An interview with Former U.S. Congressman and Capitol Ministries Board Chairman, Trent Franks

You have been part of Capitol Ministries since the very beginning. Can you tell us how your journey with the ministry began?

Former Congressman Trent Franks: Other than making me feel a little old, it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to walk this road with Ralph and Danielle Drollinger. They have experienced a truly miraculous journey, and God has used their faithfulness in ways that continue to amaze me.

When we first began talking—long before I ever served in Congress—I had no idea what this ministry would one day become. I loved the vision, but I could never have imagined the worldwide impact God had planned.

At the time, we had started a small Bible study in the Arizona State Legislature. It began with just two members—Gary Giordano and me—and from there, God began to grow it. Looking back now, I can only attribute what has happened over the last three decades to His faithfulness. What Capitol Ministries has become is something only God could accomplish.

As someone who has witnessed the ministry’s growth for nearly 30 years, what has been most encouraging to you?

Former Congressman Trent Franks: I am fundamentally convinced that God’s purposes are born out of fellowship with Him and fellowship with one another.

There is something extraordinarily powerful about a weekly Bible study among peers. For elected officials, the challenges are unique, and there is tremendous value in gathering together around God’s Word. Scripture becomes the centerpiece, and through that, genuine fellowship develops.

It removes the sense of isolation that so many leaders experience. More importantly, it gives us the opportunity to gather around the most miraculous and relevant message ever given to mankind—the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

When believers invite others into that setting, something profound happens. The conversation rises above politics, personalities, and circumstances. It points everyone toward God’s eternal purposes.

Why do you believe Bible studies for government leaders are so important?

Former Congressman Trent Franks: If there is anything I would hope our nation’s leaders would embrace, it is humility before God and a willingness to seek His will.

Government leaders make decisions that affect millions of lives. The responsibility they carry is enormous. When those decisions are guided by biblical principles and hearts that are surrendered to Christ, the outcome is far better than it would otherwise be.

Having served in Congress myself and participated in Capitol Ministries Bible studies, I experienced firsthand what a tremendous treasure this ministry is. It reminded me that policy doesn’t simply affect government—it creates an environment where the Gospel can either flourish or struggle to be heard.

When those crafting public policy are shaped by the Spirit of Christ—when they understand His sacrifice and seek to follow His truth—it naturally influences how they lead and serve others. That ultimately benefits everyone.

Having served in Congress yourself, what impact did Capitol Ministries have on your own life?

Former Congressman Trent Franks: Serving in Congress carries pressures that are difficult to fully understand unless you’ve experienced them yourself.

One of the greatest gifts Capitol Ministries provided was a place of refuge.

Now that I’m back home in Arizona, I know that every week my former colleagues still have that refuge available to them. They can step away from the political contention, gather around God’s Word, and ask together, “What is God teaching us, and how should we apply His truth to the tremendous responsibility He has entrusted to us?”

It is difficult for me to overstate how important that refuge is.

The ministry reminds leaders that before they are lawmakers, they are followers of Christ. It reorients their hearts toward the Lord and toward one another.

No matter how complicated public policy becomes, the Gospel remains beautifully simple. Christ called us to love God with all our heart, love our neighbors as ourselves, and love one another as He has loved us. Those foundational truths transcend every political challenge we face and give us hope.

You recently stepped into the role of Chairman of the Board. What has that transition meant to you personally?

Former Congressman Trent Franks: Beyond the obvious privilege, the role is honestly overwhelming.

I don’t feel any personal capability that would qualify me for an opportunity like this. It simply gives me an even greater sense of commitment to the ministry because I’ve seen its impact firsthand.

I’ve watched God take ordinary, broken people and use them in extraordinary ways. The reach of Capitol Ministries today is astonishing, and none of us would ever claim that it’s because of our wisdom, our strategy, or even our commitment.

It’s because of God’s commitment to us.

He has chosen to bless this ministry in ways none of us could have imagined. To watch it grow from a small Bible study into a ministry serving leaders around the world is something that leaves me in awe.

I truly believe what people often say—that God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. I certainly feel that in my own life. Without any false humility, I recognize that whatever opportunity I’ve been given is entirely because God ordained it long before I ever understood it.

Looking back over the last three decades, what has amazed you most about what God has done through Capitol Ministries?

Former Congressman Trent Franks: I stand amazed at how God has blessed this ministry.

When Ralph and Danielle first began this work, I don’t think any of us could have imagined where God would take it. Today, Capitol Ministries is reaching government leaders across the globe, and it continues to expand into more nations every year.

That isn’t because of human ingenuity.

It’s because God has chosen to bless His Word.

Every person involved with Capitol Ministries would tell you the same thing: this ministry isn’t built on our abilities. It has grown because God has been faithful.

Watching that unfold over the years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.

Why do you believe Capitol Ministries is especially important in today’s culture?

Former Congressman Trent Franks: We are living through an incredible clash of worldviews.

More and more, our culture encourages people to dismiss the reality of God or to believe that His truth is no longer relevant. Yet every day we wake up surrounded by the evidence of His creation.

The God who created the stars and knows each one by name also knows every one of us personally. If He created the universe, why would we doubt that He has communicated with mankind? That is why Scripture is so essential.

The Bible is the one message that offers lasting hope and an unchanging foundation for humanity. Capitol Ministries exists because we believe government leaders, perhaps more than anyone, need to hear and embrace that truth.

Our greatest desire is not simply to influence public policy. It is to point leaders to Jesus Christ, because only He can transform a human heart.

Politics can change circumstances.

Christ changes people.

As you look toward the future, what is your prayer for Capitol Ministries?

Former Congressman Trent Franks: A pastor friend of mine once told me, “When it’s raining, pray for more rain.”

That’s become my prayer for Capitol Ministries.

God has blessed this ministry in ways that none of us could have anticipated or fully understand. My prayer is simply that He would continue to pour out His favor so that more leaders around the world would come to know Him through the faithful teaching of His Word.

Ultimately, everything we do is for His glory.

I pray that every conversation, every Bible study, every relationship, and every opportunity this ministry has will resonate for eternity and bring honor to Jesus Christ.

Is there anything else you would like to share with those who faithfully support Capitol Ministries?

Former Congressman Trent Franks: I want every supporter to know that your investment matters.

This ministry is not ultimately about politics or public office. It is about the Gospel of Jesus Christ changing lives.

There’s a story about a preacher proclaiming the Gospel on a street corner when someone challenged him by saying, “Communism can put a new suit on that man.”

The preacher replied, “That may be true, but Christianity can put a new man in that suit.” That’s the difference.

The hope of the world has never been found in a political philosophy. It has always been found in Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate our nation’s history, my prayer is that we remember the truth upon which our country was founded—that we are all created by God. That truth gives every person equal value, equal dignity, and equal hope.

Thank you for making this ministry possible.

Because of your prayers and faithful support, government leaders throughout the world are hearing the life-changing truth of God’s Word. Only eternity will reveal the full impact of what God is doing through Capitol Ministries.