardelean currently serves as Deputy Speaker of the Romanian Parliament, one of the highest offices in the nation. Among degrees he has earned are a Ph.D. in political science from the National School of Political and Administrative Studies and a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Bucharest. In a career that has spanned decades, Dr. Ar- delean has built relationships with faith leaders and political leaders across Europe. This year he and Ralph Drollinger met with leaders in Serbia, Macedonia, Moldova, Ukraine, Norway, and Italy. His efforts helped paved the way for new ministry launches in many of these and other countries. Dr. Ardelean is also working to establish a CapMin ministry to political leaders in the EU in Brussels. In that the EU is very complex and has many facets, this will require a growing CapMin team over the coming years. Once established, the EU ministry will have similar influence in Europe that CapMin’s D.C. ministries have had on ministry growth in state capitals across America. “Capitol Ministries has a unique mission to impact the secular political arena in Europe with the transforming Word of God,” Dr. Ardelean said. “Once the working field of the apostles, once the arena of the martyrs, and the birth place of the Reformation, Europe now sits in a place of darkness, dominated by a secularist ideology. The need is great to regain its spiritual and ethical direction. Capitol Ministries desires to transform the continent’s political leaders and that will impact nations.” EURASIA St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, Ukraine A fter helping to establish successful ministries to national political leaders in eastern Europe, this year Oleg Rachkovski turned some of his attention to building our Local Government Ministries when interest among leaders in his area of the world soared. Pastor Rachkovski, CapMin’s Eurasia Director, since 2015, is working with Baptist leaders to launch Local Government Ministries (LGM) to municipal leaders who govern in the towns and rural communities across Russia. Under Pastor Rachkovski’s direction, Ralph Drollinger’s book, Oaks in Office; Biblical Essays for Political Leaders, the curriculum for LGM, has already been translated into Russian as have dozens of Capitol Ministries® Bible studies. CapMin established LGM because studies reveal that most career politicians begin in local office. Discipleship ministries with weekly Bible studies will help public servants develop a Christian worldview early and will benefit them as they ascend to higher office. “The concept has resonated with faith leaders and politicians as well,” Pastor Rachkovski said. “I believe this is a model that will be well received by many nations.” Pastor Rachkovski is spearheading efforts to plan a CapMin Training Conference in Ukraine in 2021 where ministry leaders will be taught how to build and sustain ministries to public servants. On the national level, Pastor Rachkovski has assisted in developing ministries to federal leaders in Ukraine, Ro- mania, Moldova, Belarus, Latvia, Russia, Serbia, and Macedonia, some of which have launched. After introducing our mission to Pavlo (Pavel) Unguryan, an Evangelical Christian and member of the Ukrainian Parliament, the prominent conservative political leader joined the prayer group he had begun for colleagues in 2008 with CapMin. “Capitol Ministries® is a brilliant chance to enhance and grow evangelism and discipleship among political leaders and officials,” M.P. Unguryan said. “We embraced the models set forth by Capitol Ministries® because we understood the importance of multiplying Bible study groups in our huge post-communist country. Such a mission is new to Ukraine.” In addition to building LGMs, Pastor Rachkovski is working to establish a ministry to national leaders in Poland, among other nations in central and eastern Europe. While the concept may be new, after it’s understood, Christian political leaders heartily embrace it. “Many leaders have met to pray, but they don’t understand why they needed Bible study,” Pastor Rachkovski said. “When they heard about Capitol Ministries®, they said, ‘This is what we need!’ Every country needs this but because of the communist and atheist experience under the Soviet Union, our countries need in-depth disciple-making Bible ministries even more. I pray that God will raise up the right men for these ministries.” Oleg Rachkovski Eurasia Director Belarus Coming up Eurasia Training Conference Kiev, Ukraine November 12–15, 2020 International   CM 2019  35 AFRICA A tower of giraffes at Arusha National Park, Tanzania. The giraffe is the national animal. W Jon Cassel Africa Director Coming up Africa Training Conference Abuja, Nigeria October 12–16, 2020 36  CM 2019    International ell-known, respected, and very connected across Africa after working there for decades with The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Jon Cassel is well positioned to help build ministries across the continent. Named Capitol Ministries® Africa Director in 2018, Cassel is responsible for overseeing recruiting and ministry plantings in Africa’s more than 50 nations and helping to organize recruiting conferences. One of CapMin’s most prolific ministry planters, since he began with CapMin in 2014, Cassel has initiated and helped birth more than a dozen ministries. He once stopped strangers at a beach in Dakar, Senegal because he overheard them say they were from Liberia and knew we needed a ministry leader there. From that spontaneous conversation, we recruited talented and motivated Dennis Aggrey who has created a ministry to that nation’s leaders. Cassel works with Raymond Koffi, director of non-English speaking countries; Obi Onwuzurumba, director of English-speaking nations; and Lionel Milongo of Congo Brazzaville who assists Cassel and also translates CapMin’s Bible studies into French, a common language in Africa. One of the highlights this year was a CapMin ministry birth that Cassel helped to organize in Zambia. Launched before a gathering of 70 people including many supportive political leaders, the celebrations were broadcast live to the nation’s 17 million citizens. The event was a highlight of a week-long trip that Cassel and Brian Hanson, Capitol Ministries® International Director took to several Africa nations. The two toured the continent meeting with interested faith leaders and national political leaders and telling them about CapMin’s international mission. Many more ministries are in the process of being developed from those efforts. A recurring theme was that Africa was ready for its leaders to be taught the Word of God. Many faith leaders had already been teaching the Bible to political leaders one-on-one and wanted to join with CapMin because they greatly appreciate our tight, narrow focus and biblical methods. Cassel and Pastor Hanson stressed that we were not in Africa to push for laws, but, through teaching the Word of God, to change hearts. Cassel believes deeply that a decision for Jesus Christ as a personal Savior is paramount for political leaders across the world and is enthusiastic to help bring that about in Africa. “I am pleased to see those across Africa who wish to join with Capitol Ministries® to see their Christian political leaders discipled and strengthened in their faith so that their countries can live under righteous governance,” he said. ENGLISH AFRICA O bi Onwuzurumba of Nigeria, our Director for English-speaking Africa, had a passion for reaching government leaders with the gospel Patches of deciduous forest andlong before he met Capitol Ministries®. Baobabs near Morondava, Madagascar Onwuzurumba, a former chemistry tutor-turned-clergyman, and his wife, Martha, a former pharmacist, have ministered together for many years to take the Word of God to their nation’s leaders. The couple served as Special Assistants to Nigeria’s immediate past president from 2007 to 2015, and Onwuzurumba also served as the president’s chaplain in the State House where many Christian public servants worshiped. Currently, the Onwuzurumbas are individually ministering to former and current legislators and politicians and holding Bible studies when possible. The couple also ministers to civil servant fellowship groups, which are numerous. As much as possible, Onwuzurumba adapts and uses Capitol Ministries®’ Bible studies, which he describes as “rich and comprehensive.” “We have chosen to be part of Capitol Ministries®, having seen the need to more effectively reach our politicians and top civil servants with the life-transforming Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through Bible studies,” Onwuzurumba said. “We believe that they will be better leaders if they respond positively and our country will be better for it. “Thank you for the opportunity to share our dreams and aspirations in our service for our Lord Jesus Christ.” Obi Onwuzurumba English Africa Director Nigeria FRENCH, PORTUGUESE, AND SPANISH AFRICA R aymond Koffi, well-known for his popular CBN television ministry “Le Club 700”, was named as Capitol Ministries® Director of Non-English-Speaking African nations in 2018. In the post, Koffi is charged with recruiting Bible-teaching evangelists and pairing them with Christian legislators to create discipleship ministries to political leaders in African nations where English is not the official language. Koffi replaced Jon Cassel who left the post after being named CapMin’s Africa Continental Director. Politically astute and a strong believer, Koffi shares Capitol Ministries®’ passion to support Christian public servants in remaining true to their biblical values and representing their constituents in keeping with God’s precepts. Koffi recently took full