All Podcasts Posts - Fresh Expressions

Easter: A Cause for Celebration

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:37:08 GMT

As Holy Week approaches, my mind often drifts back to an Easter I spent in Romania. I’ve tried, more than once, to recreate what I experienced there—but I’ve never quite been able to.

To understand why, I have to go back a bit.

In 2006, my church planned a mission trip to Romania. A group of ten women would spend their days in a hospital caring for abandoned babies. I felt drawn to go—but I hesitated. My own children were young, and the thought of leaving them for that long felt overwhelming. Over time, that hesitation turned into conviction. I sensed God asking me to trust Him—not just with the children I would care for overseas, but with the ones I would leave at home. So I made a quiet promise: If someone drops out and they call me, I’ll go.

Two weeks before the trip, the call came.

I said yes—but I was completely unprepared. My passport wasn’t even up to date. And yet, one by one, every obstacle moved. It was as if God was clearing the path ahead of me.

Our first full day in Romania was Resurrection Sunday.

We walked to church through streets lined with stray dogs and crumbling sidewalks. Trash piled up on corners. The buildings felt worn, almost colorless. It wasn’t beautiful in the way we often define beauty.

But what struck me wasn’t what I saw—it was what I felt.

Overwhelming joy.

As we walked, every person we passed greeted us the same way:
“Hristos a înviat!”— Christ is risen!

And the response came just as quickly, just as joyfully:
“Adevărat a înviat!”— He is risen indeed!

This joy wasn’t reserved for inside the church walls. It filled the streets. It echoed on buses, in restaurants, on sidewalks. Everywhere we went, people proclaimed it to one another—strangers, friends, everyone.

And when we arrived at the church, the joy only deepened. There were warm embraces, double cheek kisses, and then again that same declaration— Christ is risen! —spoken with a kind of wholehearted delight that caught me off guard. This wasn’t a culture known for outward emotion. And yet, here it was—unfiltered joy. It wasn’t manufactured. It wasn’t performative. It was just… real.

I had spent my entire life attending Easter services. But I couldn’t remember ever experiencing anything quite like this.

It made me wonder:
Did the resurrection mean something different here?

As I looked around, the marks of hardship were everywhere. Years of oppression had left their imprint on the city and its people. And I couldn’t help but think—maybe that’s why the resurrection felt so alive. Maybe hope always feels more precious when you’ve known hopelessness.

I think about how people celebrate the end of a war. My father told stories of the joy that erupted when World War II ended—dancing, parades, people flooding the streets. The kind of celebration that couldn’t be contained.

And I wonder…
If that kind of victory stirs such joy, what should the victory over death awaken in us?

Scripture gives us a glimpse. When the Ark of the Lord returned, David danced with all his might—so freely, so fully that it scandalized those watching. He didn’t hold back. He couldn’t. How much more should we celebrate our Lord’s return from the grave?

Jesus conquered the enemy. He let us know the end of the story and who the victor is. Death has lost its grip. We are forgiven, restored, and held in a hope that does not run out. There is no greater cause for celebration!

And yet—if I’m honest—so often our Easter joy feels… restrained. Polite. Contained within a service, rather than spilling into the streets.

This Holy Week, as we remember Jesus’ final days—His words, His acts of love, His sacrifice—I’ve been asking a different question: What would life feel like if the resurrection hadn’t happened?

To sit, even briefly, in that space is to feel the weight of what we’ve been given. Because we don’t live in that story. We live in the one where Sunday came. And maybe that’s the invitation—not to manufacture emotion, but to recover wonder. To let gratitude grow until it becomes something we can’t keep to ourselves.

Resurrection Joy and Fresh Expressions

I can’t help but think about what I witnessed in Romania and what it might mean for the future of the church—especially for Fresh Expressions. What I experienced there wasn’t a program or a strategy. It was a people so shaped by the reality of the resurrection that their joy naturally overflowed into everyday life.

It happened on sidewalks. On buses. Around tables.

It was good news carried in ordinary voices in ordinary streets.

That’s the heartbeat of Fresh Expressions: cultivating communities where the reality of Jesus—alive, present, victorious—is felt so deeply that it can’t help but be shared. Where resurrection joy shows up in coffee shops, dinner tables, recovery groups, walking trails, and neighborhood spaces.

Places where people don’t just hear “Christ is risen” once a year…
but encounter the living Christ in the rhythms of everyday life.

Maybe the question for us isn’t simply how to celebrate Easter better.

Maybe it’s this:
What would it look like to build communities where resurrection joy is so real, so tangible, that it naturally spills out into the world around us?

Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed.

About the Author

Stephanie Jenkins is an entrepreneur, author and speaker. Stephanie has a Masters in Social work, and is currently working on her Master of Divinity. She is also a 5th Degree Black Belt and martial arts instructor specializing in Ladies Self Defense. She is the founder of InHer Power and has traveled domestically and internationally speaking at women's events and teaching self defense. Stephanie has held a variety of ministry roles in the church and joined the Fresh Expressions team of mission strategists in 2025. She is currently cultivating multiple Fresh Expression experiments in central Florida.

Stephanie Jenkins

Questions to Spark Curiosity

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:13:11 GMT

Questions to spark curiosity in your congregation about the community around you!

For most followers of Jesus and congregations, we know it’s important to serve the community

around us. But we also know it can be easy to grow inwardly focused. While practicing the “one

anothers” with those within the church is important, we must work hard to not neglect outreach.

Here are some questions that can spark curiosity, launch conversation, and help ensure that we

focus on those who are not yet here among us.

Knowing Our Neighbors Personally

Who are the 20–50 people living closest to our congregation? Do we know their names? Their stories? Their hurts? Their hopes? If not, what keeps us from knowing them?
Who feels invisible in our ZIP code?
Who are the “connectors” who already exist in our neighborhood?

Understanding People’s Hopes, Hurts, and Longings

What does good news look like to these people?
What are the unspoken anxieties shaping people here?
Where is suffering concentrated?
What do our neighbors celebrate—and why?
What might our neighbors fear when it comes to engaging with a church? What might we do to eliminate or alleviate these barriers?

Recognizing Patterns and Knowing History

Are there any noticeable themes or patterns in the stories we hear?
What stories does our neighborhood tell about itself—through art, events, festivals, history, etc.?
What major events (positive or painful) have shaped – and continue to shape – our community today?
What assumptions do we have about our neighbors and the neighborhood that may not be accurate? (And how would we know?)

Observing the Everyday Rhythms and Spaces

Where do people naturally gather—and why?
What are the rhythms of life in our community (mornings, nights, weekends)?
Where do children and teens spend their time? How could we naturally and appropriately look to inhabit that space in compassion with them?
Where do people go to decompress or rest?
How does the built environment shape life here?

Exploring Assets and Identifying Gifts

What charisms – spiritual gifts or assets – does our congregation possess that we could share? How could we be creative with them, if its they are small gestures?
What gifts and talents already exist among our neighbors?
Where is hope already springing up?
What organizations or leaders are already doing good work we could partner with?

Identifying Barriers and Naming Opportunities

What barriers and obstacles prevent people from flourishing?
What is noticeably missing in our community?
What keeps us from knowing our neighbors’ names and stories – time, busyness, fear, apathy, lack of creativity, lack of courage, etc.?
What small acts of consistent kindness could build relational bridges?

Reflecting on our Congregation’s Existing Presence

If our church disappeared tomorrow, would our neighbors notice? Would they care? Would they mourn? If not, how does that make us feel?
How do people experience trust – or lack thereof – here?
What new forms of church might emerge if we listened more deeply and trusted more wholly?

About the Author

J.R. Briggs (DMin, Missio Seminary) is the founder of Kairos Partnerships, an organization committed to serving hungry leaders through coaching, consulting, and speaking. He serves on staff with the Ecclesia Network and as guest instructor for Friends University in the Masters of Spiritual Formation and Leadership program. His books include The Art of Asking Better Questions , The Sacred Overlap, Fail, and Eldership and the Mission of God. He and his wife and two children live in the greater Philadelphia area.

J.R. Briggs

The Dinner Table: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 01:19:09 GMT

On Thursday evenings in Ford City, Pennsylvania , the smell of a home-cooked meal drifts through a building at 412 9th Street as neighbors begin taking their seats around long tables. Some arrive looking for connection. Others come because they need a warm meal. A few carry quiet questions about faith.

All of them are welcomed to The Dinner Table .

Launched in October 2024, The Dinner Table is a donation-based community dinner and worship gathering that brings together people who might never walk into a traditional church service—neighbors facing financial hardship, people who feel disconnected from church, skeptics, and longtime believers alike. What happens each Thursday is simple but meaningful: people share a meal, listen to music, pray for one another, and talk honestly about how Jesus might be moving in their lives.

The vision echoes the rhythm of the early church described in Acts 2:42 , where believers gathered around meals, devoted themselves to fellowship and prayer, and learned the way of Jesus together. That same pattern is quietly taking root in this small town along the Allegheny River.

“Some of the people sitting at our tables might never step foot in a traditional church… Some come for a home-cooked meal, others feel lost in their faith. This is our community. This is our church.”

Ford City itself is a borough of about 2,800 residents , once a thriving industrial town and now navigating many of the economic and social transitions common across Rust Belt communities. In a place where financial pressures and loneliness are real, gathering around food has become a powerful way to rebuild connection.

And around these tables, church is beginning to look a little different.

When Church Begins With a Table

The Dinner Table did not begin with a complicated strategy. It started with a simple observation: many people in the community were not connecting with traditional church services—but they were open to relationships, conversation, and shared meals.

So instead of asking neighbors to come to church first, the leaders began with something more natural: a table and a meal.

Each Thursday evening volunteers prepare food, set tables, and welcome guests as they arrive around 5:00 PM. Music fills the room, announcements are shared, and a short reflection invites people to consider ho w Jesus might be present in their lives.

But the most meaningful moments often happen in the conversations around the tables. Rather than expecting people to believe before they belong, the gathering creates space where belonging can come first.

Food, Friendship, and Faith

Over time, three simple words have come to describe the rhythm of The Dinner Table:

Food. Friendship. Faith.

One early post celebrating the weekly gathering captured the spirit of the evening:

“Another great night at The Dinner Table! Thanks to Will, Maya, and Landyn for cooking up a great meal. If you’re looking for a church built around food, friendship, and faith—this is the place for you.”

Meals are simple but meaningful. On one December evening, 80 neighbors from outside the church joined the gathering alongside 14 volunteers . Together they shared a Christmas meal of ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, and fresh fruit.

After dinner, the room quieted as someone read the story of Jesus’ birth from Luke chapters 1 and 2 . In the middle of conversation and laughter, the ancient story of Christmas was heard again around the tables.

Moments like these reveal something powerful: church doesn’t always need a stage or sanctuary. Sometimes it begins with plates, chairs, and open conversation.

Small Steps, Real Impact

As the gatherings continued, the impact began to grow. By November 2025, the community had served 308 meals across three Thursday gatherings, and the group celebrated one person giving their life to Christ.

What started as a simple meal had become something deeper: a place where neighbors experience friendship, prayer, and spiritual curiosity together.

Pulling Up Another Chair

What is happening each Thursday in Ford City may look simple—but it is deeply transformational. A shared meal has become a doorway to belonging for people who might never enter a traditional church building.

In many ways, this is simply a rediscovery of the early church. As Acts 2:42 reminds us, followers of Jesus devoted themselves to fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread together.

And perhaps that is the most encouraging part of this story: this kind of church is possible anywhere .

It doesn’t require a large budget or a polished program. It begins with listening to a community, loving people well, and creating space where relationships can grow.

Sometimes the most powerful place for church to begin is exactly where it did in the first century—

around a table where everyone is welcome.

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called?

The Dinner Table

Where is it?

Ford City, PA

Who is it for?

People in the Ford City community who may not attend traditional church but are open to gathering around food, friendship, and honest conversations about faith.

What do they do?
Every Thursday evening, neighbors gather for a donation-based community dinner where they share a meal, listen to music, pray for one another, and reflect on how Jesus is moving in their lives.

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Dunbar’s Number, Weak Ties, and Rural Church Community

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:15:00 GMT

A healthy church isn’t just a tight-knit group of friends. It’s a place where all kinds of relationships can flourish. In this conversation, David Blackwell shares how insights from Dunbar’s Number invite rural church leaders to rethink size and connection, and how prioritizing weak, bridging relationships can help rural churches break down cliques, welcome outsiders, and embody the Gospel in place. Listeners will hear both a challenge and a roadmap for building more robust relational ecosystems that reflect the breadth of God’s community.

David Blackwell has served as the senior pastor of Florence-Carlton Community Church in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana for 19 years, and is passionate about helping develop church leaders and pastors for outwardly-focused, community-oriented ministry in small town and rural settings.

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:

The Church and Dunbar’s Number - https://seedbed.com/the-church-and-dunbars-number/

Rural Churches Need More Weak Relationships - https://wheatonbillygraham.com/rural-churches-need-more-weak-relationships-by-carl-greene/

Join our Facebook group: Rural Renewal Podcast Community

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

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Common Ground: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:15:06 GMT

“We exist to reveal Jesus and seek the welfare of our community.” — Common Ground

In the small borough of York Haven, Pennsylvania—home to roughly 700 residents—something remarkable happens every Sunday evening. Long tables fill with neighbors, plates are passed, laughter rises above the clatter of dishes, and people who might never walk into a traditional church find themselves welcomed around a meal.

This is Common Ground , a Dinner Church where, as the team often says, “we set Jesus’ table and invite everyone to come eat.”

Each Sunday at 5:00 p.m., the doors open for a free community meal. Around 5:30, someone shares a short message from Scripture. Then dessert is served and conversations continue. What unfolds is more than dinner—it’s a community forming around the table.

And in York Haven, that simple rhythm is quietly transforming lives.

When God Redirects the Plan

Common Ground began when Dan Altimus and a few friends felt a burden to share the gospel in their region of south-central Pennsylvania. At first, they expected their ministry to take root in the nearby city of York.

But through prayer and discernment, God redirected them to York Haven—a smaller place facing many challenges, including poverty, addiction, and social instability.

“When God redirected us to York Haven,” Dan recalls, “it took us out of our comfort zones in a different way.”

Rather than launching something quickly, the team spent nearly two years listening and building relationships —hosting events, meeting neighbors, and learning the rhythms of the community.

During that season, someone handed Dan a copy of Welcome to Dinner Church. After reading just a chapter, he knew they had found their direction. Dinner church—gathering around a meal to share life and the story of Jesus—felt like exactly what York Haven needed.

A Table for the Whole Community

The first dinners were held in the York Haven borough hall. There was no major marketing plan—just word of mouth and a small yard sign.

But the relationships built during those two listening years created trust. Neighbors invited neighbors. Families came together.

By their first anniversary, nearly 100 people were gathering weekly in a town of only 700 residents.

And the room reflected the whole community.

Some came because it was the best meal they would eat all week. Others came because they were searching for connection. Many had little experience with church at all.

“There were far more unbelievers than believers in the room,” Dan said.
“And that gave the whole gathering a different feel.”

Hospitality That Feels Like Family

Hospitality quickly became the heartbeat of Common Ground.

Two women on the team regularly cooked the main dishes while others brought salads, fruit, and desserts. A simple text early in the week would set the menu theme, and volunteers would build the rest of the meal around it.

The result was abundance.

Long banquet tables overflowed with food, often far more than the small team could have provided alone. Community members joined in too—even a bartender from across the street who began bringing desserts.

“We really had no money when we started,” Dan said.
“But people just kept bringing things. It became this family environment.”

What emerged wasn’t just a meal—it was a shared act of generosity where everyone contributed what they could.

Holding On Through the Hard Season

Like many ministries, Common Ground faced disruption during COVID. When restrictions began, they lost access to the borough hall where the dinners were held.

But closing the dinner church didn’t feel like an option.

“We had people who considered the dinner church their church,” Dan said.
“And we had neighbors who needed the meal.”

So they adapted. Meals moved into a small coffee house space, and take-out meals were offered for neighbors who weren’t comfortable staying indoors. The group became smaller but deeper.

Eventually the team began praying for a larger space. After months of searching, an unexpected gift made it possible to purchase a building in town that had once been a wood shop. With renovations, it became the

Common Ground Community Center , where the dinners now take place. Once again, the tables were set.

Transformation Around the Table

The most powerful evidence of Common Ground’s impact isn’t attendance numbers—it’s the stories of changed lives.

One family initially connected through relationships in the community and began attending dinners. Over time, they encountered Christ and soon became deeply involved in serving others.

Another man who struggled to advocate for himself found encouragement through the community and joined a weekly men’s group. With support from others, he found employment and stability.

“God really helped get his life situated,” Dan said.
“And now he’s become a blessing to the church.”

What This Means for the Rest of Us

Common Ground reminds us that Fresh Expressions don’t begin with perfect conditions. They begin with people willing to listen to their neighbors and respond with creativity and faith.

In York Haven, it started with a few leaders, a borrowed hall, and a table.

Now it’s one of the most consistent gatherings in the borough each week—a place where neighbors find family, faith conversations happen naturally, and lives are rebuilt through community.

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called?

Common Ground Dinner Church

Where is it?

York Haven, Pennsylvania

Who is it for?

Common Ground is for the people of York Haven—neighbors who may feel disconnected from church but are looking for genuine relationships and a place to gather. Around a shared meal, families, individuals facing hardship, and curious seekers find friendship, practical care, and space to explore the story of Jesus together.

What do they do?
Common Ground gathers neighbors in York Haven every Sunday evening for a free community meal where relationships are formed and the story of Jesus is shared in simple, accessible ways. Around the table—through conversation, prayer, and a short message from Scripture—it creates space for people to connect, grow in faith, and care for one another.

Who is the Pioneer?
Dan Altimus

Where can I learn more?

Common Ground

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Questions to Process When Starting a Dinner Church

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:00:19 GMT

Starting a dinner church is an exciting new venture. But before we begin, it’s important to have several questions answered ahead of time – logistics, team culture, expectations, prayer, sustainability, etc.

Before beginning dinner church spend time asking yourself and your team questions. And consider utilizing these questions with your dinner guests as well.

Questions to Ask of Yourself

Am I spiritually centered as we begin this initiative? What is the Lord asking of me right now?
Who can join me to be committed in prayer for me, the team, and those who will be attending dinner church?
Do I have the adequate support from – and with – a team of people who want to serve and lead?
How frequently should we host dinner church? Weekly? Bi-monthly? Monthly?
How can I best lead and serve our team? How can I best lead and serve our guests?

Questions to Ask of Your Team

Why do people want to join the dinner church team?
What areas/roles do you long for them to play (i.e. shopping, cooking/preparing food, setting tables, greeters, sharing a Jesus story, conversation partners at tables, clean up team, etc.)?
What commitment is needed to be a part of the team (i.e. time, prayer, faith, logistics, etc.)? When – and how often?
How can we make dinner church sustainable for the long haul?
How do we ensure that the details and logistics of dinner don’t override the importance of prioritizing relationships?
How will we help get the word out and invite others to join us?
What are expectations and responsibilities before? During? After?
What do we long for God to do through this dinner church?
What does “success” look like a year from now?
What 2-3 adjectives do we want to use to describe the feel/ethos of dinner church?
How often should the team meet to pray, plan, and discuss further details?

Questions to Ask of Those You Meet at Your Table

How did you first year about dinner church?
It’s not often you hear the word “dinner” and “church” next to each other. What do you think about the idea of dinner church?
Do you have any experience with church? With faith? with God? If so, what has that been like?
What are some of the most meaningful times you’ve had another a table before?
What did you think about the Jesus story? What detail or element of the story stuck out to you?
What implications do you think this story might have on your life today?
If you could ask Jesus 2-3 questions after this story occurred, what would you ask him – and why?
If Jesus were sitting at this table sharing this meal with us this evening, what would you want to ask him?
Are there ways I can pray for you? (Would you like me to pray for you right now, or would you like to me to pray for you throughout the week?)
Did you like the meal this evening?
Can you join us for dinner church next time?

About the Author

J.R. Briggs

The Table of Kingsport: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:08:55 GMT

On Monday nights at 6:00 PM in Kingsport, the tables fill quickly. There are fingerprints on the books. Remnants of food on the pages. Signs of life everywhere.

As Pastor Melissa Malcolm reflected near their one-year anniversary:

“It is hard to see in the picture, but there are fingerprints and remnants of food all over this book.

We are one week away from our 1 year anniversary at The Table of Kingsport! We average 110 a week where we strive to provide Community, Food, Jesus, so people can Belong, Believe and Be Hope in this community.”

The Table is not polished.

It is alive.

Beautiful Diversity from the Beginning

The very first night told the story of what this community would become. Melissa described it with two simple words: “Beautiful diversity.”

There was diversity in age, race, social status, and life experiences. A child beamed with joy after receiving a bouquet of flowers she admired from the table. A young man with special needs returned for a second week and leaned forward with a smile when the Jesus story was shared. Hugs and love were exchanged between a homeless man and someone who was financially secure. A couple living out of their car not only enjoyed a warm meal together but thoughtfully suggested the church keep Narcan on hand to better care for friends battling addiction. Sorrow and heartache were shared openly and received with grace and empathy rather than judgment.

Nearly a third of the guests that first evening were under the age of 20, and three young people immediately asked how they could return and serve. During the meal, Melissa observed something profound:

“During the meal, there is no us and them. We all sit at the tables mixed together.”

What began that night was more than a dinner. It was the creation of an unconditional loving culture in a neighborhood that knows too much pain and suffering.

Church Shaped Around a Table

Launched in July 2024 in the former Community United Methodist Church building, The Table of Kingsport is a Fresh Expression centered on hospitality.

Each Monday includes a free meal served around round tables intentionally arranged for conversation rather than anonymity. Midway through the evening, a simple and accessible story about Jesus is shared. Prayer is woven naturally into the gathering, never forced but always present. There is no rush to close the night. People linger. Conversations continue long after plates are cleared.

What began with 20 people saying “yes” to creating this kind of space has grown into a weekly average of 110 neighbors gathering together. Melissa reflects, "Jesus built this place. He is working in us and those who are becoming part of this community in amazing ways.”

More Than a Meal

The Table functions as more than a Monday gathering. It carries forward the legacy of ministry in that building while stepping into a new future — one rooted not in rows, but in circles.

Here, church looks like shared laughter and honest grief. It looks like young people stepping into leadership and neighbors caring for one another’s practical needs. It looks like a community where faith conversations happen naturally because trust has been built over time.

In a world increasingly divided, The Table of Kingsport reminds us that when we center community, food, and Jesus, people don’t just attend.

They belong.
They believe.

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Questions to Ask on the Anniversary of Your Fresh Expression

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:00:12 GMT

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?

About the Author

J.R. Briggs

Laundry Love (St. Cloud, FL): A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:09 GMT

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?

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Missional Entrepreneurship in Action: A Fresh Expression Immersion Experience at Ridgetop Coffee and Tea

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:22:00 GMT

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?”

To deepen learning, participants engaged in a “Thinking Hats” exercise—examining ideas through multiple lenses of facts, hopes, challenges, and creativity—to move beyond debate and toward collaborative discernment. (Learn more about this leadership tool here ) In addition, they also took part in focused deep dives on church real estate (with Foundry Commercial ), business planning (with Personal Finance Reimagined ), ideation and innovation with an expert in organizational innovation, cultivating supportive church culture with two innovative judicatory leaders, and social enterprise best practices (with The Common Place ).

Throughout the week, worship, prayer, storytelling, and table conversations wove together the spiritual and practical dimensions of this work. Leaders shared emerging projects, including: arts studios in partnership with local artists; a day program for adults with special needs that may evolve into a missional business; a food pantry and community hub paired with Messy Church family faith exploration; and a congregation exploring a partnership with assisted living to embed mission and chaplaincy within a senior living facility.

Dr. Kevin Griffin, pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, had this to say about the experience:

“This amazing conference was welcoming, inspiring, and insightful.

My team grew immensely and are looking forward to future learning opportunities.”

Fresh Expressions is deeply grateful for o ur partnership with National Capital Presbytery in convening this event and remain committed to exploring how mission and enterprise can co-exist—creating diverse, faithful spaces where God’s kingdom can emerge and flourish.

