Despite dropping out of school in the third grade, John Perkins has been recognized for his work by being awarded eight honorary doctorates from Wheaton College, Gordon College, Huntington College, Spring Arbor College, Geneva College, Northpark College, Whitworth College and Belhaven College. He is the author of nine books including A Quiet Revolution, Let Justice Roll Down, With Justice For All, Beyond Charity, Hes My Brother, Resurrecting Hope, and A Time to Heal, and has written numerous chapters in others. John Perkins formally served on the Board of Directors of World Vision, Prison Fellowship, National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), Spring Arbor College, and fifteen other boards. He is an international speaker and a teacher on the issues of racial reconciliation, indigenous leadership development, and community development.

Dr. Perkins is the President of the John M. Perkins Foundation for Reconciliation and Development. He has founded several ministries, including Mendenhall Ministries, Voice of Calvary Ministries, Harambee Christian Family Center, and Christian Community Development Association.