Pastor Harvey Sparks Brings Deep Faith and Experience to Oklahoma Legislature Ministry

“After serving six years on Capitol Hill, I have seen firsthand how vital it is for those in public service to possess a deep and abiding faith,” says Pastor Harvey Sparks, who became Capitol Ministries’ State Ministry Leader to the Oklahoma Legislature in 2024.

Pastor Harvey succeeded Ray Strauss, who faithfully led the ministry from 2023. With more than 20 years of ministry experience as a scholar, missionary, and pastor, Harvey sees this role as a perfect alignment with his lifelong passion—teaching the Word of God.

“It is vital to reach lawmakers with the Gospel. Transformed hearts lead to better policy,” he explains. “I’m grateful that Capitol Ministries focuses on the hearts of legislators—not their votes.”

Harvey’s diverse background uniquely equips him for this mission. He has served as a Legislative Aide in Washington, D.C., a church-planting missionary in Mozambique, a local church pastor, and an adjunct seminary professor. “I have taught the Bible in the local church, on the mission field, and in the classroom,” he says. “God’s Word never returns void—it always accomplishes His purposes.”

His ministry goal is clear: “To engage both legislators and their staff in order to proclaim the truth of God’s Word without error, so that it might do a transforming work in them.”

Harvey is married to his wife, Jenifer, and together they are raising five children—three adopted and two biological. He holds a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Believing that in-depth Bible study is essential for political leaders, Harvey emphasizes that Scripture provides the spiritual foundation needed to govern with wisdom and integrity. “Scripture gives us everything we need for life and godliness,” he says. “If we are to disciple legislators, we must remain faithful to the careful teaching of God’s Word.”

Today, Pastor Harvey leads Capitol Ministries’ long-standing discipleship ministry and weekly Bible study for members of the Oklahoma Legislature. His deep faith, extensive ministry experience, and years of public service equip him to faithfully teach the Word of God and bear the name of Christ before Oklahoma’s lawmakers.

CapMin Ministry Leaders are self-supporting missionaries. To support Pastor Harvey’s ministry to the Oklahoma Capitol, please click here.

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