About the Author

Shannon Kiser serves as the Senior Director of Fresh Expressions North America, where she brings decades of experience training and coaching leaders in mission innovation. Shannon is the author of Opening Space and co-author of Planting Hope Here, and is a sought-after trainer, speaker, and coach for leaders navigating adaptive change and seeking to start missional initiatives. She also serves on the pastoral staff of Riverside Presbyterian Church in Sterling, VA, a bilingual (English/Spanish) congregation engaged in multiple fresh expressions of church and community hospitality through Ridgetop Coffee and Tea. Shannon resides in suburban Washington DC.

Shannon Kiser

A Rural Church Finds Its Rhythm

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:19:55 GMT

What if church began by listening to the passions already shaping a community?

In this episode, Sharon White shares how a small rural congregation in Waco, Georgia, discovered that bluegrass music was a doorway to belonging. What started as prayerful curiosity grew into the West Georgia Opry, a weekly gathering where music, story, and hospitality now draw nearly 100 people in a town of just 500.

This is a story of paying attention, trusting the Spirit, and discovering how church can take shape far beyond Sunday morning.

Rev. Sharon White is Senior Pastor of Midway United Methodist Church in Douglasville, Georgia. Shaped by her rural church roots, she leads with a passion for creative, inclusive ministry and cultivating fresh expressions of church beyond traditional walls. She has pioneered initiatives like Bluegrass Church , blending Appalachian music, storytelling, and Christian hospitality. Grounded in United Methodist tradition, Sharon empowers laity and helps communities discover joyful, accessible ways of being church.

This season, we’re diving into the streams of Fresh Expressions — from senior adults and recovery ministry, to arts, outdoors, recreation, and more. Each month, you’ll hear directly from practitioners who are navigating these fresh ways of being church in the world. Their stories will spark your imagination and encourage you to see where God is already at work in your community and how you might join in! So whether you’re a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about how church can thrive beyond the walls, join us for Season seven of the Fresh Expressions Podcast.

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Do you feel a spark of possibility for a Fresh Expression of Church—something outside the walls, uniquely shaped for your community? Learn more at Fresh Expression Incubators .

Email us : podcasts@freshexpressions.com

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Questions to Ask Before Starting a Fresh Expression

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:22:33 GMT

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.)?

About the Author

J.R. Briggs

Guard Against the Drift

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:54:28 GMT

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?

About the Author

Josh Gering serves as the Coordinator of Recruitment for the Dinner Church Collective. He is also a pastor at Bethel Church in Centrala, WA. He has helped plant 5 dinner churches and also leads the Northwest Ministry Network Dinner Church planting initiative by coaching, training, and resourcing dinner church leaders throughout the Northwest. He is a graduate of the Dinner Church School of Leadership and has a Masters degree from Kairos University in Christian Leadership.

Josh Gering

Runner's Church: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:50:18 GMT

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.

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

“We Are Old and Tired”… But What If God is Calling Us Anyway?

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:20:35 GMT

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.

About the Author

Shannon Kiser serves as the Senior Director of Fresh Expressions North America, leading a team of mission strategists and trainers to equip churches for innovative, missional engagement. She is also on the pastoral staff of Riverside Presbyterian Church in Sterling, VA—a bilingual (English/Spanish) congregation that embodies hospitality through Ridgetop Coffee and Tea and several fresh expressions of church. An ICF-certified coach, Shannon supports ministry leaders and church teams through adaptive change and mission-focused coaching. She lives in Springfield, VA, with her husband and enjoys time outdoors, pickleball, gardening, traveling, and her neighborhood swim club.

Shannon Kiser

Grace, Doubt, and Leadership on the Big Screen

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:00:26 GMT

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.

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Movies & Chat: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 02:59:50 GMT

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.

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called?

Mo vies & Chat

Where is it?

St. Paul, MN

Who is it for?

This Fresh Expression is for spirttually curious individuals—many of whom are not connected to a church—who are drawn to meaningful conversation, storytelling, and community. It creates a welcoming space for people of diverse backgrounds to explore life’s deeper questions through film and dialogue. Movies & Chats is especially suited for those seeking connection without the pressure of traditional religious structures.

What do they do?
Movies & Chats hosts monthly film screenings followed by open, thoughtful conversations in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Through shared storytelling and dialogue, the group fosters connection, curiosity, and community beyond the walls of traditional church.

Who is the Pioneer?
Dave McEachron

Where can I learn more?

Movies & Chat

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

A Place at the Table

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 03:16:19 GMT

I have spent a large portion of my studies exploring visual theology, especially in the context of worship. What is the proper place of images in our devotion, and how do they communicate the Gospel message in and of themselves? When I come across an image that particularly moves me, I take notice.

I was recently visiting with life-long friends from my college days. For many of those years, we lived in a tight fellowship around mission, music, conversation—and yes, around a table. Whether in a college dining hall or other mealtime moments, we shared something profoundly connective as we gathered for food and fellowship.

Formed Around a Table

Within hours of my visit, their daughter Anna Rose posted a print of a piece of art she created, and I was immediately taken by its composition. The piece is entitled A Place at the Table , and it captured my attention at once. (She is a gifted artist and entrepreneur, and I would commend her work for your consideration: https://www.goodseedcraftco.com .)

It is easy to feel isolated, disconnected, and alone in this chaotic world. We have more means of communication than ever, and yet, as U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy has reported, we are living through an epidemic of isolation and loneliness. He writes:

People began to tell me they felt isolated, invisible, and insignificant. Even when they couldn’t put their finger on the word “lonely,” time and time again, people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, from every corner of the country, would tell me, “I have to shoulder all of life’s burdens by myself,” or “if I disappear tomorrow, no one will even notice.”

(There is an 82-page report on this epidemic of isolation available here )

A solitary existence lessens us and detaches us from true community and connection. All of us, at some level, are wired for relationship. We can recall the creation account in Genesis 2:18, where God says, “It is not good that humanity should be alone.” We were created with a deep need to belong—to family, to community. In this broken and complicated world, that need often becomes distorted, and we try to fill it with other things. The pandemic accelerated this, as have social media and now artificial intelligence.

God With Us

Though Christmas may be in the rear-view mirror, we would do well to remember its central message: Emmanuel—God with us. The entire biblical narrative is anchored in this truth. God created us in His image for fellowship with Him. We fractured that relationship through disobedience, and the rest of Scripture is fundamentally about restoration—about God drawing us back into the relationships we were made for, with Him and with one another. The biblical promise, ultimately, is the promise of God’s presence.

Jesus embodied this reality through a ministry of with-ness. He was with people regardless of their allegiances, social status, gender, faith, or lack thereof. He was with sinners and tax collectors, traitors and the infirmed, Roman soldiers, uneducated fishermen, and learned scholars alike.

A Place at the Table

Many of the stories of Jesus unfold around food and shared meals, which brings us back to A Place at the Table. The artwork captures a vision of community gathered around a meal—perhaps strangers, perhaps lifelong friends, perhaps family. This is the heart of the Dinner Church mission. It portrays a table where lives are nourished—body, soul, mind, and spirit.

Some recent statistics suggest a renewed interest in Christianity, and I hope and pray that is true. Still, there are many who will never darken the door of a Sunday morning church service. For them, it is unfamiliar terrain—something they do not understand or feel equipped to navigate. Honestly, I do not believe that is what Jesus intended. The Church is not a building, nor is it confined to a Sunday morning experience. It is something more.

I’ve found myself saying this often lately: the Church is a community of faith—people doing life together with Kingdom purpose and mission. It is a 24/7 reality, a place of life, hope, comfort, and peace in Christ Jesus.

While some may hesitate to enter a traditional worship service, many will make room to share a meal and experience genuine community when given the invitation. This is why the Dinner Church mission is so essential. It is a place of connection with Almighty God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs. Everyone has a place at the table.

About the Author

Rev. Canon Jon Davis, PhD. coordinates major Fresh Expression events, training and resources for the Dinner Church Collective and is a mission strategist and trainer on the Fresh Expressions team. He is an Episcopal priest serving as the part-time Rector of historic St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palatka, Florida. Jon is an affiliate professor with Kairos University. He has expertise in youth ministry, worship and liturgy (PhD focus), church growth and planting, missions and more. He is an engaging speaker, writer, worship leader and ministry trainer. He and his wife Beth live on a little farm in Oviedo, Florida.

Jon Davis

Loon Mountain Ministry: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 22:05:38 GMT

In Lincoln, New Hampshire, church doesn’t always start with a steeple or a sanctuary. Sometimes it starts in a lift line. Sometimes it starts over hot coffee. Sometimes it begins when two strangers realize they’re chasing the same joy down the same slope.

Loon Mountain Ministry (LMM) is a Fresh Expression of Church that seeks to relationally live out the truth of Jesus Christ within the community at Loon Mountain Resort. For more than 30 years, LMM has served the spiritual and community needs of skiers, snowboarders, and vacationers who gather in the mountain resort area—many of whom would never attend a traditional service.

Founded with a vision inspired by God, the ministry’s mission is simple and compelling: love God, serve the community, and enjoy the mountains. LMM offers church services, outreach, and spiritual care directly in the ski resort setting, making faith accessible within a culture shaped by recreation, seasonal rhythms, and shared experience.

This is what it looks like when the Church stops waiting for people to come—and instead shows up where people already are.

The mountains create a shared language

One of the most remarkable dynamics of Loon Mountain Ministry is how naturally the mountain creates connection. People who might never speak to each other in any other setting find themselves laughing, waiting, and celebrating side-by-side.

Marcus Corey, a pioneer and ski resort chaplain, describes it this way:

“Anytime you enter the mountains it creates a shared common experience. ... it’s one of the only places where a billionaire and a bum are high-fiving each other stoked to be together…”

Fresh Expressions leaders often talk about starting with listening, presence, and relationships —and LMM is a living example. The mountain becomes an environment where people are already open, already present, already sharing life. The Church doesn’t have to manufacture community. It can simply join what’s already happening.

And that shared experience becomes the soil for spiritual conversation.

“Shared common experiences are what create relationships and relationships are the rails in which the gospel can penetrate into someone’s personal life…” - Marcus Corey

From the summit to Main Street: a thrift store and coffee shop that sustains mission

Loon Mountain Ministry isn’t only present on the slopes. It’s also building tangible points of connection in town—especially through a venture that’s deeply relevant for churches exploring sustainability and innovation.

Marcus says plainly:

“…our ministry is supported by a thrift and coffee shop.”

This matters for pastors and denominational leaders who are asking real questions:

How do we create spaces that build community and support ministry?
What might it look like to combine hospitality, presence, and sustainability?
How can “church” take shape through everyday, relational spaces?

A thrift store and coffee shop is more than a creative idea—it’s a missional platform . It’s a place where people naturally gather, trust forms over time, and faith can be encountered in the midst of daily life. It’s also a model of how entrepreneurial imagination can serve the mission rather than distract from it.

And it offers a surprisingly simple invitation: “If you’re a coffee drinker please come up and have coffee coffee with us."

Why this is doable: start with what people already love

Loon Mountain Ministry didn’t begin as a complicated strategy. It began as a faithful response to a real context. The ministry bridges the gap between recreation and worship by recognizing that God is already present in creation and community—and that spiritual openness often emerges through shared experiences.

Marcus describes his calling as:

“I’ve really been on a life long journey of making the Creator known in his creation."

This is the heart of Fresh Expressions: discovering the places where the Gospel can be embodied naturally —in networks, passions, third spaces, and everyday life. Whether your community gathers around mountains, music, meals, art, fitness, or coffee, the invitation is the same: pay attention to what people already love, and ask what it looks like to follow Jesus there.

“…you don’t have to be a skier you just have to love Jesus

and be willing to follow him where he takes you…” - Marcus Corey

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called?

Loon Mountain Ministry

Where is it?

Lincoln, New Hampshire

Who is it for?

Loon Mountain Ministry is for people whose lives are already shaped by the rhythms of mountain life—skiers, snowboarders, seasonal workers, locals, and visitors who find meaning, connection, and joy outdoors but may never step into a traditional church. It’s for those who experience openness and wonder through shared adventure and conversation, where relationships form naturally and faith can be explored without pressure.

What do they do?
Loon Mountain Ministry shows up where mountain life happens, offering relational presence, worship, and spiritual care within the ski resort culture and surrounding community. They create shared experiences—on the slopes, in lift lines, and around coffee—that build relationships and open space for meaningful conversations about faith. Through both outdoor ministry and a thrift store and coffee shop, they embody church in everyday life rather than asking people to come to a building.

Who is the Pioneer?
Marcus Corey and his family Heidi, Abishai, Hadi, Jesse love God, love living in the White Mountains and love all the people that come and go from our beautiful home. They are AT thru hikers, passionate skiers, and outdoor adventurers. The Corey family mission is “See, Go, Enter, Touch, Heal, Commune, Repeat”. It comes from what God told Ananias in Acts 9.

Where can I learn more?

Loon Mountain Ministry

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Paddling Toward Purpose: Missional Entrepreneurship and the Church

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 03:38:46 GMT

What if the things you already love could become the very place God’s mission comes alive?

Mindy and Nathan Heimer share how a passion for paddle boarding, their love for God, and deep care for their community have come together to form a beautiful ecosystem—one where God’s mission is growing and their business is blossoming.

In this episode, we explore what it looks like when vocation, faith, and everyday life intersect, and how paying attention to what you already love can open unexpected doors for mission.

Nathan and Mindy Heimer are the owners and founders of A Stoked Life! A Stoked Life has many different layers to it, two of which are a paddleboard rental and retail business with a coffee shop inside, and a New Worshipping Community. The goal is to create a place for people to belong before they believe - and do all of that with a bit of adventure! Both Nathan and Mindy are Colorado natives and love nothing more than spending time in God’s creation. They have two boys who keep them busy and love to be with them.

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Do you feel a spark of possibility for a Fresh Expression of Church—something outside the walls, uniquely shaped for your community? Join us this February for a Fresh Expression Incubator focused on Recreation & Fitness. This 2.5-hour workshopping session will help you move from dream to first steps. Learn more at Fresh Expression Incubators .

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Crossing the Discipleship Chasm With Matt Lake

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:41:21 GMT

Pastor Matt Lake shares his journey of building a discipleship pathway and uncovering unexpected gaps that led to deep self-assessment and growth. In this candid conversation, Matt unpacks how starting Fresh Expressions reshaped his church’s understanding of following Jesus. His story offers both challenge and encouragement to leaders ready to ask hard questions and embrace transformation.

Matt Lake serves as the Lead Pastor of First Church of Williamsport, PA. First Church also currently hosts a network of fresh expressions of ministry called the Acts Network. Matt has worked with a variety of churches in consultant and coaching roles and has a passion to see God’s Kingdom impacted through lives transformed in the love of Jesus Christ. He is a Mission Strategist & Trainer with Fresh Expressions NA.

In Season 6, we're diving into discipleship—exploring what it means to follow Jesus and share Jesus in our everyday lives and how churches can cultivate a culture of discipleship that is more than curriculum within their communities.

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The Table @ Ocean Shores: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:50:56 GMT

The Table @ Ocean Shores story was updated on January 5th, 2026 .

In a coastal town where storms roll in quickly and many neighbors carry quiet stories of loss, isolation, or mistrust of church, a table has become holy ground.

The Table @ Ocean Shores gathers each week in Ocean Shores —not for a traditional worship service, but for a shared meal. What began as a simple act of hospitality has grown into a Dinner Church community where dignity is restored, relationships are formed, and faith is given room to breathe.

As Sandy Johnson describes the heart behind the gathering, the vision is clear and deeply rooted in prayer.

“God told us He was going to restore the dignity in these people—that they would know they are created in His image,” Sandy says.

That conviction shapes everything about The Table—from the way guests are welcomed, to how food is shared, to the unhurried pace of the evening. The goal has never been to run a program, but to create space where people can rediscover their worth and encounter the love of God in tangible ways.

Formation Before Fruit

Before the table was ever set, God was already at work.

Looking back, Sandy reflects on the slower, quieter formation that shaped the beginnings of The Table.

“God wanted to do some work in us before He would do the work through us,” Sandy remembers.

Learning as Part of a Wider Movement

In the fall of 2025, Sandy attended the Dinner Church Summit, joining leaders from across the country who are discovering again that the Gospel often travels best across shared tables. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “Dinner Church Summit 2025 is in the books. It was inspiring, encouraging, and helpful with resources and ideas from other Dinner Church leaders. I’m blessed to have been a part of it.”

That encouragement and shared wisdom continue to shape the life of The Table—reinforcing that this work is not done in isolation, but as part of a wider movement learning together how hospitality, presence, and faithfulness in ordinary spaces can open the door to transformation.

Centered on Jesus, Around the Table

What continues to unfold at The Table @ Ocean Shores is a reminder that church doesn’t become shallow when it becomes simple. In fact, the opposite has proven true.

Responding to the common misconception that Dinner Church is a diluted expression of faith, Sandy puts it plainly

“It’s not gospel light. How much deeper into the gospel can you get than Jesus?” — Sandy Johnson

Here, the Gospel is encountered not through performance or polish, but through presence—through Jesus meeting people where they are, restoring dignity, forming community, and inviting transformation over time.

The Table @ Ocean Shores continues to be a place where church looks less like a program and more like family—where faith grows at the speed of trust, and grace keeps showing up, one meal at a time.

That posture—of listening, waiting, and being shaped—continues to define the community’s rhythm today.

Dinner is served at 5:00 PM , creating space for people to arrive as they are and settle into conversation. Around 5:40 , a short Jesus story and prayer are shared—not as a sermon, but as a gentle invitation woven into the life of the meal. Dessert follows, and then the evening opens wide.

There is no formal ending time. People linger. Stories are told. Trust deepens. Cleanup doesn’t begin until it’s mostly the regulars and the team still gathered—a quiet acknowledgment that belonging isn’t rushed here, and relationships matter more than schedules.

A Year Marked by Transformation

As 2025 came to a close, The Table gathered on New Year’s Eve and paused to reflect on the year behind them. An end-of-year survey was shared—not to measure success, but to listen for how God has been moving among the people gathered around the table.

What emerged told a powerful story.

Over the course of the year:

13 people said yes to following Jesus
15 people recommitted their lives to faith
6 people expressed a desire to be baptized
16 people shared interest in joining a Bible study

These numbers represent names, faces, and stories—neighbors who once stood at a distance from church and are now leaning in with curiosity, openness, and hope. Reflecting on the impact of the year, the response from leadership was simple and sincere: “I’m blown away by the impact Dinner Church is having in our community. Thank you, Jesus.”

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called ?
The Table @ Ocean Shores

Where is it?
Ocean Shores, WA

Who is it for?
People in and around Ocean Shores who carry stories of disconnection, hurt, hunger, or mistrust of church—neighbors who may not feel at home in traditional worship spaces but are open to community, conversation, and faith explored at a table. This includes families, single parents, retirees, those navigating addiction or recovery, and anyone longing to be seen, known, and welcomed.

What do they do?
The Table @ Ocean Shores gathers weekly around a shared meal. Dinner is served at 5:00 PM, followed by a short Jesus story and prayer woven naturally into the evening. Dessert opens space for unhurried conversation, relationship-building, and spiritual curiosity. There is no formal ending time—people linger, trust deepens, and faith grows at the pace of relationship.

Who is the Pioneer?
Sandy and Gary Johnson

Where can I learn more?

The Table at Ocean Shores

Restoring Dignity Through Dinner Church (Dinner Church Podcast Episode)

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Preparing the Soil: Lessons from Wesley’s Fields for the Church Today

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:17:43 GMT

I’m the granddaughter of a grower, a horticulturist, and a pioneer who supplied the Eastern United States with delicious fruit and beautiful plants for decades. Growing up, I learned early that fertile fields don’t just happen—you prepare them. You walk the boundaries, test the soil, remove the rocks, and pray for rain. You learn to trust that the seeds you plant will bear fruit in time. That rhythm—preparing, sowing, tending, and trusting—has shaped how I see the church and the mission of God.

Jesus tells a story in Matthew 13 about a sower who scatters seed with generous abandon. Some falls on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good soil that produces an abundant harvest. The sower’s work is not to force the growth, but to prepare the soil and make room for the Spirit’s increase. I think that’s what we’re doing in the Fresh Expressions movement—cultivating the kind of soil where the gospel can take root in the hearts of people who might never find their way into a sanctuary.

When the Fields Called Wesley

In the spring of 1739, John Wesley faced his own “field moment.” His friend George Whitefield invited him to preach outside the walls of the church—literally, in the open air—to miners and laborers who would never set foot in an Anglican parish. Wesley was hesitant. He had been formed as an Anglican priest, faithful to the order and rhythm of the church. But when he saw the crowds who were spiritually hungry yet far from the pews, he wrote in his Journal:

“At four in the afternoon I submitted to be more vile, and proclaimed in the highways the glad tidings of salvation.”
— John Wesley’s Journal, April 2, 1739

Today, fewer than 1 in 3 Americans attend church services regularly, with only about 20% attending weekly and over half (57%) rarely or never participating in traditional religious gatherings. Meanwhile, nearly 30% of Americans now identify as religiously unaffiliated—a number that continues to rise each year. https://news.gallup.com/poll/642548/church-attendance-declined-religious-groups.aspx

Yet, research consistently shows strong spiritual curiosity. For example, a recent study found that 66% of U.S. adults—even across generations—say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important today, and nearly a third of all Americans consider themselves “spiritually curious” despite not attending church. https://georgebarna.com/2025/02/most-americans-believe-in-a-supreme-power/

These trends echo the challenge that John Wesley faced—many people are unlikely to come inside church walls, but they remain deeply open to spiritual conversations and new expressions of Christian community outside traditional settings.

That moment changed everything. Wesley didn’t abandon the Church of England; he sought to renew it from within by reaching those it had overlooked. His heart was not to create a rival church, but to extend the reach of grace—in his words to, “spread scriptural holiness throughout the land.” He knew the gospel could not be contained within the walls of even the most faithful parish. That is the beauty of the Methodist movement and perhaps what I most highly regard in Wesley’s theology. This important contribution to contemporary to Christian theogy is a both/and ness or as Wesley scholar Paul Chilcote refers to it “conjunctive theology” rather than either/or theology, that fleshes itself out in practical ways across our bridgebuilding tradition.

Preparing the Soil Then and Now

Wesley’s decision to take to the fields was not rebellion—it was reclamation. Both/And. He understood, as Jesus taught in Matthew 13, that the Word of God often meets resistance, but when the soil is ready, it multiplies thirty, sixty, even a hundredfold. The condition of the soil, in fact, did not prevent the Sower from scattering it generously if even perhaps, haphazardly.

Wesley began organizing those who responded into small groups, or “societies, class meetings, and bands” where people could confess their sins, hear the stories and learn the ways of Jesus, and care for one another. Those early Methodists became gardeners of grace—cultivating holiness through community, discipline, and mission.

That same pattern continues today in Fresh Expressions of church. We’re not creating something entirely new; we’re tending the fields Wesley and the circuit riders once rode through, believing again that God’s grace precedes us, is already at work, and wants to reach every person, in every place. We need only tend the soil of our communities. Whether it’s a dinner church, a running group, a recovery circle, or a coffee shop community, these expressions of church echo Wesley’s field preaching: going to where people are, not waiting for them to come to us.

Sent in Pairs: Luke 10 and the Circuit Riders

When Jesus sent out the seventy-two in Luke 10, He gave them clear instructions: “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves… Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.” (Luke 10:3–4) He told them to rely on the hospitality of others, to speak peace, and to heal. The mission was mobile, relational, and dependent on the Spirit.

Those instructions could easily describe the circuit riders of early Methodism. They traveled light, trusted God to provide, and sought out people who hadn’t heard the good news. They were sent to proclaim grace, form communities of faith, and nurture discipleship in barns, taverns, and on front porches. Quite frankly, this depended on the everyday Christian and the ministry of the laity. The only way the Methodist movement was able to move across the American landscape was due to the empowerment of the laity. Today is no different. The people called Methodist speak to this value in our connectional system. These fresh expressions of church are one more way we can empower and deploy our laity while recapturing our Wesleyan roots like the circuit riders who paved the way for us today.

Where might God be calling you to cultivate the soil in your own community?
Who are the people on the edges—the ones who aren’t coming to church but whom Jesus longs to reach?
How might you go, as Wesley did, to where the people already are?

