US Senator Cramer: How Weekly Bible Study Strengthens Faith and Confidence in Public Service

Interview with U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R‑North Dakota)

How has attending the Capitol Ministries Bible Study impacted your personal faith journey?

Senator Kevin Cramer:
It has certainly enriched it. Scripture is clear about studying the Word—it never comes back void. But when you have a really good teacher with strong theology, doctrine, intellect, and a commitment to training up disciples, it’s even better.

As is often the case, even in the most rigorous theological studies—and Ralph certainly provides that—the fellowship with colleagues matters a great deal. In our business, and by that, I mean having been a congressman and having served in both the House and the Senate—as senators, we don’t have many peers. There aren’t many people who walk where we walk every day, who face the same challenges politically, in debate, and in terms of family sacrifice.

So having a group of men and women, Republicans and Democrats, who share a love for the Word of God and a desire to study it more deeply is incredibly valuable. Ralph in many cases, and Danielle with that as well—I mean, probably with at least as much importance to us as Ralph, facilitate that for us. It’s a rigorous study and a very rich experience. My personal faith couldn’t help but grow in that environment and given that opportunity.

What would you say to a colleague who may be hesitant about coming to the Bible study?

Senator Kevin Cramer:
I have one particular person who became a very regular member who previously couldn’t have imagined attending something like this.

I tell them, first of all, it’s good intellectual study. For some Senators, that’s important. It’s not that we don’t like a little frivolity in our lives. But that’s not what we do all day long. We are challenged by debate, we’re challenged by testimony, we’re challenged by constituents and Cabinet officials.

Most of my colleagues are attracted to that level of intellectual rigor. But I also tell them: don’t worry. While there are people with varying degrees of knowledge and understanding among us, there’s no need to feel intimidated.

We all love each other, first and foremost. And we get free food. That’s almost worth it for some. (laughs)

So, I just really encourage my colleagues to participate in it. And then also just tell them, if you don’t like it, there’s no mandatory attendance, right? Though we prefer very regular attendance. But give it a try. Give it a try.

Interviewer:
That’s so good. Hard to refuse.

Senator Kevin Cramer:
That’s it.

How does this particular Bible study help you apply biblical principles in your role as a senator?

Senator Kevin Cramer:
That’s a really important question and point. I think it gets to the heart of Ralph and Danielle’s ministry with Capitol Ministries.

The way I put it—it arms you. And that builds confidence in your walk.

So when I go to the floor to speak about a topic that may have a biblical application—and what topic doesn’t have one? I take Christ’s words very seriously when he said to all his disciples to be clever as serpents and gentle as doves. You have to have that ability.

But you also need to be armed with knowledge. And what this Bible study provides you is that knowledge base—so that when you do go to take a stand, whether to stand for Christ or stand for a Christian principle—the scriptural mandate is enough. It’s nice to have more, but it’s more than adequate. God’s Word is more than adequate for making the case for certain things that you might be debating.

That doesn’t mean everyone’s going to agree with you automatically. But one of the things I say a lot—and you know, Ralph has heard me say this a lot—he’s less inclined to it than I think I am. I go to the Pentecostal church. I think God’s favor matters.

I feel very strongly about that. I can think of many times I’ve offered to pray for someone or I stood up for Christ by name, and I’ve never regretted it.

I can also think of times when I didn’t, and I’ve always regretted it. When you’re better armed with knowledge, you’re more confident to do what, as a follower of Christ, you already know you should do.

If you could sum up the study in one sentence—or maybe two or three—what would it be?

Senator Kevin Cramer:
First of all, it’s one of the most valuable hours of the week. It’s fuel for the week because it’s on Tuesday morning, usually the real beginning of the week.

While we’ll come in for a vote or two on Monday night, the rigors of our job—hearings and meetings and visits from constituents and stakeholders, as well as voting on the floor—it’s good to be armed and prepared and fueled up.

I just really appreciate that very important, most important hour of the week that Ralph and Danielle provide us—as well as the runny eggs.