A Church for All People - Issue #68

The United Methodist Church of All People in Columbus, Ohio is a missional congregation that is making a difference in the lives of the people who live in its neighborhood and in greater Columbus. Their mission states:

We are a church for all people. We give our love and offer the saving, healing love of Jesus Christ to everyone, no matter who they are or what they have done. We create and implement ministries that bring to life our vision.

They are very intentional about living out this mission through daily worship. The congregation offers opportunities for praise and worship most days of the week (Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday). The church describes its worship services in this way, "Our worship reflects diversity with music ranging from old hymns to contemporary Christian and gospel. Each worship service includes a time for sharing joys and concerns. Dress is casual and everyone is welcomed just as they are."

As important as their worship, are the ways Church for All People serves with Christ in their community:

• They have a Free Store that provides clothing and household items to families in need in a hospitable atmosphere that affirms the selfworth of each person.

• The Mount Carmen Heath Station provides primary medical treatment from a medical doctor and nurse practitioner, including health screenings, wellness care and prevention.

• They are developing affordable housing by renovating 14 abandoned homes and selling them to people who are at or below 80% of the median area income.

Some Questions for Discussion

• How is life in your local community affected by the witness of your congregation?

• How can your congregation partner with local government, business, other congregations, and health care institutions to be good news for the poor in your community?

Steve Manskar is Director of Wesleyan Leadership at the Discipleship Ministries. He can be reached at [email protected]. For more information about Church of All People go to www.4allpeople.org.

In 2007 church leaders throughout The United Methodist Church in the U.S. were invited to identify churches that demonstrated the vision of discipleship described in the twelfth chapter of Romans. Over 200 churches were surveyed or visited. Issue #68. © 2010 Discipleship Ministries. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to copy this page for use in United Methodist congregations.