The circuit riders’ lives were marked by both grit and grace. They rode hundreds of miles through harsh weather, often sleeping outdoors (and sometimes even on horseback), driven by a conviction that no soul should be out of reach of grace. Their legacy reminds us that innovation in mission is never about novelty for its own sake—it’s about love that refuses to be limited by buildings or boundaries. Today’s Fresh Expressions pioneers share that same resilient spirit, seeking out the people and places where grace permeates the soil and seeds beg to break through.

Cultivating Fields of Renewal

Wesley often said, “The world is my parish.” It was both a statement of boldness and humility. He didn’t mean he owned the world; he meant the world was entrusted to him as a field of mission. Every village, every person, every pub, every workplace—each was soil in which the Spirit was at work.

Today, our fields might look different—online spaces, neighborhood parks, assisted living facilities, tattoo parlors, or CrossFit gyms—but the call remains the same: to cultivate soil where grace can grow. When we experiment with new forms of church, we’re not forsaking the old fields; we’re expanding the boundaries of the parish.

A Call to Go and Grow

As the granddaughter of a grower, I know that preparing soil is slow, patient work. You can’t rush a harvest. You have to tend to what’s beneath the surface, trusting that God is already at work long before the first green shoots appear.

As a Methodist, I recognize the same pattern in Wesley’s movement. His ministry took root because he went to the people and nurtured what God was already growing. Fresh Expressions today are simply another season in that same story—another generation of Methodists called to go, to till, to tend, and to trust.

“I look upon all the world as my parish; thus far I mean, that, in whatever part of it I am, I judge it meet, right, and my bounden duty to declare unto all that are willing to hear, the glad tidings of salvation.”
— John Wesley, Journal, June 11, 1739

As Jesus said to His followers in Luke 10, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Luke 10:2) The same is true today. The harvest fields around us are ripe—with people longing for belonging, meaning, and hope. The invitation is simple: Go. Prepare the soil. Trust that God is already scattering seed generously.

For the “both/and” Wesleys, John and his brother Charles, there was no holiness apart from social holiness. Put another way, there was no holiness of heart apart from life. The linchpin, “The only thing that counts is faith working itself out through love.”-- Galatians 5:6 For the Wesley’s, holiness of heart and life is the goal toward which every Christian life should move.

Ask God to show you one “field” near you where the soil might be ready.
It could be a local café, a dog park, a recovery meeting, or a place you already spend time. Pray for the people there. Listen for their stories. Ask God how you might join God to bring peace and presence, not programs and plans.

Because the same Spirit that sent Wesley to the fields is still sending us—

into the world that is, even now, God’s parish.

About the Author

Rev. Dr. Heather Jallad is the Director of Training for Fresh Expressions. She is a Regional Developer for the North Georgia Conference of the UMC. She co-pioneered The Table Community Dinner in Grayson, GA, pioneered the Common Ground Network, a network of fresh expressions in Johns Creek, GA and The Douglasville Dinner Church in Douglasville, GA. She holds a BA in Mass Communications from University of South Florida, an MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a DMin in Church Renewal and Fresh Expressions from United Theological Seminary. She and her husband Marten have been married for 31 years and have two daughters.

Heather Jallad

Listening First: Prayer, Patience, and Pastoring a Rural Church Plant

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 14:40:29 GMT

What if faithfulness in rural ministry isn’t about moving faster—but about listening longer?

In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we hear from PJ and Melanie, two co-pastors planting a church in southwestern Virginia who have learned to let prayer, patience, and presence set the pace. They share honestly about discerning God’s leading, choosing slowness in a culture that rewards speed, and remaining open to change—even when it’s uncomfortable or costly. Their story is a reminder that deep roots are formed through intentional prayer, trust in God’s timing, and the courage to adapt for the sake of the people God has placed before us.

Patrick “PJ” Johnson serves as a network administrator for Scott County Public Schools, Lead Pastor of Uplift Church in Weber City, Virginia, and an adjunct faculty member at the Appalachian School of Theology. He and his wife, Amanda, planted Uplift Church in their home in 2012. Patrick and Amanda have been married for 24 years and have four daughters.

Melanie McMurray is married to her husband, Matt, and is raising three children, Elijah, Elan, and Salem. She serves as an administrator in Scott County Public Schools and as the children’s ministry director at Uplift Church. Melanie is also stepping into a new role as vice president of the Appalachian School of Theology.

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Messy Church & Fresh Expressions–Making Space for Faith in Everyday Life

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:55:05 GMT

What happens when faith is formed through creativity, curiosity, and hands-on participation rather than rows and sermons?

In this episode, Heather sits down with Crystal Goetz to explore the shared heartbeat between Messy Church and Fresh Expressions. Together they unpack how intergenerational, creative, and hands-on spaces cultivate openness, curiosity, and connection—often in places far beyond a traditional sanctuary. Crystal shares surprising stories of discipleship that unfolds across generations and reflects on how participatory, experiential communities naturally invite people into belonging from the very beginning.

Crystal Goetz is a session writer, ambassador, and trainer for Messy Church USA, bringing her long-time experience as a Family Ministries Director into creating inclusive content and launching Messy Churches in unconventional community spaces. When she’s not immersed in all things Messy Church, she enjoys making junk journals and reclaimed paper ephemera, watching English football with a cup of tea, and traveling or playing games with her family. Crystal often says, “Messy Church is my church,” finding deep meaning in its interactive, inquisitive nature and dedicating herself to helping Messy Churches grow and thrive for years to come.

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It's About Time ...

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:30:08 GMT

Advent has become my favorite season in the church calendar. It is the first step in the cycle of light as darkness is dispelled. We often begin the Advent season with these words from Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Advent focuses on preparation for the 2nd Advent of Christ and his return, the consummation of the Kingdom of God. We are also preparing to celebrate His 1st coming; Christmas and Incarnation, a mission to redeem & rescue humanity. Advent Spirituality has various themes; expectation, preparation, reflection and most of all Advent is anchored in HOPE.

Romans 13:11-14 reminds us: You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness & put on the armor of light; It’s About TIME!

Advent calls us to see time not only in calendar days but through the lens of eternity, with an eternal perspective. Hope draws us into a holy longing to see God’s Kingdom come and God’s will being done as in heaven, so on earth. Sometimes this world can be hard, cold, painful, unjust and cruel. We suffer in a harsh and sometimes brutal environment which seems even more so in these days of cultural and political polarization and divide. We often sense a brokeness that we don’t know how to mend. Yet, in Advent we are reminded that this is not the ultimate reality and we are invited to long for a world made new by the grace of God.

I’ve lived in Florida for nearly forty years, a place where beauty surrounds me on every coastline—even if hurricanes visit more often than I would like. However I grew up in North Georgia. I’ve always been a mountain boy at heart, most at home in the rarefied air of high altitudes. I may live in a state where the highest mountain is Disney’s Space Mountain, but part of me will always be more at home in steep elevations, peaks and crags and navigating winding, switchback roads.

I get glimpses in pictures, postcards and visits to places like Banner Elk, North Carolina or Jackson Hole, Wyoming and the Grand Tetons and now, after a bucket list trip to Scotland, the Scottish Highlands! They create in me a deep longing, reminding me there’s another world beyond the flat land where I now dwell, a vertical world where my heart has taken up residence. I carry these images with me, in my head and on my phone as a reminder of the joy I find in these places.

Jesus gave us an equivalent of a collection of postcards from home. In parables, meals, moments of healing, and boundary-crossing conversations, Jesus gave us glimpses of life in God’s kingdom—images starkly at odds with the world as it is. Through prayers, silence, contemplation, deep community and friendships, we can be transported to touch a life where there is no more pain or suffering, no more disease of grief, no more heartache, no more death. Jesus’ stories and interactions serve as a reminder that the world will not always be the way it is.

And this kingdom is not only for “the sweet by-and-by.” It is breaking in now . Though we may not yet experience the absence of darkness, we can attend to the glimpses and manifestations of the light of Christ now. Fresh Expressions has this kingdom focus as we see people coming to faith, being welcomed and becoming a part of a faith community, doing life together, exploring the higher aspirations of God’s Kingdom. Whether it’s at a coffee shop, a playground, a gym, a dinner table, you name it - we are seeing the world changed, one life at a time. If one of God’s attributes is that God is truly omnipresent (meaning God is everywhere), we cannot confine God to Sunday mornings and a building where the church meets. Jesus commissioned the church to; go and make disciples and this happens anywhere and at any time. Fresh Expressions is truly an Advent Mission positioned with light and hope in a world desperate for both. We have our own “snapshots” of Kingdom life ( you are welcome to enjoy these stories here ).

So in these Advent days, we hope; we trust; we are encouraged. We open the scrapbook, Kingdom Postcards of God’s promises and remember the world to which we truly belong.

Hebrews 11 reminds us that our spiritual ancestors “saw the promises from a distance and welcomed them,” longing for a better country, a city and heavenly residence. We too are sojourners—citizens of a kingdom still coming, yet already at work among us. As Augustine would say, We long for The City of God !

Advent is a season of promise. And at Christmas that promise is realized in Jesus. A seminary professor once asked, “Did Jesus fulfill all the Messianic prophecies?” The answer was, “Not yet—but He fulfilled enough of them to assure us that He will fulfill the all of them.” Will this world be made right? Will pain and suffering someday be no more? You betcha!

We glimpse it now where self-giving love turns the other cheek, extends grace, crosses barriers, and turns strangers into friends. This is how the Kingdom comes…and we see this happening daily through the Fresh Expressions movement.

Advent gives us a promise to hold. Let us cling to it with hope and expectation as each week we light another candle and through our lives, manifest that light in the world.

About the Author

Jon Davis

5 Reasons to Start a Fresh Expression—Even in Chaotic Times

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:26:32 GMT

I’ll never forget the conversations my spouse and I had about whether to have a child. Were we ready? Did we have enough saved? What about our busy schedules? There were plenty of reasons we could rattle off that would suggest we wait. But here’s what we realized: if we waited for the “perfect time,” we’d never take the leap.

New life is never born out of perfect circumstances. Rather, it’s born out of love, courage, and trust that God will provide what we need along the way.

The same is true for the church. With cultural shifts, financial uncertainty, and so much change in the air, it might feel like now is the worst time to try something new on the edges of your current mission and ministry. But in reality, it may be the best time. Here are five reasons why:

1. People are spiritually hungry.

If you’re in church every week, it can feel like the only people who care about God are the ones already there—the faithful few who show up, serve on committees, and keep things running. From inside the walls, it may look like nobody else is interested.

But step outside, and you’ll see a different picture.

Spiritual hunger is everywhere. It’s the young professional who scrolls through mindfulness podcasts late at night because she’s desperate for peace. It’s the neighbor who keeps a crystal on his desk because he’s looking for healing and energy. It’s the retiree who spends hours on ancestry sites because he’s searching for connection and meaning. It’s the college student asking, “What’s my purpose?” while nursing anxiety over the future.

These are people longing for hope, belonging, and something deeper than what they’re finding. They may not be coming to church—but that doesn’t mean they aren’t hungry for God.

The question is: are we willing to meet them in their hunger?

2. Passions can be what makes faith come alive

What if the things that make you come alive—whether it’s hiking, painting, cooking, or playing cards with friends—weren’t “extras” to squeeze in after “real life,” but places where God’s Spirit is inviting us to sink in and explore with others.

We live in a dis-integrated world, where we are not sure how our work life, family life, free time, and faith connect. But Fresh Expressions weave together the things that bring you joy, the God who is the source of that joy, and the people around you who may discover faith through those very same passions. What if God never meant for life to be so divided?

In a fractured world, Fresh Expressions bring wholeness. They remind us that God doesn’t just show up in sanctuaries—God shows up in our everyday passions. And when we share those passions with others, they can become doorways for people to encounter Jesus in ways that feel authentic, integrated, and deeply human. We become more alive, and they do too.

3. Good conversation changes lives.

If our world needs anything right now, it’s honest, hopeful conversation.

Too often, people only encounter church as a one-way monologue—someone speaking from a pulpit. But what many are longing for is dialogue. They want a safe space to wrestle with questions, share their stories, and make sense of a changing world. Around a table, with a cup of coffee or a shared meal, conversations can open doors that sermons alone can’t.

Fresh Expressions create those spaces for dialogue—where the gospel can be shared not just in words, but in relationships and mutual conversation.

4. Playfulness breathes new life.

One of the overlooked gifts of Fresh Expressions is their spirit of playfulness.

And that playfulness is contagious. It reawakens joy in Christians who have been burned out by institutional maintenance. It helps congregations remember that following Jesus is not just about duty or obligation—it’s also about delight.

What if we began hosting a neighborhood dinner, not as a “program” but as a chance to laugh, share stories, and savor food together.? What if instead of chasing the middle schoolers out of the parking lot after school, we cranked up the music and started enjoying popcorn and cornhole together?

Playfulness creates space for delight, and delight creates space for connection. And when we invite others into this kind of shared life, faith doesn’t feel like an obligation—it feels like joy catching hold. We begin to see Jesus not as the taskmaster of our duties but as the playful Savior who delights in setting people free.

In a world that feels heavy with anxiety and division, Christians who live with playfulness, curiosity, and generosity shine like sparks in the dark. And those sparks? They have a way of catching on.

5. We can reframe church for a new generation.

If there’s one word that describes our culture right now, it might be cynicism . Generations are growing up in a world of broken promises—institutions that fail, leaders who disappoint, divisions that deepen, and a constant stream of bad news in the palm of their hands. Cynicism feels like a shield: if you don’t trust, you can’t be hurt. But shields also keep out the very things that give life—love, hope, and belonging.

This is why reframing faith for a new generation matters so much right now. Cynicism doesn’t just make people skeptical, it slowly erodes the capacity to imagine a better future. It leaves people resigned, tired, and disengaged. If you can’t trust anyone or anything, then what’s left to build your life on?

And here is where the gospel speaks with surprising urgency. An encounter with the living God cuts through cynicism in a way nothing else can. Fresh Expressions arrive not with easy answers or trite slogans, but encounters with the disruptive, healing presence of Jesus. Imagine what happens when someone discovers that God is not a manipulative authority figure looking to entrap them, but the One who loves them without condition, whose mercy is from everlasting to everlasting.

For a flourishing future, we don’t need more clever spin or moral guilt-trips. We need a generation who has tasted the goodness of God for themselves—who have found a hope sturdy enough to withstand the world’s brokenness and a love strong enough to build new communities of belonging.

The Bottom Line

If you’re waiting for the “perfect time” to start a Fresh Expression, you’ll wait forever.

But if you take a step of faith now—imperfect as it may feel—you might just make room for God to birth something new.

And here’s the surprising thing: when you take that leap, it’s not only your community that comes alive. You come alive. Your leaders come alive. Your church comes alive.

There will never be a perfect time to start a Fresh Expression. There is only now.

About the Author

Shannon Kiser

From Woods to Table: Renewing Community in Rural Places

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:51:14 GMT

In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we talk with Nanc Bourne and Malcolm Fowler about how a simple nudge from God grew into monthly community dinners that meet a real need in their rural town. What began with a few faithful people has become a lay-led ministry that’s strengthening relationships, feeding neighbors, and renewing the church’s mission.

Their story shows how small steps—led by ordinary church members, not just pastors—can bear real fruit. If you’re longing to see your community thrive, this conversation offers hope and practical inspiration for what God can spark right where you are.

Malcolm Fowler is the pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Springfield, VT since 2016. He is called to serve with the love of Jesus for the people of Jesus. A native New Englander he loves all things motorcycling, all things Scottish, Tolkien, his family, his Church, and his Savior, not necessarily in that order. In ministry Malcolm loves to see people grow in the depth of their relationship with Jesus.

Nanc Bourne is a recently retired registered nurse. She is joyously engaged in ministry at the Calvary Baptist fellowship

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Anabaptist Christians and the Fresh Expressions Movement

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:09:19 GMT

I’m a Holiness, Pentecostal, Anabaptist. You won’t find that combination coming together very often anywhere, but I have found that all three streams work well within the Fresh Expressions movement. Some might assume that the Holiness/Pentecostal part makes sense with Fresh Expressions, but how can the Anabaptist part work? Afterall Fresh Expressions is a movement founded within the Church of England? How does Anabaptist belief and practice fit with that?

Let’s remember that the Fresh Expressions movement took root in the fields of post-Christendom England just a few decades ago. Christian leaders among the church of England noticed that people were gathering in places outside the four walls of the church buildings to encounter God. Relational connections, networks of friendships were organically forming for mission in places of hurt, brokenness, marginalization. And outbreaks of the Spirit were happening. People were finding Christ in fresh and new ways. The church was happening among people that would never “go to church.” To their credit, the Anglican church leaders asked how can we support these movements and cooperate with what God was doing. Thus started a movement, the Mission-Shaped Church movement, as one of the founding documents was titled. It led to the Fresh Expressions movement in the UK and spread to North America.

The Anabaptist movements have their origins 500 years ago in Europe, in the fields of post Christendom as well. In this case though, the Anabaptists were openly rejecting the Christendom alignment of church, state and culture. But like present-day Fresh Expressions, they represented the movements of Jesus happening outside the sanctioned four walls of the church and it’s hierarchies. As such, the two movements both started with Christians gathering outside the sanctioned practice and programs of the established church. And so we might expect that there’s much to learn from each other. Allow me to explore a few places where some of these learnings can happen.

Christian leaders among the church of England

noticed that people were gathering in places outside

the four walls of the church buildings to encounter God.

Post Christendom

The medieval structures of the church, sponsored (and paid for) by the state, organized the church towards buildings, placing church authority in the offices of the priest/bishop, and coordinating the worship service and other programs of the church towards a uniform liturgy for all churches across the world. It was all part of Christendom.

Anabaptists critiqued all of this, much of it for good reason. And this gave impetus for a reexamination of church outside the structures of the four walls of the Christendom church. In some ways, Fresh Expressions is doing today what Anabaptists have been doing for 500 years, the birthing of church expressions outside the walls and programming of institutional structure.

Along with all this came an Anabaptist suspicion towards what had become the centralized leadership structures of the church and its proclivity towards hierarchy. Plagued with corruption, and abuse of power, Anabaptists left these medieval church hierarchies for more collaborative, organic forms of leadership. They sought to develop leadership “among” a people, not “over” a people. Five hundred years later, as we try to organize church outside the four walls of the church, what Fresh Expressions calls a ‘blended ecology,’ leadership will need to be organic in similar ways, doing the work of coalescing groups on the ground into the work of the Spirit. Anabaptists have some theology and history to offer Fresh Expressions in these tasks.

But of course, it goes without saying, as with all movements, that over time institutions and bureaucracies get set in their ways. Five hundred years of Anabaptist history has shown how some of the best ideas on collaborative leadership, mutual and communal discernment, can go awry. Fresh Expressions has much to offer Anabaptists in this regard. Their work in training and developing new kinds of leaders can reinvigorate the Anabaptist work of developing leaders.

Fresh Expressions can reinvigorate old histories, while Anabaptists can help in not repeating old mistakes. If Anabaptists have the history, Fresh Expressions has the energy. Anabaptists bring wisdom. Fresh Expressions brings the ”fresh” eyes. Together, I believe, a dialogue can ignite both for the work of Christ’s kingdom.

If Anabaptists have the history,

Fresh Expressions has the energy.

Community and Discipleship

Anabaptists see the church as more than a collection of individuals who gather to receive religious goods and service from the professionals. American churches have sometimes fallen into that trap. Fresh Expressions and Anabaptists alike resist that consumer approach to church.

For Anabaptists, the community is central to the life of the believer. This Anabaptist focus wards off the consumerist tendencies of our culture. For Anabaptists, fellowship around a table at a potluck meal is almost sacramental. It is a special place to encounter Christ. The church is an alive organism of the Holy Spirit whereby we discern life together and the salvation made possible in Jesus Christ becomes real and lived together. Christianity is not a religion. Church is not a set of programs. It is a way of life given to us in Christ, lived out under His Lordship over a community, made possible by the Holy Spirit.

Discipleship moves to the forefront for Anabaptists because Christians can no longer depend on the culture of Christendom to support Christian life. It must be the church community itself that generates culture and life sufficient to nurture our souls into faithfulness. And so the church as a community, alive with the gifts of the Spirit, eating meals at a table, discerning the teachings of Scripture, become a whole way of life that disciples believers into the Kingdom. There can be no consumerism here.

This changes the way we think about ecclesiology. Anabaptists focus on practices, that shape beliefs into behavior. The questions we ask shift. When is a community just an affinity group, when is it mission, when is it discipleship? What is the core practices of discipleship and community that ground us in Jesus? As Fresh Expressions builds communities and practices for building communities outside the church, the wisdom of Anabaptists is helpful. The Anabaptist focus on practices, not only beliefs or programs, is helpful. And yet, as Anabaptists seek to avoid their own communities from becoming insular, coercive or sectarian, they can learn communal formation for mission all over again at Fresh Expressions. Together, Anabaptists and Fresh Expressions together, in dialogue, can ignite both for the renewal of the kingdom in our neighborhoods.

The Kingdom

Versus creedal formulas, Anabaptists tend to focus on Jesus first, his whole life, his proclamation of the Kingdom of God coming in his presence. The gospel is the whole life of Jesus, his victory over sin, death and evil. And so salvation hardly makes sense apart from Jesus’ preaching of the Kingdom of God, the inauguration of the Kingdom, and the living in that Kingdom now in anticipation of its future. Salvation can never be only personal, it is intensely social. And salvation can never be only social, it is intensely personal andn transformation as I personally follow Jesus and make Him Lord of my life.

It is this full gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and its inextricable link to the Kingdom that takes us beyond the individualist formulas. The Christendom forces in our history will always tempt us to turn salvation in Jesus into a formula Anabaptists of all streams can learn and be invigorated from the. But we must resist and learn the ways of calling people into something deeper. This is the heart of Fresh Expressions, it seems to me. Anabaptists can help Fresh Expressions with this call to something deeper.

But sometimes Anabaptists can also get caught into an echo chamber. Over time our language and skills of communication lose the ability to engage the world outside the church. Fresh Expressions is ever pressing into how we can communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom into broken places. Once again, I believe, that Anabaptists and Fresh Expressions together, in dialogue, can ignite a renewal of evangelism and witness to the kingdom in our neighborhoods.

Courage for new adventures must take hold.

We’re In New Territory Now

In summary, if there’s one thing I have learned from both Anabaptists and Fresh Expressions, it’s that once we understand the social dynamics of the new post-Christendom cultures, our entire missiology and ecclesiology must shift. Old habits must die. Courage for new adventures must take hold. And God is calling us into these new fields of post-Christendom to do mission. And for this calling, I am so blessed to have partaken of both the Anabaptists streams and Fresh Expressions streams of theology and practice. I pray God brings these two great historical movements together more in the future to accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God in Jesus name.

About the Author

David Fitch (Ph.D Northwestern University) has pastored for 30 years, been involved in 8 church plants over the course of his ministry. He is married to Rae Ann and they have one son named Max. He is an ordained pastor in the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He’s coached hockey for the YMCA USA Hockey program for seven years. David teaches, speaks, and writes within the fields of Neo-Anabaptist theology, missiology, culture studies, political theory, and ethics.

David Fitch

Faith at the Table: How Community Dinners Sparked Renewal

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:15:26 GMT

Nanc Bourne is a recently retired registered nurse. She is joyously engaged in ministry at the Calvary Baptist fellowship

Related Resources:

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Fresh Expressions and the Life and Witness of Baptist Churches

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:07:26 GMT

Ever since the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) took responsibility for stewarding the Fresh Expressions movement (which originated in Great Britain) in the United States in 2012, Baptists from various streams of this vibrant and diverse family have caught its vision and ideals.

Globally, Baptists are among the largest denominational families within the Reformation/Protestant tradition of the Christian Church. The Baptist World Alliance, for example, represents 53 million people in 138 countries and territories, with 283 member bodies. This does not include most of the Southern Baptist Convention (with the exception of BGAV and Baptist General Convention of Texas) and independent Baptists, and so it is fair to say that there are some 65-70 million Baptists globally.

Baptists in general share several core convictions and missional attitudes that harmonize beautifully with the vision and mission of the Fresh Expressions movement.

