People are drawn to the gospel when they see Christians acting like Christ. This is the impulse behind many churches engaged in ministries of justice and mercy.

Julie Clawson, author of Everyday Justice, says, "Justice is not about causes or issues. It is about people.

It is about loving our neighbors as ourselves. When you are acting like Jesus with people they begin asking questions such as, 'Why are you doing this for us? Where is this love coming from?' Unfortunately so many people have developed such a negative perception of Christians as all talk and no deeds, that in these days if you just start talking about Christianity they will shut you down. But when we lead with acts of mercy, acts of justice, acts of love and we do it in Jesus' name, it opens a whole new realm of conversation."

Here's how three churches are putting justice, mercy, and the gospel into practice.

Ginghamsburg Church

Tipp City, Ohio

Quick Facts: • Weekly attendance: 4,500 • Multi-site, ...