Cruz has been leading the polls for nearly a month in Iowa, the first state to vote for presidential candidates.

The two part event sponsored by the American Renewal Project will take place January 25, first reported by

the Christian Broadcasting Network

. Cruz will meet with 75 pastors at a luncheon and another group of 100 pastor at a dinner and prayer meeting.

Presidential rival Sen. Marco Rubio had a similar meeting in November with some of the same pastors, as did Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal before dropping out of the race.

The group has also offered invitations to Republican candidates Donald Trump, Jeb Bush, Chris Christie and Mike Huckabee.

WASHINGTON– Presidential hopeful Sen. Ted Cruz will meet privately with 175 Iowa pastors just a week before the state’s Feb. 1 caucuses.