A Bible study on Wheels? It works in Michigan!
February 2015
Dr. Dean Mathis was presented with a challenge when he attempted to launch a discipleship and Bible study ministry to members of the Michigan Legislature two years ago.
Because the majority of Public Servants live in the lower third of the state, they are able to drive to and from the Capitol every day which made finding a time to present a Bible study in the building difficult.
After prayer with his wife, Betty Sue, the answer came to put the Bible studies on CDs so that Public Servants may listen to them during their drive time. That remedy has proven to be ideal.
“At the beginning of the year, I revisited those who receive the CDs to get their feedback,” Dr. Mathis said. “What I’ve learned is that this has worked very well. Those who have been on the receiving end expect it and appreciate it. They listen in varying degrees of consistency, but the feedback is they do listen and do benefit from the Bible studies.”
Dr. Mathis was encouraged recently by a note that a Public Servant sent to him that read, in part: “Dear Dr. Dean, You are a blessing to me. I appreciate the regular Capitol Ministry tapes (CDs) with your messages…You reach one soul at a time. Know, I will be reminded to pray for you and your ministry each time I hear one of your messages. You are a blessing…”
Currently, Dr. Mathis distributes between 17 and 20 CDs to Public Servants. His goal is to continue to expand the ministry and put the Bible studies into as many hands as possible.
Also a valuable ministry tool, Dr. Mathis supplies the CDs to donors. “A lot of my supporters are out west where people have a lot of windshield time,” he said. “I can mail the CDs that they can use for their own edification.”
The weekly delivery of CDs to Public Servants’ offices has also provided opportunities for personal visits between the scheduled appointments that Dr. Mathis makes and the meetings that Lawmakers request to ask for prayer or to discuss specific issues from biblical perspectives.
Delivery visits also provide openings for timely discussions. Recently, a Public Servant was grappling with a land issue, but in talking about it with Dr. Mathis, a spiritual issue emerged.
“The question was which world view are you going to take, the world view that says animals are as sacred as man, or are you going to take the biblical world view that human beings are special and have a special place of stewardship and oversight in God’s world?” Dr. Mathis said. “It was a very interesting conversation. We talked about Scripture and the moral fight that is in the legislative process as an aspect of spiritual warfare. There are many opportunities for dialogue like that, and I meet a lot of Christians among staff.”
“This has been a very rewarding way to minister to them once at a time, but in a large group too.”
If you would like to join Dr. Mathis’ prayer team, and/or give to his ministry, you can contact him directly at dean.mathis@capmin.org