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“Your work is eternal! You will change the world!”

Those inspirational messages were conveyed to the 100 ministry leaders and new recruits at the Capitol Ministries International Training Conference in Washington, D.C. last week who journeyed from 20 U.S. states and 60 nations to learn how to build discipleship Bible study ministries for political leaders around the world.

Traveling from Italy, Switzerland and other European nations and countries in Asia, Latin America, Africa, the South Pacific Islands, and the United States were ministry leader candidates who were completing the required training before launching ministries. As well, seasoned leaders came who were honing their skills to benefit their ongoing weekly ministries to political leaders.

During the four-day event, the men received great encouragement from congressmen, former governors, and former White House Cabinet members who told them how valuable CapMin’s discipleship Bibles studies are to political leaders and to them personally.

Among them was former U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry who said, “Nothing I did in my time as Secretary of Energy had more influence on me than the world-wide ministry of Capitol Ministries.

“This is how you change the world – you teach people who lead, the biblically right thing to do. The work of Capitol Ministries is powerful.

“Capitol Ministries has the role and opportunity to be the light in the darkness of this world. Our role is to make disciples of the present and next generation of political leaders.

“You are a group of incredible individuals. God has a plan for you. I look around this room and see people who are changing the world.”

Every other year, CapMin leads regional trainings around the world and hosts an international training conference in D.C. on opposite years. These conferences are held to further develop ministry leaders who lead weekly Bible studies and to train recently recruited candidates on how to develop, build, and sustain discipleship ministries to political leaders. In addition it helps grow CapMin as each ministry leader is challenged to recruit others. Like begets like.

The conference was tremendously successful! Participants were inspired, invigorated, enlightened, trained, heartened, encouraged, strengthened, and emboldened to teach the Word of God inside the halls of government from city halls to parliaments.

“Words can NOT express how inspiring this has been,” said Bonaventure Byukusenge, new ministry leader for national public servants in Rwanda.

Brennan Cattani, ministry leader in Manitoba, Winnipeg, said, “The biggest impact on me was seeing the fruit of the ministry. Hearing D.C. legislators from various levels of government proclaiming the name of Jesus boldly and recognizing that it’s the regular deep dive into Scripture which has unlocked a passion for Him in them was truly encouraging.

“So many said that it was a long obedience in the same direction which has yielded this fruit, and having that paired with the equipping elements of the training, fueled my hope for what the Holy Spirit is capable of doing in my province!”

Dr. Dan DeShong, Local Government Ministries (LGM) global director said, “The experience was glorious! It was like a remnant of active, integrative, Christian soldiers from all over the world coming together to sharpen their discipleship skills and learn techniques to bring the Gospel to elected officials.”

“Ministry leaders from around the world were all interested in establishing ministries on all levels—local, state and provincial, and federal.

“Go and make disciples rang loud and clear as we discussed methods and means to develop relationships, build trust and share the gospel—so elected officials around the world may govern thru the lens of Scripture.”

Until this year, Ralph Drollinger, president and founder of CapMin has led all the training sessions that range from teaching methods to the importance of evangelism, and how to dress in the Capitol. But this year, we rolled out the new training manual and participant guide that was compiled by Brian Solomon, Global Director of Training, and his team.

Pastor Solomon developed the training manuals and procedures based on curriculum developed by Drollinger over more than 27 years of ministry to public servants. The participants guide provided ample room for notetaking.

This year the teaching was shared by a number of Drollinger’s global directors. Another change to the format was occasional breakout sessions that allowed small groups to discuss and delve into pertinent ministry topics.

Brian Hanson, International global director assisted in the development of the new training. In addition to their global duties, Pastor Solomon and Pastor Hanson co-lead a weekly Bible study to members of the Ohio Legislature.

Kicking off the conference, Pastor Solomon explained that CapMin’s mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ in the political arena throughout the world.

“We are a steady, faithful, presence in the Capitol,” he said, “We never tell legislators how to vote, but we do want them to know what the Bible says about matters of policy.”

