Capitol Ministries Weekend

Last week, we began exploring the five major epochs of American Church history and how each reflects the Church’s obedience—or failure—to fulfill its biblical calling of evangelism and discipleship.In this second installment, Ralph Drollinger and host Frank Sontag continue their discussion, walking through key eras that shaped the spiritual and cultural direction of our nation—from the Puritan pulpit of 1776 to the rise of theological liberalism, fundamentalism, neo-evangelicalism, and the religious right.Together, they uncover how each movement impacted the Church’s mission and the nation’s moral fabric, leading to the question: Will the next epoch finally align with the biblical model of Luke 3—one centered on evangelizing and discipling the lost?🎙️ Listen, reflect, and be strengthened in your understanding of how God works through His Church across history.📖 Download the full study at CapMin.org.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and recap of Part 101:05 Luke 3: The biblical model for cultural transformation05:01 Epoch 1 – The Puritan pulpit shapes American culture (1776)07:38 Epoch 2 – The encroachment of theological liberalism (1877)11:04 Epoch 3 – The fundamentalist reaction (1920s)12:56 Epoch 4 – The birth of neo-evangelicalism (1950s)16:02 Epoch 5 – The rise of the religious right (1975)17:15 Toward a sixth epoch: the impact of Charlie Kirk21:56 A call to return to evangelism and discipleship23:18 Download and apply this three-part Bible study

The Church is the pillar and support of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15), called to evangelize and make disciples as a preserving and illuminating force in a fallen world (Matthew 5:13–14). Yet throughout major epochs of American Church history, her efforts to engage culture have been marked by clumsy mistakes—“bungling” her calling.For nearly 50 years, much of the American Church’s focus in Washington, D.C. has been on changing laws. While biblical laws are worthy objectives, Luke 3 shows us an even more excellent way: evangelism and repentance as God’s ordained means to bring cultural change.In this first study of a three-part series, Ralph Drollinger explores:Why heart change must precede lasting societal changeJohn the Baptist’s call to repentance in Luke 3:3–14How evangelism transforms individuals, institutions, and nationsThe repeated missteps of the American Church in neglecting evangelismJoin us as we trace how the American Church has bungled her calling, and why the path forward begins with prioritizing evangelism.

In this episode, Ralph Drollinger and Frank Sontag continue this study of the Book of Job, focusing on theodicy—how to reconcile the reality of evil with the sovereignty of God.Drawing lessons from Job, Ephesians 6, and the reality of spiritual warfare, Ralph explains why trials refine believers, why we should not judge spirituality by suffering, and why perseverance is a primary virtue.He also connects these truths to the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, affirming God’s faithfulness even in tragedy.Learn how God uses suffering for His glory, why perseverance leads to peace, and how Job’s story points us to hope in Christ.📖 For more Bible studies and resources, visit capmin.org.Chapters:00:00 Intro & Call to Action01:27 Theodicy and the Slaying of Charlie Kirk03:07 Understanding Suffering through Job05:09 Satanology and Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6)08:25 The Believer’s Position and Mission in Christ10:22 Job, Suffering, and God’s Glory14:21 Don’t Judge Spirituality by Suffering17:50 Perseverance and the Peace of God19:33 God’s Faithfulness and Blessings22:27 Call to Ministry & Oaks in Office Resource23:56 Support Capitol Ministries

You may be processing the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, seeking perspective through a biblical lens.In this program, Ralph Drollinger takes us to the book of Job and several more passages as we learn about Theodicy—how God remains sovereign even though evil exists in the world.Ralph reminds us that Job’s life stands as a powerful example of how to respond when our world falls apart. Job trusted in God’s character and persevered with unshakable confidence.Together with host Frank Sontag, Ralph unpacks key takeaways from Job for public servants and all believers:Trust before reasoningRecognize heavenly matters affect earthly livesThe righteous will sufferDon’t judge spirituality by circumstancesPerseverance is primaryGod’s essential nature is goodGod is faithful and blesses the righteousAs we encounter suffering and persecution, will we, like Job, stand with steadfast faith in the God who has revealed Himself through His Word?📖 Download the full study at capmin.orgChapters:0:00 – Welcome and ministry update2:27 – Global growth of CapMin and Zambia training conference6:39 – Local Government Ministries and Oaks in Office curriculum12:24 – Introducing the study: Pertinent Lessons from the Book of Job15:36 – Trust before reasoning17:24 – Heavenly matters affect earthly lives18:02 – The righteous suffer18:20 – Don’t judge spirituality in relation to suffering19:11 – Perseverance is primary19:35 – God’s nature is good; God is faithful22:23 – Applying Job: Making your life count for Christ23:30 – Closing

