Capitol Ministries

State Ministries | CM 2018 27 A SHARED VISION OF EVANGELISM AND A PASSION TO FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION HAS LED INDEPEN- DENT ARIZONA MINISTRY LEADER PASTOR BRENT LOVELESS TO JOIN WITH CAPITOL MINISTRIES® THIS YEAR. With the support of the North Valley Baptist Church where he serves as senior pastor, he has led the legislative ministry for four years. Capitol Ministries®' 22 years' experience in evangeliz- ing and discipling political leaders, solid ministry, expertise, and national presence, led him to unite in ministry. "Capitol Min- istries® is so very well established in the political realm," he said. "To me, this is about fulfilling the Great Commission. Certain- ly, there are side benefits. When we make disciples of leaders, they have many opportunities to influence countless others." e Bible study meets weekly at noon during session in the majority leader's conference room, with 10 to 14 representa- tives and senators attending regularly. e North Valley Baptist Church congregation provides lunch. Pastor Loveless has seen attendance increase every year, and some legislators who attend may remember that the Arizona ministry was once a part of Capitol Ministries®. It was begun by strong Capitol Ministries® supporter and former U.S. Representative Trent Franks when he was an Arizona state representative. Over the years the min- istry changed hands and the leadership was eventually assumed by Pastor Loveless with the support of his congregation. e motivation was to help fulfill the Great Commission. An expository teacher, Pastor Loveless' legislative studies have included the life of Moses and Daniel. "Daniel had such an influence upon his own nation, and it was an ungodly na- tion, yet he influenced multiple kings. To put it in New Tes- tament vernacular, I'm not certain he didn't see three pagan kings come to know Jehovah. e series was an encouragement to show how one person can make a difference in the political realm that will have major ramifications upon the lives of many people and upon society as a whole." Pastor Loveless said his continued objective for the minis- try is: "to make disciples, to give these men and women a solid foundation and help them grow in their faith." Aer years of faithful ministering, legislators have come to understand that Pastor Loveless is not there to lobby for legisla- tion or seek anything from them, but to serve them. Many leg- islators who do not attend Bible study have sought him out for personal counsel. In the past four years he has seen one legisla- tor accept Jesus Christ, and now, having established his minis- try, Pastor Loveless intends to spend more time evangelizing. "Personally, I want to reach people with the Gospel," he said. "I am hoping in time and with tenacity on our side, we will see more come to Christ." Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona ARIZONA capital: Phoenix population: 7,171,646 governor: Doug Ducey legislature: 90 Brent Loveless Ministry Leader Arizona State Capitol

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