A Front Porch
for All People

— by Reverend John Edgar

An inspiring, real-life story of building a radically inclusive urban community, by the leader of the most diverse United Methodist church in the nation.

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The cover of the book A Front Porch for Al People
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"An amazing and moving book! Should be required reading for those engaged in urban ministries as well as social workers, neighborhood organizers, and community development professionals."

Hal Keller
president emeritus, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing
Trusted by the best:

Praise for A Front Porch for All People

Gregory Palmer
Gregory V. Palmer
resident bishop, The United Methodist Church, Ohio West Episcopal Area

“In A Front Porch for All People, John Edgar has issued a clarion call for every church to fall in love with its neighborhood. I believe that call originates in the heart of God who came and settled in with us in Jesus of Nazareth. Casting our lot with communities may transform them but most assuredly will transform the church.”

Bishop John Schol
John Schol
bishop, The United Methodists of Greater New Jersey Eastern Pennsylvania

“John Edgar is one of the most effective and foremost thinkers on how to connect with the people in your community. In A Front Porch for All People, he details from firsthand experience why and how to connect with the people in your community. This book is invaluable to congregational leaders and nonprofit organizations that seek to connect with, engage, and involve the people in your community. His practical illustrations and clear strategies make this a must-read.”

Hal Keller
president emeritus, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing

“An amazing and moving book! Should be required reading for those engaged in urban ministries as well as social workers, neighborhood organizers, and community development professionals. Regardless of one’s own faith, John Edgar’s positive, asset-based community development approach will resonate and inspire. The book describes a dozen or more impactful initiatives, each worthy of its own case study, that meet vital community needs through creative engagement and collaboration.”

Praise for A Front Porch for All People

Gregory V. Palmer
Resident Bishop, The United Methodist Church, Ohio West Episcopal Area

“In A Front Porch for All People, John Edgar has issued a clarion call for every church to fall in love with its neighborhood. I believe that call originates in the heart of God who came and settled in with us in Jesus of Nazareth. Casting our lot with communities may transform them but most assuredly will transform the church.”

Contents

You’ll find in this book

Love in Spain is a romance novel written by Ashlea Bradley. It tells the story of two young people who met each other and fell in love in Madrid during lockdown era of Covid-19. A heartwarming tale of friendship, romance, and betrayal took place in one of the most breathtaking places on the planet.

Print length
354 pages
Language
English
Publisher
MartinHouse
File size
1704 KB
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Preview

Read an excerpt from A Front Porch for All People

"My mind was drifting over the evening’s events when an epiphany, like a racing electric shock, jolted me to the core. No one else was in the car, but I exclaimed aloud, 'Oh my God, what if it is actually true?'..."

Read more from the Sample Preview!

reviews

What readers say:

"The perfect gift for any lover of books or anyone looking for an inspiring read!"

Asiyah Mclaughlin

"I read through the entire book. It was very interesting! I learned so much..."

Arnas Reeve

"A beautiful love story set in Spain."

Raife Grey

The stories were well written and interesting. I found myself drawn into the world of these characters. I am excited about the next installment!

Jadine Oneal

This was a new writer for me and a new story line which I will definitely be reading again. I liked how the plot focused more around the characters than the action scenes.

Maksymilian Leblanc

I guessed the villain from quite early on, and it did not at all impair my fun. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book by this author!

Reem Magana

A great read, beautifully written and full of interesting local information.

Charli Person

This is the second story of the book, my husband suggested I order another copy. He is very impressed with how much he likes it.

Rohit Shelton

Loved this book! Ashlea Bradley at her best.

Erin Kendall
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Reverend John Edgar
Meet the author

John Edgar

Rev. Edgard led Community Development for All People (CD4AP) from 2003 to 2022. CD4AP, a faith-based organization serving the Southside of Columbus, has developed $125 million in affordable housing and operates award-winning health and wellness initiatives, often in collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 

The Free Store, a flagship ministry of CD4AP, provides free clothing and household items to 20,000 persons each year.  The All People’s Fresh Market provides fresh fruits and vegetables to more than 350 families every day and has grown to be one of the largest distribution site of free food in central Ohio. 

Rev. Edgar has a Master of Divinity degree, cum laude from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology, magna cum laude from Miami University.

Publications
16 books
Translations
10 languages
Appreciations
1M+ likes
UPCOMING SPEAKING EVENTS
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In the news

Read stories of John Edgar and his work in the South Side of Columbus.
From a Vicious Cycle of Poverty to a Virtuous Circle of Success
John Edgar’s Neighborhood: God, Grace and Affordable Housing
God's Children are Not Your Bargaining Chips
Rev. John Edgar on the Intersection of Housing and Faith
John Edgar Retiring After Leading Transformative South Side Nonprofit
Best Humanitarian: John Edgar

New! Podcasts

Listen to John Edgar's two-part conversation with Bishop Julius C. Trimble.

Video

See what God's "Divine Economy of Abundance" look like in Columbus.
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