In this biblical economics study on Resource Development, Ralph asks:➡️ Why has America, in just a few hundred years, outpaced nations with far longer histories?➡️ What role do Christianity’s unique theological foundations—rational thought and human dignity—play in economic flourishing?➡️ How do biblical truths about God, humanity, and stewardship shape a nation’s prosperity?Ralph unpacks how “right actions begin with right thinking,” and how aligning our worldview with God’s Word produces both spiritual and material blessing. He contrasts the biblical framework with the philosophies of other religions, showing why only Christianity provides the basis for sustainable growth and human flourishing.📖 Download the full Resource Development Bible study and follow along: capmin.org

In this week’s Capitol Ministries Weekend, Ralph Drollinger unpacks what Scripture teaches about the institutional separation of Church and State. Joined by host Frank Sontag, Ralph explains how the Bible distinguishes the God-ordained roles of Church and State, why the political arena is a mission field, and how righteousness in leadership impacts the health of a nation.From the early church through Constantine, the Reformers, and the American experiment, Ralph traces the history of this doctrine and clarifies common misconceptions. He shows how biblical principles like “if you don’t work, you don’t eat”have even shaped policy debates in Washington today.Discover why believers should champion institutional separation—but never influential separation—so that the Church remains faithful to making disciples, while public servants lead with righteousness informed by God’s Word.📖 For deeper study, download the Bible study at CAPMIN.ORGCHAPTERS0:00 – Introduction: Capitol Ministries Weekend with Frank Sontag and Ralph Drollinger0:43 – Missions moment: training new Caribbean leaders2:07 – Politics as a mission field and God-ordained institutions3:34 – “Big Beautiful Bill” and biblical welfare principles6:20 – Jesus on rendering to Caesar and God: NT foundation for separation10:11 – Distinct roles: Church evangelizes, State moralizes12:33 – History: Constantine, Donatists, Reformation, and America’s foundation16:20 – Why confusion exists today about separation of Church and State17:12 – The Church’s influence without becoming a theocracy18:04 – The importance of righteousness in leaders (Proverbs)21:23 – The Church’s role in shaping righteous individuals for government

Drawing from Ephesians 3:7 and Paul’s example, Ralph unpacks how a God-given sense of calling equips leaders to persevere, stay humble in success, and remain faithful in trials.This episode also highlights Capitol Ministries’ growing influence—from prayer breakfasts at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) convention, to Bible studies that reached Speaker Mike Johnson and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Discover how a strong sense of calling impacts leaders in government and how you, too, can discern God’s call for your life.📖 Read the full Bible study at capmin.org!Chapters0:00 – Welcome & recap of ALEC convention1:50 – Missions moment: Speaker Mike Johnson & PM Netanyahu4:20 – The mission of Capitol Ministries6:10 – Local Government Ministries vision7:30 – Introduction to today’s study: Personal destiny10:00 – The importance of a strong sense of calling12:15 – How to discern God’s call (Ed Burns’ insights)16:00 – Affirmation of calling through others18:30 – Ephesians 3:7 and Paul’s example22:30 – Humility and perseverance in God’s call23:50 – Closing encouragement & invitation

God’s Word emphatically warns against fools and foolishness in public life. Ralph Drollinger examines twelve biblical indicators of foolishness from Proverbs—and ten practical tips for dealing with fools, especially in leadership and office. This study calls us to self-examination, repentance, and growth in Christlikeness by forsaking folly and embracing the wisdom of God’s Word.

