“Scripture tells us to pray for our leaders and those in authority over us. In fact, the Apostle Paul goes even further to say that our prayers should be evangelistic because God our Savior desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. If we are responsible to pray for the salvation and sanctification of our leaders, it follows that we should be engaged in every effort possible to impact them for the gospel. Capitol Commission does just that by placing trained men of God in the state capitols to be effective evangelists and edifiers. We at Grace Community Church wholeheartedly endorse this effort.“
Our Staff
Jim Young
President Emeritus
Jim began his professional career in 1963 when he helped establish the exothermic products division of Gilliam Packaging Company, of Cleveland, Ohio, which was purchased by Combustion Engineering, Inc. in 1968. Jim worked at Combustion Engineering as the manager of production and product development until 1975.
In 1974 he put his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. A year later he left the corporate world and began his vocational ministry by serving as administrative pastor of Woodlyn Baptist Church in Chester, Pennsylvania.
In 1980 he joined the Navigators and served as Ohio state director for that Christian organization. In 1995, he founded Sportworks Ministry, a Christian organization that ministered to student-athletes at North Carolina State University. He was appointed by Gov. Hunt as the official chaplain of the NC State athletic teams, and served as president of that organization. Jim’s son Chuck Young now leads the Sportworks Ministry at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.
Bob Barnes
National Director, Pray1Tim2
Bob Barnes is a native of Virginia, having grown up in Northern Virginia. He earned degrees from The George Washington University and Arizona State University.
Bob spent 35 years in the corporate world, working in the airline and credit card industries before transitioning into nonprofit ministry work. For more than 18 years, he has served in various administrative roles supporting ministry efforts, including joining Capitol Commission in 2011.
Bob currently helps manage Pray1Tim2.org, supporting its mission to encourage prayer for government leaders.
He and his wife have been married for over 56 years and have one daughter and three grandchildren. They reside in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Melanie Paul
Finance Director & Office Manager
Melanie Paul is the Accountant and Office Manager for Capitol Commission and brings more than 27 years of accounting experience to her role. Her professional background includes serving as a nonprofit CFO and operating her own accounting firm for 17 years, where she provided accounting and bookkeeping services to nonprofits and small businesses.
Melanie’s expertise includes financial management, bookkeeping, and helping organizations maintain accurate financial records and strong internal processes. Her extensive experience working with nonprofit organizations has given her a deep understanding of the financial and operational needs unique to mission-driven organizations.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from NC State University. Outside of her professional work, Melanie leads a homeless ministry on weekends. She lives in Knightdale, North Carolina, with her husband and their three children.
Emily Coe
Executive Administrative Assistant
Emily has a heart for ministry and is especially passionate about serving through administration. She is committed to supporting the work of sharing God’s Word by helping ministries operate effectively and with excellence.
She and her husband have four children and enjoy spending time together as a family and traveling. Emily also enjoys reading in her free time.
Emily is a native of Garner, North Carolina. She earned her undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and her master’s degree from Liberty University.
She is grateful for the opportunity to use her gifts to support ministry work and advance the Gospel.
Grace Tagaram
Office Assistant
Grace Tagaram is an accomplished Human Resources and Administrative professional with a Master’s degree and a strong commitment to organizational excellence. She brings extensive knowledge in HR management, administrative operations, and people-centered leadership.
Grace is passionate about serving others and fostering positive workplace environments where individuals and teams can thrive. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys gardening, a hobby that reflects her appreciation for growth, care, and nurturing both people and communities.
