WASHINGTON—It may have been the two decades navigating the challenges of leadership in Christian ministry that best prepared Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) for his latest role in elected office.
For 15 years in that earlier period of his life, the soft-spoken Oklahoman directed the largest youth camp in the United States. More than 51,000 young people filtered through Falls Creek each summer.
Now, after 10 years as a U.S. senator, he’s helping to direct activities again—this time guiding colleagues as vice chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. The group informs the media and the public about the efforts and mission of the party’s senators….