New Ministry Leader Dr. Ross Harmon Resolves to Build Bridges with Scripture for Iowa Legislators of All Political Parties
As our new ministry leader for Iowa, Dr. Ross Harmon’s purposes are in tandem with CapMin’s—to leave politics to the politicians and focus on drawing leaders in the state Capitol closer to Jesus Christ.
“The idea of mending the soul before mending the state is something that appeals to me,” he said. “I think that’s such an attainable goal because that’s the Holy Spirit’s work.”
Dr. Harmon was recruited last year by Pastor Matt Goodsell, CapMin’s North America global director, to lead weekly Bible studies to members of the Iowa Legislature. Dr. Harmon successfully completed the required training at the fall 2023 Recruiting and Training Conference in Washington, D.C. and began his ministry earlier this year.
Pastor Goodsell said he was drawn to Dr. Harmon because of his sound understanding of Scripture and his desire to serve the political leaders in his state.
Dr. Harmon is an army veteran. He earned a doctorate in Biblical studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he now teaches an Old Testament survey class that provides an overview of Old Testament books. His instruction includes historical context and hermeneutics, the art and science of scriptural interpretation.
Dr. Harmon and wife Nichole have six children and live in Boone, Iowa. He also teaches at a men’s Bible study every week and serves in volunteer ministry roles at his church, Cornerstone Church of Ames.
In his Legislative Bible study, Dr. Harmon is teaching Bible studies Ralph Drollinger has written during nearly 30 years in ministry specifically to meet the personal and professional faith needs of public servants. The studies cover biblical leadership, faith building, parenting, marriage, governance, taxation, and contemporary issues from a biblical perspective, and more.
“Ralph’s studies are very engaging,” Dr. Harmon said. “I believe it’s important to read Scripture daily, and having a study that’s designed with an eye on the Capitol helps legislators put into practice what they are reading in the Word.”
Iowa’s legislative session begins in January and meets for 100 to 110 days, depending on the year. Dr. Harmon began teaching the Bible study in person, and after Session was adjourned, he continued the Bible study via the Internet. In-person studies will resume in January when the Legislature reconvenes.
Dr. Harmon’s vision is to offer the legislators an environment that does not revolve around legislation. “They will have a community that meets to enrich one another, even out of session,” he said.
As with all CapMin Bible studies, everyone will be welcome, regardless of partisanship.
“I would like to see, as we progress, a focus on the kingdom family and having legislators find common ground in Scripture, even if they are across the aisle,” he said. “The study will build bridges with Scripture as the foundation.”
CapMin ministry leaders are self-supporting missionaries. If you wish to support Dr. Harmon’s ministry, click here.
