“Evangelism, discipleship could not wait” — New Ministry to Arkansas Legislators Launched Amid COVID-19 Restrictions

Dr. Cheyne Day, who has led a successful and well-attended Bible study to Oklahoma state legislators for two years, has launched a new ministry to Arkansas lawmakers that COVID-19 meeting restrictions had delayed.

Instead of meeting in person, Pastor Day is leading online virtual Bible studies to legislators from both states — and his efforts have been met with enthusiastic responses. Here are some comments:

An Oklahoma State Senator: “Thank you so much for your thoughtful teaching. Very excited to participate in watching the videos!”

An Arkansas State Senator: “Thank you for your prayers and for sharing Jeremiah’s encouragement with me. Serving my district, the state of Arkansas and our Lord is a privilege. Prayer changes everything!”

From October until the day before the Nov. 3 presidential election, Pastor Day released eight virtual Bible studies based on the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5-7. These studies were taught from the perspective of answering the question, “How then shall we live?” as it relates to the teachings of Jesus.

“The Sermon on the Mount is not about the mere reformation of our behavior,” Pastor Day said. “Instead, it has everything to do with the Lordship of Jesus Christ!”

Pastor Day had long intended to birth a ministry in Arkansas and lead studies in both states in person, but on different days. He planned to drive to the state capitols from his Arkansas home, which included the daunting five hour drive to Oklahoma.

Desire met opportunity in February when he met with a small group of Arkansas legislators who showed an interest in launching a Capitol Ministries Bible study, but COVID-19 hit in March.

Government imposed restrictions prohibited in-person meetings in the two capitols, at first temporarily and when closings dragged on, Pastor Day committed the matter to prayer. In August he felt led to create the virtual ministry, even while Arkansas legislators were out of session.

To spread the word about the studies, in September, Pastor Day and Misty, his wife and ministry partner, mailed nearly 300 letters to all the senators and representatives in both states introducing Pastor Day and inviting them to the studies.

“These Bible studies are too important to be derailed by this obstacle,” Pastor Day said. “Evangelism and discipleship simply could not wait.”

Pastor Day is also sending weekly emails to lawmakers in the House and Senate in both states every Monday morning that include a Scripture verse and a prayer for the week based upon the verse.

“Whether our leaders are in or out of session, they need our prayers, encouragement, and they especially need the Word of God,” Pastor Day said. “I pray each week that the Word of God “will not return … empty,” but will accomplish what God desires and achieve the purposes for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:11).”

The couple says it’s been a blessing to work together in ministry for the benefit of legislators who tend to be an overlooked group when it comes to outreach.

“The purpose of authentic Christian ministry has not changed in nearly 2,000 years,” Pastor Day said. “It is to make disciples of Jesus Christ, and that is my goal with our ministry to state legislators in Arkansas and Oklahoma.”

Click here if you wish to support Pastor Day’s ministry in Arkansas.