Commitment to the Great Commission

Johann Gerhard Oncken (1800-1884), one of the founders of the Baptist movement in Germany and the rest of the European continent in the nineteenth century, was fond of saying that every Baptist was called to act as a missionary. This commitment to evangelism has been a core conviction of Baptists across the world, as they seek to participate in fulfilling the Great Commission that Jesus gave to his disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).

In the twenty-first century, many Baptists have found the perspective and offerings of Fresh Expressions to be an exciting and innovative way to live out their missionary call. In the state I reside in, two-thirds of our residents will not be attending a traditional church service on Sunday mornings. New forms of community life and witness are urgently needed to reach these neighbors, many of whom are spiritually hungry but have no spiritual home.

The Fresh Expressions new church plant that I attend (now a mature congregation) started out seeking to reach first and second-generation Koreans and other Asians who lived in the Princeton, NJ area. Now, some 17 years later, the church has welcomed and discipled people from a variety of cultural and racial backgrounds and is a truly global family. Small in size yet bold in vision, the fellowship has started several Fresh Expressions ministries and new congregations, from our locality outwards to several countries.

Every Baptist called to act as a missionary.

Church-Commissioned Outreach to the Community

Another core conviction Baptists hold dear is the centrality of the local church in God’s design for representing and growing the Kingdom of God. My denomination’s website states that “For American Baptists the local church is the fundamental unit of mission in denominational life… Baptists always have maintained the need for autonomous congregations, responsible for articulating their own doctrine, style of worship and mission” (10 Facts About American Baptists).

In our post-Covid world, many churches are unsure how to engage and serve the communities they live in. Old programs and methods feel out of date and no longer relevant or effective. Fresh Expressions is a wonderful response to this yearning for innovative forms of outreach and community engagement. Messy Church for youth (and their parents), Dinner Church for those seeking community or facing food insecurity, and other creative initiatives that can serve a congregation’s specific context, enable churches in the Baptist family to maintain their autonomy while energizing their outreach to their neighbors.

Priesthood of All Believers and Ministry of the Laity

When I first joined a Baptist church during my seminary days, I was impressed by the message of the church’s front lawn sign. In two lines, it said:

Pastor – Rev. Dr. Howard Keeley (my mentor)

Ministers – All Members

Baptists prize the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers and the concept of the ministry of the laity. Every disciple of Jesus Christ may be filled with the Spirit of God and serve the Lord with power and in Christian love. The gifts of the Spirit are distributed throughout the whole community of faith. In like manner, Fresh Expressions forms of witness can be embraced and lived out by both clergy and laity – and as equals under the guidance and leading of the Spirit. Affinity-centered Fresh Expressions projects, such as Bikers Church, depend on relational ties that transcend clergy/laity distinctions. What really counts is an authenticity of sharing and friendship that creates spiritual spaces for exploring and delving deeper into the spiritual life. Shannon Kiser’s book Opening Space: A Vision for Fresh Expressions of Church and Creative Mission , offers wonderful insights on these dynamics.

Holistic Mission

In the early decades of the twentieth century, Walter Rauschenbusch, an American Baptist pastor who served in an impoverished urban neighborhood, powerfully articulated the Social Gospel, a vision of Jesus’ Mission, the Kingdom of God, and Christian responsibility for promoting societal justice. In his understanding, individual salvation and social transformation were dual aspects of God’s kingdom; both were necessary for living out God’s will as disciples of Jesus.

Most evangelically-oriented Baptists today have come to appreciate the holistic nature of our mission as Jesus’ followers. The Lausanne Covenant (1974) affirms both Gospel evangelism and Chrisian social responsibility, and recognizes that as Jesus’ disciples, we “should share his concern for justice and reconciliation throughout human society and for the liberation of men and women from every kind of oppression.”

Fresh Expressions ministries and outreaches are flexible enough to incorporate both aspects of our Christian missional responsibility. These creative endeavors have the capacity to express our love and concern for not only our relatives, friends and neighbors, but also for all human society and for all of God’s creation.

Individual salvation and social transformation…

Fresh Expressions ministries are flexible enough

to incorporate both aspects of

Christian missional responsibility.

Baptists and the Future

Today, Baptists across North America are uniting with other brothers and sisters from other Christian traditions to share in both words and deeds the good news of Jesus Christ to a culture that needs a winsome and compelling reintroduction to “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Through the Ascent network and effective ministries such as Fresh Expressions, many Baptists are accepting God’s call to witness to the Gospel in fresh and pioneering ways.

About the Author

Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer serves in retirement as the Historian for the Baptist World Alliance, a Consultant for Ascent, and a member of the Fresh Expressions Board. He has served in many capacities as an American Baptist minister: ABCUSA General Secretary (2017-2019), ABC New Jersey Senior Regional Pastor/Executive Minister (2003-2017), and Pastor for American Baptist congregations in Rhode Island, New Jersey and Nebraska (1981-2003). He has published several works on Baptists and the Holocaust, Christian life, and spirituality. He has earned a PhD from Vrije University, Amsterdam and a DMin from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is an avid photographer and baseball fan.

Lee B. Spitzer

Treasures in Every Stream: How the Whole Church Finds Itself in the Fresh Expressions Movement

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 13:01:12 GMT

When Fresh Expressions in North America began more than a decade ago, people often tried to claim it for their own tribe. “This is an Anglican thing,” some said. A few years later, when Baptist churches and denominations began to join in, others concluded, “It’s for Baptists.” As the movement continued to grow, we began to hear, “Is this a Methodist thing?”

Over the years, it’s become clear: Fresh Expressions isn’t owned by any one tradition—it’s enriched by all of them. Each ecclesial stream carries a treasure—something deeply rooted in its history, theology, and charism—that connects beautifully with the heartbeat of the Fresh Expressions movement.

Fresh Expressions is not a new denominational brand, nor a replacement for existing congregations. It’s a movement of the Spirit calling the church back to its missionary identity—to join Jesus in the places we live, work, learn, and play. In every stream, from high church liturgy to grassroots revival, we find echoes of that same calling: the desire to be a church for the sake of others.

Anglican Roots and the Gift of Mission-Shaped Church

The earliest Fresh Expressions took shape in the Church of England, where leaders began noticing new forms of Christian community emerging on the edges, and began to not only make room for but encourage the church to move beyond her walls and plant the gospel in new soil. Anglicans remind us that mission is not an add-on to the church’s life; it is the church’s life. Their deep sense of sacrament and structure grounds the movement in continuity with the historic faith while sending it into the neighborhoods and networks of our day.

The Baptist Gift of Evangelistic Passion

Baptists quickly resonated with Fresh Expressions because of their long tradition of evangelism, discipleship, and congregational initiative. In many ways, Baptists embody the pioneering heart of the movement—equipping ordinary people to share the good news and start new communities where people are. Their gift reminds the wider church that every believer is a missionary and that the gospel travels best along relational lines of trust and care.

Wesleyan Fire and the Holiness of Love

From the Wesleyan and Methodist stream comes a fire that still burns for renewal. John Wesley’s early movement met people in fields, prisons, and workplaces—long before the term “missional church” existed. Fresh Expressions echoes that same impulse: to go where people are, practice a holiness that looks like love in action, and cultivate communities steeped in the grace of God that Wesley preached is already at work in the world before we are aware. The Wesleyan treasure is a faith both warm-hearted and socially engaged—a reminder that evangelism and justice belong together.

Presbyterian Thoughtfulness and Connectional Strength

Presbyterians bring a rich heritage of theological reflection and connectional leadership. Their gift lies in helping Fresh Expressions find both depth and sustainability. Through discernment, shared governance, and a commitment to equipping leaders, Presbyterians help the movement stay rooted while empowering innovation at every level. They remind us that imagination flourishes best within accountable, prayerful community.

The Lutheran Treasure of Grace and Vocation

Lutherans offer the gift of a grace-filled gospel and a deep theology of vocation. They remind us that the whole of life—our work, relationships, and communities—can be holy ground for ministry. In the Fresh Expressions movement, that conviction takes visible form: church can happen wherever God’s people live out their faith in ordinary places. Lutherans help us remember that our identity and mission flow not from our performance, but from God’s unmerited grace.

The Catholic Gift of Sacrament and Incarnational Presence

The Catholic tradition contributes a rich sense of sacrament—that God’s presence saturates the world and can be encountered in bread, wine, water, and neighbor. Catholic communities have long modeled incarnational mission through schools, hospitals, and neighborhood parishes. Fresh Expressions builds on that legacy, sending the church into the public square to embody Christ’s love in tangible, everyday ways.

The Orthodox Treasure of Mystery and Transformation

From the Orthodox stream comes a treasure of mystery, beauty, and transformation. In a world hungry for depth, the Orthodox vision of worship as participation in God’s divine life reminds the movement that mission begins in awe and ends in love. Their practices of prayer, fasting, and hospitality offer rhythms that sustain missional communities over the long haul.

The Evangelical Gift of Passionate Witness

Evangelical and Free Church traditions contribute a deep love for Scripture and a passion for sharing the good news of Jesus. Their emphasis on relational evangelism and personal transformation resonates deeply with the Fresh Expressions vision. They remind the whole church that new communities are born when ordinary people share faith naturally in the flow of life.

Charismatic and Pentecostal Energy

The Charismatic and Pentecostal streams bring a vital awareness of the Spirit’s power and presence. Their treasure is a living expectancy—that God is still speaking, healing, and sending the church into the world today. Fresh Expressions draws energy from that openness to the Spirit, recognizing that mission is not just a strategy but a movement of God’s grace breaking into everyday life.

The Anabaptist Witness of Everyday Discipleship

The Anabaptist tradition contributes the gift of community and simplicity. Their long-held vision of the church as a countercultural people—embodying peace, justice, and radical discipleship—resonates deeply with the Fresh Expressions vision. They remind us that the gospel is not only proclaimed but lived out in small, shared, everyday acts of love.

The Restorationist Desire for Unity and Simplicity

Restorationist and Holiness movements bring a longing for simplicity and unity—to be the church that reflects the heart of Jesus rather than the boundaries of denominations. Their treasure lies in a humble return to the essentials: Scripture, discipleship, and community. Fresh Expressions echoes that vision, calling all streams of the church to join together in God’s mission with open hands and open hearts.

A Shared Mission, A Richer Church

Each of these treasures—sacrament and structure, evangelism and discipleship, renewal and justice, grace and vocation, mystery and transformation, Spirit and simplicity—adds depth to the mosaic of Fresh Expressions. Together, they reveal that this movement isn’t a departure from our traditions but a rediscovery of their truest gifts.

As we continue to explore the “ecclesially flexible” nature of Fresh Expressions, we hope every denomination, network, and congregation will see themselves in this movement. The Spirit is stirring across traditions, calling us not to abandon our histories but to live them more fully—for the sake of those who have yet to experience the love of Christ.

Over the next season, we will be highlighting leaders from some of these traditions as they reflect upon the ways their distinct tradition aligns with the heart and the vision of Fresh Expressions. We hope this series encourages you to look more closely at the Fresh Expressions approach to mission and discover how it can help you live out your history and calling in your local context and congregation.

And we trust that when the treasures of each stream flow together, the whole church becomes more activated, more creative, and more faithful in joining God’s mission in the world.

About the Author

Shannon Kiser

The Table - Chantry: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:15:17 GMT

Rooted in the Early Church

The vision for The Table-Chantry draws directly from Acts 2:46–47:

“We ran out of places for people to sit. We ran out of food,” Wolfe recalls. “A revival is starting on the Eastside of Columbus—we would love for you to be a part!”

From the beginning, the goal was clear: this would not just be an outreach—it would be a fully functioning church. Worship, prayer, preaching, discipleship, sacraments, and generosity all happen in the same space where plates of spaghetti and bread are passed across the table.

In the earliest days of the church, disciples met in homes, shared meals, prayed together, and saw God move powerfully. Fresh Expressions like The Table-Chantry embrace this same model—church in everyday places, open to anyone, designed to foster genuine community.

A Movement Any Church Can Start

Wolfe is clear: this is not about getting people into a Sunday sanctuary. “Some of these people may never darken the door of this building,” he says, “but it will still be their church.”

The simplicity of the model is part of its power. You don’t need a cathedral, a massive budget, or a perfect plan—you just need a table, a meal, and willing hearts. As St. Francis of Assisi is often credited with saying, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”

“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts… And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

On the east side of Columbus, Ohio, a revival is stirring around dinner tables. The Table-Chantry, a Fresh Expression of church led by Pastor T.J. Wolfe, began with a simple vision: invite neighbors to share a meal, build genuine relationships, and meet Jesus. The first gathering, held in the community room of the Commons at Chantry, overflowed on opening night—so many came that they immediately had to move to a larger space.

Three months later, attendance is surging toward 100 each week, including dozens of children. In only the first five weeks, 20 people made the decision to follow Christ, prayers for healing have become a regular part of the evening, and one woman celebrated freedom from addiction by giving up her vape. “All it takes is a simple meal and willing hearts,” Wolfe says.

Meeting People Where They Are

The neighborhoods surrounding The Table-Chantry include families living paycheck to paycheck, seniors battling isolation, and individuals facing addiction or spiritual disconnection. Many residents have little to no connection with traditional church. A free weekly meal, served in a welcoming environment, became an open door.

An Invitation to Set the Table

The Table-Chantry’s story is a reminder that God still works through ordinary people and ordinary meals to do extraordinary things. In just a few months, this dinner church has become a place where the gospel is lived out, the lonely find family, and the Kingdom of God takes root—one table at a time.

What if you looked around your own community and asked: Where is there a table waiting to be set? Who is waiting to be invited? Whether you are an individual longing to connect with your neighbors or a church ready to reach beyond your walls, you can start right where you are.

As in Luke 14’s great banquet, God’s invitation still stands: “Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” Your table could be the place where someone meets Jesus for the very first time.

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called ?
The Table – Chantry

Where is it?
Columbus, OH

Who is it for?
The Table-Chantry dinner church is for anyone in the east side of Columbus who is hungry for food, community, and hope—including families, seniors, children, and individuals who may never step inside a traditional church. It creates a welcoming space where neighbors can share a meal, build relationships, and encounter Jesus in an atmosphere of hospitality and belonging.

What do they do?
The Table-Chantry gathers people each week around a free shared meal that includes worship, prayer, gospel teaching, and community connection, offering a full expression of church in a welcoming, relational setting.

Who is the Pioneer?
T.J. Wolfe

Where can I learn more?

The Table – Chantry

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Food, Familia, and Fresh Expressions in Hispanic Communities

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:00:18 GMT

Marta never imagined she’d live in Mississippi—much less start a church. But God had other plans.

In this episode, hear how Marta’s love for her Hispanic community and passion for teaching became the spark for a new kind of church—one that began not in a sanctuary, but in a local library and around shared meals. As she gathered with children and families to read books in their language, moments of storytime and food became sacred opportunities to build relationships, nurture belonging, and share the love of Jesus.

Discover how something as simple as gathering over a table or opening a book can become the foundation for a vibrant faith community—a beautiful fresh expression of church rooted in familia, hospitality, and hope.

Marta Sobrino Bolen , the pastor of Glenfield United Methodist Church, has started a ministry for Latinos called La Misión that helps Latino families in three areas: family, community, and spiritual growth. La Misión currently includes a tutoring program, a food pantry, a clothes pantry, reading and writing skills, spiritual growth, and support to families who have just arrived to the US.

Related Resources:

Fresh Expressions Incubator - Dinner Church in Hispanic Communities (November 5th)

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

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La Mision: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 02:25:34 GMT

In the heart of New Albany, Mississippi, a vibrant rhythm of worship, service, and community rises from a ministry called La Misión, led by Rev. Marta Sobrino Bolen. Born from the vision of New Albany United Methodist Church to reach and embrace its growing Hispanic community, La Misión has become far more than a church program—it’s a living expression of the Gospel in two languages and many forms.

Each week, families gather for worship, food, tutoring, and friendship, echoing the anthem that defines their identity:

“Somos la misión, esta es la razón—Dios nos dio un propósito de amor.”
We are the mission, this is the reason—God gave us a purpose of love.

When La Misión first began, it wasn’t built around a grand plan or budget—it started with one compassionate question that Rev. Marta Bolen asked again and again:

“How Can We Help?” — The Question That Started It All

What began as a safe harbor for those facing emotional, financial, or spiritual storms has become a transformational community, where neighbors discover hope, dignity, and belonging.

“We are a safe harbor, a safe space, where the only question we ask is, ‘How can we help?’”

In a community where many Hispanic families faced language barriers, food insecurity, and social isolation , that question changed everything. Bolen and her church began responding in tangible ways—offering food, clothing, tutoring, and friendship.

The ministry grew quickly. What began as a handful of volunteers serving meals and helping kids with homework blossomed into a full-fledged Fresh Expression of church, where worship and service flow seamlessly together. “Our kids are smart and brave,” Bolen says. “Imagine going to a school where you don’t speak the language. This program reminds them they can succeed… and that they do not have to face this alone.”

The Table Where Faith and Family Meet

Each Sunday, laughter and music fill the fellowship hall at New Albany UMC. A space once used for church meetings now hums with conversation and shared meals. For many, it’s the first time they’ve felt truly seen and welcomed.

“Many arrive without much,” Bolen says, “but they leave feeling full—full of food, yes, but also of hope and connection.”

La Misión’s after-school tutoring program has become one of its most visible ministries, helping children bridge the language gap while also strengthening family bonds. Yet the impact reaches beyond the students—it extends to parents who now have a trusted space to ask for help, to worship, and to experience community.

This ministry reflects one of the guiding principles of the Fresh Expressions Journey —listening and loving first. Rather than asking people to come to church, La Misión listens deeply, responds compassionately, and builds relationships where the Gospel can take root.

Love in Action: Living the Gospel Beyond the Walls

Through partnerships with New Albany UMC and regional congregations like Tupelo First UMC, La Misión provides essentials such as beds, furniture, rice, beans, and canned goods to families in need. But what truly transforms lives is not the material aid—it’s the message of dignity and divine worth woven through every act of service.

“These are my kids,” Bolen says with tears in her eyes. “This is a place where they can find help and love every day.”

Their worship anthem, written by members of the community, captures this heart:

“Dar esperanza al que no la tiene, ser familia donde no la hay.”
To give hope to those who have none, to be family where there is none.

This is incarnational mission at its core—showing the love of Jesus not through sermons alone, but through shared life. As Henri Nouwen reminds us, “We are called to be a community of love, where each person is valued and nurtured.”

Here His Kingdom Begins Now

What makes La Misión so extraordinary is not its size or structure but its spirit . In a small town in Mississippi, a community has come alive through listening, loving, and serving—showing that the church can happen anywhere.

Rev. Daniel Darling , senior pastor of New Albany UMC, reflects, “We are a church that welcomes all. Providing a home for La Misión fits with our commitment to diversity. Our members are proud to support and take part in this work.”

Through La Misión, we see what’s possible when ordinary people join God in His mission—when the church steps outside its walls to love its neighbors and share life around the table.

“Aquí su reino empieza ya.”
Here His kingdom begins now.

As Fresh Expressions reminds us, the future of the church is not about attracting crowds—it’s about forming communities of grace that reflect the heart of Jesus.

You don’t need to be a pastor or have a perfect plan. You just need to start where you are, listen to your neighbors, and love well.

Because when you do, the kingdom begins right where you stand.

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called?

La Mission

Where is it?

New Albany, MS

Who is it for?

La Misión is for Hispanic individuals and families in the New Albany, Mississippi area—especially those seeking connection, support, and a place to belong. It welcomes anyone in need of community, offering spiritual care and practical help to those navigating new beginnings far from home.

What do they do?
In the heart of Mississippi, La Misión gathers the Hispanic community around tables of worship, shared meals, and friendship, offering more than just help—it offers belonging. Through tutoring, food distribution, and compassionate care, this vibrant ministry becomes a place where families discover hope, dignity, and the love of Christ lived out in everyday life.

Who is the Pioneer?
Marta Sobrino-Bolen

Where can I learn more?

La Mision

Somos La Mision Bilingual Lyrics

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Faith on the Ground: Lessons from Disaster Relief and Rural Life

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:23:33 GMT

What happens when a h eart for missions meets the quiet rhythms of rural life?

In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we sit down with Tim Schwartz, a Pennsylvania pastor whose calling to short-term mission work has led him into all kinds of disaster relief efforts across the country. Tim shares how serving in places of crisis has reshaped his understanding of ministry and the local church. Now serving in a rural setting, Tim opens up about adjusting to small-town life—and how simple acts, like gathering with men for breakfast every week, have become spaces for real connection and transformation.

Tim Schwartz lives in Cogan Station, PA with his wife, Jenn, and three children. He pastors Hepburn Baptist Church and works as the North Central PA Geographic Pastoral Servant for ABCOPAD. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at James Madison University and his Master of Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Throughout his last 25 years of ministry, Tim has pastored churches, worked as an interim minister, and facilitated numerous mission trips in disaster recovery. Tim is an avid Philadelphia sports fan, well-experienced youth sports coach, cancer survivor, and enjoys chatting with people over lunch or coffee.

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Why the Table Still Transforms with Mike Graves

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 16:07:05 GMT

In this bonus episode, we sit down with Dr. Mike Graves, author of Table Talk and plenary speaker for the Dinner Church Summit 2025 in Pittsburgh (Nov 6–8). He shares the personal story behind his ministry—childhood roots, encounters with Jesus, and the life messages God has entrusted to him. We also get a preview of what excites him about the Table and why it remains one of the most transformative spaces for the Gospel today.

Mike Graves is Scholar in Residence at Country Club Christian Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Before retiring from teaching, he was the Wm. K. McElvaney Professor of Preaching and Worship at Saint Paul School of Theology, also in Kansas City. His most recent book is Table Talk: Rethinking Communion and Community.

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Two Rivers Dinner Church: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:18:10 GMT

A New Way to Be the Church in Syracuse

On a Sunday evening in Syracuse, New York, long tables fill with plates of food, the hum of conversation, and the sound of music that seems to soften even the most weary souls. This is Two Rivers Dinner Church, a community where the barriers of traditional church are set aside so that anyone—no matter their story—can find a place at the table.

When more than 100 people gathered to celebrate the dinner church’s one-year anniversary, the atmosphere was electric. There was laughter, there was gratitude, and there were baptisms—visible signs that lives had been changed over the past year. Danielle Towers, one of the leaders, described it simply but powerfully:

“This is the heart of the Gospel. It’s an open invitation to every single person, no matter your past or your mistakes. You don’t need to get your life together first; you just need to show up. He’s ready to do the cleaning.”

Why Syracuse Needed Something Different

The leaders of Two Rivers knew their city carried both beauty and brokenness. Syracuse is marked by resilience, yet poverty and disconnection have taken a toll. For many residents, church felt out of reach—an institution that didn’t fit their lives. What if, the team wondered, church could look less like an event and more like a shared meal? What if the same Jesus who ate with tax collectors, sinners, and disciples could still draw people together through the simple act of dinner?

Their conviction was clear: if the church ever disappeared from Syracuse, they wanted people to notice. As one of the leaders put it, “If we can gather in a new way, people who wouldn’t normally go to ‘church’ are more willing to attend. A different setting can help create a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. If it was good enough for Jesus we think it will be good for us too!”

Life Around the Table

Dinner Church in Syracuse isn’t a performance or a program. It feels more like a family meal, though the family continues to expand every week. Guests are welcomed into a space where food is served freely and conversations happen naturally. Music weaves through the background, creating warmth and ease. Instead of a long sermon, there are short teachings from Scripture—stories that spark reflection and open the door to dialogue.

What makes the evening holy is not the structure but the spirit. People share honestly about their struggles, listen to one another’s hopes, and pray together before heading home. For some, it may be the only time in the week they experience being truly seen and heard. As one participant reflected, seeing lives transformed around the table has been “the best part” of this past year.

Part of Something Bigger

Though unique to Syracuse, the story of Two Rivers is also part of a wider movement. Across the country and around the world, Fresh Expressions are taking shape in coffee shops, on hiking trails, in recovery circles, and yes—around dinner tables. The Fresh Expressions Journey always begins the same way: listening to the needs of the community, loving with Christlike hospitality, and slowly building new communities of faith where people already live and gather.

That journey is visible in Syracuse. The leaders first listened to the rhythms and struggles of their city, then responded with love through the gift of a meal. Over time, a new community of belonging has emerged, and discipleship is unfolding in conversations and relationships that feel natural rather than forced. As Acts 2 reminds us, the earliest believers broke bread together, praising God, and “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” The same Spirit is at work now.