advantage of recruiting opportunities he found at the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) Forum held in Yaoundé, Cameroun, his home country. At the conference, he manned the Capitol Ministries® booth where he met with several political leaders who expressed an interest in establishing a ministry in their countries. Koffi also organized the Capitol Ministries®’ 2018 Autumn African Training Conference in his home country of Cameroun, which drew CapMin representatives from across Africa. Several new ministry leaders were recruited at the Conference. Koffi is the much beloved as the co-host of the very popular Christian Broadcasting Network’s (CBN) “Le Club 700” television show, the French equivalent of “The 700 Club” program which is hosted in the U.S. by Pat Robertson. “Le Club 700” airs in French-speaking countries throughout the world. Raymond Koffi French, Portuguese, and Spanish Africa Director Cameroun International   CM 2019  37 ASIA Anonymous Asia Director Location Undisclosed Coming up Asia Training Conference Location Undisclosed October 19–21, 2020 38  CM 2019    International F rom his vantage point in a nation somewhere in Asia, the man who has agreed to serve as Asia Director is well positioned to work with fellow believers in neighboring countries to establish ministries throughout the continent. A man of God who has openly lived his faith all of his life, the Asia Director is well connected with other Christians in this area of the world that is openly hostile to Christianity. We are not naming him, nor are we identifying the nation he is from because to do so would put his life in further danger. He lives in a country where it is illegal to share his Christian faith and yet he does. Like Daniel, David, Joseph, Paul, Caleb, Joshua, and many other biblical leaders who risked their lives for God, he has made the decision to help fulfill the Great Commission despite personal danger. Already he has been physically attacked a dozen times. Once, as he was held down by an assailant’s foot on his neck, others around him drew their swords. Each time, God miraculously saved him. Our Asia director said after working for years to reach political leaders for Christ, he has joined with us to continue that mission with our biblical methods. The reason is clear and pure: “My grandfather was a militant Islamist and someone reached him with the gospel,” he said. While believers in the United States sacrifice their time and treasure to further the gospel, many in other nations also risk their lives. “It seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you … men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 15:25-26) Gospel reach “ E Dr. Randy Adams Executive Director-Treasurer Northwest Baptist Convention ® Board Member, Capitol Ministries Candidate for Southern Baptist Convention Presidency, 2020 vangelical pastors as a whole have largely overlooked the importance of building effective ministries that disciple local government leaders for Christ. With over 40,000 local governments in America, we need to birth ministries similar to what Youth for Christ and CRU and Baptist Collegiate Ministry are doing on high school and college campuses. If we are to truly ‘Make America Great Again,’ as defined by Scripture, initiating these kinds of outposts is essential. Statistics indicate that most of our political leaders in state capitals and Washington, D.C. were once city council members. In Oaks in Office, Ralph Drollinger provides an invaluable tool to equip pastors and laymen with pertinent Bible studies to initiate discipleship ministries with those serving in local government. I highly recommend this excellent resource.” Gospel Reach   CM 2019  39  “How has Capitol Ministries aided my service to the United States of America? It has aided me in my preparation. The Bible study has guided me to deeper, more meaningful discernment of God’s Word as it relates to serving in the government because this is a tough job. ® The lessons learned in the fellowship of believers have practical applications that aid in resisting and avoiding temptation. Certainly, Capitol Ministries has aided me in terms of discipleship. Capitol Ministries Bible studies have given me growing confidence to spread the good news. ® Our Bible Studies ® So where is the impact of Capitol Ministries felt in my life? Frankly, everywhere. Both inside and outside the beltway. I thank you for your faithful ministry, for bringing the Word of God, for bringing a Bible study, evangelism, and discipleship all around the globe and certainly here on Capitol Hill. I truly appreciate it.” ® Glenn Thompson U.S. Representative, Pennsylvania 15th Congressional District 40  CM 2019   Our Bible Studies F undamental to making disciples in the political arena is teaching the Word of God. It is the irreducible minimum in effective ministry. Capitol