Rev. John Edgar, the founder of the United Methodist Church for All People and Community Development for All People, tells the story of laboring alongside low-income residents across two decades to transform the South Side of Columbus into an opportunity-rich community where everyone may thrive. Starting with an outreach ministry called the Free Store, people came together and launched the Church for All People, the most diverse United Methodist congregation in the nation in terms of the intersection of race and social class.

Each year, direct service ministries provide over 35,000 individuals opportunities to touch grace and experience positive transformation in their lives. Having developed over 100 million dollars of affordable housing, Church and Community Development for All People is forging a radically inclusive neighborhood, where everyone can dwell in unity on a front porch for all people. The chapters in this book set forth key principles which shaped this journey, beginning with the affirmation that scarcity is a myth and all of us dwell inside a divine economy of abundance.

Rev. John Edgar was Pastor Jeremy's mentor and collaborator when he served two small churches located less than a mile from Church for All People. He credits John with embedding in him a deep optimism about the church and what it is capable of doing to transform communities.

The following reading assignments should be completed before the date listed.
April 25th, Introduction, Chapters 1 & 2 (Handout)
May 2nd, Chapters 3, 4, & 5 (Handout)
May 9th, Chapters 6 & 7 (Handout), We will be joined by the author Rev. John Edgar! 
May 16th, Chapters 8 & 9