Why This Story Matters

Two Rivers Dinner Church is proof that the simplest acts—setting a table, serving a meal, offering prayer—can become the most transformational. In just one year, baptisms have been celebrated, faith has been discovered, and neighbors have found family in unexpected places.

The beauty of Fresh Expressions is that they are not reserved for experts or institutions. They are within reach of ordinary people and ordinary churches who are willing to try. As Danielle Towers reminded her community, the Gospel is an open invitation: you don’t need to have it all together, you just need to show up.

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called?
Two Rivers Dinner Church

Where is it?
Syracuse, NY

Who is it for?
Two Rivers Dinner Church is for anyone who longs to belong—whether it’s the single mom who needs a night to exhale, the neighbor curious about faith, or the friend who thought church wasn’t for them. Here, everyone is welcomed just as they are, because the Gospel is an open invitation to every single person.

What do they do?
At Two Rivers Dinner Church, people gather around tables to share a free meal, hear music and stories from Scripture, and talk honestly about life and faith. In the midst of food and conversation, prayer and friendship, strangers become family.

Who is the Pioneer?
Ky & Danielle Towers have been a part of the Two Rivers Church team since 2018. They are full of excitement and faith for what the Lord has planned for the Syracuse Community!

Where can I learn more?

Two Rivers Dinner Church - https://tworivers.church/syracuse/

Two Rivers Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/TRCDinnerSYR

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Church Inside Senior Living Communities

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 22:51:48 GMT

What does it look like to build a vibrant Christian community in a senior living center—one of the loneliest places in our culture?

In this episode, we sit down with Jon Moody, leader of Park Place Community in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to hear how a Fresh Expression of Church is reshaping life in senior living. From vulnerability and loneliness to newfound belonging and faith, Jon shares the surprising blessings of starting this ministry—and the simple practices of showing up and listening that make all the difference. Park Place Community is more than a program; it’s changing culture, creating connection, and showing that even later in life, people are finding their place at the table with Jesus. Whether you serve seniors, lead in ministry, or simply care about belonging, this story will inspire you to imagine what’s possible when the church shows up in unexpected places.

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What Latino Communities in Small Towns Need with Marta Sobrino Bolen

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 18:15:44 GMT

Ministry in rural areas can have challenges, when it comes to resources. Listen to Marta share how she has addressed the needs of Latino community (especially with language barriers) in her town and advocate for them and how she has partnered with schools, libraries, and other organizations to connect with people in her community.

Marta Sobrino Bolen, the pastor of Glenfield United Methodist Church, has started a ministry for Latinos called La Misión that helps Latino families in three areas: family, community, and spiritual growth. La Misión currently includes a tutoring program, a food pantry, a clothes pantry, reading and writing skills, spiritual growth, and support to families who have just arrived to the US.

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W.O.W. (Worship on Wednesday) – Senior Care: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:04:00 GMT

Worship Beyond the Walls

It all began with a simple request. A local retirement community, Fleming Farms, wondered if our church might be willing to provide something regular for their residents. Rather than asking people to come to us, the Spirit was nudging us to go to them.

What started as a brainstorming lunch quickly grew into a shared calling. After prayer, reflection, and some nudging from family, we stepped forward — not alone, but with others from the congregation who were eager to serve, sing, and share life. The result was W.O.W. (Worship on Wednesday).

We didn’t know what to expect, but from the very first hymn-sing, it was clear God was already at work. Residents came with joy and keep returning week after week. Together we sing, hear a short word from Scripture, share prayer requests, and celebrate birthdays.

A Community of Giving and Receiving

The surprising gift of W.O.W. is how it has shaped our whole church. Each Wednesday for the past 17 months, people who normally worship only inside our sanctuary are stepping into a different kind of sanctuary — the community room at Fleming Farms. They are meeting new neighbors, sharing stories, and discovering that worship doesn’t have to stay within four walls.

As one leader put it, “I go to be a blessing, but I receive so much more than I give.”

W.O.W. is more than a program. It’s a fresh expression of church, birthed in partnership, rooted in prayer, and carried by ordinary people who said yes to stepping outside. It’s a reminder that God is always ahead of us, writing new stories of grace in unexpected places.

I tell people, “God is doing something amazing.” WOW! It’s a story God is writing, and I sure am glad to be a part of it.

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called ?
W.O.W. (Worship on Wednesday)

Where is it?
Huntsville, AL

Who is it for?
W.O.W. is for seniors who long for connection, joy, and the comfort of worship woven into the rhythm of their week. It’s for residents who gather in the community room with open hearts—some bringing decades of faith, others simply curious to sing, pray, and share life together. It’s also for the church members who show up to give, but find themselves receiving even more as they discover neighbors becoming friends and worship blossoming beyond the sanctuary walls.

What do they do?
Every Wednesday, the community gathers in the Fleming Farms common room, turning an ordinary space into a sanctuary. They sing beloved hymns, share Scripture and prayer, and celebrate milestones like birthdays with joy. What begins as a simple midweek service becomes a circle of friendship and grace, where stories are exchanged, faith is rekindled, and everyone leaves with more than they brought.

Who is the Pioneer?
Clark Helvey

Where can I learn more?

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Faith & Friends on Tap: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 03:04:41 GMT

Brewing Faith: How Faith & Friends On Tap is Redefining Church

In Milford, Ohio, something extraordinary is brewing. At Little Miami Brewing Company, a Fresh Expression of church called “Faith & Friends On Tap” is changing the way people experience faith and community. By gathering in the relaxed, communal setting of a brewery, this initiative reaches those who might never walk through the doors of a traditional church. It’s a space for the “nones” and “dones”—those without a religious affiliation or who have left traditional church settings—to explore faith, ask questions, and build relationships in an authentic and approachable way.

“The church isn’t a building. It’s wherever people gather to seek God and share life.”

Faith & Friends On Tap is part of the broader Fresh Expressions movement , which believes “church can happen anywhere.” This story of innovation and transformation is an invitation for pastors and leaders everywhere to imagine new ways to share the Good News and build meaningful community.

The Spark: Why Faith & Friends On Tap Began

The vision for Faith & Friends On Tap was born out of a deep awareness of the growing disconnect between traditional church models and the needs of the community. Milford, like many towns, is home to people longing for connection but hesitant to engage with formal church settings. The leaders saw an opportunity to meet people where they were—not by asking them to come to church but by bringing church to them.

“We noticed so many people didn’t feel comfortable walking into a church building,” shared a local pastor involved in the initiative. “But we also knew that faith isn’t confined to four walls. We wanted to create a space where people could explore God in a way that felt natural and authentic.”

Starting something so unconventional came with its challenges. Some questioned whether a brewery could serve as a sacred space. Others worried it wouldn’t be “churchy” enough. But the leaders embraced the spirit of incarnational mission , meeting people in the everyday spaces where life happens. They were inspired by passages like Matthew 28:19-20 , which calls us to “go and make disciples of all nations,” and Hebrews 13:2 , which reminds us to show hospitality to strangers, knowing that in doing so, we might entertain angels.

Meeting Real Needs in a Real Community

Faith & Friends On Tap intentionally focuses on creating a space for those who feel disenchanted by or disconnected from traditional church. For many, life’s demands, past hurts, or spiritual doubts have made church attendance seem impossible or unappealing. But these barriers dissolve in the casual, welcoming environment of a brewery.

Here, attendees gather around tables rather than pews. There are no formal sermons, just open conversations about faith, life, and community. “This feels like a place where I can be myself and ask real questions,” shared a regular attendee of Faith & Friends On Tap. “It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present.”

This approach reflects the Fresh Expressions principle of contextual relevance —designing church to fit the cultural and relational needs of a specific community. By listening to their neighbors and creating an inviting, non-judgmental space, Faith & Friends On Tap has become a lifeline for many in Milford.

“Church can happen anywhere. All it takes is an open heart and a willingness to go.”

A Model of Transformation

The impact of Faith & Friends On Tap is profound. Relationships are flourishing, faith is growing, and lives are being transformed. A participant at Faith & Friends On Tap described it as “a place where strangers become friends and friends become family.” These gatherings have reminded people that church isn’t about a building or rituals but about creating a community of love, as Henri Nouwen so beautifully said: “We are called to be a community of love, where each person is valued and nurtured.”

This initiative embodies the Fresh Expressions journey: listening, loving, building community, and exploring discipleship. By listening to the needs of their community, loving their neighbors through radical hospitality, and creating spaces for genuine connection, Faith & Friends On Tap exemplifies what it means to be the church in today’s world.

Pouring Out Hope: How You Can Join the Movement

Faith & Friends On Tap is a shining example of how Fresh Expressions can transform communities. But what makes it truly inspiring is its accessibility. You don’t need a large budget, a big team, or a perfect plan to start a Fresh Expression. All it takes is a willingness to listen, to love, and to take the first step.

As John Wesley famously said, “The world is my parish.” Your parish could be a coffee shop, a park, a gym, or even your kitchen table. 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Wherever you feel called, you can create a space where people experience the grace and love of Christ in a way that feels real and relevant.

So, what’s stopping you? Take the next step today. Reflect on the needs of your community. Join a Fresh Expressions learning cohort. Dream about what church could look like outside the walls of a sanctuary. Because when we meet people where they are, we discover that God is already there, waiting to do something new.

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called ?
Faith & Friends On Tap

Where is it?
Milford, OH

Who is it for?
Faith & Friends On Tap is designed for people who may feel disconnected from traditional church settings but are interested in exploring faith, building community, and engaging in meaningful conversations in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

What do they do?
Faith & Friends On Tap brings people together in a relaxed brewery setting to explore faith, engage in meaningful conversations, and build genuine community. The gatherings focus on creating an inclusive and welcoming space for reflection, connection, and sharing, particularly for those who may feel disconnected from traditional church settings. Faith & Friends On Tap emphasizes hospitality and accessibility, making spiritual conversations approachable and relational.

Who is the Pioneer?
Jonathan Kollmann

Where can I learn more?

Faith & Friends On Tap

Faith & Friends On Tap on the News

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Fresh Expressions Journey: Six Steps that Can Move People from Isolation to Christian Community

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 21:51:46 GMT

As King Street Church was forming in 2013, we began looking for a way to start a church that met our neighbors where they were and formed a new kind of church there. After several months of research, we stumbled upon Fresh Expressions. I was immediately taken by the process in which these new forms of church were started, a process called The Fresh Expressions Journey.

The Fresh Expressions Journey is a six-step process that most fresh expressions walk through as they form. Of course, the process is never as simple as it looks, but these steps gave me a basic framework to envision how King Street Church might form.

Now, as a cultivator and coach of fresh expressions in western North Carolina and beyond, I point fresh expression leaders to the Journey on a daily basis. I ask questions like, “What stage of the journey have you been working on?” and “How might you begin to move into the next stage?” As John Maeda, President of the Rhode Island School of Design, says: “Making a process visible makes a practice reflectable.” In this series of posts, we’ll reflect on each stage.

The Six Stages of the Fresh Expressions Journey

The Fresh Expressions journey is a six-stage process for forming a new Christian community. In this article, you will read real-life examples of Listening, Loving People, Building Community, Exploring Discipleship, Church Taking Shape, and Doing It Again.

Stage One: Listening

Faith communities that connect with post-Christian neighbors begin with listening. When we reach out with open ears and open minds, we can create a community that will meet people where they are and walk alongside them to Jesus. It’s important not to start the process with preconceived ideas or preplanned programs. Be open to what your community is longing for.

There are two ways of being that will help you in this stage: curiosity and patience. Curiosity opens us up to new possibilities. It reminds us that God has been active in our community long before we arrive.

Instead of forcing our ideas and personal preferences on our neighbors (aka colonialism), we take time to ask our neighbors what they are passionate about and what they would like to see in their community. Patience keeps us from rushing into a program or idea that are neighbors aren’t asking for. A great starting point in this step is prayer walking .

Stage Three: Building Community

Faith communities that connect with their post-Christian neighbors form a social community that can become a spiritual community. In this stage the leaders of the fresh expression begin to organize gatherings that build towards a cohesive community. Communities create a sense of belonging, form a shared identity, and add something of value to their members.

The American church has become over-focused on populating programs and lost sight of our community-building roots. As Georges Florovsky observes, “From the very beginning, Christianity was not primarily a ‘doctrine,’ but exactly a ‘community.’” The United States is facing an epidemic of loneliness, a perceived lack of meaningful social interactions. By focusing on social community, fresh expressions offer a compelling response to our cultural moment.

Pastor Juan Julio Paredes was tasked with starting a community ministry in an area of Charlotte with an exploding Hispanic population. He hit the pavement and started knocking on doors, asking neighbors what they would like to see in their community.

Several residents mentioned they would like an affordable soccer program for their children. Pastor Paredes invited his neighbors to help clean up the church property with him, and together they developed a soccer-based fresh expression that remains a thriving community ministry today.

How might you begin to deeply listen to your neighbors?

Stage Two: Loving People

As we begin to listen to our neighbors, we form new friendships and invest more deeply in existing friendships. Love and friendship are the foundation on which we build a healthy fresh expression. Focusing on relationship-building keeps us from seeing our neighbors as targets to fill our programs.

Forming relationships is one of the most impactful things we can do in our communities. The United States is facing something sociologists have termed “friendship decline.” The Survey Center on American Life found that the number of close friendships Americans have has declined precipitously since 1990.

Victor Lee Austin writes, “Friendship is why we exist in the first place. Friendship is also our final end in the kingdom of God. Out of friendship God has made us, for friendship he has died for us, to friendship he ever draws us.” So go out there and invest in friendships!

Former Olympic canoer Wayne Dickert was a river guide at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in Bryson City, NC for over a decade before he felt a call to ministry. In seminary, he began to wonder what a church for paddlers could look like. He talked to the owner of the NOC about starting a congregation for paddlers there and was surprised to hear an emphatic, “Yes!” By the time he started gathering a faith community, Wayne had hundreds of friends to invite. Fifteen years later, River of Life is our oldest fresh expression in the Western NC Conference.

Who can you invest in relationally? Where can you go to make new friends?

Every month, Jamestown United Methodist Church in Jamestown, NC, organizes a Memory Café—a social gathering for people with dementia and their caretakers. Dementia can be socially isolating, and Memory Café provides a place that is safe and free of stigma. Each month the Café has a different theme like Vacation Travels, the Kentucky Derby, or St. Patrick’s Day. Gatherings can include games, music, art, or gentle exercise. It’s easy to see from a quick browse of their Facebook page that everyone has a great time together.

What is something you can do with your neighbors to build a sense of belonging?

Stage Four: Exploring Discipleship

Leaders patiently look for opportunities to introduce discipleship to the group. Often the best way for this to happen is to leave the social gathering untouched, inviting folks who have become a part of the group to come to an additional gathering with a simple element of discipleship. To become a disciple of Jesus means to become a learner of Jesus, and as we learn from Jesus we begin to live like him.

Discipleship takes time. Dave Male points out that research suggests that it takes people four years to move from vague interest to real commitment to Jesus. Think about learning a new language as an adult: It might start with some didactic learning, practicing on the Duolingo app or taking a class at a community college. But to really grow, you’ll need to work with a mentor regularly. Even better, you might take a trip to a country where they speak the language, fully immersing yourself for an extended period of time. Discipleship in a fresh expression is similar—there are formal conversations rooted in scripture, but a lot of it is worked out together in mentorship and immersion in the context of community.

Jaidymar Smith is a passionate follower of Jesus and a gifted artist. One of her favorite ways to connect with God is through Bible journaling, reflecting on a passage from scripture by creating something beautiful. She has turned this into a fresh expression in Ramseur, a rural community in North Carolina. Originally from Puerto Rico, Jaidymar leads the gathering in English and Spanish and it is a rare community gathering that brings together Hispanic and Anglo neighbors for meaningful connection. Every month discipleship occurs in her house through art.

How might you encourage your neighbors to grow closer to Jesus?

Stage Five: Church Taking Shape

Faith communities that connect with post-Christian neighbors gradually add elements of church. As opposed to a new church’s launch Sunday, where all the marks of church are present from the start, we start with one or two elements (e.g., prayer, scripture study, or community) and, over time, add more elements until a complete picture of church is realized.

What does your tradition consider the essential elements of church? When you figure this out you can seek to creatively incorporate them into your fresh expression over time.

At King Street Church, we began with proclamation. For us, this wasn’t a twenty-minute sermon. It was a conversation about a bible passage as we gathered around a few tables at the Boone Saloon. Later, we started a prayer group and then incorporated giving by raising money for folks getting out of prison. We celebrated communion together and had several river baptisms in the cold mountain waters of the Watauga River.

New Covenant United Methodist Church in Lenoir, NC, pulled out all their pews and replaced them with tables and a buffet line. When they formed their dinner church, they incorporated a “testimony time,” an important element of church in the black church tradition. Every week people are invited to testify about what God has done in their lives.

What are the essential elements of church? How might you incorporate them creatively into your fresh expressions?

Stage Six: Doing It Again

By keeping ecclesiology simple, members can start their own fresh expressions and, very soon, a network of fresh expressions takes shape. Since gatherings are more communal in nature, fresh expressions grow by multiplying. As you lead your first fresh expression, look for people in the group who would be good at leading their own.

The shift from one gathering to a network of gatherings will require creating a system of support and accountability for the leaders. A support system might look like a monthly check-in led by a pastor on staff at the church or a collaborative team of fresh expression leaders who offer support to one another.

West United Methodist Church in Mooresville, NC, has started five fresh expressions in the past five years. They began with a yoga gathering that quickly started packing out a local studio. Since then, they’ve started a paddle boarding and meditation group, a group for older adults called “Alive at 55,” a group for Gen Z folks, and a golf group. The golf group began collecting an offering together and recently delivered over three hundred dollars to a local young woman who had been injured in a golf-cart accident. Dawn Lynch, a lay person on staff at West UMC, helps lead the yoga gathering and supports the leaders of the other groups.

Who in your church or fresh expression has the gifts to start another fresh expression?

A Moveable Church

The Church doesn’t have to be a “stationary” institution. Churches can actively move to people, and develop naturally among them. What might “a moveable church” look like in your context?

Learn More in Becoming Church

About the Author

Luke Edwards is the Associate Director of Church Development for the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and a trainer for Fresh Expressions US. He was the founding pastor of King Street Church, a network of fresh expressions in Boone, NC. Participating in local, regional, and national levels of the Fresh Expressions movement has given Luke a unique perspective into the future of the mainline church in a post-Christian society. You can follow him on twitter at @lukesedwards or check out his blog Faithful Community at www.faithfulcommunity.com

Luke Edwards

Fresh Expressions: For the Local Church. For the Whole Church.

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 19:53:33 GMT

When we started Fresh Expressions in North America over a decade ago, people often commented, “this is an Anglican thing.”

After a year or two of mostly Baptist churches and denominations showing interest, some said, “This is for Baptists.” Then it was Presbyterians. Later, it was Methodists.

Over the last 11+ years, there have been portions of the church who thought Fresh Expressions wasn’t for their part of the church. But as we continued to share this vision with each of those detractors, it only helped me realize that Fresh Expressions is really for the whole church.

A Fresh Expression of church is a form of church for people who don’t currently go to church. It is a Holy Spirit-led approach to cultivating new, contextually appropriate worshipping communities. At the same time, it honors the congregations and traditions that have gone before. It is a Church movement and missional methodology specifically for our post-modern age, but it is also rooted in the Great Tradition of the one, holy, apostolic, catholic Church of Christ.

In presentations I have given on the nature of Fresh Expressions, one mark that I have held up often is that Fresh Expressions is “flexible ecclesially”. I believe that is mainly because it finds its nature as a descendant of the church of the apostolic era. It’s a model of church that can fit into many of our historic traditions.

Over the next few months, we will explore the “ecclesially flexible” aspect of Fresh Expressions of church. We’ll explore how this mission model fits within the different historical streams of the church at large.

You will hear from Fresh Expressions team members and missional leaders, from Wesleyans, Baptists, Charismatics, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Anabaptists, and others, who will share how this mission model brings out the best of their history, theology, and charism. Along the way, we will see how Fresh Expressions adds value to local congregations of all shapes and sizes.

We hope this series encourages you to look more closely at the Fresh Expressions approach to mission and discover how it can help you live out your history and calling in your local context and congregation.

Fresh Expressions: An Approach for All Streams of the Church

Ecclesially Flexible

About the Author

Working with church leaders to develop new expressions of Christian community is the passion of Chris’s life. In addition to his role as National Director of Fresh Expressions US, he serves with the Baptist General Association of Virginia the area of church planting and serves as the Director & Organizational Architect for Ecclesia , a national network of missional churches. Previously, he served as pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship , a large university congregation in Blacksburg, Virginia. Chris holds a D.Min. in Missional Church Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. He lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with wife Rachel, daughter Elliana and son Jase. 

Chris Backert

Movies & Chat: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 23:12:22 GMT

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 Curiosity to Community

“We didn’t try to make it overly spiritual,” David said. “We just let the movies do their work and let the conversation unfold.”

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.

“It’s not yet a Fresh Expression of church,” David 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

“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

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” — Frederick Buechner

David 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.

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called ?
Movies & Chat

Where is it?
St. Paul, MN

Who is it for?
This Fresh Expression is for people who enjoy watching movies in a communal setting. It creates a welcoming space for film lovers from diverse backgrounds to explore life’s deeper questions through film and dialogue. Each film becomes a springboard for conversation—sparking reflections on life, hope, lament, and possibility. As participants share their insights, they also discover connections to the joys and challenges of their own lives, as well as deeper spiritual themes. Over time, these conversations have fostered a community of trust and friendship that grows richer with every gathering.

What do they do?
Movies & Chats shows how easy it can be to create community. Each month, people meet in a casual space, grab some snacks, and watch a film. Afterward, they circle up for honest conversation—sharing stories, exploring big questions, and discovering unexpected connections. Upcoming films are listed on MeetUp, so new people can easily join in. What starts with popcorn and a movie leads to friendship, spiritual curiosity, and a deeper sense of community.

Who is the Pioneer?
Dave McEachron

Where can I learn more?

Movies & Chat

Meet Up

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Binding Hearts Community Dinner: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 23:06:16 GMT

Every Monday evening in Minerva, Ohio, something remarkable happens inside the Minerva Community Building. Neighbors gather not just for food, but for family, friendship, and faith. At the Binding Hearts Community Dinner, the table becomes a place where loneliness gives way to laughter, and where ordinary people encounter the extraordinary love of Jesus.

This Fresh Expression of church has become a lifeline for those who never thought they’d belong in “church.” As one woman testified, the community she found there “saved my life.” What started as a meal is becoming a movement—one that’s reshaping lives, restoring families, and rewriting stories.

“We had our first wedding from our Dinner Church!”

– Dave Kidd

More Than Dinner

Binding Hearts was born out of a deep conviction: people in Minerva didn’t just need another program, they needed a place to belong. In a community where financial strain and social isolation are common, leaders Dave and Robin Kidd saw the dinner table as the most natural setting for hope to take root.

What’s emerged is a gathering where meals are just the beginning. Through a partnership with CarePortal, physical needs in the community are being met—families receiving essentials that restore dignity and stability. For example, a single mom and her three children were given a bed so they no longer had to sleep on the floor. A couple celebrated their wedding surrounded by the Dinner Church family. Baptisms are being planned. Stories are being shared. And prayers are whispered in homes and around tables, asking simply that “they would see God in this.”

A Living Expression of Acts 2

The energy inside Binding Hearts feels like the book of Acts unfolding in real time. People linger long after the last plate is cleared. Guests call their friends mid-meal and invite them to join. A man once known for his gruff demeanor now greets leaders with a hug and eagerly says, “I’m waiting for the story.”

Attendance is growing, but the real growth is deeper: participants are stepping up to lead table discussions, neighbors are becoming friends, and discipleship is happening in ways both organic and unexpected.

“Dinner Church takes time because relationships take time. Success in ministry moves at the speed of relationship, one person at a time.” – Dave Kidd

From Minerva to the Highlands

The Binding Hearts team has become more than a host—they are equippers. Volunteers from four different churches now serve together, with more preparing to join. A leadership pipeline and internship program is being built for those sensing God’s call to plant Dinner Churches elsewhere. And recently, missionaries trained by the Minerva team arrived in the Highlands of Scotland to start new Dinner Churches across the sea.

