Douglas Evans Coe, commonly known as Doug Coe, was a prominent American evangelical Christian leader who served as the longtime director of The Fellowship (also known as The Family), a secretive Christian organization focused on influencing U.S. and global politics through informal prayer groups, networking events, and personal relationships with political leaders. Born on October 27, 1928, in Portland, Oregon, Coe grew up in a family with strong religious ties and became deeply involved in evangelical activities during his youth. He attended the University of Oregon in the late 1940s but left without completing a degree to pursue full-time ministry work. In the 1950s, Coe joined the International Christian Leadership (ICL), which later evolved into The Fellowship under his stewardship starting in the 1960s. Under his leadership, the organization grew significantly, organizing the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., and facilitating connections between U.S. presidents, congress members, and international figures to promote what Coe described as 'Jesus plus nothing' principles in governance and diplomacy. Coe's approach was characterized by discretion and behind-the-scenes influence, avoiding media spotlight while building a vast network that included both Democrats and Republicans, as well as leaders from diverse countries. He mentored numerous politicians and was instrumental in creating small, invitation-only Bible studies on Capitol Hill. The Fellowship, during Coe's era, expanded internationally, establishing branches in over 100 countries and emphasizing personal transformation over public evangelism. However, the organization faced criticism for its opacity, alleged promotion of authoritarian regimes aligned with its views, and ties to controversial figures, including dictators and those involved in scandals. Books like 'The Family' by Jeff Sharlet (2008) brought increased scrutiny to Coe's methods, portraying him as a shadowy power broker in American politics. Coe remained active until his health declined in later years, passing away on February 12, 2017, in Arlington, Virginia, at the age of 88 from complications related to a stroke and pneumonia. His influence persisted through successors, including family members, and The Fellowship continues to operate with a focus on political and spiritual networking. Coe's legacy is one of profound but enigmatic impact on the intersection of faith and power in the United States and beyond.