Doctor Bruce Hargrave
Russia - US Methodist Theological Seminary
Dallas, TX
Sponsor: Rep. Ralph Hall, (R-TX)
Date of Prayer: 06/17/2009
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am honored to introduce Dr. Bruce Hargrave, a pastor and friend from my hometown––Rockwall, TX––who offered the Opening Prayer today.
Dr. Hargrave currently serves as Vice President of Development for the United Methodist Theological Seminary in Moscow, Russia.
From 2003 to 2008, he was the Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Rockwall. During his time there and with his help, the church increased its mission initiatives, including developing in conjunction with the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry, the construction of the only United Methodist Seminary on the continent of Africa. His effective pastoral work over the past 38 years is evident in the success of the churches he has led, all showing growth in membership and attendance, as well as an increase in giving to missions.
Along with his pastoral work, Dr. Hargrave worked for the Garland, TX, Community Hospital Psychiatric and Addiction Medicine Unit from 1993 to 1997. While there he served as Director of the Behavioral Medicine Clinic for Tenet Health Corporation and Hunt County Family Services in Greenville, TX, as well as Provider Relations Director and Associate Clinical Supervisor.
Dr. Hargrave received a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy from Dallas Baptist University. He earned his Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX, before completing his education at Luther–Rice University in Lithonia, Georgia with a Doctorate of Ministry in Administration.
Dr. Hargrave's faith in God is reflected in his career, one which has been spent in service to the betterment of others. I am honored to welcome Dr. Bruce Hargrave today as our guest Chaplain in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
O God, who knows all things, knows all hearts, is in control of all things and who allows each of us to have a measure of power and position, we acknowledge your gifts to us and give you thanks. We thank you for the bountiful blessings you have poured out upon our country, its people, and each of us in this house.
O God, in these times of great challenge we confess that in a rush to get things done we sometimes forget to seek your guidance and wisdom. Forgive us! We need your wisdom, guidance, and direction today and ask you to grant it to each of us bountifully.
O God, lead each of us to a common goal of doing our best, doing the best for our fellow Americans, and doing the best we can to promote love for all mankind, peace for all mankind and justice for all mankind.
We humbly ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN!
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory