We believe that faith is meant to be lived out—serving boldly, loving deeply, and making a difference both locally and globally. As the missions team of St. Joe UMC, we are committed to putting our faith into action by meeting needs, building relationships, and sharing the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Our faithful commitment to missions means serving our neighbors near and far—supporting local outreach projects, disaster relief efforts, and global mission partnerships.
We strive to be fearless in stepping outside the walls of the church, going where there is need, and answering God’s call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community and beyond.
And we believe in being fruitful—creating lasting impact through sustainable mission work, building bridges of hope, and inspiring others to serve with compassion and purpose.
Wherever you are on your journey, there’s a place for you here. Come serve with us and be For People in the name of Christ!
For People is a cross-campus ministry of St. Joe where anyone—regardless of which campus they call home—can step into meaningful service and community impact. Throughout the year, individuals and families participate in a variety of hands-on projects, relational ministries, and partnership-based initiatives designed to care for our city.
These efforts include community drives for food, clothing, diapers, and school supplies; seasonal giving opportunities like Angel Tree; and benevolence support for individuals and families experiencing hardship. For People also engages in ongoing service projects across Fort Wayne, appreciation events for local partners (including the YMCA), and school-based initiatives such as our Rising Star partnership with St. Joe Central Elementary or Study Connection at St Joe Central and Shambaugh Elementary. Our Bethany Campus leads the way for the Johnny Appleseed Caramel Corn, which serves as another creative expression of service and connection.
Alongside direct service, For People creates space for discipleship through small groups and Bible studies that explore compassion, justice, and mercy, helping participants connect their faith to real-world needs. And through initiatives like For the Love of Coffee, (the Coffee Cart Ministry at the Y campus), volunteers extend hospitality and encouragement to neighbors who might not otherwise encounter the church. We are also actively engaged in the support of those individuals who are marginalized, such as our immigrant friends.
At every step, the heart of For People remains the same: anyone from any campus can show up, join in, and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