Ministries® accomplishes that goal through weekly sit-down Bible studies. Unfolding like rich history lessons, these Bible studies are delivered in person by experienced ministry leaders, many of whom are pastors with seminary training. These expository teachers prepare studies using exegetical methods with a goal of revealing and applying biblical truth. The word exegesis comes from the Greek word exegeisthai, which means to explain or to interpret. The studies contain historical facts about the people, customs, and societies that existed in biblical times, and to ensure that a cor- rect interpretation is reached, the meanings of the original Greek words of the New Testament and the Hebrew words of the Old Testament are researched. The Scripture’s context is also considered. Often studies examine one book of the Bible at a time, verse by verse, and could take a year or more to complete. Most ministry leaders author their own Bible studies, but they also have available to them the 52 in-depth, four-color illustrated Bible studies that Ralph Drollinger delivers to national leaders in Washington, D.C. every week as supplements to his written study. These supplemental studies are written specifically to address a public servant’s needs in the areas of family, marriage and child-rearing, growth in their faith life, and current social issues. There is nothing occurring in today’s world that the Bible does not address. Helping public servants develop a biblical world view is critical to decision making. In the Dec. 16 study, “Do I Best Understand Love as an Emotion of a Decision?”, Drollinger examines love from a biblical perspective and writes, “Love is often misunderstood in our culture as an emotion versus an action.” The Nov. 4 study, “Becoming More Like the 12 Amongst the 535 in 2020”, delves into the qualities Jesus was looking for when He selected his disciples. Drollinger asks, “What quality must characterize you for God to determine to use you mightily?” In “Theological Liberalism in America”, published April 1, Drollinger investigates how liberalism has impacted the nation’s runaway debt through entitlement programs. These studies are hand delivered every week by the Drollingers to cabinet members and legislators in Washington, D.C. They may be downloaded from CapMin’s website capmin.org and are also emailed to more than 20,000 people who have requested them. The studies have also been translated into Spanish, Russian, French, Portuguese so ministry leaders in other nations may teach them to their elected and appointed political leaders in their native languages. Through a partnership we forged this year, Faithlife—makers of Logos Bible Software will be offering CapMin’s written Bible studies to a world-wide audience. Logos Bible Software is a digital library that offers tens of thousands of academic, theological, and pastoral books, among other data to its 6 million users. “Capitol Ministries® Bible studies will benefit those people who want to know the Bible and what Christian theology teaches about the proper relationship between church and state,” said Brannon Ellis, director of original content for Faithlife and publisher for Lexham Press. “It’s for those who are committed to the authority of the Bible who also understand that the kingdom of God is also the kingdoms of this world.” Published in partnership with KNOW YOUR BIBLE. “I lead a Local Government Ministries Bible study in greater Austin, TX, and in just a few months God has raised up faithful leaders in Lockhart. Reading the same Bible studies the same time they are taught to our Washington, D.C. leaders is encouraging. Isaiah 55:11 promises that His Word will accomplish what He desires. What will God do in the coming decades as we unleash the Word of God to local government leaders throughout our nation?” PART NERS HIP PUBL ISHED IN WITH . KNOW YOUR BIBLE Keith Hill Local Government Ministry Leader Austin, Texas “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Ps alm 119:105 Our Bible Studies   CM 2019  41  Oaks in office W “Capitol Ministries material is biblical and very gospelcentered. We have tens of thousands of academic, theological, and pastoral books but we don’t have a lot of really solid content that speaks to Bible and government, theologically engaging the culture, and tackling social issues. Partnering with Capitol Ministries fills those gaps that we have in our content offerings for our massive user base that I believe will be really, really well received. We are really excited about this relationship.” ® ® hen the Christian political leader plants roots firmly in the Word of God, he is building a stable foundation that will provide the strength and endurance he needs to stand unyielding amid the buffeting winds, assailing storms, lightning strikes, floods, and droughts of his political career and his personal life. We