New polling shows Donald Trump continuing to surge among the Republican field. His strong showing among Evangelicals is a surprise to some and annoyance to others. As a matter of fact, he currently leads among conservative Christians.

“I love the Evangelicals,” said Trump, but there are doubters.

A scathing op-ed in The New York Times on Trump and his Christian support concluded with this assessment: “I don’t see someone interested in serving God, I see someone interested in being God.”

If the disconnect between Republican Party leaders and much of the base is evident, it may exist among Evangelical leaders and the average Evangelical voter too. Immediately following the televised Republican debate in Cleveland, Trump shot up among Evangelicals in Iowa, which is the first opportunity for candidates to get a head start in their delegate count.