Capitol Ministries

State Capitols | CM 2019 23 F rank Carpenter, Capitol Ministries®' very first ministry leader, has returned to lead the ministry to public ser- vants in the state of Oregon that he began 34 years ago. Pastor Carpenter had already been ministering in the Oregon capitol for 11 years when he read a newspaper sto- ry about the unique ministry that had been established for California legislators. Eager to speak with a like-minded pastor, he contacted the Drollingers. When he told Danielle about his ministry, he remembers her saying, "Ralph is go- ing to want to talk to you." Aer subsequent conversations, Pastor Carpenter quickly joined with CapMin. e rela- tionship confirmed the calling he had as a boy in Yachats, a small coastal town where, he explains, "I was introduced to the greatness of God and lived out the teachings of Ro- mans 1:20, beholding the wonders and glory of our God's creation." With a growing interest in politics and a call to ministry, he preached his first sermon on David and Goliath at age 14 in Yachats' Little Log Church. Aer earning a Mas- ter of Divinity from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, he served at Hillsboro First Baptist Church where the desire to minister to public servants intensified. With permission from the elders, he began ministering once a week at the cap- itol. Within weeks he was leading a Bible study and in 10 years he was at the capitol full time. He had a thriving min- istry. Upward of 20 legislators, staff, and lobbyist attended his studies. Aer 20 years, Pastor Carpenter and Merrilee, his wife, moved to Arizona to be with family (especially grandchil- dren), where he worked with the Center for Arizona Policy. Now back in Oregon, Pastor Carpenter has been enthusias- tically welcomed by legislators, lobbyists, and staff who re- member him. Aer next year's short session, Pastor Carpen- ter will meet legislators in their districts and write the Bible study he will teach on the theolog y of God, an examination of His nature, character, and essence. "It's important to know Who we worship," he said. While challenges may be greater as he begins anew in a state that is now known for le-lean- ing politics, he will have help. Merrilee will partner with him in ministry, and Greg Wooldridge, former Commander of the Navy Blue Angels precision flight team who was once a gubernatorial candidate, will help reach out to legislators. "e most impressive change I've seen is CapMin's out- reach," Pastor Carpenter said. "Not only across state capitols, but Ralph's involvement in D.C. and in capitols around the world. God is moving in mighty ways through Capitol Min- istries®." Oregon State Capitol Evening skyline of Salem, Oregon OREGON capital: Salem population: 4.2 million governor: Kate Brown legislature: 90 members Frank Carpenter State Director, Oregon

• Cover