From San Diego to the Frontlines of Faith in Alaska: The Story of Jonathan Fisher, New State Ministry Leader for Alaska

Raised in the church by a father who was a pastor, Jonathan felt the tug toward ministry early in life. “I kind of grew up around the ministry all my life,” he recalls. “I had a heart for it.” That calling became official when he entered seminary at 18, eventually serving in San Diego as an assistant pastor and helping to plant churches.

But it was a prayer letter—quiet and unassuming—that changed the trajectory of his life. It spoke of four Alaskan communities with churches, parsonages, and congregants—yet no pastors. Jonathan and his wife began praying daily that God would send someone. “Never once did I think it would be us,” he says. But two months later, the call became clear.

They packed their bags and their four children and moved from the sun-drenched streets of San Diego County to Juneau, Alaska—a capital city unreachable by road, accessible only by boat or plane. “We tried to forsake our old identity and become Alaskans,” he says. “One of the first things we did was go outside every day, no matter what.”

Now, Jonathan pastors a church in Juneau and leads a unique ministry to public officials as the Capitol Ministries State Ministry Leader. Through weekly Bible studies and pastoral care, he ministers to senators and representatives, many of whom have spiritual struggles hidden behind political roles. “They’re just like us,” Jonathan says. “They have families. They have prayer requests. They need someone who isn’t chasing an agenda.”

His approach is refreshingly simple: show up, love people, and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. “Sometimes I may be teaching something and not even realize how the Holy Spirit is applying it to their exact situation.”

Before becoming Capitol Ministries’ State Ministry Leader for Alaska, Pastor Jonathan regularly attended the Bible Study led by Dr. Randy Covington in the capital city of Juneau. The group—made up of 20 consistent participants, including legislators, Capitol staff, aides, and heads of state agencies—gathered to dive into the Scriptures. Jonathan occasionally filled in for Dr. Covington, and in early 2025, he officially stepped into the role of CapMin State Ministry Leader.

Age hasn’t been a barrier—despite his being just 35. “I grew a beard to look older,” he jokes. But more seriously, he leans on Paul’s words to Timothy: Let no one look down on your youthfulness. “People care more that you love them than how much you know,” he says. “Truth is truth, whether it’s for a child in Sunday school or a senator.”

Through all the logistical challenges Jonathan remains grounded in the mission: to serve wherever God places him. “It’s an honor to serve the Lord here,” he says. “This is home. This is where God put us.”
Thanks to the support of Representative George Rauscher, who graciously hosts the meetings, Capitol Ministries Bible studies have found a consistent home in the state Capitol. “Without him, I’m not sure we’d be able to meet,” Jonathan shares, underscoring the powerful impact that spiritual and civic partnerships can have in opening doors for meaningful ministry.

Capitol Ministries Ministry Leaders are self-supporting missionaries. Please click here if you would like to support the work of Pastor Jonathan Fisher.