In a world full of uncertainty, where politics, personal trials, and cultural shifts can often drag us down, how can we hold on to joy? This week Ralph dives into the Book of Philippians and unpacks Paul’s timeless message on finding joy—no matter the circumstances.From the theology of work to the power of community, this episode reveals biblical truths that provide peace and purpose, even in the darkest of times.Join us as Ralph and Frank talk through how the apostle Paul’s life and teachings can guide us to a deeper, more sustainable joy that transcends fleeting happiness.To dive deeper, download the full Bible study at capmin.org.CHAPTERS[00:00.4] Introduction to Capitol Ministries and Ralph Drollinger's Work[00:23.9] Biblical Theology’s Influence on Legislation[01:43.1] God’s View of Societal Safety Nets[05:24.6] Scriptural Insights on Work and Responsibility[07:21.9] Finding Joy in a Tumultuous Culture[11:53.6] The Role of Believers in Sustaining Joy[12:53.7] Joy Rooted in the Sovereignty of God[14:01.3] The Secret of Joy: Encouragement from Others[16:33.7] Summary of Paul’s Nine Criteria for Joy[23:34.1] Closing Thoughts and Prayer

In a season of national prosperity, are we drifting from godliness?Ralph Drollinger and Frank Sontag examine the Old Testament book of Lamentations to draw timely lessons for America today. This study explores how the disobedience of God's people most directly impacts a nation's health and future. With clarity and compassion, they're calling believers to deeper obedience, biblical literacy, and spiritual urgency.This is a wake-up call rooted in truth, hope, and the enduring promises of God’s Word.Download the full Bible study at capmin.org.CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome and Introduction01:55 – Ministry Update from the Caribbean03:00 – Why Study Lamentations04:50 – Understanding God’s Judgment07:20 – The Responsibility of Believers08:40 – Make America Godly Again10:00 – Biblical Illiteracy11:30 – Apathy in the Church13:00 – Warning 1: Idolatry15:18 – Warning 2: Materialism19:11 – Warning 3: Exploiting the Innocent21:40 – A Call to Obedience22:20 – Sowing and Reaping23:15 – Final Encouragement and Close

In this episode, Ralph Drollinger unpacks key truths from Galatians—truths relevant to anyone seeking a clear understanding of salvation, spiritual maturity, and cultural transformation. He explores how a proper view of salvation by grace through faith impacts not only the individual heart, but also national prosperity and societal structure.Learn how the biblical principle of self-governance leads to freedom and flourishing—and why Paul’s message in Galatians remains essential for believers and public servants alike.For deeper study, download the full Bible study at capmin.org.⏱ CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction to Capitol Ministries01:13 – Why Galatians is Foundational02:10 – Historical Context: Judaizers and Salvation by Works03:53 – Paul’s Strong Warning Against False Gospels05:34 – The Law as a Tutor Leading to Christ07:07 – Personal and Cultural Significance of Galatians08:30 – Galatians and the Protestant Work Ethic10:12 – Salvation and Sanctification by Faith Alone12:25 – Personal Implications: Zeal, Humility, and Crucified Living14:49 – Selflessness in a Narcissistic Culture16:34 – Following Paul’s Example in Modern Ministry19:01 – Walking in the Spirit and Fruit of the Spirit20:39 – Self-Governance and Societal Freedom21:59 – Sincere Faith and Biblical Transparency23:09 – Closing Encouragement and Galatians 6:9–10

On this episode of the Capitol Ministries Weekend, Ralph Drollinger and Frank Sontag examine how parenting shapes not just the next generation—but the future of nations.Drawing from Proverbs, Ephesians, and Hebrews, this conversation explores the biblical role of parents in forming character, morality, and civic responsibility in children.They also discuss how poor parenting leads to societal unrest and a weakening of national integrity. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or policymaker, this study challenges and encourages you to uphold God’s design for the family—and to pray for those leading both in the home and in public office.📖 Download the full study at capmin.org🙏 Pray for the impact of this Bible study on political leaders across the nation and around the world.