“I don’t want members to remember my opinion, I want them to remember what God’s Word says.”

Throughout the conference, a number of U.S. Senators, Reps., former White House Cabinet Members and former governors delivered daily devotionals or spoke about the importance of in-depth Bible studies to political leaders and what the CapMin Bible study means to them.

Sen. Katie Britt said she has been tremendously blessed by CapMin. “Thank you for what you do. Not only for political leaders in the U.S. But across the globe.” Sen. Britt delivered a moving testimonial that we will bring you in a future story.

Sen. Mike Rounds said, “The reason I wanted to come today is to share how important what you do is as far as making a difference. George Washington was our first president and probably our greatest general. He was a leader of men, he saw our nation not as a kingdom, but as a true democracy. In the Washington monument is a quote from a letter he wrote on Oct 7, 1785, just at the beginning of the founding of our nation. He wrote, “My first wish is to see the whole world in peace, and the inhabitants of it as one band of brothers striving for who should contribute most to the happiness of mankind.” What a powerful message. That doesn’t come from human intellect that comes from the heart, that comes from a divine message that is for us today, how do you take care of your brothers? That’s our challenge. That’s our message and you get the opportunity to share with other individuals who make laws, you get to remind them of what is most important in life. What a calling!”

Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said, “Thank you for reaching godly men and women who want to serve God. Thank you not only for what you are doing for them but for those whom they serve.”

Sen. Bill Hagerty said, I want to thank everyone for what you do. I greatly appreciate it. I’d like to share a verse that’s on my mind. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2Corinthians 4:16-18). Thank you for helping people see the possibility of a future and take the right steps to get there.”

Sen. James Lankford said, “All of you who lead ministries to national leaders, let me tell you a secret, we have no safe people to talk to. I don’t need one more person telling me what to do, I need people to pray for me. When you minister to a leader, you are ministering for eternity. I can’t say thank you enough.”

Sen. Kevin Cramer said, “CapMin not only provides a safe place which is a very big deal, but we also have the opportunity to study the Word of God in-depth from a Seminary-taught teacher  and the Holy Spirit gets to do His work. Thank you for what you do for us – It’s eternal. I hope you feel encouraged by us who have been blessed by you.”

Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta said, “You are helping public policy stay on the right side. You are not there to say, ‘This is what you do,’ but rather, ‘This is what Christ says.’”

Rep. David Rouzer teased about Drollinger’s well-known extensive vocabulary, “I was looking for an in-depth Bible study with intellectual underpinnings and I had to buy a dictionary! For the tough issues we deal with on a daily basis, what you are doing around the world is having a great impact. When you touch a life, you change the world!”

Rep. Rick Allen said, “Dr. Tom Price invited me to Ralph’s Bible study. Ralph will make your head hurt [because of in-depth teaching], but the only reason I’m in office today is because of Capitol Ministries. I got fussed at [by staff] for not being in a different meeting, but I said I will not miss Bible study. God is up to something. We studied tax policy today and I had no idea that was in the Bible! Ralph is full of the Holy Spirit. Our only shot is Jesus Christ. Thank you for your commitment to this ministry. I could not do without it.”

Rep. Randy Weber said, “Ralph is an expositor of the Bible. It is joy to be here.”

Sen. Steve Daines gave a devotional. He said, “The words in the Doxology written in 1647 by Thomas Kent begins with God being the source of all: ‘Praise God from Whom All blessings flow.’”

Rep. G.T. Thompson gave a devotional based on leadership. “Develop principles ahead of time. Always ask, what is my duty to God?”

The teaching sessions were abundant with how-to instruction, theology, the biblical mandate and practical advice. The following are selections from the teaching.

Drollinger on the Theology of the Ministry:
“When we came to D.C. there was an apostate ministry that told Danielle and me, ‘You are here to teach the Bible, but legislators don’t want to learn the Bible.’

“We found that not to be so. Always raise the bar high. Always teach deep.”

