Thirty Year Thursday: Dr. Charles Gardner

To celebrate our thirtieth year anniversary, we’re interviewing a friend of Midtown Assistance Center each Thursday for thirty weeks as part of a series call “Thirty Year Thursday.” This week, we interviewed the senior pastor of Atlanta First United Methodist Church, Dr. Charles Gardner.

How did you first find out about MAC?

Six years ago, when I first became the pastor of Atlanta First United Methodist Church. MAC was operating out of our facilities.

What was your initial impression of MAC?

I was grateful that MAC was here. Even though MAC is served by a variety of congregations, I like that it is part of our overall facility and that we are using our space to make a difference. Also, many of the church’s members are volunteers, so MAC has been a great avenue of service for them.

How has that initial impression changed?

My gratitude has grown deeper. The more you are around MAC, the more you realize what a great effect it has. This is evidenced by the success they have keeping people in their homes when they do rent follow-up after six months or the smile on someone’s face when they get new work boots or food. MAC also makes such a great use of limited resources.

What have you learned through your experience with MAC?

I’ve learned a ton. As a pastor, I have grown in my understanding of chronic poverty and its root causes. We assume we understand the causes of poverty, but there are so many factors that aren’t obvious. I have also learned how important investing in an individual is in order to adequately meet their needs in a way that helps them help themselves.

Do you have a favorite story from your time at MAC?

My favorite story is ongoing. I call Jim Richardson “Smiling Jim.” Every couple of weeks Smiling Jim will come up to my office and ask me for funds to buy socks and underwear for MAC. It is a fun, ongoing thing and a great connection between First United Methodist and MAC.