Capitol Ministries, Ralph Drollinger
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1485747
State Capitol Ministries 27 A t noon every Wednesday before the aernoon session or committee meetings, a half-dozen members of the Ver- mont legislature are treated to a hearty bowl of soup and an even heartier Bible study. "We've named our Bible study 'Soup for the Soul' so legis- lators will learn that the Bible is the foundation for our life," said Rep. Vicki Strong who sponsors the study that is taught by Pastor Rosaire Bisson, CapMin's ministry leader for Ver- mont. He also serves as assistant pastor for Christ Com- munity Alliance Church in Barre, Vermont. While some may wonder about the success of a legislative Bible study in what recent studies describe as one of the least religious states in the nation, those who are involved say that concern is unfounded. "New England is a tough place," said Pastor Rosaire. "It is anticipated that probably two percent of the population of Vermont is born again. But absolutely, these legislators are open to the Word." Pastor Rosaire is encouraged by the growth he has seen in participants. "I am finding legislators very open to the Word. ey are hungry for it, and that is all I want. If I can get peo- ple who are hungry, they will eat," Pastor Rosaire said. e weekly study also offers a safe place to gather with like-mind- ed colleagues. "We have long needed a place to sit quietly and respectfully focus on spiritual truths and pray together," Rep. Strong said. "is Bible study also provides us sanity, refreshment, hope, strength, and comfort amid all the issues we get pounded with in this environment." e teaching has focused on the basics and is steadily growing in complexity, Pastor Rosaire said. "My goal is to help legislators hear what it means to know the Lord and have Him be in their lives, help them understand a Christian worldview, and be strong to stand for that in our morally de- clining culture." Vermont State House VERMONT capital: Montpelier population: 648,560 governor: Phil Scott legislature: 180 members Rosaire Bisson State Director, Vermont VERMONT Farmland in Vermont