In the “seeker sensitive” movement, a lot of churches dumbed down their teaching. This was wrong. A Bible study needs to be content driven. Content brings out the people who will change the world while the simpletons stay home. I’m okay with that given our focus. If I have to decide between reaching world changers or simpletons, I choose world changers.”

Alex Acosta agreed: “If you don’t have the high protein content in your Bible study, people will not come back.”

Pastor Solomon on God’s Calling and Recruiting
“Are you called to this ministry? Having the passion for ministry is something you can’t shake because God planted it in your heart to see political leaders come to Christ.

“Are you passionate? Are you proficient in being a pastor of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

“You may be called to teach, but are you called to study? Preparation is essential. The Capitol is no place to practice.

“Are you principled? Is your theological worldview grounded in the Word?

“Do you exude evangelism and discipleship?

“Do you use biblical vernacular in daily conversation so that you are always ready to reach the lost?”

“See yourself as a recruiter. The people we are looking for to expand the ministry are people just like you.”

“It’s easy to say pray for the king but when the king is a tyrant, that’s a challenge for Christians. But we have a duty to pray for our leaders.”

Pastor Hanson on Discipleship
Pastor Hanson has been leading the Ohio Bible study for Ohio legislators for 27 years. He said:

“We are not a Christian lobbyist organization, we are not a prayer ministry, our lane is teaching, evangelism, and discipleship. What we do is what separates us from every other ministry.

“We are trying to impact the heart of legislators because when God is in the legislator’s heart, it will impact how he votes and will influence policy.”

“We are about teaching the whole counsel of God: Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God (Acts 20:26-27).

“Give discipleship the time and the quality it needs. Spend time on house calls, hospital calls, take them to lunch, breakfast, a ball game, invite them to a great church, develop a strong friendship. Be the stabilizing person in their life.

“How do you know when you’ve made a disciple? When they view the world through the lens of Scripture.”

Dr. Dan DeShong on Communications
Dr. Dan taught the very first Local Government Ministries Bible study in Rancho Cordova, CA in 2020. He said,

“CapMin wants you to perform at the highest level possible, there is no plan B, and CapMin will be right here to help you.

“I taught the first LGM Bible study. It’s changed my life, it’s changed the local leaders, it’s changed our city and it’s a beautiful thing to watch.”

“I am currently teaching a Bible study to city councilmen, school board, county commissioners and judges. You should see the Holy Spirit moving in that group! When we study at a restaurant in public, people always come up to see what we are studying.”

“Communication is key. You never know what something you say today will affect someone tomorrow. There are some people I don’t like, but Jesus loves them.”

“The Bible is how God chooses to communicate with us – we should communicate to others with written Bible studies. Teach our government leaders God’s Word. That is what the Bible says.”

Pastor Matt Goodsell, North America global director, on Fundraising:
“It is no accident that you are here. If you put your passion into this ministry, God will honor your work!”

“In CapMin we care more about legislators than we do about bills.”

Pastor Goodsell who transitioned from a full-time pastor to full-time ministry with CapMin, talked about successful fundraising techniques. Ministry leaders are self-supporting missionaries.

“Financial administration must not be thought of as a burden, but as an essential component of our gospel missionary work.

Pastor Goodsell cited 1 Timothy 5:18 which reads, “The laborer is worthy of his wages” and 1 Corinthians 9:13-14. Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar?  So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.

In the Financial Considerations session, he explained through the new Teacher Guide that “Big Vision” inflames the hearts of men and that God’s work done in God’s way will not lack God’s support.

Global directors reported on progress in their theaters of the world. We will bring you their reports in future stories.

Drollinger reported that CapMin has 115 ministries in the world with an additional 49 set to launch. “We want you to be all about recruiting others like yourselves,” he said.

He noted that after years of searching, CapMin has recently found and installed the right men to fill the positions of global directors for Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and the Caribbean.

“We now have 16 global directors including some we have been trying to place for years.” Drollinger said, “This gives us an Acts 2 sense of things.” Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; (Acts 2:43a).

