Anniversaries are always rich times to look back, look around, and look forward. It helps us to gain perspective, to celebrate where God has been at work, and to look strategically and wisely at the future for how to best position ourselves for future kingdom fruit. On each anniversary take time on your own, and with your team, to interact around the following questions. LOOKING BACK : Where have we seen God show up in the past year? How can I/we pause and thank God for His work through this mission? What do we need to celebrate? Who do we need to celebrate? Where has the Spirit surprised us this year? What do we need to grieve? What do we need to let go of? What have we needed to unlearn and relearn? What do we still need to unlearn and relearn? What hard-fought lessons have we learned through this process? LOOKING AT THE PRESENT: Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-10. What season do we sense our FX is in right now? And what implication(s) might that have if that’s the season/time we’re in right now? How is the team’s morale right now (are they encouraged? Discouraged? Exhausted? Energized? Confused? Hopeful? Expectant? Something else?) LOOKING FORWARD: What do we need to keep? What do we need to tweak? What do we need to chuck? What do we need to start? What do we sense God calling us to become and do in the future? Who else can join us as we serve and lead? What does our team need right now (i.e. encouragement, support, affirmation, prayer, training/equipping, reminding, etc.)? How might we deepen our trust in Christ and the Spirit’s power in the days ahead? What would that require of us to do that? Who isn’t yet apart of this fresh expression that we would love to introduce them to Jesus and His kingdom? What “big asks” are we making of God in this next season? What new ground do we want to take in the name of Jesus and for the glory of God?
On the corner of 10th Street and 9th Avenue in St. Cloud, Florida, the hum of washing machines mixes with conversation, laughter, and the smell of a shared meal. It doesn’t look like church. But it is. Here’s a quick look at what it is, how it works, and why it matters. What It Is Laundry Love in St. Cloud is a Fresh Expression of church that gathers at Kipp’s Laundromat on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays of each month from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. Volunteers help neighbors wash two loads of clothing, with bedding available at 12:15 PM if machines are open. A meal is also provided. There is no stage. No formal program. No pressure. Just people meeting a practical need — and discovering that the laundromat can become sacred space. How It Works The model is simple and deeply relational. Volunteers arrive with quarters, detergent, and open hearts. Guests load machines. People sit together while clothes spin. A meal is shared. Conversations unfold naturally. Prayer is offered when welcomed. Names are remembered. Stories are honored. The rhythm is consistent. The posture is present. The invitation is gentle. Instead of asking neighbors to come to church, this community shows up in a place people already gather — meeting both tangible and spiritual needs in the same room. Why It Matters Laundry is one of the quiet stressors of poverty. When families must choose between groceries, rent, and transportation, clean clothes can feel like a luxury. Yet laundry impacts school attendance, job interviews, confidence, and dignity. Laundry Love restores more than clothing. It restores belonging. The fruit looks like: A parent exhaling because school clothes are clean A senior lingering because someone finally asked how they’re doing A volunteer discovering that mission doesn’t require a microphone In a world where many feel unseen, this Fresh Expression reminds us that church can begin with something as simple as a spin cycle. Where in your community do people quietly carry burdens? What if the Church met them there?
Fresh Expressions recently hosted a Missional Entrepreneurship Immersion at church-run coffee shop and community space Ridgetop Coffee & Tea . Located in the midst of an everyday marketplace of business, daycare, and healthcare, Ridgetop has become a natural community hub and a living example of how enterprise and mission can beautifully intertwine. Participants explored the difference between missional enterprises—profit-making businesses that provide needed services in the community while creating space for relationships and faith—and social enterprises—nonprofit organizations that meet community needs while also fostering meaningful connection and opportunities for faith exploration. Together, the group wrestled with Peter’s vision in Acts 10, asking what assumptions God might be reframing today and how God may be enlarging our understanding of mission, ministry, and building usage. Participants also confronted the “sacred cows” that can keep congregations from stepping into bold, faithful innovation. There was robust conversation around the passage “Unless the Lord builds the house those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1 NRSVUE) recognizing that missional entrepreneurship can’t be all about our grandiose schemes. Participants also grappled with the question: What does it mean to you that your “success” or “failure” is both in your control and mysteriously not in your control? This work, they affirmed, is not about our brilliant plans, but about faithfully following open (and closed) doors with courage and trust as we follow where God may be leading. A panel of entrepreneurs reflected on the tension between starting small and scaling big. One small-venture entrepreneur shared that through small faithful steps, “I have learned to follow the energy. Where the energy is, I do more of that.” A large-scale entrepreneur reflected, “Because of our scale, we are able to have a scope of impact that is beyond our customers—we have 55 employees that we get to do life with, and that in itself is a fertile mission field.” Some settings will be ripe for a big initiative because of a large real estate transaction, a significant partnership and redevelopment of facility, or a group of investors willing to bring a big idea into reality. Other settings will find themselves in a landscape where an initiative needs to begin with a small investment and scale as opportunities and developing partnerships signal the need to take growth steps. Another panel explored the balance between discernment and action. Too many times, congregations overspiritualize discernment, as if they are waiting for the lightning bolt from God before they can take a step. Others get so stuck in a cycle of discernment that it never leads to decision points and action. On the other hand, some congregations underutilize discernment, running full steam ahead without doing any thoughtful listening, seeking God’s wisdom, or getting to know potential stakeholders or partners. Each panelist reflected on times when they knew they had to move, even if they didn’t feel like they knew enough. “A business plan is important,” one entrepreneurship professor and business owner noted, “but one thing I know about your business plan is that it will absolutely change. But that plan is important because it’s the floor on which you will pivot.” A social enterprise executive director encouraged participants with a simple but powerful question: “What can you start small now?”