This is Fresh Expressions at its heart: listening deeply, loving generously, building community, and then exploring discipleship together. What’s happening in Minerva is part of a much larger story of the Spirit stirring new forms of church in unexpected places.

An Invitation to the Table

The story of Binding Hearts proves that Fresh Expressions are not only possible—they’re powerful. With a simple meal and a willingness to love, doors have opened to beds for families, weddings for couples, baptisms for believers, and blessings for an entire community.

As Frederick Buechner reminds us, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” For Binding Hearts, that place is the dinner table. For your church, it may look different—but the opportunity is the same.

Acts 2:46–47 paints a picture of a church that shared meals with glad and sincere hearts, and the Lord added to their number daily. That pattern is still alive today, waiting to be lived out in towns, cities, and neighborhoods across the world.

So here’s the invitation: pull up a chair, set the table, and see what God will do.

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called ?
Binding Hearts Community Dinner

Where is it?
Minerava, OH

Who is it for?
This Dinner Church is for anyone who longs to be seen, valued, and welcomed at a table. It creates space where neighbors from all walks of life can share a meal, tell their stories, and discover they are part of a family. Around the table, everyday conversations open the door to hope, healing, and encounters with Jesus that change lives in quiet but profound ways.

What do they do?
At Binding Hearts, the table is set with more than food—it’s set with love, prayer, and belonging. Each week, neighbors gather to share a meal, but they leave with far more: friendships that form, needs that are met, and lives touched by the presence of Jesus in the midst of community. Over time, what begins as dinner becomes a movement of restoration, hope, and discipleship.

Who is the Pioneer?
Dave and Robin Kidd

Where can I learn more?

Binding Hearts

Binding Hearts Facebook

Starting a Dinner Church in the Midst of Chaos (Dinner Church Podcast Episode)

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Calling, Renewal, and Healthy Ministry

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 20:28:18 GMT

Retired pastor and ministry coach Dave Peppler shares lessons from over 20 years in rural ministry, from guiding a congregation through closure to helping churches rediscover their unique calling. He offers practical insights on pastoral health, the value of bi-vocational ministry, and trusting that the God who calls is always sufficient to equip.

Dave Peppler is a retired pastor with more than 22 years of ministry in North Carolina and Virginia. He holds advanced degrees in spirituality, Christian education, leadership, and theology. The author of Healthy Endings: A Leader’s Journey Through a Church Legacy Transition , he now serves as a spirituality coach, retreat leader, church consultant, and Christian leadership coach, helping individuals and faith communities discover and live out their unique calling in Christ.

Help us spread the word about the Rural Renewal podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Related Resources:

The Still Small Voice in the Deer Stand – Christianity Today

HOME | Peptalk Ministries

Join our Facebook group: Rural Renewal Podcast Community

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

Show Notes

Related Resources:

The Still Small Voice in the Deer Stand – Christianity Today

HOME | Peptalk Ministries

Join our Facebook group: Rural Renewal Podcast Community

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

Interview Summary

Believe that the God who called you hasn’t left you. Believe that the God who called you is still calling you.

— Dave Peppler

On the latest episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, hosts Chris and Kathleen Blackey sat down with Dave Peppler, founder of Pep Talk Ministries . With over two decades of experience as a rural pastor, interim leader, and ministry coach, Dave has a heart for supporting pastors and congregations navigating seasons of challenge and change. His message is both realistic and deeply hopeful: God is still at work in rural churches, and fresh possibilities can emerge when leaders stay grounded in their calling.

From Pastor to Pep Talk Ministries

Dave served in traditional church settings for 22 years before sensing God’s call to something new. That call gave birth to Pep Talk Ministries, a work dedicated to coaching, consulting, and walking alongside pastors and congregations.

“I refuse to give up on the local church, even though a lot of it is dying.”

In addition to retreats, coaching, and consulting, Dave now also trains interim pastors—a growing need across many denominations. His grassroots approach emphasizes listening deeply to people, discerning identity, and rekindling purpose.

The Reality of Isolation in Rural Ministry

One of Dave’s central insights comes from his own years serving in small towns. He acknowledges the painful sense of isolation many pastors feel.

“The whole feeling of being on an island is real. Even more so for a ministry spouse.”

The solution, he insists, is intentional connection: building relationships beyond denominational lines, making space for priority management (not just time management), and resisting the pull toward burnout.

Rekindling Identity and Innovation

Too many rural churches, Dave notes, cling to outdated models without pausing to ask what God is calling them to now . He encourages congregations to rediscover their unique identity and experiment with fresh approaches.

“God didn’t call you to become someone else. God called you to do something else.”

Dave shared stories of congregations that shifted from longing for children who weren’t in their community to creatively reaching seniors who were. Renewal, he argues, is less about becoming “something else” and more about faithfully exploring what new things God might do through the people who are already there.

Bivocational Ministry and the Power of Perspective

Dave also addressed the shifting landscape of bivocational and co-vocational ministry. Once seen as a sign of weakness, bivocational leadership is now increasingly recognized as a gift.

“Where in God’s word has there ever been two or three gathered that God didn’t support? … You are sufficient. You are adequate. You are called.”

Instead of seeing themselves as “second-rate,” Dave calls pastors and churches to embrace the value of engaging the wider community through multiple vocations. Like the Apostle Paul making tents, pastors can model faithfulness in everyday work while expanding their kingdom witness.

Encouragement for the Struggling Pastor

At the heart of Dave’s message is encouragement for weary leaders:

“It’s not your role to overfunction and burn out. It’s your role to be faithful to what God has called you to do as you’re able.”

Rural ministry may feel small, unseen, or under-resourced, but Dave reminds pastors that their calling is valid, their presence matters, and God is not finished with them or their communities.

Dave Peppler’s story and insights shine a light of hope for rural pastors and churches alike. Ministry may look different today than it did in past decades, but God continues to call, equip, and celebrate His people. Whether through innovative expressions, bivocational work, or simply showing up faithfully, rural churches can still thrive as vital witnesses of Christ’s love.

Reflection Questions

How do Dave’s experiences of rural ministry resonate with your own context or church experience?
What are some ways you’ve experienced isolation in ministry, and how have you sought connection?
How does your church currently define its unique identity and sense of calling?
How do you balance your calling with your personal identity, keeping them connected but not confused?
What practices help you remember that your highest calling is to connect with God?
Dave says, “God didn’t call you to become someone else, but to do something else.” How does that challenge or encourage you?
What would it look like for you—or your church—to live more fully out of the conviction that “you are sufficient, you are called, and you are celebrated” ?

Watch

Listen

What is a Fresh Expression?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 23:00:19 GMT

A fresh expression of Church is a new form of church which is trying to connect with people who don’t normally go to church. Pioneering leaders are ordinary people who seek to start fresh expression of Church in the places and networks where they naturally find themselves.

Fresh expressions are not one more thing to add onto your church’s programming, but an opportunity to live more deeply into your church’s purpose.

Fresh expressions take place in the everyday places and spaces that Jesus-followers inhabit, by simply loving, serving, and fostering deep community in these places. Over time, there are natural opportunities to share faith and to encourage those coming to faith to form a small Christian community where they are.

The term “fresh expression” can refer to efforts of relationship and community-building that may eventually mature into a new, contextually unique form of Church.

A fresh expression is not in competition with established, organized, traditional or inherited expressions of Church. On the contrary, a fresh expression of Church is often pioneered and supported by an established church, eventually resulting in a “blended ecology,” where one church has multiple expressions.

What is an Inherited Church?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:57:30 GMT

“Inherited Church” is a term for describing established, existing forms of Church. The term can be used to describe a historical stream of the Church tradition (such as an inherited Wesleyan church or an inherited Anabaptist Church), a formal denomination (such as an inherited United Methodist or Southern Baptist church) or even an individual local congregation.

Inherited churches pass on traditions, such as worship styles and theological foci, processes, and gathering styles. These traditions were often developed for particular historical and geographical contexts that may or may not match the needs and culture of the present day congregation. Inherited churches often pass on property, resources and even older church members to new generations leaders and members.

According to author Randall Adams of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, the concept of “inherited church” can be compared to the concept of inherited wealth. “Like inherited wealth, the inherited church can live in the afterglow and off the resources accumulated from previous generations. In both cases, with wealth and church, the tendency is for these accumulated resources to dissipate, dwindle and decline…Thus, the challenge for the inherited church is to rekindle the urgency and spiritual energy that is always present in a growing church… The pioneering spirit present in the beginning of a church must be recaptured for that church to resume growth.”

Inherited Churches are often contrasted to Fresh Expressions of Church, which strive to find new forms that are contextually native to a new Church. However, the two should be seen as working together for God’s mission. Specifically, Inherited Churches bring to the table:

The opportunity to Disciple Intentionally, that is, guide existing disciples into paths where they make disciples
Impart the richness and depth and the Christian tradition, deepening theology and sharing crucial insights for Fresh Expressions
Equip and support pioneering leaders for mission who might be lonely or ill equipped on their own

What is Adaptive Change?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:55:22 GMT

According to Ronald Heifetz, there are two types of challenges educational leaders face: technical and adaptive. Technical challenges are defined as those that can be solved by the knowledge of experts, whereas adaptive challenges require new learning.

When the problem definition, solution, and implementation is clear, Heifetz calls this technical change. Adaptive change must comes from the collective intelligence of church leaders and members at all levels. So, together they learn their way toward solutions.

According to Tod Bolsinger, understanding Adaptive Change is a key skill for church leaders because “they are challenges that go beyond the technical solutions of resident experts or best practices, or even the organization’s current knowledge. They arise when the world around us has changed but we continue to live on the successes of the past. They are challenges that cannot be solved through compromise or win-win scenarios, or by adding another ministry or staff person to the team. They demand that leaders make hard choices about what to preserve and to let go. They are challenges that require people to learn and to change, that require leaders to expe-rience and navigate profound loss.”

The key to navigating Adaptive Change is guiding people through loss. Heifetz notes that “people do not resist change, per se. People resist loss. You appear dangerous to people when you question their values, beliefs, or habits of a lifetime. You place yourself on the line when you tell people what they need to hear rather than what they want to hear. Although you may see with clarity and passion a promising future of progress and gain, people will see with equal passion the losses you are asking them to sustain.”

Lastly, Heifetz stresses that educational leaders need to be able to think politically. Leading adaptive challenges require that we develop a strategy for learning. Our strategy needs to be who needs to learn what and how.

What is the Blended Ecology?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:51:45 GMT

“Blended Ecology” refers to a new form of local church congregation that arises from fresh expressions of church in symbiotic relationship with inherited forms of church. It develops as churches, parishes or denominations live into a “mixed economy” where different forms of church work side by side. Over time, these parallel projects form into a new interconnected creation.

What is Incarnational Innovation?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:48:11 GMT

Creativity and Innovation for Everyday People and Churches

When we first hear the words “creativity” and “innovation,” how do we respond? What is our reaction? As church leaders, pastors, and Christians with an entrepreneurial bent, these words should inspire us. They represent traits that we all possess – traits that can bring new life, energy, and hope to our churches.

The Importance of Creativity

The past four years have been challenging for each and every one of us. The pandemic has been seen as an accelerator of change, forcing even the most seasoned leaders to scratch their heads while thinking about the best course of action ahead. Marshall Goldsmith’s quote, “what got us here… is not going to get you there,” is being felt more than ever.

This is true not only in the Christian domain but in for-profit sectors as well. The World Economic Forum reports that analytical thinking and innovation are the top skills employers are looking for in their employees by the year 2025. Creativity, originality, and initiative are #5, and five of the top 10 skills are all related to problem-solving.

But… Why?

We are moving from the Information Age to an Age of Creativity. Today, we have easy access to an abundance of information, but not everyone know what to do with it. There is no singular program, initiative, or event that will solve all of your church’s problems. Even when we learn all the information of a new ministry initiative, your church’s creativity and problem solving will still be needed.

I’ve been on staff in my local church for over ten years now, and I have learned a decent amount of local church history. It is fascinating to hear stories about what ministries were effective over the years. There used to be predictability about what would be effective and what would not. However, recent cultural realities have impacted us more and more. Sports on Sundays, overscheduled lives, the digital realm, etc. Basic church programs suffer because we can’t seem to schedule Sunday volunteers more than two or three weeks out.

These cultural changes are real, exhausting and real exhausting. Yet, they also present exciting opportunities. Opportunities to engage our faith in new ways and be a witness in our world and communities.

Creativity as a Skill

Creativity is a skill that can be developed and learned by anyone.

Fredericka Reisman, a renowned creativity researcher and Director of the Drexel-Torrance Center for Creativity and Innovation, introduced the Reisman Diagnostic Creativity Assessment (RDCA) to help measure and understand creativity. The RDCA breaks down creativity into eleven different elements, providing a way to quantify and assess creative abilities.

These elements are:

Fluency: the ability to generate many ideas.
Flexibility: the ability to generate ideas across different categories.
Originality: coming up with unique and novel ideas.
Elaboration: adding details and depth to ideas.
Tolerance of Ambiguity: being comfortable with uncertainty and the unknown.
Risk Taking: being adventurous and willing to take chances.
Intrinsic Motivation: having inner drive.
Extrinsic Motivation: being motivated by external rewards or reinforcement.
Convergent Thinking: the ability to reach conclusions and make decisions.
Divergent Thinking: generating multiple solutions or possibilities (related to fluency).
Resistance to Premature Closure: keeping an open mind and avoiding hasty judgments

This understanding should be encouraging to everyone, including churches and ministries. Whether you already see yourself as a naturally gifted problem solver and creative thinker, or if you struggle to come up with new ideas, there is hope for developing your creative abilities. Edward De Bono, known for his “Six Thinking Hats” once said: “If you believe that creative thinking is an elusive talent, you will only wait for ideas to come. But if you recognize creativity as a skill, you can actively learn and cultivate it.”

The Call to Love Our Neighbors

In the midst of a changing world, our call to love our neighbors remains constant. Our faith spurs us on to meet the needs of those around us. As those needs shift and change, it requires us to be in tune with what those needs are and ask questions that allow us to solve those problems creatively.

The Creative Process

Similar to how creativity is a skill and can be trained, there is also a process of creativity. Beware that there’s only so much we as leaders can control in this process. That’s part of the beauty.

One of the most useful processes for understanding and employing creativity was developed in 1926 by social psychologist Graham Wallas. His four stages of the creative process include:

Preparation : Researching and observing about the need/problem we’re addressing.
Incubation : Stepping away from the need/problem allowing for subconscious connections to occur.
Illumination : The sudden moment of finding the solution to a problem. The “lightbulb” moment.
Verification : Movement from idea to reality.

This may seem a bit “textbook-y.” However, take a moment and consider how most solutions come about. From my experience, this is what most creative processes look like.

Step 1 – One person comes across a need/problem.
Step 2 – Said person comes up with one idea.
Step 3 – Said person tries to implement said idea (sometimes with a group of people).

And there are reasons this way of approaching the creative process doesn’t work, at least as well as it could.

When we come up with ideas to meet a need before fully understanding that need, we limit our perspectives. Since our perspectives are limited, our ideas will be as well.

Our brains are connection machines, and our ability to be creative is linked to our ability to make novel connections. When teams work well together in brainstorming, new connections are possible because of the diversity of thought, experience, and perspectives around the table.

From personal experience, when I’ve come up with what I think is the best idea all by myself,, it can be challenging to gain the buy-in to help carry out the idea. But when I invite others into the conversation, we can understand the need more deeply, come up with better ideas, and create a shared vision from the beginning.

Knowing that there is a process that aids us in creating new endeavors and initiatives changes how we approach change. Instead of grasping at the shiniest new object, we start to take confidence that our churches are capable of creating ministries that meet the needs of the people that they serve.

The Hope for a More Creative Church

Do you believe there’s much more to discover in creation, or that we’ve basically found most of it?

I was asked this question about six years ago. To be honest, my initial response was that we’ve found most of it. My curiosity and creative muscles were laying dormant, I’m not sure for how long.

What was new had become old, and what was interesting and exciting had become mundane.

If this is you today, there is good news.

God is not finished with the church. Even in the most difficult moments, we know that the God of Moses who parted the Red Sea when no clear path was present is with us. We know that the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the flames is with us now. That the God of Peter is with us when we are unsure about stepping into something new.

The hope for the church requires us to lean on God once again. Through this learning, we must learn how to trust in how God created each and every one of us. Believing that God is a creative God, and that we are made in His image.

We are created to create.

This isn’t the first time the Church has needed to pioneer and innovate. The church was pioneering when they entered Rome itself, even in persecution. This eventually led to Christians going to the British isles to evangelize, resulting in beautiful persisting celtic expressions of worship.

Christianity built the first hospital.

Christianity gave us adoption and foster care systems.

Christianity inspired some of the best works of literature throughout history.

Christianity birthed some of the most famous songs our world has known.

The Church, this mysterious entity that unites people from every walk of life, has the power to usher in the Goodness of God in ways that we haven’t even imagined yet.

Remembering our Creative Calling

There’s a Disney movie called, “Moana”. I have two nieces and a nephew, so I’ve seen it more than once.

In this movie, there is a girl named “Moana” who dreams of leaving the island that her people are on. There is a calling to something new and different in her life. Something that she can’t ignore. However, her father and mother want her to stay in order to carry on the traditions of her people and become the future island’s chief. They were too afraid of what it was like on the open water.

But one day something goes wrong. A blight hits the island threatening their way of life.

Moana then leaves the island in search of what will restore her island back to how it was before.

She encounters lively characters, a giant crab, and coconut pirates, and more. During her adventures she discovers something about herself and her people. She learns that her people were always adventurers, they were always seeking new discoveries.

In the end, Moana is able to restore the island back to health. But more importantly, the people on the island remembered that they were never meant to be on one island for their entire lives. They were called to be on the open water.

It is easy for us as Christians and our congregations to forget this part of our calling. This calling to engage in new ways, experiment and prototype, create and innovate. It is time for us to remember this

What is a Permission Giver?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:36:47 GMT

Fresh Expressions of Church are started by Pioneers, with the help of Supporters and Permission Givers. Permission Givers are often positional leaders within a church, denomination or organization who believe in the importance of fresh expression experiments. They sense that God is inviting the church to take some chances and try some new things.

A Permission Giver’s favorite question is: “What do you need for this fresh expression to have the best chance to thrive?” Permission Givers have a leadership role or a reputation that a congregation trusts, and if they celebrate the fresh expression efforts, the existing congregation will get excited, too.

The Permission Giver often knows the system, has influence, and can help release financial resources and congregational support. Permission Givers can anticipate where there will be resistance and can work to protect and empower the Pioneer. And Permission Givers are often great mentors and sounding boards for Pioneers as they lead the mission.

What is a Supporter?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:34:13 GMT

Pioneering fresh expressions of Church is dependent of the help of Supporters who are willing to lend a hand. Supporters are often excited about a fresh expression but are not the natural leader who can best connect with the people involved.

According to Fresh Expressions trainer and pioneer Heather Jallad, “Supporters are those who come alongside the formation of this new faith community, and will pray for, resource, and encourage the movement toward FX and beyond.”

A Supporter’s favorite question is: “What can I do to help you?” They always find ways they can help behind the scenes. They help their friends at the church understand the purpose of a fresh expression. They bake cookies, run errands, encourage the Pioneer, share events on social media, pray consistently for deep community to take root. In other words, they go the extra mile to help the Pioneer so that they can focus on being present with people.

What is a Pioneer?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:30:40 GMT

Pioneers are everyday, ordinary people who have a heart for God and a heart for people. These are people who experiment with new ways of being church with new people in new places. Often, these people keep asking themselves the question, “Isn’t there another way to do church with those who are outside the traditional church?” Maybe they have noticed people or situations that have been neglected by the church, and they think, “I should do something about that!” And they do.

The use of the term “pioneer” by Fresh Expressions is inspired by the image of Hebrews 12:1-2, which encourages followers of Jesus to look to him as “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Pioneers exhibit key signs of their partnering work with the Holy Spirit. Key tendencies to look for in a pioneer are:

The tendency to be natural connectors
The tendency to be natural entrepreneurs
The tendency to be action-oriented
The tendency to be risk-takers
The tendency to be idea people

According to Fresh Expressions trainer Craig Williams, “a pioneer is someone who maintains a balance of friendships both in and out of church. They exemplify what Paul writes in II Corinthians 5:18 ‘All this has been the work of God. He has reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has enlisted us in this ministry of reconciliation.’

Pioneers can be introverts or extroverts, they can be young or old, they can be pastors or laypeople. But what all Fresh Expression Pioneers have in common is that they are willing to follow God’s Spirit into their hobbies, their neighborhoods, or the needs of their community and foster contagious goodness and spiritual community right there.

What is Church at Table?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:24:23 GMT

Church at Table is an umbrella term used for any form of church that gathers around a shared meal.

The Church at Table is a common reality, especially in the early church. Inspired by the direction of Jesus seen in the gospel and 1 Corinthians, the first few generations of Christianity gathered around a table. The time was spent remembering Jesus’ sacrifice through the breaking of bread and drinking of wine. It was also an experience of deep fellowship with one another, training in the essentials of the faith, encouragement in the mission of the church and prayer. In this space around the table, community was established as people did life together, cared for each other, connected and served each other in the love of Christ.

Through the centuries this practice diminished from a full meal to the modern Eucharistic practices. The diminishment of the centrality can be seen post-Reformation, when “church” became a place you went on Sundays to worship and hear a sermon. Dinner Church seeks to recapture and recreate once again this essential practice of being church at table.

Jesus own ministry in the Gospel accounts provides numerous examples of activities that took place around shared meals, including teaching, praying, healing and miracles and eating. Think of the many instances where food was involved; Simon Peter’s house, Zacchaeus, Mary and Martha, the feeding of 5000, the Wedding at Cana, the institution of Holy Communion. More so almost every resurrection appearance Jesus makes involves food; Easter evening Jesus asks for something to eat, breakfast by the Sea of Galilee, be known to the disciples in the breaking of the bread at Emmaus. Food, dinners, the table itself was a means of grace as people gathered.

Modern experiences of Church at Table, such as Dinner Church, are rediscovering this simple but powerful expression of Church. People are welcomed, well-fed and well-loved as they hear the good news and respond with faith. People that would never darken the door of a historic church will come for a meal. Many inherited churches find this a missional initiative that is accessible and familiar, reminiscent of pot-luck suppers.

What is Remissioning?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 19:20:36 GMT

Remissioning (or re-missioning) is an approach to revitalizing a local congregation that focuses on helping churches recapture a passion for God’s mission. The term was coined by Dr. Chris Backert to help differentiate between the revitalization that comes from reengineering (the fine-tuning of existing systems) and revival (a miraculous intervention of God.)

According to Dr. Michael Beck , “most revitalization strategies are focused on [reengineering]. Doing church bigger and better: better coffee, better music, better preaching, better hospitality, and so on. Re-missioning is not that kind of strategy. Approaches that try to solve the crises facing the church from within the church are missing the point. [Revival] is always a possibility, although we can’t predict or force it to happen. Here we pray and wait.”

He goes on to say that remissioning is an exploration of how “inherited churches can can be revitalized by adopting the fresh expressions approach in the mixed economy or blended ecology way. While revitalization is not the goal, it is an effect of joining God’s disruptive cause amid the fragmentation and isolation of human communities. Cultivating fresh expressions of church births a missional ecosystem in long-declining congregations.”

A Cross-Atlantic Conversation on Discipleship with Mark Robinson

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 20:39:50 GMT

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In this special crossover episode between Fresh Expressions North America and Fresh Expressions UK, hosts Mark and Heather dive into a rich conversation on discipleship. Mark shares his journey into the Fresh Expressions movement, while Heather highlights recent work in the Church of England around the Fruitfulness Framework—a research project exploring the spiritual impact of fresh expressions of church. Together, they reflect on how starting fresh expressions is not only forming new disciples but also renewing discipleship within the inherited church.