Why do you believe what you believe?On this episode of The Capitol Ministries Weekend, Ralph Drollinger unpacks the vital role of epistemological presuppositions—our foundational beliefs about truth and knowledge—and how they shape decisions, worldviews, and policies.🎙️ Joined by Frank Sontag, Ralph challenges both believers and skeptics to ask:➡️ What is your source of truth?➡️ Are your moral assumptions based on Scripture, culture, or self?➡️ How do your presuppositions influence your leadership and vote?Drawing from 2 Corinthians 10:5, Ephesians 4, and Romans 1, this conversation explores how God’s Word stands as the only authoritative and unchanging source of truth in a fallen world.00:00 - Introduction: Bible Study in the Halls of Power00:39 - What Are Epistemological Presuppositions?01:32 - Why Our Starting Points Matter02:35 - Definitions: What Is Epistemology?03:19 - The Bible vs. Human Reasoning04:11 - God’s Word as the Ultimate Authority05:14 - What Do You Base Truth On?06:12 - Inviting Listeners to Study More Deeply06:46 - Discerning Truth and Falsehood 07:29 - Taking Every Thought Captive08:11 - Thinking Right Starts with Salvation09:34 - Jesus: The Person of Truth10:16 - Summary: Every Thought to Obedience of Christ11:11 - The Counterfeit Truth Analogy12:43 - The “Dr. Well I Think” Problem13:33 - Donahue vs. Mohler Debate Breakdown14:39 - Convention Is Not a Moral Authority16:14 - Attribution to God’s Moral Law17:17 - Man’s Opinion vs. God’s Opinion18:13 - God’s Law Written on Every Heart19:07 - Suppressing the Truth We Know20:20 - Repentance and Recommitment21:41 - Blessing Comes From Obeying God’s Word22:23 - Encouragement to Pray and Study23:05 - Closing Thoughts and Call to ActionDownload the full Bible study at capmin.orgPray for Ralph as he teaches weekly in Washington, D.C. to House, Senate, and Cabinet members.

What makes a nation thrive? Ralph Drollinger and Frank Sontag explore Proverbs 14:34—“Righteousness exalts a nation”—revealing how the personal righteousness of leaders and citizens shapes a nation’s future.Discover five defining traits of righteous leadership: knowing your call to serve, pursuing justice, practicing discernment, holding firm convictions, and being prayerful.This study shows why evangelism and discipleship are essential to forming leaders who seek God’s righteousness—and why only a strong, soul-winning church can sustain a healthy state. Join Capitol Ministries Weekend to learn how biblical wisdom still applies to today’s political and cultural landscape.📖 Key passages include Proverbs 14:34, Proverbs 11:10–11, 16:12, 20:8, 25:5, 25:26, 15:8–9, and more.Download the study at Capitol Ministries.

On this episode of The Capitol Ministries Weekend with Ralph Drollinger, Ralph and Frank Sontag tackle one of the most pressing—and divisive—issues facing America today: entitlement spending and the national debt. Drawing on biblical principles, they explore God’s Design for a Societal Safety Net, laying out Scripture’s clear hierarchy of responsibility for caring for the needy—from personal provision to family support, then the church.Ralph shares insights from 1 Timothy 5 and other key passages, challenging both citizens and policymakers to rethink modern welfare through a biblical lens. Learn why understanding God’s blueprint is essential not only for individual faithfulness but for national financial stability. This episode is a timely call to return to biblical literacy, personal responsibility, and compassionate care rooted in God’s Word.📖 Download the full Bible study for free at capmin.org and equip yourself with the biblical foundations our leaders need today.

Is God finished with Israel?Scripture says no. Defending Israel matters—for believers and nations.In this episode, Ralph Drollinger unpacks key passages—Genesis 12, Romans 11, and Revelation 7—to show why God’s covenant with Israel is everlasting and still in effect today. He challenges Replacement Theology, explains Israel’s prophetic future, and equips believers to stand on solid biblical ground.Rejecting Israel isn’t just theological error—it risks forfeiting God’s blessing (Genesis 12:3).biblical ground.▶️ Listen now and strengthen your understanding of God’s heart for Israel.📖 Download the full Bible study at capmin.org