selected Oaks in Office: Biblical Essays for the Political Leader as the title for the collection of Bible studies written specifically for public servants after much thought to how God’s Word would fortify and shape the character of the men and women who lead nations—from the city halls of America to the international federal capitols on foreign soil. How can we expect leaders to make decisions in keeping with God’s precepts if they do not know the Author of Scripture? The oak tree becomes the mighty oak by sending a taproot deep into the earth to find a dependable source of moisture so it may grow an elaborate root system that spreads beneath the ground up to seven times the width of its leafy crown. These sturdy and durable roots will bring the tree moisture and nutrients all its life. So, too, will the Word of God nurture the faithful Christian public servant. This four-volume book set contains 52 of the best essays Capitol Ministries® has published specifically to address the political and the personal lives of political leaders. In-depth and exegetically driven, these essays provide custom applications to the life of a public servant. The essays take the believer on a journey through the Old and New Testaments, offer perspective into the character of biblical leaders, and investigate current social issues through the timeless lens of God’s Word. The objective of the essays is to help the political leader come to Christ and thereinafter develop in personal holiness, construct a biblical foundation, form a Christian world view, and increase in faith. These studies progressively build upon one another to provide a deep and rousing faith walk. Oaks in Office was created to be used by Capitol Ministries® Bible teachers who disciple political leaders around the globe. To make disciples of Jesus Christ, the Word of God must be taught. “So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17 (NKJV). It is our desire that these biblical essays will help to shape the character and direction of the next generation of political leaders, not only in America, but throughout the world. Our prayer is that these studies will build strong and stalwart oaks in office. Scott Lindsey Executive Director Faithlife – makers of Logos Bible Software Dan Patrick Lieutenant Governor Texas 42  CM 2019   Oaks in Office “Our nation was built upon the Word of God. Our founders and the people they governed understood they must be led by godly people, who while imperfect themselves, strived to build a country based on God’s perfection. Today, in a country where God’s Word is under constant attack, we need mighty oaks to serve in all levels of government. Men and women of courage and commitment who will stand for the principles and values our nation was founded upon. Ralph Drollinger’s book Oaks in Office clearly lays out who is needed and what is needed to guide our nation to greatness so we can be the light of the world that God intended us to be.” (Matthew 20:26) coming soon The Government and Economics series that investigates capitalism versus communism; biblical tax policies; debt, money, and inflation; and resource development, among other topics, will be published as Oaks in Office Part 5 in 2020. Are you starting a ministry to local government leaders? “And the gap in church-state theology books is not because no one wants this material, the gap is there because so few people are creating it. This is something people care about. We have an opportunity to get these tools not only to pastors, but to lay people, people who teach Sunday school, seminary students, home-schoolers, this broad range of people who take their faith seriously in all aspects of their life. This is one of those areas where, especially in modern America as things get more polarized, people are figuring out, ‘What do I actually believe and why do I believe it?’” Brannon Ellis Director of Original Content for Faithlife and publisher for Lexham Press Oaks in Office provides the study material for Local Government Ministries, an endeavor to create discipleship Bible study ministries to the 512,000 elected city and county commissioners in the more than 40,000 incorporated local governments in neighborhoods across America. Oaks in Office contains 52 Bible studies that average eight pages long, one for every week of the year. Oaks in Office   CM 2019  43 CAPMIN ON FACEBOOK Through daily and often twice-daily posts, we offer Bible verses, stories about legislators, video news stories and the Bible study currently being taught in Washington, D.C., to keep in touch with our donors, supporters and prayer partners. We also use Facebook as a way to introduce Capitol Ministries to those who do not know us. ® CAPMIN APP We developed the CapMin app so visitors may more easily read and download our Bible studies in several languages and other material from all of their