faith in action

Ministry WITH the poor

How are you and your congregation partnering with people and communities to challenge the systems and structures that obstruct the path to abundant life?


One great reason why the rich in general have so little sympathy for the poor is because they so seldom visit them. Hence it is that one part of the world does not know what the other suffers.

John Wesley

Ministry WITH the Poor encourages United Methodists to rethink how we do ministry: shifting away from ministries “to” people and communities, which often seem transactional, toward ministries “with” people and communities that are built around relationships. These relationships are what inspire and inform our ministries and give rise to a shared vision, shared commitment, and shared leadership.

Not all systems and structures that obstruct the path to abundant life look the same. Poverty is a complex problem, and its root causes are diverse.

War & Conflict
In regions suffering from conflict and violence, instability undermines economic opportunity.

Migration
Millions of people are uprooted from their homes, families, and livelihoods due to conflict, persecution, or economic distress.

Health Care
The cost and availability of quality health care prevent people around the world from living into their full potential.

Education
Cycles of poverty cannot be disrupted without access to quality and affordable education.

Climate Change
Changes in climate impact the safety and abundance of our food and water, while also harming those whose livelihood is dependent upon the earth and its resources.

Civic Engagement
Unjust laws and unresponsive political systems around the world obstruct paths to economic development.

Ongoing work

Church and Society is reaching out to Annual Conferences to hear how God is using relationships to transform communities. We will be collecting, communicating and celebrating stories from across the connection where the church is doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.

By telling our stories and connecting our ministries, we can challenge and support each other as we address root causes of poverty. In doing so, we can make God’s vision of abundance a reality for all. Share your story today.