Conference Launches Over A Dozen New State And Federal Capitol Ministries Worldwide
At least 12 new ministries will be launched in U.S. State Capitols and in foreign nations in 2016 as a result of Capitol Ministries’ annual training conference that was held in Washington, D.C. last week.
Ministry Leader candidates from Oregon and Utah to Mississippi and Delaware, along with those from foreign nations in Eastern Europe, Central America, and Africa, gathered in the regally appointed Ways and Means Committee room at the U.S. Capitol to learn how to successfully plant and sustain ongoing discipleship Bible Studies in political arenas.
The work of Ministry Leaders is vital because it will influence the future of nations, said U.S. Senator James Lankford, Oklahoma, who was among a number of U.S. Senators and Representatives who addressed the group.
“As you disciple an elected official, you are shaping the future of the country because God is shaping their hearts,” Sen. Lankford said. “Help them understand how to apply the Word and then God will apply His Word to the laws of the nation.”
Charles Nduwumukama, who was among a number of candidates from several African countries, said he had a similar vision to reach African political leaders with the Gospel. “And now that Ralph (Drollinger, President of Capitol Ministries) has come along with similar vision, I am fully onboard and looking forward to working with Christian leaders to establish a ministry in Burundi.” He said.
Daniel Kobla Glymin, Ministry Leader candidate from Ghana, said a main theme at the conference was that true change came about through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
“Unless a man has an encounter with Jesus Christ, you cannot expect very much of him,” he said. “It is only through such an encounter that people are changed and that is why we should be reaching hearts with the gospel so leaders will live out their faith and affect the country.”
Ralph Drollinger encouraged Capitol Ministries supporters to continue to pray for these candidates and 50 others who have already been established throughout the U.S. and foreign capitols.
“Many of the U.S. Senators and Representatives who spoke at the conference illustrated the value of a biblical ministry in their midst, and how such not only affects personal spiritual growth, but the formation and manifestation of a calculated Christian worldview,” Drollinger said. “We must be deliberate about discipleship if we expect Public Servants to act in ways that please the Lord and build a nation in keeping with fulfilling the Great Commission.”