Pastor Keith Pugh Launches New Ministry, Provides “Eternal Perspective” to Alabama Legislators

In his first year leading a Bible study in the Alabama State House, Pastor Keith Pugh made the most of the state’s short legislative session by focusing on teaching senators and representatives who they are in Christ and what that means for eternity.

Studying 1 Peter 1:1-5, Pastor Pugh taught representatives and senators that they are selected by God, servants of Christ, called to obey, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and are called to receive an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled.

“One objective I had was to make sure they had an eternal perspective on the work God has called them to do,” Pastor Pugh said. “They were very encouraged and took notes, and every time we met they said, ‘Thank you for coming to teach us God’s Word, you’ve given us a different perspective.’”

This is the first year the veteran pastor has led legislators in a CapMin Bible study and the group got a late start. The legislative session runs from February through May and the group began meeting in mid-March.

Even so, nine lawmakers enthusiastically participated every week. In the coming months, Pastor Pugh is keeping in touch with them via email and texts and encouraging them to invite more of their colleagues when the Bible study resumes in February 2025.

Capitol Ministries has been trying to find the right Bible teacher to lead Alabama’s Legislative Bible Study for many years and Ralph Drollinger, president and founder of Capitol Ministries said we’ve found the right man.

“Keith is such a Godsend to the Montgomery State House!” Drollinger said. “From a spiritual sense, he has so much to offer, given his theological training and proven disciple making abilities.

“And like me, he went to the leading university in his state and won several national championships—it’s amazing what that does, from a human, American-culture perspective to add credibility when starting a ministry in a state capitol. God doesn’t waste our past experiences in preparing us for His future assignments.”

Pastor Pugh was a wide-receiver at the University of Alabama and played on two national championship teams under the legendary football coach Bear Bryant. Drollinger played basketball at UCLA under coach John Wooden and was the first player in NCAA history to go to four Final Four tournaments.

Pastor Pugh is an expository, exegetical teacher who teaches one book of the Bible, one verse at a time. He explains the intent of the biblical texts, the meanings of original Greek and Hebrew words, the context, and the author’s intent. Next year, he will build on this year’s material and begin his teachings with 1 Peter 1:6.

Pastor Pugh earned a master’s degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and has 35 years’ experience as a senior pastor in Alabama churches. He has served as lead pastor at the First Baptist Church in Jackson, the First Baptist Church in Sylacauga, and the Alberta Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa. He currently serves as associate pastor in senior adult ministry at the First Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa.

Pastor Pugh and his wife Teresa have been married for 44 years and have three grown children and 13 grandchildren. His two sons are pastors and his daughter is married to a pastor. “All my children are in the family business,” he said.

Pastor Pugh is well known at the State House. For many years he has felt a burden for public servants and as a frequent visitor to the Capitol, he led a Bible-teaching ministry, ministering one-on-one to legislators, judges, and constitutional officers, and providing prayer and biblical counseling.

He has a genuine passion to serve those whom God has called to office and he is excited about his new ministry in the State House.

“I wanted to join with Capitol Ministries because this is a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people who make such a big difference in our lives and affect our culture,” he said “I strongly believe a godly presence is needed in the seat of government so lawmakers are seeking the Lord.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge and all understanding. It’s important that they have that foundation in their lives.”

CapMin ministry leaders are self-supporting missionaries.
To support Pastor Pugh’s ministry, click here.