Jon Strain

“I believe in the primacy of the Gospel (making disciples of Jesus Christ) in social change. Transformed hearts lead to loving and wise social living, which in turn leads to loving and wise political leadership and policy.” – Jon Strain

Jon Strain brings more than four decades of ministry experience to his role as Assistant Global Director of Local Government Ministry and State Ministry Leader, Idaho, with Capitol Ministries. A passionate disciple-maker, Bible teacher, and evangelist, Jon has faithfully served in both national and local arenas, believing deeply in the power of God’s Word to transform lives—especially in the political realm.

Jon and his wife Pam have served in full-time ministry together for over 40 years. They met while involved with CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), and together they raised four sons and now enjoy a growing number of grandchildren. Their lives and ministry are fueled by a deep commitment to relational evangelism, a theme reflected in their 6 co-authored books and study guides.

Jon earned his Master of Divinity from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary (now known as Western Seminary) in Portland, Oregon.After serving in evangelism and discipleship at the University of Utah and Brigham Young University for 13 years, the Strain family relocated to Boise, Idaho, as part of a church-planting effort. Once Riverside Community Church was established, Jon served as co-pastor for four years. He and Pam continue to worship there today.

In 2014, Jon began engaging with Capitol Ministries and launched the weekly discipleship Bible study in the Idaho State Capitol the following year. That study, which draws an average of 8–12 legislators weekly, was started through a partnership with Sen. Chuck Winder, who introduced Jon to Capitol Ministries’ founders, Ralph and Danielle Drollinger. After completing CapMin’s training and aligning with its Scripture-based mission, Jon accepted the call to serve.

“I wanted to join with Capitol Ministries because we are unique in that we base everything on the Scriptures,” Jon says. “Our mission—making disciples of Jesus Christ in the political arena throughout the world—is clear. To be a helper of public servants is a big honor.”

Jon sees his ministry as part of a broader, historic movement of bringing biblical truth into the public square. He often draws inspiration from figures like John Newton and William Wilberforce, seeing Capitol Ministries as a modern extension of that legacy. “We carry the transforming message of ‘Amazing Grace’ into the halls of government,” he says.

Prayer is central to their mission. One of Jon’s regular prayers is “Like Dr. Luke, may we build Jesus’ case [Luke and Acts] for each political leader (like Theophilus), so that we may raise up God-lovers who govern in a godly way.”

Reflecting on the journey ahead, Jon concludes: “We have a lot of ground to cover, but King Jesus is already working in hearts. What is He doing? C’mon. Let’s go. Let’s find out.”