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Endorsements for Jesus on Main Street:

“If you are passionate about joining God to change the world then you know how badly we all need to confront our broken economic systems. David Kresta has created an essential guide to community economic development with the crucial pathways you need to get started. As the truly local Church continues to pursue the justice and abundance of God we have an opportunity and obligation to reimagine our economic life from the ground up. Kresta’s Jesus on Main Street is an indispensable guide for that future.” Tim Soerens, author of ‘Everywhere You Look: Discovering the Church, Right Where You Are’ and co-founding Director of the Parish Collective

“Jesus on Main Street is an incredible synthesis of all the new wave marketplace strategies that have been and are now becoming the front place of mission in the U.S and beyond.” Hugh Halter, author of ‘The Tangible Kingdom’, ‘Bivo’, & ‘Flesh’

“I’ve been longing for and dreaming about a book like this. In the world of community development, especially in the church, most books simply provide stories and a limited on-the-ground view. While these are essential, what has been missing is something with more academic punch. Something that moves beyond inspirational stories to the kind of book that I can use in my community development classroom and share with church leaders that I work with on a daily basis. David Kresta’s Jesus on Main Street is an incredible resource that is not only replete with academic vigor, but is a tool that will assist and inform pastors, church leaders, and community development practitioners.” Dr. Sean Benesh, author of ‘Blueprints for a Just City’ and Director of Intrepid

“Many communities and neighborhoods are struggling with unemployment, income inequality, and poor social outcomes. In this important and practical book, Dave Kresta describes how churches can, and should, get involved in community economic development in order to love our neighbors more deeply and effectively. Jesus on Main Street will open your eyes to new possibilities and give you the tools you need to make a real difference in your community.” Mark Elsdon, author of ‘We Aren’t Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry‘

“David Kresta has written a book I am relying on as a guide in my work for its focus on how people of faith can be involved in community economic development and re-engage with the economy and their local communities in response to God’s call to care for their neighbors. I have needed a book like this; it helps me tell the story of what I am doing to both economic development folks, and to fellow Christians and helps to create new bridges of possibility.” Kevin Jones, co-founder SOCAP and Faith + Finance

“Finally, someone has written a book about Community Economic Development and what it has to do with Jesus.  No matter how many people count the Bible passages that relate to economy writ large (80% at least), lots of people still think that Jesus lives in the privacy of our heart instead of in the markets on Main Street.  Jesus lives in both places and does so queerly.  Jesus dislikes binaries and likes to bring folks together, which is what Dave’s book, Jesus on Main Street, does.  It maketh a space in the market for Jesus.” Donna Schaper, Associate Professor of Leadership at Hartford Seminary and Senior Minister, Judson Memorial Church.  

“Our communities face extraordinary challenges: Increasing inequality, rising poverty rates, unstable economies, climate change and a raft of other issues. The speed of change is faster than ever, and the social and environmental need is reaching a frightening crescendo. At the same time, churches are aging, declining and change is slow. David’s Jesus on Main Street is a much needed resource for faith communities as they consider this new reality. Not only through story and examples does David ignite imagination but he gives practical tools to discover economic models that are linked to the ecosystem of love and care in the neighbourhood. Reading it will have you imagining new ways of sustainability and flourishing in your local place.” Dave Harder, Co-founder and Principal Consultant with Parish Properties and Parish Collective Canada