The Great Dehumanizing of America—and the Call to Rehumanize

We live in a time when violence, polarization, and dehumanization dominate our cultural moment. From character assassination on social media to literal assassination attempts, our nation feels fractured and fragile. In this conversation, Elliot sits down with pastor, author, and peacemaker Mike Chong Perkinson to explore how followers of Jesus can respond differently.

Together, Elliot and Mike wrestle with what it means to see others as image bearers of God, how to resist turning people into ideologies, and how prayer for our enemies reshapes our own hearts. This timely and challenging episode calls us to reclaim the ministry of reconciliation, to clean out the “fear and apathy” that pollute our inner lives, and to step forward as peacemakers in a fractured world.

Mike Chong Perkinson is a church planter, pastor, and leader passionate about renewing Christian leaders and churches through relational, faithful ministry. He is co-founder and Senior Developer of The Praxis Center for Church Development, President of The Trivium Institute, and currently serves as Network Lead & Superintendent of the Pacific Coast Japanese Conference in the Free Methodist Church.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.