mobile devices. We also want to introduce a new generation to Capitol Ministries . ® CAPMIN AUDIO Our weekly Bible studies are read and recorded by Frank Sontag, highly acclaimed host of “The Frank Sontag Show” that is broadcast live from Los Angeles, CA. On our website, we post the audio recording along with the print version of the current Bible study the same week it is being taught to the leaders of our nation. Sign up for our free podcasts by searching Capitol Ministries in your favorite podcast app. ® 44  CM 2019   Technology Technology C apitol Ministries is committed to employing the most cutting-edge communications technology possible because technology shapes our world. This year Capitol Ministries® forged an exciting partnership with Faithlife—makers of Logos Bible Software to work with us in a variety of capacities in the years to come. Logos offers an expansive digital library that includes tens of thousands of academic, theological, and pastoral books among other data to its 6 million world-wide users. To those offerings, Logos will add CapMin’s Bible studies and books to provide its users with solid content about Bible and government, Bible and culture, Bible and society, and Bible and social issues. Logos will also employ its state-of-the-art tech- nology to create a digital CapMin training course for Local Government Ministries leaders on how to build and sustain a ministry to local elected and appointed public servants. This strategic partnership will enable CapMin to provide biblically sound Bible studies and books to seminaries, lay Bible teachers, home schoolers, and anyone who wants to know what the Bible says and how its teachings can be applied to life today. Capitol Ministries® is committed to a strong infrastructure and we accomplish that in part through technology. Our website, capmin.org, is our hub, the nucleus of our ministry, the central and most important conduit through which information is disseminated to ministry leaders, public ser- Rebuilding America, The Biblical Blueprint Rebuilding America, The Biblical Blueprint explains the biblical mandate for the mission of Capitol Ministries : to make disciples of Jesus Christ in the political arena throughout the world. ® vants, and supporters across the globe. From anywhere in the world and with an electronic device, our ministry leaders can access our website where they will find Bible studies offered in English and foreign languages, ministry updates which tell the stories of Capitol Ministries®, our full statement of faith, historic and inspiring quotes from U.S. founding fathers, video files of news stories about Capitol Ministries®, information about upcoming conferences, and audio files of Bible studies that can be easily downloaded, all offered without charge. Through our interactive website, and the CapMin app which can be used on any electronic device, Capitol Min- istries® has created a technological infrastructure which enables our supporters to stay informed, and through which we offer our ministry leaders and public servants support. Cutting-edge technology has revolutionized the world. In 1518 Martin Luther used the state-of-the-art technology of his day, the printing press that had recently been invented by Johannes Gutenberg, to distribute his “95 Theses.” Within months the “95 Theses” had burned across Europe, ushering in the Protestant Reformation. Using the innovative technology of our time, Capitol Ministries® seeks to disciple public servants throughout the world, both efficiently and effectively. The command to take the gospel to kings has been largely overlooked by churches and religious organizations as they seek to reach the masses in their efforts to fulfill the Great Commission. The book traces the apostle Paul’s path to capital cities as he leads Gentiles and Jews, but also many of the political leaders of his time, to the Lord. Capitol Ministries offers the book at no charge in five languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian. ® Technology   CM 2019  45  “Washington is very dysfunctional and the political noise in our nation’s capital can often distract us from what’s really important. Studying the Bible with Capitol Ministries keeps me grounded in God’s truth. Every week Ralph and Danielle lead an in-depth study of the Word that reminds us of God’s priorities and how we should conduct ourselves within those priorities. Sharing this time with my colleagues builds trust, and the fellowship we enjoy helps dramatically as we make decisions about the direction of our country.” 