Mark Robinson: With over 20 years of experience in various media-related roles across multiple sectors, Mark Robinson worked at Tearfund. He subsequently built a successful freelance career. In the past five years, Mark served two years as Marketing and Communications Officer at Trinity College Bristol and has led communications at Fresh Expressions since 2022. Raised charismatic Catholic in Ireland, he rediscovered his faith after a 10 year hiatus through a low Anglican church, opening his eyes to the idea of doing church differently. Mark is married to Ruth—an ordained Church of England priest—and they have boy–girl twins and lives in West London.

In Season 6, we’re diving into discipleship—exploring what it means to follow Jesus and share Jesus in our everyday lives and how churches can cultivate a culture of discipleship that is more than curriculum within their communities.

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

Interview Summary

“If you’re feeling a nudge—it’s probably God saying: just do it. And if that feels scary, you’re probably in the right place.”

—Mark Robinson

What happens when an Irish media professional finds his way back to faith through Alpha, joins a scrappy church plant, and ends up helping lead a national movement for church innovation? Mark Robinson’s journey is as winding as it is inspiring. As Head of Communications for Fresh Expressions UK and host of the Mission Shaped podcast , Mark brings a storyteller’s sensibility and a disciple’s heart to the movement. In this conversation with Heather Jallad, he reflects on the power of contextual mission, the importance of telling our stories, and the wildness of the Spirit that keeps us from becoming too domesticated.

From Deconstruction to Discipleship: A Personal Journey

Mark’s story begins in Dublin, raised in a charismatic Catholic household where faith and guitar-led worship were part of the rhythm of life. But like many, he drifted during his university years, spending a decade away from faith. His return came through the Alpha course—and, providentially, the woman who would become his wife. He found a spiritual home in Oak Tree Church in West London, a community that showed him church could be authentic, humble, and powerfully transformative.

“When I walked into Oak Tree, it felt like what church was always supposed to be. It was a homecoming.”

That rediscovery led to work with a UK development charity and eventually into the Fresh Expressions movement, where his media background and faith journey now converge.

Telling the Stories That Matter

As the host of the Mission Shaped podcast, Mark has made it his mission to elevate stories of everyday pioneers—those starting Fresh Expressions in pubs, gyms, wrestling rings, TikTok accounts, and liminal spaces that defy categorization.

“People tend to say, ‘My story’s not that important.’ But those are often the most powerful stories.”

Mark emphasizes that storytelling is essential—not just to inspire others, but to remind pioneers they’re not alone. He curates stories through relational networks and invitations, knowing that many British pioneers hesitate to self-promote. But when they do share, the impact is profound.

He highlights several favorites:

Wrestling Church : A bonkers yet beautiful community where more people are baptized through amateur wrestling events than Sunday services.
TikTok Church : Led by a self-proclaimed dork with terrible production, yet reaching people in surprising and Spirit-led ways.
Asylum : A decades-old punk and metalhead community that defies conventional church expectations through patience, presence, and prophetic listening.

“Established churches look at these and think, ‘That shouldn’t work.’ But it does.”

Measuring Fruitfulness, Not Just Attendance

One of the challenges both UK and US Fresh Expressions leaders face is the pressure to quantify success in traditional terms—attendance, budgets, buildings. Mark notes the Church of England’s ongoing work on a Fruitfulness Framework, which shifts the focus from numbers to transformation.

“Are their lives being transformed by the power of the Spirit? That’s the real question.”

This reframing allows pioneers to celebrate micro-movements, seasonal communities, and long-faith journeys without feeling the weight of institutional expectations.

Singing Our Song: What Gives Him Hope

Looking ahead to 2025, Mark says the UK Fresh Expressions team is intentionally stepping into a new season of discernment and creativity.

“We’ve been around for 20 years. We’re finding our own song—and we want to help others find theirs.”

With denominational partnerships shifting, the movement in the UK is embracing its young adult phase: confident, still learning, and eager to help others discover how the Spirit is moving in their context.

“We’ve been slightly domesticated—but the Spirit is wild.”

For Mark, the hope is rooted in contextual mission—especially in a post-COVID, post-institutional world where distrust in traditional church structures is high but spiritual hunger is growing.

“We can’t have a scarcity mindset. The opportunities are abundant.”

Every episode of Mission Shaped ends with a call to courage. When asked what he would say to someone feeling called to start something new, Mark doesn’t hesitate:

“Just give it a go. Come alongside others. Trust God. He won’t let you down.”

Sometimes all it takes is one story, one step, one spark to begin something that might just change everything.

Reflection Questions

Are there stories in your context that need to be shared, even if they seem small or unfinished?
How can you reframe success away from numbers and toward transformation?
What is your relationship to liminal spaces—places of waiting, unknowing, or transition?
How do you or your church make space for non-traditional, seasonal, or experimental expressions of faith?
Are you listening to where the Spirit is blowing—or trying to control the wind?
What’s holding you back from “just giving it a go”?

Watch

Show Notes

Messy Church (St Paul): A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:24:49 GMT

“There is so much power to kids seeing grown-ups participate in fun.” – Jen Asp

In the heart of St. Paul, Minnesota, Messiah Episcopal Church is rewriting what church can look like—through glitter, laughter, storytelling, and intergenerational connection. Their Fresh Expression, Messy Church , offers a joyful space where Anglo and KaRen (Burma) cultures meet in a shared discovery of faith. What began as a simple Messy Christmas event has grown into a seasonal rhythm of creative gatherings—each one inviting people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs into community, curiosity, and connection.

Rooted in the Fresh Expressions movement, Messy Church at Messiah embodies the values of contextual, inclusive, and relational ministry. It’s not just an event; it’s a growing expression of church that bridges cultural divides, welcomes the spiritually curious, and gives grandparents and grandchildren a place to explore the story of God—together.

An Experiment That Took Root

Like many good things, it started with a question: What would happen if we created a space that invited play, creativity, and curiosity about faith—especially for those who might never enter a traditional worship service?

Rev. Jen Asp and the team at Messiah launched Messy Christmas as a one-time event. But the response was immediate and heartfelt. That one night turned into Messy Valentine, then Messy Easter, and now Messy Summer, a weekly gathering throughout July. “There’s something about the laughter and the playfulness that is building connection,” Jen reflects. “For many, this is the first time their grandchildren have experienced the stories from Scripture.”

Reaching Across Generations and Cultures

Messiah Episcopal is a bicultural church made up of Anglo and KaRen families—two groups that Jen notes tend to be quiet and reserved. Yet within the colorful, relaxed, and interactive environment of Messy Church, barriers begin to fall. While they’re still learning how to foster deeper cross-cultural connections, both communities have responded enthusiastically to the gatherings. Parents and grandparents alike find joy in participating alongside their children. For many, it’s a rare and meaningful chance to spend quality time with family after long workdays—especially in the KaRen community, where many parents work evening shifts.

The stories speak for themselves. One child, after a Messy Church gathering, turned to his grandparents and asked: “Could I have a Bible like she read?” A simple moment—but one that reveals a deep and growing hunger for God’s Word.

A Taste of Spiritual Belonging

At the heart of Messy Church is more than fun. It’s about forming spiritual community in a space where everyone is known, welcomed, and seen.

“There’s something powerful,” Jen shares, “about knowing someone will call you by name… if you are in the margins, you will be welcomed in, you will receive kindness, and you will get a taste of the Living God.”

This kind of hospitality and presence aligns beautifully with Fresh Expressions values. It’s about incarnational mission—not asking people to come to us, but stepping into their rhythms, language, and culture. It’s about building community organically through consistent presence. As Fresh Expressions materials remind us, “We don’t bring Jesus to people. We discover where he is already at work.”

Embodying the Fresh Expressions Journey

Messy Church at Messiah follows the shape of the Fresh Expressions journey:

Listening : Paying attention to the needs and hopes of both Anglo and KaRen communities.
Loving and Serving : Offering time, hospitality, and creative presence without requiring conformity.
Building Community : Forming connections across generations and cultures through shared experiences.
Exploring Discipleship : Introducing stories from Scripture and creating moments of wonder and invitation.

It models a church that emerges through relationship, not agenda—where belonging comes before believing, and every child’s question or grandparent’s smile becomes a moment of divine encounter.

The Invitation

This Fresh Expression reminds us that small steps—like crafting Valentine cards or telling a story from the Bible—can open big doors for the Gospel. In the words of 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” For Messiah, that gift has been presence, creativity, and courage to try something new.

And that’s the invitation for all of us.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start where you are, listen well, and trust that the Holy Spirit will lead. Maybe it begins with a craft table, a storybook, or a simple question like: Could I come too?

Messy Church at Messiah is a reminder that faith can be fun, and that joy itself can become sacred ground.

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called?

Messy Church

Where is it?

St Paul, Minnesota

Who is it for?

Messy Church at Messiah is for families—especially grandparents and their grandchildren—as well as Anglo and KaRen (Burma) community members who may not feel comfortable in traditional church settings. It offers an inviting space for spiritual curiosity, intergenerational connection, and shared exploration of faith through creativity and play.

What do they do?
Messy Church creates playful, intergenerational gatherings centered around storytelling, creativity, and shared meals, where participants explore faith in an open and welcoming environment. Through monthly events like Messy Christmas, Valentine, and Summer, they offer a hands-on, relational way to encounter God and build community across cultures and generations.

Who is the Pioneer?
Jen Asp

Where can I learn more?

Messy Church Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/messiahstpaul

https://www.messiahepiscopal.org

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Tables, Testimonies, and Transformation

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 20:50:25 GMT

In this episode, we hear from Jon Davis in Florida and Greg LeMaster in Virginia—two rural leaders using Dinner Church to reach their communities in powerful ways.

Jon shares how a simple outdoor meal in a town of 700 became a bridge across division. Greg describes how his church now gathers at fairgrounds and homes, empowers lay leaders, and even partners globally—all through the table.

From refugee connections to special needs ministries, these stories show how sharing food and faith can transform a community.

Greg LeMaster is a native of Roanoke, Va. Since becoming a member of Graceland Baptist Church in Powhatan VA in 1992 , Greg has served in various areas of ministry such as Deacon, Teacher, and Outreach Ministry to mention a few.

Jon Davis coordinates major Fresh Expression events, training and resources for the Dinner Church Collective and is a mission strategist and trainer on the Fresh Expressions team. He is an Episcopal priest serving as the part-time Rector of historic St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palatka, Florida.

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Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

Interview Summary

“I just feel like I’m at home here.” – Michael, a Dinner Church guest

In a world where traditional church attendance continues to decline, a simple meal around a shared table is sparking revival in rural communities. This episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast explores the power of Dinner Church with two passionate leaders who are witnessing transformation—one plate and one conversation at a time.

Jon Davis , an Episcopal priest and member of the Fresh Expressions Dinner Church team, and Greg LeMaster , an outreach leader and long-time advocate for special needs and multicultural ministry, share their stories of launching Dinner Churches in small towns and seeing unlikely people find belonging, faith, and purpose.

From the islands of Florida to the hills of Virginia—and even into Nigeria—their insights offer encouragement, wisdom, and practical steps for anyone considering how to bring Jesus to the dinner table.

Listening to the Community: Start Where You Are

Both Jon and Greg emphasized one essential starting point for Dinner Church: context matters .

“We live together on this island… we shop at the same store… so how can we be a stronger community?” – Jon Davis

For Jon, launching a Dinner Church in Cedar Key—a town of 700—meant leaning into proximity. By gathering people who already lived close to one another, Jon’s team emphasized the power of shared life and mutual care. Similarly, his current Dinner Church in Palatka focuses on neighbors within walking distance of the church.

Greg’s outreach emerged from personal experience: “My son is autistic, so that was the lead-in.” What began as a special needs gathering in his home expanded into services at a public library, then his church. Every effort started with a genuine need in the community and a desire to build bridges.

Reimagining Church Around the Table

Dinner Church isn’t a new program—it’s a reorientation of what church can be. Instead of expecting people to come into the sanctuary, leaders bring the Gospel to where people are.

“We need to be willing to call Dinner Church a church… a true ecclesia… gathered around the table.” – Jon Davis

At Palatka’s neighborhood dinner gatherings, Jon has seen around 30% of attendees be unchurched or previously disconnected from faith communities. The relaxed atmosphere and focus on Jesus stories—not sermons—help people feel at ease.

Greg echoed this, sharing how their Friday night house church brought together Nigerian and Jamaican families. For some participants, the meal is the best they eat all week. But it’s more than physical nourishment:

“They’re hungry for the Gospel. They may not know it, but they are. As soon as they taste it, they know—that’s what I’ve been craving.” – Greg LeMaster

Lay Empowerment and Family Involvement

One of the most powerful insights from both leaders was how Dinner Church empowers others to share and lead.

“You don’t have to do it all. Get your laity involved. … I tell pastors: Ask someone to share a Jesus story. You’ll be surprised—they’ll rise to it.” – Greg LeMaster

This simple shift—inviting everyday people to read scripture, pray, lead discussions, or offer testimony—has opened the door for greater participation and spiritual growth.

Dinner Church also breaks down generational silos. Greg described families sitting together, children engaging with Bible coloring books while still absorbing and responding to the Jesus stories. The intergenerational nature of Dinner Church allows faith to be experienced communally and naturally.

Feeding Bodies and Souls—Locally and Globally

Perhaps the most surprising moment of the podcast was Greg’s testimony of how a simple house church in Virginia grew into a global movement:

“We sent a Dinner Church book to Nigeria… now they’re feeding 750 people, and over 200 have given their life to Christ.” – Greg LeMaster

From Zoom calls across continents to local partnerships with food-insecure families, the table has become a space of global mission. The impact of a consistent, loving presence is multiplying in ways no one expected.

“I don’t know why every church isn’t doing something like Dinner Church.” – Jon Davis

Dinner Church is not about building attendance—it’s about building relationships. It’s not about watering down the Gospel—it’s about delivering it in accessible, beautiful ways. Whether on a front porch, in a fellowship hall, or at a community center, the table offers space for healing, connection, and transformation.

“Our goal is to love on people with the love of Jesus. And I really believe people are starved for that relationship.” – Greg LeMaster

Reflection Questions

What unique needs or opportunities exist in your community that a Dinner Church could meet?
Who are the neighbors within walking distance of your church—and how might you invite them to the table?
What does it mean to reimagine “church” as a meal-based gathering?
What assumptions might you need to release to embrace a different way of doing church?
What stories from Jon or Greg’s ministry most resonated with your own context?
How could a shared meal break down barriers in your divided or isolated community?

Show Notes

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From Hanging Out to Exploring Faith: Discipleship in a Fresh Expression with J.R. Briggs

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 23:37:49 GMT

What does it take to move from casual connection to deeper discipleship in the messy, relational spaces of Fresh Expressions?

In this episode, Heather and J.R. Briggs dive into the challenges and opportunities of discipleship in new forms of church. They explore why so many people get stuck in the “hanging out” phase and how churches can gently and intentionally invite them into deeper faith conversations.

J.R. unpacks the importance of both mindset and heartset when approaching discipleship, offering insight into how posture shapes practice. Together, they introduce key ideas from the new course, "From Hanging Out to Exploring Faith," and share practical ways to move toward meaningful spiritual growth in Fresh Expressions of Church.

J.R. Briggs is a Mission Strategist and Trainer with Fresh Expressions NA and the founding director of Kairos Partnerships, where he coaches and equips church leaders. He teaches in Fuller Seminary’s doctoral program and serves with The Ecclesia Network. J.R. has authored or contributed to thirteen books and numerous articles.

Related Resources:

Show Notes

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Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

Interview Summary

“If Jesus were to look at you and say, ‘What do you want me to do with this fresh expression you’re a part of?’—what would you say? Tell Him.” – J.R. Briggs

In this episode of the Fresh Expressions Podcast, host Heather Jallad talks with pastor and author J.R. Briggs about the discipleship challenges in new forms of church. They explore why communities often stall in the “hanging out” phase—and how leaders can create natural, relational invitations into spiritual growth. The conversation introduces insights from the new course, From Hanging Out to Exploring Faith, designed to equip leaders for disciple-making in everyday spaces.

Discipleship Beyond the Program

Discipleship, J.R. reminds us, isn’t an optional add-on to faith—it’s core to following Jesus. Yet many leaders confuse it with classes, content, or curriculum. J.R. urges us to reject those “myth-conceptions” in favor of a deeper call.

“Discipleship is not a Bible study. It’s not a class. It’s not a checklist. It’s the lifelong journey of becoming like Jesus by embodying his mission.”

Rather than relying on systems or short-term results, we’re called to live in the way of Christ in every arena of life. J.R. shares how his own faith journey—sparked in middle school and shaped by mentors—taught him that discipleship begins in ordinary places with a willingness to walk with others.

Why We Get Stuck

Many Fresh Expressions begin with connection and community but get stuck when it comes to deeper formation. J.R. names the tension leaders feel between wanting to go deeper and not knowing how.

“People say, ‘I’ve done the first part—I don’t know how to transition to the second part.’”

Rather than jumping to strategy, J.R. emphasizes the importance of our internal posture. Our mindset, heartset, and posture must align before we ever offer an invitation. If we don’t genuinely love people, they’ll sense they’re a project.

“We’re playing an away game. But we don’t need to curse that. We can roll up our sleeves and think creatively about how to reach people far from God.”

Desire, Decision, and Courage

For someone to grow in faith, they need both desire and a decision to follow Jesus. But for leaders, helping people make that move takes courage. Sometimes just a little more than we think we have.

“Lean in. Draw on five or ten percent more courage to invite someone into something more.”

That courage opens space for natural invitations—like reading Scripture together, asking honest questions, or naming spiritual longings. J.R. shares how his wife's experience teaching beginners to ski parallels discipleship. It’s not about perfection but about patient, relational guidance.

Creating Natural On-Ramps

Discipleship doesn't begin with pressure—it begins with invitation. J.R. encourages leaders to think about "natural on-ramps" that feel safe and relational.

“Jesus rarely discipled one-on-one. He did it in groups. That dynamic creates safety, especially for people who are unsure.”

J.R. also lifts up “purposeful parties”—gatherings full of joy, curiosity, and community as a way to reflect the heart of Jesus.

And perhaps most practically, he reminds us of the power of a good question.

“Ask someone: If you could ask God anything and He had to answer, what would you ask?”

These questions disarm and engage. They open doors without pushing people through them.

A Hopeful Future for the Church

Despite headlines about church decline, J.R. is hopeful. God, he says, has always moved on the margins—through unexpected people in unlikely places.

“The Holy Spirit is very bad at status quo. When things get stale, the Spirit stirs something new.”

He believes Fresh Expressions have a vital role in the Church’s future—not as a replacement for inherited forms but as a Spirit-led complement. Whether in cafés, gyms, or around dinner tables, discipleship is still unfolding, one relationship at a time.

“We can be faithful, creative, courageous—and release the outcomes to God like a helium balloon.”

Benediction for the Journey

J.R. closes the episode with a benediction that captures the spirit of the conversation:

“May the Holy Spirit disturb you and trouble you and set before you an impossible task... until He fills you with His power which alone will enable you to do it. And then, but only then, may the Lord grant you His peace.”

Reflection Questions

How do you currently define discipleship—and what shaped that understanding?
Where have you experienced a “stuck” moment in moving from hanging out to exploring faith?
What spiritual risks have you avoided because of fear or discomfort?
Who helped guide you deeper in faith? How did they invite you forward?
What would five percent more courage look like for you this week?
What “natural on-ramps” exist in your current context?
How can group conversations about faith create more safety for exploration?
What question could you ask that would open deeper dialogue?
How might throwing a party with purpose reflect the joy of the Gospel?
What outcome do you need to release to God today?

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What’s Your Front Porch? Lessons from the Summer Book Club with Leonard Sweet

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 23:21:27 GMT

1. What’s Your Front Porch?

Whether you’re rethinking your metaphors, planning a block party, or exploring your own community’s rhythms, Len’s wisdom helps us reframe the church as a relational, imaginative presence in the neighborhood.

Don’t miss our final Summer Book Club gathering—more inspiration ahead!

This summer, the Fresh Expressions Book Club dove into Contextual Intelligence exploring how churches can better understand and engage their communities. In July’s live conversation, Len Sweet offered rich metaphors and practical tools for reimagining ministry in a changing world.

Here are three takeaways that sparked insight and imagination:

Len posed a powerful question: “What is your front porch?” In a culture where the front porch once served as a space of welcome and connection, many churches today have retreated indoors. Len challenges us to “front porch” our churches—create relational spaces where neighbors feel at home.

Whether it’s literal or metaphorical, your front porch might look like:

Parking lot parties with grills and games
Tailgates after high school football games
Storytelling around firepits
Summer singalongs and ice cream socials
Cocoa and s’mores in winter

Len calls this “Tale-gating”—gathering around stories, both ours and our community’s. What does a front porch look like in your context?

2. Know Your Context

During the conversation, Len recalled a moment when he completely misread his audience while on tour in Australia. He kept urging the crowd to follow the “North Star”—only to realize later that people in the Southern Hemisphere navigate by the Southern Cross.

“Even good metaphors fall flat if they don’t fit the context.”

That’s the heart of contextual intelligence: learning the language, metaphors, and rhythms of the people around you. To meaningfully share the Gospel, we must become students of the place we serve.

3. Be a G.O.O.D. Church

Len reminded us that effective ministry often begins outside the building. He encouraged churches to be “G.O.O.D.”— Get Out Of Doors .

Rather than relying on people to come to us, how can we meet them where they already are? What would it look like to become the presence of Christ on the sidewalk, the soccer field, or the town square?

“You can’t just open your doors and expect people to come. The front porch is a way of going to them.”

About the Author

Heather Jallad

Opening Space for Others: Lessons from the June Book Club with Shannon Kiser

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:29:01 GMT

1. Open Space for Encounter

Rather than fearing failure, we are invited to view our efforts as part of an unfolding journey—an opportunity to grow, pivot, and listen anew.

3. Start Small, Stay Joyful

What do you do when your church resists change? Shannon encouraged leaders not to try convincing everyone. Instead, begin with the early adopters and lean into simple experiments. A tipping point comes when just 16% of the congregation starts to embrace something new.

She also emphasized the role of play and joy in discipleship. A story about blizzards at Dairy Queen—shared with laughter and a spontaneous “Yay God, thanks for ice cream!”—illustrated that evangelism can begin in moments of delight.

In our June Summer Book Club conversation, we were joined by Shannon Kiser, author of Opening Space and Senior Director at Fresh Expressions US. Through personal stories and ministry insights, Shannon invited us to consider what it means to “open space”—to create room for healing, belonging, and spiritual discovery beyond the traditional church setting.

Here are three key takeaways from the conversation:

Shannon grounded the conversation in the story of the paralyzed man and his friends who tore open the roof to get him to Jesus (Luke 5). That image of “opening space” shapes how we think about ministry today. What if our job isn’t to bring people into our spaces but to create new ones—right where they are?

“How do we open that kind of space for others—or enter into natural spaces where we can cultivate safe places for exploration and encounter?”

Shannon shared examples from her own ministry context: a 7-day-a-week coffee shop that naturally fosters conversations, a basketball ministry with teens, and fresh expressions built on years of partnership with a local school. Some of these initiatives thrived, while others didn’t last. But the seeds planted—and the relationships built—continue to bear fruit.

2. Fail Forward, Learn as You Go

One standout theme from Shannon’s reflection: not every Fresh Expression lasts—and that’s okay. Some ministries fade, but relationships remain. Shannon reminded us that failure is part of faithful experimentation.

“Everything we try isn’t going to last forever… but we keep on trying and iterating and seeing where God is opening the doors.”

“Take Jesus seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously.”

When churches leverage who they’ve always been—and what people already love—creative ministry becomes less threatening and more inviting.

Whether you’re reading Opening Space or just beginning to think about Fresh Expressions in your context, Shannon’s stories offer encouragement and clarity: you don’t need a massive overhaul to start. You just need the courage to open space.

About the Author

Heather Jallad

Opening Space with Shannon Kiser

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:02:45 GMT

In this special bonus episode, we celebrate the release of Opening Space, the new book by Shannon Kiser, Director of Fresh Expressions. Shannon shares the inspiration behind the book, drawn from Luke 5, and what it means to "open space" for church in everyday places.

You’ll hear real-life stories, reflections from leaders, and an invitation to take faithful next steps—whether you’re a pastor, pioneer, or just feeling a holy nudge. Plus, learn how to access a free Luke 5 study guide and join our Summer Book Club.

This episode invites you to reimagine what church can be—right where you are.

