The Light Is On In Our State's Capitol

Capitol Ministries Works With Legislators, Others, To Dispel Darkness

By: Joseph Wirtz

Raleigh--- The logo of Capitol Ministries is comprised of a large traditional state capitol dome surrounded by a dark background. What might not strike you at first though, is the fact that light seems to be emanating from inside the dome, giving the imaginative the impression that when the light is on in the capitol, darkness is dispersed on the outside.

Jim Young, the “Ministry Leader” for the North Carolina edition of Capitol Ministries, will tell you that the overall goal of the ministry reflects what occurs in the logo. Believing that the “light of the world” dispels the darkness of our society, Young endeavors to bring the truth of the Gospel, and not an agenda, to the legislators. This has been accomplished through prayer breakfasts, Bible studies and one-on-one relational time, all of which were unheard of in a sustained capacity in the North Carolina General Assembly before the ministry started its work in 2000.

State Senator Bob Carpenter (R) corroborates the outcome of these goals by stating that “Jim has brought an infinite amount of Christian knowledge to our General Assembly. Our monthly prayer breakfasts and weekly Bible studies have encouraged us, strengthened our faith, and greatly increased our knowledge of the Word of God.”

The Capitol Ministries dream all started with Ralph Drollinger, the former UCLA basketball star who won two national championships under coaching legend John Wooden. After a number of years playing basketball with Athletes in Action, a sports ministry of Campus Crusade, and a spell in the NBA, Drollinger ministered with Sports Outreach America. However, six years ago, Drollinger saw a significant need for the ministering of the Word of God to legislators in state government.

The trial city would be Sacramento, the state capitol of California, Drollinger’s home state. After years of success there, it was on to the capitols of Oregon and North Carolina. Florida, Pennsylvania and Tennessee have been staffed with ministry leaders for 2002. North Carolina was the third state to welcome Capitol Ministries to its legislative halls in 2000.

Before joining Capitol Ministries Young was in North Carolina working with the NCSU athletic program in a ministry he had founded called Sportworks Ministry. He was essentially the minister for State’s athletics department and conducted Bible studies, prayer times, and discipleship with many of the student-athletes and coaches. Young sees his role at the GA as very similar to what he has done at NCSU. In general, it involves building relationships, teaching the Word of God, and modeling a consistent, dependent walk with Jesus Christ.

Although Young and Drollinger crossed paths a number of years ago while they were both in the sports ministry, little did they know they would be together ministering in this knew arena. When it came time to expand Capitol Ministries to North Carolina, Drollinger knew on whom to call. Since then, it has been a seamless transition for Young, who has simply carried the relational teacher model emphasis from his NCSU athletic days to his current calling at Capitol Ministries.

In fact, he declares that discipleship is the “defining, singular purpose of Capitol Ministries.” Influencing the political world through disciple-making is what they do. As proof of this, Young adamantly states, “the Bible and its author is all I have to offer.” Strikingly, this means that he does not have a political agenda, but a biblical agenda.

Anyone who knows Young has heard him emphatically relate the fact that if he got involved in partisan politics, it would kill the mission. His modus operandi is to allow the Scripture to give guidance when it comes to any issue with which the legislators are dealing. This singular distinction makes Young and Capitol Ministries stand apart from other Christian organizations that are involved with the business of state government.

Jim Branch, a Capitol Ministries Board member, said he was originally drawn to Young and his ministry because of his character. He has been with him from the days of Sportworks Ministry and most admires the fact that Young “knows what he knows and knows what he doesn’t know, and beside that, he is not afraid to step on your toes.” He adds, “Jim is a teacher, it is his greatest gift.”

Typical for Young are some 16-hour days observing and participating in the day-to-day activities of the General Assembly members. He has even been known to put members up in his own home if needed and also has hosted numerous evening dinners and meetings there as well.

First-year accomplishments during the 2001 General Assembly long session included eight well attended prayer breakfasts and two to three dynamic Bible studies a week. These two specific types of gatherings include what Young calls “a good mix of Democrats and Republicans.” They provide proof that it is the Bible and its message that is emphasized and not partisan activity.

Young is usually never turned down when he comes to visit a legislator at their office. State Senator Charles W. Albertson (D) said, “The service that [Jim Young has] provided to the members has been commendable and the Bible Studies have been helpful to me personally. I appreciate the way [he is] always available and on call when we need [him and that his] presence here at the General Assembly is very important.”

Many legislators do not have a pastor or spiritual advisor to turn to while they spend time in Raleigh. Some are hours away from church, family, friends, and are now naturally turning to Young in their time of need. This translates into accountability for them while they are away from home.

State Senator Virginia Fox (R) describes the Legislature as “a very insulated place during the week. Having Jim and Capitol Ministries helps us keep in touch with our faith and reminds us of the important things that we are to consider as we go about our daily work. I look forward to our Bible study every week because it has been very educational and rewarding.”

Additionally, Young is convinced that all the churches in the state own this ministry, and that “your prayers and financial support will go a long way in enhancing the effectiveness of government in North Carolina. This will be accomplished by saturating the North Carolina General Assembly, senators, representatives, staff, lobbyists, security, maintenance and bystanders, with Jesus Christ and with His Word.”

Joseph Wirtz is the founder of the Cultural Commission. He is a regular contributor to The Raleigh World. He can be reached at joseph.wirtz@theraleighworld.com
(3/14/2002)

[Back]