Why should America support Israel? In this episode, Ralph Drollinger unpacks both the pragmatic and biblical case for standing with Israel—drawing from Genesis 12, history, and today’s geopolitical landscape. Hosted by Frank Sontag, this timely conversation challenges listeners to ground their convictions in Scripture.📖 Download the full study at capmin.org

In this week’s episode we tackle a growing crisis in public life: the culture of deception. From subtle spin to outright lies, dishonesty corrodes trust and integrity in leadership. But God’s Word offers a better way.🎙️ Join us as we explore Proverbs and other key Scriptures that call leaders to lives of truth and transparency — even when it costs something. Discover practical wisdom for resisting the pressures of political deception and cultivating the kind of integrity that honors Christ and blesses a nation.Listen in and be challenged to reflect God’s character in both public service and private life.

🎙️ In this episode, Ralph unpacks biblical principles from Philippians 4:8 to help you live and lead with clarity, conviction, and Christ-centered focus!

Truth wins out in the end!The importance of truth in the capital community cannot be understated. Look through Proverbs with us and see the various benefits of being a man or a woman of truth.

Drawing from Matthew 5:13–16, believers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, bearing the responsibility to impact society—including its political structures—with the gospel.

Ralph Drollinger unpacks a biblical case for the sanctity of life, emphasizing that human life begins at conception and is made in God's image. With clarity and compassion, he walks through key Scriptures that define the unborn as fully human and calls on Christians to uphold life from the womb onward.📖 Download the full Bible study at capmin.org.

Drawing from Proverbs 31 and Titus 2:3–5, Ralph highlights the vital, God-ordained role women play in shaping future generations, both at home and in public leadership. Learn how biblical womanhood is marked by industriousness, wisdom, and dignity—and why this topic is especially relevant in today’s culture.You’ll also hear how Capitol Ministries is equipping volunteer Bible teachers to disciple public servants in 40,000 local governments across America—and how you can get involved.

Genesis is foundational to a biblical worldview. Know the passages that follow, recognize their connection and integration, and allow that knowledge to guide and convict your thinking and actions.

Let's look at the five institutions that were created by God and revealed in the Bible, and especially the role that God meant for government.

Let's dive deeper into the idea that the believer’s primary emphasis on heart change will assuredly and eventually result in culture change.

Heated debate among Evangelical pastors and church leaders has erupted over the past 40 years as to how the believer should best engage in societal change. While both sides of the debate represent noble motives and seek the same objective, how to best achieve it, unfortunately, remains controversial. Let me suggest that this study’s passage in Luke makes a strong and simple case for the following: The believer’s primary emphasis on heart change will assuredly and eventually result in culture change.

Given the political turmoil America has experienced recently and in the past few years, let's ake a close look at Ephesians 6:10–11: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.This is a timely and appropriate study. The wholehearted examination of this passage provides us with much insight—a biblical perspective—relative to the ultimate reasons for the deep divide in our nation.

Scripture is the foundation upon which all good reasoning is built. It is the only reliable foundation for all logic and good judgment. It is the only trustworthy basis for the beginning of thoughts, ideas, actions and practices. The Word of God is intended to be the mind’s bedrock, its compass.

Let’s look at three excuses that often surface about Bible Study, along with the practical benefits. May you gain a greater conviction to diligently study the Word of God and develop a habit of a lifetime!

This week we will examine all that the Bible book of Proverbs has to say about anger. If you struggle with anger, and who doesn’t, or you hang with those who do, then this chapter in Proverbs is for you.

What are the ploys of the devil that dupe so many people—and how can you see through them? Here is how we can "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might."

In this study I would like to dig into one of the most important passages in the entire Bible.It will lend great light on the historic arguments regarding the doctrine of salvation: is justification from our sin accomplished by faith alone, or is something needed in addition? This subject has been a controversial one throughout Church history and remains so today. What do you believe regarding how a person is saved and why?

The Lord has been so good through the teaching of His Word in the Senate Bible study, House Bible study, and the re-starting of the White House Cabinet Staff Bible studies in D.C. (which now include Governors and Ambassadors)—putting the Bible front and center! This is not in a theocratic sense but rather a commitment by members to tether their thoughts and practices to spiritual truths.Would you please commit to praying as you listen and learn more?

