U.S. Rep. Brian Babin: Learning to Lead by Biblical Principles
Interview with U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (R–Texas, 36th District)
How did you first become involved with the Capitol Ministries House Members Bible Study?
Congressman Brian Babin: I’ve been a churchgoer for many years, and I’ve always tried to faithfully live out my Christian faith. I believe serving in Congress is a calling. I’m not saying God woke me up one night and told me to run for Congress, but I do believe this is where I’m supposed to be. We need more people serving in government who are grounded in biblical principles.
Shortly after I took office in 2015, I began attending Ralph and Danielle Drollinger’s Capitol Ministries Bible study. During those first few years, I attended several different Bible studies on Capitol Hill, but Capitol Ministries was the one that stayed with me.
Ralph was an extremely well-educated and trained biblical scholar. His knowledge of Scripture and the original languages brought tremendous depth to the teaching. Over time, I began attending the other studies less frequently and eventually committed to Capitol Ministries.
When Ralph and Danielle transitioned out of leading the House study, we were sad to lose them, but Randy and Paula Adams have continued that commitment to strong biblical teaching. They know Scripture very well, and Randy also brings a great knowledge of history to the study.
What makes the biblical teaching at Capitol Ministries especially meaningful to you?
Congressman Brian Babin: I’m a student of history, and the longer I live, the more I realize that the Bible is not only a book of inspiration, faith, and God’s Word—it’s also a history book.
I’ve always been interested in science and archaeology, and I’ve traveled to the Holy Land several times. Each time I go, I try to visit archaeological sites. As archaeologists uncover new sites and learn more about them, I continue to see confirmation of the accuracy of Scripture.
That depth is one of the things I appreciate about Capitol Ministries. We’re studying God’s Word seriously and learning how its truths apply to our lives and leadership today.
You also have a unique role in the House Bible Study. Tell us about leading worship.
Congressman Brian Babin: I play guitar and sing, so I bring my guitar with me each week, and we always sing a song together. I help lead worship at the Bible study, and I really enjoy it.
It’s fun and exhilarating, and there are some wonderful people in that study. We may not always sound perfect, but we make a joyful noise!
How does the Bible study help you apply biblical principles in your role as a public servant?
Congressman Brian Babin: When we think about biblical principles, we have to remember that we’re called to be servants of the Lord. Too often, we can become focused on ourselves and our own interests. Scripture continually redirects us toward serving God and others.
That’s especially important in government. The United States was an experiment in freedom and a new form of government that, by all human expectations, might never have succeeded. Yet we’ve maintained this constitutional republic for 250 years.
This country is worth working for and preserving. My wife, Roxanne, and I have 17 grandchildren, and I want to make sure future generations have the same opportunities we’ve had.
Government matters, and biblical principles should inform how we approach the decisions we make. That’s why the teaching we receive through Capitol Ministries is so important.
Why do you believe a ministry like Capitol Ministries is needed in the halls of government?
Congressman Brian Babin: Without question, we need men and women in government who understand biblical principles and recognize that we’re here to serve rather than pursue our own self-interest.
We need to be interested in doing what Scripture tells us to do and making decisions grounded in biblical principles. That’s what Ralph communicated to us, and it’s what Randy continues to communicate through the Bible study.
The relationships are important as well. I’ve become very close friends with many of the people in the study. Thursday morning has become one of my favorite times of the week. I genuinely look forward to it.
How has Capitol Ministries helped connect Scripture to issues you encounter in government?
Congressman Brian Babin: The studies speak directly to issues we’re dealing with. For example, one of the recent Capitol Ministries studies addressed the biblical principle of work and personal responsibility. Those are exactly the kinds of issues we wrestle with when considering government policy.
That’s what I value about the ministry. We aren’t simply studying Scripture in the abstract. We’re learning biblical principles that can help guide us as we fulfill our responsibilities as public servants.
What would you say to a colleague who may be hesitant to attend the House Members Bible Study?
Congressman Brian Babin: I’d encourage them to come. It’s a wonderful group of people, and the fellowship and teaching are invaluable.
If you could describe the House Members Bible Study in one sentence, what would you say?
Congressman Brian Babin: Come listen and learn how to be a biblically principled leader. It is invaluable.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about the importance of this ministry?
Congressman Brian Babin: We live in a challenging world, and I believe Americans need to step up and preserve the biblical principles that have helped shape our nation.
For me, a large part of that is thinking about the generations coming behind us. I have 17 grandchildren, and I want them—and all of our children and grandchildren—to inherit the opportunities we’ve been blessed to have.
That requires leaders who understand that public service isn’t about themselves. We are called to serve the Lord, seek His wisdom, and lead according to biblical principles. Capitol Ministries helps equip us to do exactly that.

