The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) is an association of evangelical Christian churches, organizations, and individuals. It describes itself as “the largest network of evangelical churches, leaders, and nonprofits.” The NAE represents over 45,000 churches from nearly 40 different evangelical Christian denominations. Its mission is to “honor God by connecting and representing evangelical Christians.”
The NAE was formed in 1942 in response to a concern among evangelical leaders that the mainstream Protestant National Council of Churches did not accurately represent evangelical Christian views. Early leaders of the NAE include Harold Ockenga, Carl F.H. Henry, and Billy Graham. Since its founding, the NAE has sought to represent the evangelical community and provide a united voice on moral and social issues.
The NAE defines evangelicalism according to four keyaffirmations:
1) The Bible is the highest authority for what we believe.
2) It is very important to encourage non-Christians to trust Jesus Christ as their savior.
3) Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the only sacrifice that can remove the penalty of our sin.
4) Only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone can be saved.
The NAE has a Statement of Faith that highlights key evangelical beliefs, including:
– The Bible is fully inspired by God and is the ultimate authority for faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
– There is one God who exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)
– Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice, rose bodily from the dead, and ascended into heaven where He intercedes for believers. (John 1:1-18)
– Humankind was created in the image of God, but rebelled against God and is therefore fallen, lost, and under divine judgment. (Genesis 1:26-27, Romans 3:23)
– Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ and His atoning death and resurrection. Those who repent and believe in Him are born again of the Holy Spirit, becoming children of God. (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9)
The NAE is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of denominational leaders and pastors. There is also an Executive Committee made up of ordained ministers. The NAE’s current president is Walter Kim, an ordained minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church. The NAE headquarters are located in Washington, D.C.
The NAE focuses on several key ministry areas:
- Church and Faith Partners – Providing resources, events, and networking for evangelical denominations, churches, and organizations.
- Public Policy – Representing evangelical views on Capitol Hill and advocating for biblical values in the public sphere.
- Peace & Reconciliation – Promoting peacemaking and reconciliation as an important part of Christian witness.
- Racial Justice – Working towards racial diversity, equity, and justice within evangelical churches and institutions.
- Creation Care – Encouraging stewardship of God’s creation including responsible environmentalism.
- World Relief – A humanitarian arm providing disaster relief, refugee assistance, and development aid.
The NAE has been involved in many public policy issues over the years including religious freedom, sanctity of life, marriage and family, immigration reform, and justice reform. They promote policy positions based on Biblical values and a commitment to the common good.
The NAE hosts events, leadership summits, and online media to connect evangelicals from different denominations and backgrounds. Signature events include the biennial Evangelicals for Life conference promoting a consistent ethic of life and the NAE’s Mission America Annual Conference.
The NAE publishes various print and digital publications for its constituency. This includes a bi-monthly magazine called NAE Life, a weekly newsletter called NAE Connect, and the online NAE Herald. It also operates the Evangelical Chaplains Commission endorsing chaplains for military and other institutions.
While nondenominational evangelical organizations like the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association are also prominent, the NAE provides a collective voice and a forum for cooperation across evangelical denominations. Its president regularly meets with U.S. presidents and other world leaders to represent evangelical concerns.
In summary, the National Association of Evangelicals is an umbrella organization connecting denominations, churches, organizations, leaders, and individuals from the evangelical Christian community. It advocates for biblical values in public life while also facilitating ministries of peacemaking, racial reconciliation, creation care, and humanitarian relief work. The NAE represents millions of evangelicals with the goal of honoring God and fulfilling the great commission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.
The NAE’s website summarizes its mission: “Together we’re engaging our culture, empowering our churches, and equipping our leaders as we boldly proclaim the Gospel.” The NAE provides resources and gives voice to this diverse but united movement of evangelical Christians.
Some key Bible passages about unity and fellowship among believers:
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:1-6)
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” (Psalm 133:1)
The National Association of Evangelicals allows believers from different churches and denominations to come together in unity while still maintaining their theological distinctives. It provides an association for cooperation in areas of common mission while fulfilling Jesus’ prayer that His followers “may all be one.” (John 17:21)