God’s Call to the Arizona Capitol: Pastor Brent Loveless Reflects on 12 Years of Ministry
What began as a reluctant “yes” to God has now become 12 years of faithful ministry at the Arizona State Capitol for Ministry Leader Brent Loveless.
Brent, who also serves as Senior Pastor of North Valley Baptist Church in Arizona, never imagined himself leading a Bible study for elected officials. In fact, when first approached about the opportunity more than a decade ago, his initial response was hesitation.
“I told them I didn’t want it,” Pastor Brent recalled. “I said, ‘I don’t like politics. I’m too busy already as a pastor. I don’t see how this could possibly work.’”
But after persistent encouragement from a friend, Pastor Rowe, who believed the Lord was calling Pastor Brent to this ministry, and after weeks of prayer, Pastor Brent sensed God’s leading him to step forward in faith.
That decision would eventually lead to years of consistent Bible teaching, discipleship, and relationship-building with lawmakers and staff members at the Arizona State Capitol.
Pastor Brent explained that the ministry first began as a local church outreach before becoming part of Capitol Ministries seven years ago. Throughout the process, North Valley Baptist Church remains closely involved—helping support weekly luncheons and encouraging elected officials through personal connections and special church services.
“I am deeply grateful for the congregation of North Valley Baptist Church and for their willingness to see this ministry as an extension of the church’s mission,” Pastor Brent shared. “Their prayers, encouragement, and support over the years have made it possible for us to minister to lawmakers in a personal way and truly be the church without walls—reaching beyond the sanctuary to bring the hope and truth of God’s Word directly to public officials and their families.
Over the years, Pastor Brent has personally walked alongside lawmakers and their families through some of life’s most difficult and meaningful moments. He attended funerals of family members, prayed with elected officials through personal struggles, and spent countless hours counseling and encouraging them one-on-one. Through these genuine relationships and ongoing pastoral care, many lawmakers were drawn to the weekly Capitol Ministries Bible study, which at times filled the room with more than 20 members in attendance—some even standing throughout the entire study due to limited space.
Every few years, North Valley Baptist Church also hosts a special Triple C Sunday (Church Connecting to the Capitol) event that brings members of the congregation together with elected officials serving throughout Arizona. The gatherings provide an opportunity for church members to pray personally for lawmakers, learn about the challenges they face in public service, and encourage them in their calling. During these events, elected officials are also recognized and thanked for their service to the community, helping foster meaningful relationships between the church and those serving in positions of governing authority.
Pastor Brent believes strongly that political leaders represent an important mission field that Christians cannot ignore.
“Some believers are hesitant to serve political leaders or even pray for them,” Brent shared. “But Scripture calls us to reach every mission field, and that is what I love about Capitol Ministries. We are commissioned to bring the salt and light of God’s Word where it is needed most, including places of governing authority.”
The early days of the ministry were not easy.
As Pastor Brent began meeting with legislators in preparation for launching the Bible study, many declined his invitation. Others told him the schedule he originally planned would never work. Slowly, through conversations, prayer, and providential relationships, doors began to open.
One key connection came through a church member who introduced Pastor Brent to Arizona Representative Steve Montenegro, a legislator who had previously participated in a Capitol Bible study. That meeting became a turning point and helped establish the foundation for the ministry that continues today. Since those early days, representatives like David Livingston, Gail Griffin, Teresa Martinez, and many others, remain faithful supporters of the ministry, steadfast advocates for the teaching of God’s Word, and longtime friends of Capitol Ministries’ outreach at the Arizona State Capitol.
Over the past 12 years, Pastor Brent has faithfully ministered to public servants through the consistent teaching of God’s Word. His testimony is a reminder that many ministry opportunities begin not with confidence, but with obedience. What once seemed unlikely became a long-term calling through God’s faithful leading.
Please join us in praying for Pastor Brent Loveless, for the lawmakers he ministers to in Arizona, and for continued open doors to proclaim the truth of Scripture in the political arena.