2020 ® David Perdue U.S. Senator, Georgia Former President and CEO Reebok International Former CEO, Dollar General Former Senior Vice President, Sara Lee Ministry objectives W e thank God for your partnership in 2019 and we respectfully request that you prayerfully consider working with us on our objectives for 2020. into the existing Washington state ministry. This is all in keeping with our long-held founding objective of “50 ministries in 50 capitols.” Local Government Washington, D.C. With our curriculum (Oaks in Office) now in place, along with our database of the United States’ 500,000 elected local government leaders, a wonderful spokesperson in former U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, and a key publishing partner in Faithlife which will market the Local Government Ministries to local churches nationwide, the expansion of this ministry is slated for significant growth in 2020! In addition, the production of interactive training videos that will prepare and equip local government ministry leaders is underway. U.S. State Capitols 46  CM 2019   Ministry Objectives In the coming year we will be working to birth new ministries in Colorado, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Texas, and Virginia. In addition, a CapMin leader will transition With the House Bible study membership bolstered this year, in the coming year we will be inviting more senators to the Senate Member Bible study and exploring the birth of a new White House senior staff Bible study ministry. International Federal Capitals With eight global directors now established across the world, we expect to plant ministries in more than a dozen foreign federal capitols in 2020! This will be aided by our regional conferences that are slated for Miami (Latin America and the Caribbean nations), Rome (Western and Eastern European nations), Nigeria (African nations), Fiji (South Pacific nations) and an unnamed country for our Asian federal capital expansion. NUMBER OF DONATIONS OVERALL SPENDING 2015-2018 3,000 12% 2,826 8% 2,250 1,814 1,500 1,374 80% 1,573 1,527 750 Program Administrative Fundraising Data comes from 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 990 Returns (Public Copy). 2019 numbers are unavailable at time of printing. 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 God has continued to bless Capitol Ministries this year with additional territories, new ministries, and men to lead them. As we continue to follow His leading in 2020, please join with us. With the exciting BHAGs before us, we need partners, prayer warriors, lay ministry leaders, donors, contributors, and supporters so we may move fearlessly ahead! Please prayerfully consider partnering with us in our mission. ® “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” P h i li ppi a ns 4 :19 DONATIONS PER YEAR $1,796,000 $1,800,000 $1,590,183 $1,674,000 $1,512,671 $1,350,000 $1,273,205 $1,175,460 $900,000 Yours, for the mass production of godly political leaders worldwide, $921,119 $885,549 $814,874 $903,279 $450,000 Ralph Drollinger $0 2015 2016 Income 2017 Expenses 2018 YE 2019: $$199,000 cash on hand Ministry income and donations continue to increase. Expenses remain less than income. Capitol Ministries® is debt free. 2019 President and Founder Capitol Ministries® Ministry Objectives   CM 2019  47  Become a Capitol Ministries partner in building ongoing biblical ministries to reach public servants for Christ throughout the world! ® A PARTNERSHIP WITH World-Changing Consequences Contact Capitol Ministries at capmin.org ® Send mail to: Capitol Ministries Mail Processing Center Post Office Box 30994 Phoenix, Arizona 85046 ® Capitol Ministries is a 501(c)3 non-profit religious organization incorporated in the state of California and existing under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. ® 48  CM 2019   Partnership O ur objective was to achieve a single purpose: to take the Word of God to the elected and appointed leaders of the United States and foreign federal capitols in the world-changing mission of fulfilling the Great Commission. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20) Through the grace of God, with His leading, and frankly, often to our amazement, those Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs) have been accomplished one after another. Since 1996 when Capitol Ministries® began, we have seen great fruit. Following the great apostle Paul’s example, CapMin is helping fulfill the Great Commission by planting ministries in every stratum of government from city halls and state legislatures to Washington, D.C., and foreign federal capitols. We believe that by working together as we are led by our Lord, in our lifetime we will see godly leaders who will bless the world with good governance. We invite you to join us as we continue to pursue bold BHAGs. It would be our pleasure to partner with you in the audacious work of changing the world one leader’s heart at a time through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you.”  2 Cor in t h i a n s 1 0 :1 5 – 1 6 “I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings and shall not be ashamed.”  Psa l m 119: 4 6 D  CM 2018   International