Launching a fresh expression can be incredibly exciting. While a passion for starting something new is important, it must also be tempered with thoughtful reflection, prayer, and discussion. Before launching a new fresh expression consider asking yourself – and others – these important questions to discern if this is, in fact, what God is calling you to do. Is this a “good idea” or is this the best idea? How would I know? Doing the right thing at the wrong time can easily become the wrong thing. Is this the right time to launch a fresh expression? How would I know? Have I spent quiet time in silence and solitude over a period of time listening to what the Father desires? Is this centrally rooted with the end goal being discipleship among primarily non-churched people, or is this suited to serve primarily for those already convinced of the way of Jesus? Is my heart in the right place? Is my motive to lead something and be in charge, to look important, to try to win the approval of others or God, or am I doing this to see God’s mission advance and see people come to encounter God amid community with others? Who else might I ask to help me discern if this is, in fact, something worth pursuing? What else would join the team of this fresh expression to ensure that it’s not entirely on my shoulders? Imagine Jesus asking you the question he asked the blind man Bartimaeus: “What do you want me to do for you?” If Jesus asked you that regarding your fresh expression. What would you say? If we were, in fact, to launch this fresh expression, what would be the first three practical steps we would take? What will it require of me (i.e. time, energy, faith, margin in my schedule, courage to push out into something new, etc.)? Am I willing to pay that price? What would this require of your team (i.e. time, energy, faith, margin in their schedule, courage to push into something new, etc.)? Are they truly willing to pay that price? What kinds of specific and practical support would I need for this to flourish (i.e. blessing from my home church, a prayer team, funding, a leadership/ministry coach, ongoing training, relationships of encouragement, etc.)?
Have you ever been out on a boat—whether a cruise ship or a small fishing vessel—so far from shore that there was no land in sight? For seasoned sailors, that may be no big deal. But for those who have yet to get their sea legs, the first experience of open water can feel a little disorienting. How, when you are surrounded by nothing but sea and sky, do you know where you’re going? How do you make sure you’re heading in the right direction—and that the land you eventually reach is the land you actually meant to reach? As passengers, we’re usually not in the control room. We don’t see the compass, the GPS, or the radio connecting the boat to someone guiding the journey. Even when we can’t see it, there are waypoints directing the vessel toward its intended destination. The same question applies to us as dinner church leaders: How do we ensure our dinners don’t drift off course? It’s easy enough to find a room, prepare a meal, and invite our neighbors to the table. But is there more than that? And how do we make sure that, week after week, we’re actually going somewhere—that we are truly encountering Jesus as His church—rather than simply becoming a group of friends who enjoy eating together? There are several waypoints that can help guide a dinner church: ongoing training, regular team huddles, and frequent connection with the Dinner Church Collective community, to name a few. But I want to share one simple tool we use to help keep our dinners from drifting: the development of clear core values . The Oxford Languages dictionary defines a core value as “a principle or belief that a person or organization views as being of central importance.” As your dinner church moves from infancy toward maturity, you need guiding principles. These values help shape who you are becoming and clarify why you do what you do. It’s especially helpful to narrow these down to a few simple, memorable statements. Clear core values make it easier for new team members to understand what’s happening when they inevitably ask questions like, “What are you doing here?” “Why are you hosting this dinner?” and “What is this meant to accomplish?” Jesus speaks to the importance of the inner life in Luke 6. He says, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). What is inside eventually comes out. The same is true for our dinner church communities. What sits at the core of what you do—what you intentionally value, talk about, pray for, and train toward—will shape what your community becomes. At our dinners, we spent time prayerfully narrowing down the values we wanted to embody, drawing on books, training, and lived experience. We worked to keep them simple and repeatable so they could be easily shared and revisited whenever it felt like the boat was drifting. These values have become our GPS waypoints—quietly but consistently keeping us on course. Below are the core values we use, along with a brief explanation of why each one matters. Everyone Belongs Come one, come all! We will welcome everyone to the family dinner table. Luke 14:13–14; Matthew 25:34–40 We wanted to communicate clearly that this dinner is truly for everyone. There is something deeply powerful about the welcoming nature of a Jesus-shaped table. In a world where many people have experienced church as unwelcoming or exclusive, we felt this needed to be a primary waypoint guiding our dinners. Stories Matter We will seek to know not only our guests’ names, but their stories as well. John 15:12 Names matter—but stories go deeper. As we gather around the table week after week, our hope is to move beyond surface-level connection into meaningful relationship. When we know one another’s stories, we create space for honest conversation, deeper prayer, and shared life. Jesus-Centered We will share the Good News of Christ through a brief teaching from one of the four Gospels. Through warm hospitality, authentic conversation, and lives that reflect Christ’s love, we will remain Christ-centered in every part of every dinner. 1 Corinthians 2:1–5 Our dinner churches must never become just another place to eat. Without the life-changing presence of the Holy Spirit, we lose the power to bring about real transformation. We are setting a Jesus table—period. This is our primary waypoint, and it guides everything we do. So what about you? What core values guide your dinner church? And how are you intentionally guarding against the drift?
