Missouri’s “Revivals In the Rotunda” Lead People to Christ and Capitol Ministries
Two “Revivals in the Rotunda” were held at the Missouri State Capitol Building with dual objectives – to teach people about eternal salvation through Jesus Christ and the mission of Capitol Ministries to reach political leaders with God’s Word.
The “encouraging and uplifting” events were held on the first floor of the majestic Rotunda in the Missouri State Capitol Building in February and May this year. The hour-long programs included music, the Gospel message, and an invitation to all who attended to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The events were planned and launched by Pastor Matt Goodsell, CapMin ministry leader to Missouri state public servants and lead pastor of the Ashland Baptist Church whose congregation is known for its commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission.
“The number one purpose was evangelism, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the representatives, senators, and all who work every day at the State Capitol Building,” said Pastor Goodsell. “We gave the gospel and an invitation to accept Christ right then and there.”
“Second, the goal was to expose everyone to Capitol Ministries and the good work to share the Word of God with political leaders that is happening not only in Missouri, but across the United States and around the world.”
The scheduled speaker, Arkansas evangelist Sam Moore was unable to attend the first revival in February and so Pastor Goodsell addressed the gathering. Rep. Hannah Kelly, an accomplished pianist who also participates in Pastor Goodsell’s Capitol ministry, played hymns on the Rotunda’s grand piano. Heather Allen sang and played the guitar. In all, some 60 people, including senators, representatives, other public servants and staff, attended the God-centered event.
A second revival was planned for them in May. However, due to the session running over into the noon hour for both houses, many senators and representatives were unable to attend. Music was provided by Sylvia Ferguson, Kathy Bommel, and Heather Allen. Pastor Moore preached the gospel and offered the invitation and three people who were visitors and had come to the Capitol specifically for the well-advertised revival made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Pastor Goodsell manned an information table where he offered gospel tracts, copies of the Bible studies he writes and distributes at the Capitol, and information about Capitol Ministries including the book Rebuilding America: The Biblical Blueprint written by Ralph Drollinger, CapMin President and Founder. Sponsors of the events included The Pocket Testament League and the Fellowship of Missouri Baptist Evangelists.
The events were so successful that Pastor Goodsell is planning two Revivals in the Rotunda for 2022. Everyone will be welcome, but one will specifically be planned for Missouri representatives, senators, and staff.
The objective of the second revival will be to involve the local church in ministering to public servants on a regular basis.
“I think it is important to encourage pastors and local church congregations to become involved in ministry to public servants at the capitol and exposing them to how important that is,” Pastor Goodsell said. “First Timothy 2:1-4 says, “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made … for kings and all who are in authority.”
“Like everyone, legislators need to know and understand Biblical truth. And there is so much untruth, lies, and deception out there. Our public servants need to hear biblical truth directly from the Word of God.”
The revivals are the latest in a number of methods Pastor Goodsell has employed in the weekly CapMin discipleship ministry he launched in 2019. In addition to other outreach, every week he visits the Capitol to distribute his written Bible studies to legislators and legislative aids in their offices where he also ministers to them and prays with them.
If you wish to support Pastor Goodsell’s ministry, visit capmin.org/missouri.