Jesus never intended the church to become an institution; he intended it to be a people of power, transforming the world. Power is the capacity, ability, and the willingness to act. Most people and systems use power to dominate and control, but others have used it relationally to liberate, transform, and even save. Built around a biblical exploration of shalom, Building a People of Power explains how local churches can use power to transform their communities and their cities. Detailed power strategies are presented enabling churches to build productive relationships, to address the primary issues of people they serve, and to develop strong leaders, faithful organizations, and redeemed neighborhoods that live out shalom. Dr. Robert C. Lithicum has been rebuilding poor urban communities since 1955. He has pastored churches in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit where he helped form nine community organizations, people-businesses, and housing efforts. From 1985 to 1995, Dr. Lithicum headed the urban work of World Vision where he guided third world organizers who coordinated slum dwellers to build multiple organizations and businesses, and over six thousand homes. Since 1996, he has been the president of Partners in Urban Transformation. He is the author of fourteen books, including Transforming Power, and Empowering the Poor.