Runner’s Church is a simple, accessible way New Hope Church is meeting p eople where faith and fitness already intersect. Here’s a quick look at what it is, how it works, and why it matters. What It Is Runner’s Church is a faith-shaped community for runners, walkers, and anyone who enjoys movement. Rather than gathering inside a sanctuary, participants meet outdoors for connection, prayer, and spiritual reflection—paired with time on the trail. This isn’t about pace, distance, or performance. It’s about showing up, moving together, and creating space for faith in everyday life. How It Works Runner’s Church meets on Saturday mornings and begins with a brief prayer and reflection. From there, participants run or walk together along a nearby route—going as far or as fast as they choose. The rhythm is intentionally simple: A short spiritual focus Movement side-by-side Conversation, encouragement, and community along the way Some weeks include themed reflections or devotionals that connect physical practice with spiritual growth, reinforcing that faith doesn’t have to be separated from the rest of life. Why It Matters Runner’s Church offers a compelling example of how church can take shape around shared interests and existing rhythms. For people who may never attend a traditional worship service—but already value fitness, community, and meaning—this gathering lowers barriers and opens doors. It’s church that feels natural, relational, and embodied. A reminder that discipleship can happen in motion, and that God meets people not only in sanctuaries, but on sidewalks, trails, and early-morning runs.
When congregations say, “We’re too old and tired to start something new,” I understand. Carrying the weight of keeping a church going—especially after years of service—can feel exhausting. But here’s the surprising truth: stepping into a simple new mission may be the very thing that breathes new life into you. Here are five reasons why: 1. New Mission Rekindles Old Fire Remember when your faith felt vibrant—when you couldn’t wait to see what God would do next? Starting a Fresh Expression isn’t about adding more work. It’s about recovering that sense of adventure with Jesus. Nothing wakes up weary hearts like seeing God move in new ways. 2. Purpose Gives Energy Fatigue often comes not just from doing too much, but from doing the same things over and over. When you begin to pour your love, prayers, and presence into new relationships, you may find energy you didn’t know you still had. Purpose has a way of renewing strength. 3. Community Restores Joy Starting a Fresh Expression often happens around tables, hobbies, or simple gatherings. That means laughter, friendship, and shared meals. These are the things that restore joy—not only for those you reach, but for you too. 4. Sharing Your Story Reignites Gratitude You’ve walked with God through decades. When you share that story with someone who’s just beginning to wonder about faith, it does something powerful: it reminds you how faithful God has been. Gratitude has a way of lifting the heaviest weariness. 5. God Loves to Work Through Weakness When you feel old or tired, you’re not disqualified—you’re actually in the sweet spot. As Paul wrote, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10). God has always delighted in using those who feel small and limited. What feels like the end of your capacity may be the beginning of God’s miracle. And being part of that miracle is one of the most life-giving experiences of all. Maybe you don’t recognize the treasure of what you bring to the mission field right now. But you’ve seen God’s faithfulness through decades of change and have a unique perspective on God’s promises. You know what really matters—love, relationships, and faith—and aren’t swept up in the latest fads or influencers. While younger families are often running at breakneck speed, you have the gift of time and presence. One “old and tired” church is now humming with sewing machines and faith conversations every week. Another “old and tired” church is excited about opening up a Board Game Café in the heart of small town Appalachia. Yet another “old and tired” church swaps recipes and stories every week as they cook for Dinner Church and delight as all walks of life around table together at the weekly Community Dinner. The Bottom Line You don’t have to be young, flashy, or full of energy to start a Fresh Expression. In fact, if you think you are “old and tired,” you might just be perfectly positioned. God is not finished writing stories through you…and your community may need your faith, presence, and wisdom now more than ever.
