Dr. Bunce Delves Deeply Into Biblical Text with Public Servants in New Mexico

April 2015

Some Public Servants in the New Mexico State Capitol are blessed with prayer for their wellbeing and they aren’t even aware of it.

“We have a strong list of prayer needs and many Lawmakers are asking for prayer for their counterparts across the aisle who are 180 degrees away from their own political perspectives,” said Dr. Joseph Bunce, who, with his wife, Sharon, is beginning his third year as Ministry Leader to New Mexico State Public Servants and Constitutional Officers. “They will say, this person has an illness or that person has a need. They are praying for and also asking for prayer for their fellow Lawmakers.”

Dr. Bunce, who has 40 years experience in ministry, and Sharon, a former municipal judge, work together to offer the Tuesday morning breakfasts Bible studies to the up to 20 Public Servants who attend. Sponsored by a supportive Lawmaker during Legislative sessions, the breakfast Bible studies are held in the ‘Roundhouse,’ so named because it is the only circular State Capitol in the United States.

The Bible studies that are prepared by Dr. Bunce delve deeply into Biblical text. Last year studies worked through the seven miracles recorded in Gospel of John.

Created to involve the members, participation in the Bible studies is encouraged. “These are interactive,” Dr. Bunce said. “Lawmakers-God made those folks with the ability to visit and talk and we want to give them that opportunity. If I went in and did a one-sided Bible study each week that would not be profitable. I ask questions that stimulate discussion such as, now how is it that this passage would affect the way that you and I live?”

Public Servants from many denominations attend, including Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, and Assembly of God, among others.

“I’m not there as a Baptist,” Dr. Bunce said. “I am there as a believer in Christ. And when I am there I am not trying to tell them how to vote on a matter. We don’t do that. I just take the Bible and let the Word of God work. I have heard several of our lawmakers say, ‘We are accountable to God for the decisions we make in this building.’ I have heard that many times and I think that is a pretty powerful statement.”

If you would like to join Dr. Bunce’s prayer team, and/or give to his ministry, you can contact him directly at jbunce@bcnm.com.