Capitol Ministries

16 CM 2017 | State Ministries APITOL MINISTRIES®' 21-YEAR OBJECTIVE of establishing discipleship ministries in all 50 state capitols was a targeted focus this year for the Capitol Ministries® leadership. Aer a significant multi-state out- reach effort, New Bible studies were planted to legislatures and constitution- al officers in the state capitols of Tennes- see, Texas, and Delaware, and Ministry Leaders are gearing up to begin new ministries in several other states. We were very encouraged when two well-known Texans, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and former Governor Rick Per- ry, opened doors and made important introductions to usher in the Lone Star State ministry. Gov. Perry, who attends a Washington, D.C. Bible study, said he very much wanted to see a Capitol Min- istries® study for the leaders of his state. Ministries to state legislatures is a vital link in CM's mission to reach all political leaders with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us that God will call men into the seats of government for His purposes. Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except form God and those which exist are established by God. (Romans 13:1) To help these leaders mature in Christ, CM's mission is to provide min- istries all 50 state capitols that are led by trained Ministry Leaders—men who are experienced Bible teachers with the hearts of evangelists. And He gave some as … evangelists and some as pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of service to the building up of the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11) Many Legislators have expressed their appreciation for the ministries, saying the Bible studies have led them to deeper discernment of God's Word, that the support has helped them make the tough political and good personal choices, and has helped them remember that they are accountable to God for the decisions they make. Our desire and prayer is also to expand the influence of each of the ongoing state capitol ministries in the years ahead. is will be accomplished by establish- ing new ministries in states that do not have them; adding Ministry Leaders in each capitol; incorporating ministry pro- grams like Pastors' Day At e Capitol®; and establishing additional and separate Bible studies for staff and others. We also seek to exhort fellow believers in the body of Christ to honor governmental leaders in both word and deed by prioritizing evangelism (1Tim- othy 2:1-4), practicing godly submis- sion (Romans 13:1-7, 1Peter 2:13-17), and pursuing biblical disciple making (Matthew 28: 19-20). As with all our ministries, in our ser- vice to state Public Servants we do not push political agendas. Rather than issues, we stay focused on the biblical model of changing hearts and minds and winning Public Servants for Christ. We envision a nation in which every state capitol houses a biblically based ministry of evangelism and discipleship where elected officials and constitution- al officers from all parties gather togeth- er to study the Word of God. Travel with us om the Eastern Sea- board to the West Coast as we highlight some of our many state ministries on the following pages. C State Ministries "… And you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles." M a t t h e w 1 0 :18 " M a hew 20:26 says those who offer to lead must first serve. In the Texas Capitol we are proud to partner with Capitol Ministries ® , a group that understands that important principle of leadership." Dan Patrick Texas Lt. Governor

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