Do movies actually reflect real-life ministry? Or do they miss the quiet tensions, complexities, and grace that leaders carry every day? In this episode of Rural Renewal, we take a different approach by reflecting on Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Beneath the mystery, the film raises questions about faith, leadership, public trust, and human frailty in close-knit communities. Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, this conversation invites you to think about how stories shape our understanding of church, calling, and renewal where life and faith intersect. Chris and Kathleen Blackey , are hosts of the Rural Renewal Podcast. Since 2010, together they have served as co-pastors at the First Baptist Church of South Londonderry, Vermont. The Blackeys live in South Londonderry, Vermont with their children – Sarah, Daniel, and Priscilla, as well as their cat, dog, and chickens. Related Resources: Join our Facebook group: Rural Renewal Podcast Community Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com Subscribe & Review Help us get the word out by subscribing and leaving a review for Rural Renewal Podcast on your favorite platform. Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
In the cozy basement library of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, people are gathering—not for a worship service, but for cookies, conversation, and a good movie. Movies & Chats, a budding Fresh Expression of church, is offering a warm, accessible space where faith isn’t forced but curiosity is welcome, and community is quietly taking root. Led by Dave McEachron , a covocational Episcopal priest and lifelong lover of film, the idea began with a simple question: What if watching movies and talking about them could become a way to connect with people beyond the church? That single spark has grown into something deeply resonant. With thoughtfully chosen films like Lars and the Real Girl, Whiplash, Women Talking, and Small Things Like These, the gatherings quickly gained traction—drawing 12–15 attendees at first, then growing as more locals discovered the group through MeetUp and word-of-mouth. FROM CUROSITY TO COMMUNITY “We didn’t try to make it overly spiritual,” Dave said. “We just let the movies do their work and let the conversation unfold.” Movies & Chats taps into something deeply human: our need to make meaning through story. And in a culturally vibrant, spiritually eclectic city like St. Paul—offering a welcoming space to explore life’s biggest questions through art and conversation fills a real need. This Fresh Expression isn’t trying to draw people into traditional church—it’s about meeting people where they already are, in ways that feel natural and non-threatening. As one attendee put it, “The space doesn’t feel religious, but it does feel deeply meaningful.” As David continues to experiment he hopes that shared leadership will begin to transform the group and that regular participants would start suggesting films and helping shape future gatherings. A FRESH EXPRESSION IN MOTION Movies & Chats is still taking shape, but it clearly reflects the rhythms of the Fresh Expressions journey . It began with listening—David paid attention to his own passions and the culture around him, sensing that movies could be a bridge to meaningful conversation. From there, he stepped into loving and serving, offering a space where strangers could gather safely, enjoy a shared experience, and connect without pressure. As people returned and brought friends, community began to form naturally, not through structure but through presence and trust. Now, conversations are growing deeper, participants are helping to plan events, and a sense of ownership is emerging. Though it’s early, the doorway for exploring discipleship is beginning to emerge —not through teaching, but through thoughtful dialogue and relationships formed in the warmth of the group. As Fresh Expressions reminds us, church can emerge when we follow the Spirit’s lead, practice incarnational presence, and nurture spaces that are contextual, organic, and open to what God might grow. “It’s not yet a Fresh Expression of church,” Dave admits. “But it’s a faithful experiment. We’re present. We’re paying attention. And we’re seeing something beautiful emerge.” NOT A PROGRAM - A POSTURE What makes Movies & Chats so compelling is its accessibility. It doesn’t require a worship band, a curriculum, or a marketing budget. Just a library space, a few good films, a plate of cookies, and a host willing to listen and love without an agenda. “Fresh Expressions is about forming new Christian communities with people who may never come to your church, but who are longing for community, purpose, and spiritual connection.” The story of Movies & Chats reminds us that church doesn’t have to start with preaching—it can start with popcorn and honest conversation. MORE THAN A MOVIE NIGHT Movies & Chats may have begun as a simple film discussion group, but it’s becoming something more: a space where connection forms, trust deepens, and the Spirit gently moves. In a time when many are disillusioned with institutional religion but still yearning for meaning, this Fresh Expression is opening the door to community in a way that feels authentic, relational, and doable . “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” — Frederick Buechner Dave didn’t launch a program—he did something he loved doing, followed his curiosity, invited others in, and made space for the Spirit to do the rest. And that’s the beauty of Fresh Expressions: anyone, in any church, can do the same.
