“I Would Not Be Able to Stand on My Own”: How God’s Word is Strengthening Lawmakers

As Capitol Ministries continues to grow as a recognized and respected name among public servants across the United States, the ministry uses every opportunity to convey a clear message to legislators: “We exist to serve you.”

That commitment was on full display at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) convention in Indianapolis, held July 16–18, 2025, where Capitol Ministries opened the plenary session and hosted lawmakers at a prominent exhibit booth.

The convention welcomed over 1500 state legislators, and CapMin took the opportunity to publicize existing state capital ministries, plant new ones, and explain the heart behind its mission. CapMin has served ALEC faithfully for decades, and each year brings deeper engagement and increasingly positive feedback.

One legislator—whose identity we respectfully keep private—expressed heartfelt gratitude for CapMin’s work in her state. She shared, “I would not be able to stand on my own through all of life’s trials if it were not for the Capitol Ministries Bible studies I attended with other legislators.”

Brian Hanson, International Director and Ohio Ministry Leader, who spoke with the legislator added, “To know that the Word of God is active, alive, and penetrating legislators’ lives is just so encouraging. We are making a difference. It has a real impact in people’s lives.”

These testimonies are not uncommon. They highlight the critical importance of ministering to those who lead our cities and states. Multiple legislators expressed how vital the ministry is to their ability to serve well, especially during difficult times. One noted, “We live in dark times, and the battle is real. We need to be held up in prayer and in the Word of God.”

A legislator from Idaho observed that too often, people approach lawmakers only when they want something. “Capitol Ministries is different,” she said. “It aims to serve the soul of the lawmaker rather than ask for favors.” She expressed her love for the weekly in-depth Bible studies led by Jon Strain in the capital city of Boise, noting that one of her favorite sessions was on the book of Nehemiah.

In addition to its exhibit booth, Capitol Ministries was honored to host the Friday morning devotional and coffee and to open the afternoon plenary session in prayer. During the devotional time, Ralph Drollinger, Founder and President of Capitol Ministries, conducted a powerful and extended interview with Indiana Governor Mike Braun, who had previously served six years as a U.S. Senator and was a committed member of the CapMin Senate Bible Study.

Ralph and Governor Braun engaged in a “fireside chat” about how the Governor became involved in the D.C. Bible Study and what it has meant to him personally.

Governor Braun explained that he had spent three years in the Senate before joining the Capitol Ministries Bible Study—and that the following three years, as a member of the study, were “by far the best years” of his Senate service. “It added a whole new dimension to the role in which I served,” he said.

He expressed appreciation for receiving a MacArthur Study Bible from Ralph and Danielle, which he has since read through twice. One study that particularly impacted him was “God’s Institutions and Their Roles on Earth.” While he was familiar with the biblical institutions of government, family, and the church, he was surprised by the inclusion of marriage and commerce. Gaining a biblical understanding of these institutions helped shape his view of public service.

Although he describes himself as more of a “CliffsNotes guy,” Governor Braun said he genuinely values Ralph’s studies for their depth, clarity, and thorough biblical framework. “They provide a clearer picture and better understanding of God’s Word,” he shared. Now, Governor Braun is an active participant in the CapMin weekly Zoom Governor’s Bible Study that Ralph leads.

As Capitol Ministries continues to rapidly expand Bible-teaching discipleship ministries across the United States and around the world at all levels of civil governance, we are actively seeking Bible teachers and evangelists to serve legislators at the local and state levels.

Please prayerfully consider joining our efforts and click here to apply.