“Praise God! Having men in those critical positions gives us an infrastructure that will position us for tremendous geometric growth!”

Among notable events, a special dinner was held to honor Secretary Perry, who has championed CapMin’s LGM initiative to partner with churches to establish Bible study-based ministries to city and county public servants across the world. Secretary Perry was presented with a commemorative engraved tray for his dedication to Jesus Christ and for commitment to sharing the Gospel with political leaders throughout the world.

The success of the conference is attributed to the excellent planning, detailed preparation, and fastidious arrangements made by Danielle Drollinger who performed an outstanding job of organizing the international conference. Many of those who participate said this was the best CapMin conference by far.

Following are some comments from participants.

Ross Harmon (new ministry leader to Iowa legislators), “It’s a sweet experience to receive a mission-oriented training that is theologically on par with the best seminaries. It’s rare to have theologically rigorous content intersect mission focused training. CapMin provides excellence in training concerning the theological rigor behind and for the ministry as well as guidance for carrying out the mission.”

Greg Kame (new ministry leader to Maryland legislators), “What was most significant to me during the training was Ralph’s lecture on the biblical and theological basis for ministry to leaders in the political arena. Here are some key points: God did not just call Paul to preach the gospel to Jews and Gentiles, he specifically called him to minister to leaders in the political arena. Paul’s ministry trajectory shows a clear focus on ministry in the major capitals of his day. As a spiritual mentor to Timothy, Paul emphasized the need for him to minister to political leaders while serving as pastor in Ephesus. If one-third of the New Testament (Luke and Acts) was written to a political leader (Most Excellent Theophilus), it is very evident that ministry to leaders in the political arena, is not just an optional add on to ministry but an important part of the Great Commission mandate.

Oscar Zamora (Latin America global director), “From what I hear from my guys from Latin America, this has been the best conference so far! One of the great times was a private CapMin dinner at the Museum of the Bible when we heard how the men sensed they could put to use the things that they learned from the training. So many positive comments had a sense of how they see they can move the ministry forward in their respective countries.”

Kansas State Rep. Jason Goetz (new ministry leader to Kansas legislators), “The Capitol Ministries training gave me the information, inspiration, and association I needed to follow God’s call to make disciples in the political arena in Kansas.”

Harvey Sparks (new ministry leader to Oklahoma legislators), “I especially appreciated the training sessions on the theology of CapMin. The mandate in Scripture to pray for and minister to those in authority is clear. It was good to hear how CapMin is working to fulfill this mandate. Lobbying lost legislators to follow Biblical principles has proven to be ineffective. The practice of CapMin to evangelize and disciple legislators so that their hearts are transformed seems to be a much more effective way to influence those in authority and by extension, our culture. I am grateful that the leadership of CapMin took time in the training to lay out the biblical and theological foundations for what they do.”

Pastor Raymond Koffi (Director, French-speaking Africa) “I wanted to hereby express my gratitude and on behalf of the entire African community, say a big thank to you for holding the CapMin international conference in D.C. It was a great moment with the Lord Jesus Christ and a time of communion, and I can tell you that we appreciated it. God is your reward. I would like to assure you that most of us have returned to our countries not empty, but rather boosted and challenged to do more for the great cause of the Gospel in the political arena of our different nations. And by the grace of God, we will share with you the developments of the works, and we are counting on you for your prayers and all assistance.”

Steve Flandorp (ministry leader to national leaders in the Republic of South Africa), “We enjoyed a great training conference in D.C. The esteemed guests, congressmen, governors, senators and all our speakers were absolutely phenomenal. The flow of the training was impressive, particularly the participatory model adopted during all our sessions, definitely not excluding the protein rich content (thanks Ralph!).”

Jon Cassel (Africa global director), “This was the best training yet, and we are all looking forward to our upcoming regional conferences in 2024. Here are the dates: Cape Town, Sept 2-6; Kathmandu, Sept. 30-Oct 4; Bogota, Oct. 28-Nov. 1; Brussels, Nov. 7-11.”

Many more pictures and stories to come!