“I’m So Glad This Exists” — Ministry to Political Leaders Resonates at SBC

At the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting in Dallas, TX, Capitol Ministries marked its largest-ever presence at a national event, generating more than 300 new leads and engaging with hundreds of pastors, church leaders, and laypeople interested in bringing the Gospel to political leaders.

“This was by far the largest conference we’ve ever exhibited at,” said Cheyne Day, Ministry Leader for Arkansas. “The response was overwhelming. People were excited to learn that this ministry even exists.”

The SBC annual meeting, held June 8–11 in Dallas, drew an estimated 10,600 registered “messengers,” who represent Southern Baptist churches across the U.S.

Capitol Ministries, which has exhibited at this event three years in a row, was represented by eight team members: Cheyne and Misty Day, John and Pam Strain, Keith and Brenda Hill, Vashon Hampton, and Torrey Lewis.

“Our team had great chemistry,” Day said. “We each brought different strengths, and we were constantly handing off conversations to the right person based on geography or ministry alignment. It was seamless.”

Many attendees were drawn to the booth, intrigued by Capitol Ministries’ mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ in the political arena. “One of the most common reactions was: ‘I’m so glad this exists,’” Cheyne Day said. “Pastors and leaders were encouraged to hear that we’re non-partisan, and that our focus is solely on in-depth Bible teaching for public servants, especially those in often-overlooked local positions.”

Day noted that many national leaders begin their careers in local government. “That’s why we focus so much on the grassroots,” Cheyne Day said. “If we can disciple them early at the city council, county, or state level—they’ll be spiritually grounded by the time they get to Congress.”

He emphasized the importance of engaging prospective CapMin partners at all stages of their journeys: “We encountered people who are prepared to enter ministry, and others who are just beginning to sense the call. It is our responsibility to meet them where they are and walk with them toward faithful service.”

Capitol Ministries had the distinct honor of sponsoring a Breakfast Devotional featuring Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Former Governor of Texas Rick Perry. Addressing a room filled with pastors and laymen, Secretary Perry delivered a stirring message on the importance of spiritual foundations in leadership.

“In the society we live in today, there’s a lot of shifting sand under our feet,” he said. “We wonder about why we see the challenges that we have. It’s really pretty simple. If we would base our decisions on biblical principles and implement those, whether it’s in our personal lives, our businesses, or our government—we’ll be on solid rock.”