The unity of the followers of Jesus Christ in the nation’s Capitol, state capitols, and civic government matters immeasurably. This study will focus on the importance of that unity, as well as what the Bible says about the issue. The believer must be cognizant of specific actions to perform in order to achieve and maintain unity. We will examine Ephesians 4:1–3 in this quest. Our nation desperately needs the believers in political leadership to be in unity! What results from a persevering unity can and will extremely bless our nation!

America’s challenges seem to be increasing exponentially. Are political solutions, policies, and elections the total answer? Are they the ultimate way to fix these problems? Are they the way to properly diagnose, remedy, and cure our increasingly complex national ailments? We need to peer for only seconds into a tiny two-chapter Old Testament book, the book of Haggai, to catch an enormously different perspective and analysis—a heavenly, transcendent perspective, God’s perspective—as to what the real, underlying problem is: the book of Haggai more than suggests that it is a spiritual one.

Join us as we discuss the mission and vision of Capitol Ministries: making disciples of Jesus Christ in the political arena. From its humble beginnings to its widespread impact in state capitals, Washington, D.C., and 60 foreign capitals, discover how this ministry is training Bible teachers to evangelize and mentor political leaders at all levels of government.Learn about the urgent call to action: equipping qualified leaders to bring Christ-centered mentorship to over 40,000 local city and county governments across America. Hear how this unique mission builds on the success of the sports ministry model, focusing on personal, biblically sound discipleship to change hearts rather than laws.Let’s change the trajectory of America by reaching leaders with the Gospel, one city hall at a time!Explore how you or someone you know can be part of this transformative movement. Visit CapMin.org/Local to learn more about becoming a local government ministry leader and the tools available to support this vital calling.

Hermeneutics is the art and science of scriptural interpretation. In my years of ministry, I have discovered that most people do not even realize there are differing schools of biblical interpretation, let alone understand them. In this study I will attempt to educate you on today’s major hermeneutical schools and help you gain a rudimentary understanding of each. After all, how you interpret Scripture shapes your worldview. For public servants, worldview is crucial because it informs the construct of policy formation! This study is, therefore, foundational to your wisdom quotient and your ability to properly ascertain why people think the way they do.

Paul’s practice pertaining to this question led to at least one political leader’s coming to Christ (Acts 17:34)!

Christmas is a time you can build your family culture: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, says Joshua in Joshua 24:15.

Are you spending, wasting, or investing your life? Are you having the maximum impact on the maximum number of people for all of eternity? Answering these huge, sobering questions with integrity requires solitude, introspection, prayer, and sobriety. Gather your courage and immerse yourself into these passages. How will you adjust or refine your life’s direction as a result of digesting what follows?

"Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.”Choose the right guides in life. Here's how...

If the trajectory of our country is going to change, it must begin with our hearts. We must first steward our own hearts and the hearts of our families before speaking about changing the direction of our country. May God use the following thoughts to aid in crafting a special, constructive day centered in our love for Jesus. Let us give thanks for all He has done for us!

You can't expect someone who rejects the author of Scripture to accept the precepts of His book. The greatest need—new life in Christ!

Contemplate the sobriety of King Solomon and what he has to say about a sense of normal living — one that garners blessing, spiritual, mental and physical health, and meaningful relationships.

Only when there is a cost to our faith—when God allows us to be tested—do we learn our true level of spiritual maturity, our level of faithfulness.

Before we step into the voting booth, let's consider the Book of Proverbs—specifically Solomon's advice to his son, Rehaboam.

How do you respond to tribulation in your personal life? Does Scripture inform your mind and emotions when you are faced with seeming setbacks? Is your mind permeated with Scripture so as to be able to combat the fleshly responses of our inner person?This week I would like to explore one particular passage in the book of Ephesians that can greatly aid you when you are faced with trials and tribulation.

Herein are the explicit details related to your assurance that you are at peace with God. The book of Romans provides a precise, progressive outline of God’s plumb line relative as to how a person is saved. Once digested, they are also profoundly illuminating! The writer of Hebrews put it this way: so great a salvation! (2:3).