UM Church for All People emerged from the UM Free Store volunteers and customers desire for a worshiping community.  Cross class, cross cultural immersion is at the heart of learning for all who participate in the church, ministries and training opportunities.

In 2008, the General Conference of the United Methodist church adopted Four Areas of Focus for the Church. Engaging in Ministry with the Poor, New Places for New People, Improving Health Globally, and Developing Principled Christian Leaders. All four areas are illustrated by this dynamic church of 200 members.

Learning opportunities are available to see what is transferrable from the UM Church for All People and its sister organization, Community Development for All People to your church and community.  Certified Coaches are available to assist leaders after the training to apply learnings in their home setting.

2013 Opportunities

More Information to Come!

  3:00 PM  OCTOBER 26, 2013 to 4:00 PM on OCTOBER 28, 2013

Boost your existing ministries to another level as you and your team explore how to embrace others who are different from yourselves and begin to appreciate how their diverse gifts can strengthen the Body of Christ.

The UM Church for All People was birthed from the UM Free Store community with the intention to include people from diverse social, economic and racial backgrounds. During its 10 years as a worshipping congregation, its ministries have grown and leaders have emerged from across this entire spectrum. 

This conference is experiential and participants will join members of the community in worship, dialog, shared learning and fun. Immersion experiences include Sunday morning worship; an evening celebration that showcases a variety of community music ministries, meals and fellowship; and focused conversations.

Plenaries and Workshops are designed to meet you where you are and engage your questions as we explore best practices for this ministry.

From the presentations and the people you’ll learn to:

·         Create a congregation that is racially diverse and a blend of middle class and low income members

·         Use worship that is diverse and welcoming to strengthen the community

·         Launch outreach programs that build on the assets of the people to improve low income communities where they live

·         Engage a base of partners that can support and sustain the ministries

·         Maintain your spiritual center

·         And so much more!

Whether you yearn to take the next step in reaching out to a community that is different from the people who sit in the pews on Sunday, or are already engaged in multicultural, multi-class ministry and desire for it to grow deeper or wider, this experience is for you!

Because of the experiential nature of this event, attendance is limited.

Registration will open May 28th, 2013.

January 2013 Being with the Poor

                One of five courses leading to a Certification on Engaging in Ministry with the Poor.

                Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO) will offer this pilot.

This class provides students opportunities to enhance their affinity for ministry with the poor. As they study the difference between middle- an low-income persons, students will be encouraged to develop approaches that bridge those differences and create positive connections.

Congregations and Communities as Partners in Ministry with the Poor – Second class in partnership with MTSO. (July  2013) 

Effective ministry with the poor is asset based and the most valuable asset is the people themselves. This class will examine best practices used by congregations and community groups for launching and growing ministries with the poor that are asset based and sustainable.

To register for either of these courses, email Admissions (admit@mtso.edu or contact April Casperson (acasperson@mtso.edu), Director of Admissions MTSO