Go to any street in any major population center in America and poll 100 people with the question, "What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word 'evangelical'?" Do you think that the response will be 'Oh! The people who love Jesus and their neighbors!'?

We all know that isn't what the response will be. It might concern politics, or scandal, or repression, or hate - and you might think they're wrong, that they were influenced by some bad gossip. I disagree. I think we've buried the lede.

It's time for the EV Church to get back on message and back on mission. Hijacked by political opportunists and celebrity hucksters, the Church has tried to nationalize its focus, politicize its mission, and demonize its opponents. That's not how the world is won to Christ.

We are a global community of the Faith with a message for all people everywhere. We come not as a threat in an effort to dominate but as servants sent with healing grace to saturate the world with the mercy of Jesus revealed in the Gospel.

No political party or socio-economic class defines us. No national border or interest confines us as every ethnicity & race of humankind is part of us. And if anyone maligns us, or trials refine us, may it be because we loved sacrificially & spoke faithfully, & walked humbly.

May God find his people once again known for deeds of love and mercy, a joyful and bold proclamation of the Good News of Jesus, wisdom that even when controversial is offered with kindness, and the witness of unified love for one another.