Shannon Kiser serves as the Senior Director of Fresh Expressions North America. She is on the pastoral staff of Riverside Presbyterian Church in Sterling, VA, a church that worships in two languages (English and Spanish), engages in several fresh expressions of church, and extends community hospitality through Ridgetop Coffee and Tea.

Related Resources:

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FREE Opening Space Bible Study & Small Group Guide Download Here

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Interview Summary

“The door was blocked… so they opened a hole in the roof. That’s what Fresh Expressions are about—making space when the usual ways are closed off.” —Shannon Kiser, Senior Director of Fresh Expressions US

The Fresh Expressions Podcast recently hosted a special live episode celebrating the release of Opening Space, a timely and inspiring book by Shannon Kiser. Designed as both an invitation and a guide, the book is a vibrant blend of biblical insight, practical strategy, and real-life stories to help congregations rediscover the joy of joining Jesus in the everyday spaces of life.

Shannon brings decades of ministry experience and visionary leadership to the conversation. As the Senior Director of Fresh Expressions North America, she has walked alongside hundreds of leaders across the country, equipping churches to take small steps toward big change. In this conversation, she shares what prompted her to write the book, how Luke 5 shaped her imagination, and why Opening Space is a book for “just your average, everyday congregation.”

Why Opening Space?

Shannon opens the conversation by naming a felt need: church leaders want accessible, inspiring ways to begin experimenting with Fresh Expressions—without needing a theology degree or a massive overhaul of their ministry structure.

“I sensed a need for a non-intimidating, accessible introduction to Fresh Expressions—something that would help people see themselves in the stories.” —Shannon Kiser

She grounds the book in Luke 5:17–26, the story of friends tearing open a roof to lower a paralyzed man to Jesus. This story is personal for Shannon, who faced a near-paralyzing injury as a teenager, but it also serves as a powerful metaphor for the Fresh Expressions movement:

Doors may be blocked—but that doesn’t mean the journey ends.
Creativity, risk, and love open new pathways.
Both “doors” and “holes in the roof” are necessary in the church today.

“I’ve always been captivated by that story—their love, their creativity, their willingness to risk. That’s what Fresh Expressions looks like.”

Stories That Stir the Imagination

Throughout the book, Shannon shares vivid stories of ordinary people experimenting with extraordinary faith in unconventional spaces—on paddle boards, in yoga classes, during lunch breaks with day laborers, and more. One story that especially stands out involves a barista named Matt.

Matt, a non-churchgoer, worked in a church-run coffee shop but had dreams of becoming an actor. Through relationship and encouragement, he eventually created and performed a one-man play based on the Gospel of Mark.

“It was profound to watch the gospel come alive through the eyes of someone discovering it in real time—not preaching it, but embodying it.”

Even now, Shannon prays that the words of the Gospel, once internalized for the stage, might rise up in Matt’s heart when life gets complicated. It’s a powerful example of incarnational ministry—where presence, not performance, is the starting point of mission.

Who Is This Book For?

Shannon is clear: this book isn’t for specialists or megachurch strategists. It’s for the everyday pastor and the small-town congregation.

“This is not about restrategizing your whole church. It’s about trying a couple small experiments on the edges.”

Opening Space offers churches a practical, hope-filled on-ramp into mission. It’s conversational, not academic. Inspirational, yet deeply grounded in Scripture. The end of each chapter includes reflection questions perfect for teams, small groups, or leaders exploring next steps together.

Dave Male, UK pioneer and theologian, calls it “a very practical book packed full of biblical insights.” Another leader, Michael Moynagh, described it as “the best introduction to Fresh Expressions I’ve ever read.”

The "Who" Before the "What"

In one of the podcast’s most memorable moments, Shannon shares a recurring piece of advice she gives to leaders:

“Church people always want to start with the ‘what’—what cool thing should we do? But I say, start with the ‘who.’ Who is breaking your heart? Who is God calling you to be with?”

This deeply relational approach reminds listeners that Fresh Expressions aren’t strategies to implement—they’re relationships to cultivate. Community is born not from programs, but from friendship, curiosity, and faithful presence.

A Holy Nudge

Shannon ends with a pastoral word to listeners who feel the Spirit stirring:

“If you’re experiencing a holy nudge—don’t ignore it. Talk with someone. Open space in your own life and say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’”

Fresh Expressions is more than a model—it’s a mindset. One that calls us to follow Jesus beyond the walls of the church and into the real lives of the people around us.

Opening Space is more than a book—it’s a doorway. Or maybe, for some, it’s a hole in the roof. It’s an invitation to take a risk, get creative, and join Jesus in the places people already gather. Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, or simply someone wondering what church could look like outside of Sunday morning, this book offers clarity, courage, and a clear next step.

“Don’t just sit on this book. Let it stir you. Let it move you. Let it open space in you.” —Shannon Kiser

Reflection Questions

What “blocked doors” do people in your community face when it comes to encountering Jesus?
Who are the people God is inviting you to be present with right now?
Where do people in your community already gather—and how might the church show up there?
How do you distinguish between doing mission “to” people and doing life “with” people?
What gifts or passions already present in your church could be reimagined for mission?
What is one step you will take this month to begin “opening space” for God’s work in a new way?

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From Food to Faith: Dean Miller on Emergency Response & Dinner Churches

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 13:52:20 GMT

What if a simple shared meal could transform a disaster into a lifeline of hope and faith?

In this episode, we talk with Dean Miller from Impact Missions of the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) about the Food to Faith Initiative and the role of Dinner Churches in emergency response ministry. Dean shares about his family, the challenges of disaster relief, and powerful stories of lives changed. We also explore how the Church is responding to Food to Faith and his vision for Dinner Churches in BGAV.

Join us for a compelling conversation on meeting people in crisis and inviting them into faith—one meal at a time.

Dean L. Miller serves as the Team Leader for Impact Missions with the Baptist General Association of Virginia, where he has led mission efforts and disaster relief initiatives since 1999. Dean has extensive experience in ministry leadership, youth missions, and emergency response, serving in both local and international contexts.

Related Resources:

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

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Shalom Creatives: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 23:47:50 GMT

Reimagining Church Beyond Walls: The Transformative Story of Shalom Creatives

In a small town in Virginia, a movement is reshaping what it means to be the church. Shalom Creatives, located in Madison Heights, is more than a community hub—it’s a lifeline for those seeking healing, creativity, and spiritual renewal. Designed to meet people where they are—emotionally, spiritually, and physically—this Fresh Expression of church is breaking down barriers and building something extraordinary.

Rev. Amy Hall, the visionary behind Shalom Creatives, explains it this way:

“We’re creating spaces of care, creativity, and connection where everyone can belong.”

For a community facing challenges like economic disparity and social isolation, this innovative approach is meeting needs traditional churches often miss.

But the story of Shalom Creatives isn’t just about one community—it’s a blueprint for reimagining church in our modern world.

Listening and Loving: How Shalom Creatives Began

Every Fresh Expression starts with listening. In Madison Heights, leaders observed a growing need for spaces where people could express themselves, find support, and reconnect with faith without fear of judgment.

“Church as usual wasn’t reaching them—not because they lacked faith, but because they needed something different.” – Rev. Hall

This realization led to the creation of Shalom Creatives, offering therapeutic art workshops, nature-based gatherings, and leadership development programs that inspire transformation.

The journey wasn’t easy. “We had moments of doubt,” Hall admits. “Would people embrace something so different?” But by listening to the community and stepping out in faith, they uncovered a deep hunger for connection, creativity, and healing.

Building a Community That Heals Together

Shalom Creatives serves those who often feel left out of traditional church settings—artists, seekers, those recovering from trauma, and individuals longing for a place to belong. Programs like the Healing Art Studio and Forest Church Series invite participants to process their emotions, rediscover faith, and form meaningful relationships.

This reflects the Fresh Expressions principle of incarnational mission , where ministry happens in the real lives of people, not just inside church buildings. Shalom Creatives embodies Romans 12:13 : “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” By offering creative spaces and genuine hospitality, it provides hope and healing to its community.

Transforming Communities, One Step at a Time

What makes Fresh Expressions so powerful is its accessibility. Shalom Creatives didn’t start with a large budget or an established roadmap. It began with a willingness to listen, love, and experiment.

The impact of Shalom Creatives is undeniable. Participants describe it as a place where they feel seen, valued, and connected—often for the first time in years. Leaders have found renewed joy in ministry by stepping outside traditional models and embracing innovation.

“In Forest Church, I feel a connection to God and nature that I’ve never experienced before,” shares one participant. “It’s like my soul has room to breathe again.”

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called ?
Shalom Creatives

Where is it?
Madison Heights, VA

Who is it for?
Shalom Creatives is an organization dedicated to fostering personal growth, healing, and creative expression. Their initiatives include the Shalom Creatives Leadership Network, the Forest Church Series, Healing Art Studio & Gatherings, and Creative Life Coaching. These programs are designed for individuals interested in integrating creativity, spirituality, and community engagement into their lives.

What do they do?
Shalom Creatives provides diverse opportunities for healing, creativity, and spiritual growth through nature-based gatherings, therapeutic art sessions, leadership support, and personalized coaching. Their work emphasizes community building, mental health awareness, and innovative approaches to spirituality, offering inclusive spaces where individuals can reconnect with themselves, others, and the divine.

Who is the Pioneer?
Rev. Amy Hall

Where can I learn more?

Shalom Creatives

Shalom Creatives Facebook

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Shalom Creatives: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:34:50 GMT

Rev. Amy Hall, the visionary behind Shalom Creatives, explains it this way:

“We’re creating spaces of care, creativity, and connection where everyone can belong.”

For a community facing challenges like economic disparity and social isolation, this innovative approach is meeting needs traditional churches often miss.

But the story of Shalom Creatives isn’t just about one community—it’s a blueprint for reimagining church in our modern world.

Listening and Loving: How Shalom Creatives Began

“Church as usual wasn’t reaching them—not because they lacked faith, but because they needed something different.” – Rev. Hall

This realization led to the creation of Shalom Creatives, offering therapeutic art workshops, nature-based gatherings, and leadership development programs that inspire transformation.

Building a Community That Heals Together

“In Forest Church, I feel a connection to God and nature that I’ve never experienced before,” shares one participant. “It’s like my soul has room to breathe again.”

This reflects the Fresh Expressions principle of incarnational mission, where ministry happens in the real lives of people, not just inside church buildings. Shalom Creatives embodies Romans 12:13: “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” By offering creative spaces and genuine hospitality, it provides hope and healing to its community.

Transforming Communities, One Step at a Time

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called?

Shalom Creatives

Where is it?

Madison Heights, VA

Who is it for?

Shalom Creatives is an organization dedicated to fostering personal growth, healing, and creative expression. Their initiatives include the Shalom Creatives Leadership Network, the Forest Church Series, Healing Art Studio & Gatherings, and Creative Life Coaching. These programs are designed for individuals interested in integrating creativity, spirituality, and community engagement into their lives.

What do they do?
Shalom Creatives provides diverse opportunities for healing, creativity, and spiritual growth through nature-based gatherings, therapeutic art sessions, leadership support, and personalized coaching. Their work emphasizes community building, mental health awareness, and innovative approaches to spirituality, offering inclusive spaces where individuals can reconnect with themselves, others, and the divine.

Who is the Pioneer?
Amy Hall

Where can I learn more?

Shalom Creatives

Shalom Creatives Facebook Page

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Churros and Chocolate: An Interview About Faith, Family, and Fellowship

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:58:22 GMT

“Sometimes, God starts with the simplest ingredients—a conversation, a prayer, a plate of churros—and turns them into something extraordinary.”

In this interview, we explore the journey of the Churros and Chocolate Faith Community, a vibrant bilingual and multicultural group dedicated to making disciples of Christ while celebrating cultural diversity. From humble beginnings, they’ve grown into a welcoming space for all.

A Spark in the Parking Lot: The Beginning of Something Bigger

Can you share how the Churros and Chocolate Faith Community began?

It all started in the spring of 2017 in a preschool parking lot. I met another mom who spoke Spanish, and we quickly connected. Through our conversations, she opened up about struggles in her marriage. I felt a nudge to invite her over to pray and talk, which became a regular practice. Over time, I saw God bring healing and hope into her life.

From there, I invited another friend from Mexico to join us, and soon, we were a small group of women singing, praying, and studying the Bible together. What began as three women grew into a group of 13 meeting every Friday for coffee and prayer. The connection was undeniable, and God was moving in ways that amazed us.

From Coffee and Prayer to Family Fellowship

What inspired the shift from a prayer group to a family-focused community?

As we prayed together, many women expressed concerns about their husbands and families. My husband and I felt called to include the whole family in what we were building. That’s when the idea of churros and hot chocolate came up—something culturally familiar and inviting. We held our first gathering at a banquet hall since our home couldn’t accommodate everyone.

To our surprise, 46 people showed up that night. We shared a meal, worshiped bilingually, and studied the Bible together. The enthusiasm was so great that people asked, “Are we doing this again?” That’s when we knew God was calling us to something bigger.

Creating a Welcoming Space for All

What does a typical gathering look like now?

Our community has evolved significantly. Initially, we met monthly, but in January 2024, we transitioned to weekly worship services on Sunday evenings, while still hosting monthly dinners. Each dinner remains a time for fellowship, outreach, and bilingual worship. We’ve also formed smaller groups during the week for prayer, Bible study, and serving the community.

What makes our gatherings unique is the intentional focus on inclusion and belonging. From the food to the bilingual services, we aim to create a space where everyone—regardless of background—feels at home.

The Impact of Faith and Fellowship

How has this journey impacted your faith and the community?

Looking back, I’m in awe of how God used something as simple as churros and chocolate to create a thriving faith community. We’ve seen answered prayers, transformed lives, and a deep sense of belonging among people who once felt disconnected. Personally, this journey has taught me to trust God’s timing and provision.

For the community, it’s become a place of love, healing, and shared purpose. People from different walks of life have come together, finding not only faith but also a family. The joy and fellowship we share each week remind us of God’s heart for His people.

Advice for Aspiring Faith Community Leaders

What would you say to others considering starting a similar faith community?

Start small and trust God with the rest. For us, it began with simple conversations and prayer, followed by small, faithful steps forward. God provides the people, resources, and direction when you are willing to listen and wait for His leading.

Remember, if God can use something as small as churros and chocolate, He can work through anything. Just take the first step in faith, and watch what He does.

Reflection Questions

How can small, everyday moments—like a conversation in a parking lot—be opportunities for God to work in building community and faith?
In what ways can food, culture, and hospitality be used as tools for creating spaces of belonging and inclusion in your own context?
How might God be calling you to expand your current ministry or outreach to include individuals or families who feel unseen or disconnected?
What steps of faith or acts of trust can you take today, even if you don’t see the full picture of what God is leading you toward?

Restoring Dignity Through Dinner Church with Sandy Johnson

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 13:59:50 GMT

What happens when ministry steps outside the walls of tradition and meets people around the table?

In this episode, Sandy Johnson shares her journey of planting a Dinner Church in Ocean Shores, Washington, and how this unique model restores dignity and fosters transformation. Sandy reflects on the power of simple obedience, the challenges of earning trust in her community, and the profound spiritual growth she has witnessed. Whether you’re curious about Dinner Church or seeking inspiration for your own ministry, this conversation will leave you encouraged and motivated to follow where God leads.

Sandy Johnson is an ordained Assembly of God minister. She pastors The Table @ Ocean Shores. God began talking to them about dinner church during the Covid pandemic, and they launched a dinner church in June of 2022.

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Interview Summary

“God gave us everything we would need right then. And He continues to give us what we need as we walk.” – Sandy Johnson

In a world where traditional church settings may feel distant or irrelevant to some, Dinner Church offers a fresh and deeply relational approach to ministry. Sandy Johnson, an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, shares her inspiring journey of planting a Dinner Church in Ocean Shores, Washington. Her story highlights the power of obedience, community trust, and the transformative impact of gathering around a table to share meals and Jesus stories.

In this episode of the Dinner Church podcast, we explore Sandy’s insights into building trust in a small community, the spiritual sensitivity that guided her vision, and the profound changes she’s witnessed in individuals’ lives. Whether you’re a ministry leader, a layperson, or simply curious about innovative expressions of church, Sandy’s story provides inspiration and practical wisdom.

The Call to Something New

“We knew God wasn’t done. We knew we had something, but we didn’t know what it was.”

Sandy’s journey began with a stirring in her spirit, a call to step away from the familiar and seek God’s direction. This period of prayer and reflection eventually revealed a vision for something entirely different: Dinner Church. Though they had no clear idea of how it would work or where it would lead, Sandy and Gary took steps of obedience, trusting God to provide clarity and resources along the way. This deep reliance on God became the foundation of their ministry, showing that obedience often precedes understanding.

Embracing the Dinner Church Model

“Dinner Church meets so many of the needs. It’s church, but in a way that feels natural and relational.”

Dinner Church is a simple yet profound concept: gather people around a meal, share a short teaching focused on Jesus, and create a welcoming space for community. Sandy and Gary’s unique background as adult converts to Christianity gave them a special understanding of those unfamiliar with traditional church culture. This approach proved especially meaningful in Ocean Shores, where they reached people ranging from the homeless to wealthy retirees, and from secular-minded individuals to strong believers. As Sandy reflects, “It’s church, but in a way that feels natural and relational.”

Building Trust in the Community

“God told us we’d face a huge wall of mistrust, so we planted with no local church affiliation—and people noticed.”

Ocean Shores, a small town of 8,000, carries a history of church-related hurt for many residents. Aware of this, Sandy and Gary intentionally launched their Dinner Church without ties to any existing local congregation. This decision helped them establish trust with people who had been skeptical or wounded by traditional church experiences. Many attendees expressed relief, saying they wouldn’t have come if the Dinner Church were linked to a local church. Sandy emphasizes that understanding and respecting her community’s unique dynamics were critical to the success of their ministry.

Witnessing Transformation

“I saw her back straighten, her head lift—God restored her dignity before my eyes.”

One of the most powerful aspects of Dinner Church is its ability to restore dignity and spark transformation. Sandy recounts the story of a woman struggling with addiction who initially avoided eye contact but found a sense of worth and belonging through the community. Over two years, they have seen lives changed: three salvations, seven recommitments, and numerous stories of personal healing. From a man released from prison finding hope to a 95-year-old discovering a new sense of family, the stories emerging from Dinner Church highlight the Holy Spirit’s profound work in this unconventional setting.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Others

“Keep a laser focus on the vision God gives you. Don’t be afraid to try things and learn as you go.”

Sandy’s journey hasn’t been without challenges, but her advice is clear: stay focused on the vision God provides and embrace the learning process. While some initiatives didn’t succeed, each misstep became an opportunity to better understand the community and refine their approach. For leaders considering Dinner Church, Sandy offers this encouragement: trust God, take the first step, and remain open to where He leads.

Sandy Johnson’s story of planting a Dinner Church in Ocean Shores is a testament to the power of obedience, relational ministry, and God’s transformative work. By stepping outside traditional frameworks, she and Gary created a space where people from all walks of life experience belonging and renewal. Her journey challenges us to reconsider what church can look like and how we can better meet the spiritual and emotional needs of our communities.

Reflection Questions

In what ways has God called you to step into something unfamiliar?
How can shared meals foster deeper connections in your ministry or community?
How do you remain sensitive to God’s leading in your daily life?
What practical steps can you take to create a more inclusive ministry environment?
How can you ensure your ministry is meeting the unique needs of your community?
In what ways have you witnessed God restoring dignity in those around you?
How can you create space for the Holy Spirit to work in unconventional settings?
What one action can you take today to move closer to God’s vision for your ministry?

Neighboring Around a Table with David Bennett

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 09:08:11 GMT

Even in the most robust churches, leaders can find themselves disheartened, feeling like their efforts to share the Gospel aren’t making a real impact. The excitement and connection they long to see in their congregations just aren’t there.

But what if the answer is as simple as gathering people around a table? In this episode, we talk with David Bennett, a coach for pastors who are ready to try something different. David shares how the simple act of sharing a meal can transform not only churches but entire neighborhoods. Learn how Dinner Churches are helping leaders bring their communities together, sparking genuine conversations and deeper connections.

David Bennett is passionate about helping churches engage their communities in a fresh, meaningful way. As the leader of Mission 330 and Mission Converge, he works to equip pastors to build genuine relationships in a post-Christian world. Serving as a U.S. missionary with the Assemblies of God, David focuses on the power of good neighboring and the transformative impact of “table theology” on local ministries.

Related Resources:

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

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Interview Summary

“Knowing people, reaching people, touching real lives was far more important than any sort of brand or image that we could put out across the whole city.” – David Bennett

In a compelling interview on the Dinner Church podcast, David Bennett shares profound insights into shifting church ministry from a broad regional focus to a deeply local, neighborhood-centric approach. Hosted by Verlon Fosner, director of the Dinner Church Collective and a seasoned pastor, the discussion explores the transformative journey of ministry that prioritizes genuine community connections over expansive reach.

David Bennett, a seasoned church leader with significant influence in Ohio and the central United States, brings a rich background in transitioning from traditional church roles to innovative, local ministry models. His experiences provide valuable lessons for church leaders looking to deepen their impact in their immediate communities.

The Shift to Neighborhood-centric Ministry

David Bennett articulates the necessity of focusing on local, neighborhood-centric ministry rather than broad, regional outreach.

“The hardest thing was shifting inside my head, the way I needed to think about things.”

This mindset shift is crucial for fostering more intimate and meaningful community engagements. He further explains the importance of localizing ministry to a community or neighborhood, emphasizing the need to “think more localized,” which allows for a more tailored and effective approach to ministry.

Challenges of Downsizing Ambitions

The emotional and logistical challenges of reducing the scale of ministry operations are significant. David discusses the internal struggle of perceiving this change as a demotion but emphasizes the deeper value found in smaller settings: “Knowing people, reaching people, touching real lives was far more important than any sort of brand or image.” He stresses the importance of aligning ministry efforts with personal and direct interactions, which often lead to a more profound spiritual impact than larger, impersonal initiatives.

Impact of Personal Connections

Highlighting the effectiveness of personal connections, David recounts an experience where a simple act of kindness—delivering a fruit basket to a neighbor—had a profound impact on community relations and individual faith.

“When you start knowing the face and the name…that just really changes the way you use the resources that you have.”

David underscores the power of small, thoughtful gestures in building relationships and fostering a sense of community and belonging within the local church environment.

The Role of Dinner Churches

Verlon Fosner introduces dinner churches as a key element of the interview, describing them as “affordable, simple, and very effective at evangelism.” This model emphasizes the importance of meal-sharing as a form of church, facilitating spiritual and communal growth through intimate, table-centered gatherings, thus embodying the ancient Christian practice of communal meals. Fosner notes the increasing popularity of this model across different denominational and geographical contexts, demonstrating its adaptability and effectiveness in various community settings.

The core message from David Bennett’s interview is clear: true ministry success isn’t measured by the size of the congregation but by the depth of relationships formed within the community. This neighborhood-centric approach might require rethinking traditional measures of success, but it promises a more sustainable and impactful ministry aligned with the teachings of Jesus about neighborly love.

Reflection Questions

How can your church shift focus from quantity of members to quality of relationships?
What are practical steps you can take to foster a neighborhood-centric ministry model?
How might you handle the emotional and logistical challenges of downsizing your ministry’s scope?
In what ways can dinner churches or similar models be implemented in your community?
What barriers exist in your current ministry model that prevent deeper community engagement?
How can personal connections redefine success in your ministry efforts?

Big City, Part-Time Pastors and Two Dinner Churches with Ben and Jordan Arias

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 14:18:42 GMT

What does it take for bivocational leaders to build a thriving Dinner Church in the heart of a big city? In this episode, Ben and Jordan Arias share their journey from small-town Georgia to urban Chicago, where they planted two Dinner Churches. They discuss the challenges and rewards of bivocational leadership, the unexpected family they found in Chicago, and the powerful role of Dinner Church in their own lives.

Now back in Georgia, Ben and Jordan are opening their own table for a new kind of “Passover,” inviting neighbors and family to experience church as an expression of identity and calling. Listen in for an inspiring story of faith, community, and transformation.

Ben and Jordan Arias started their Dinner Church journey 6 years ago. After attending a Dinner Church encounter and the immersion in Seattle, they were ready to set the table in Chicago. Alongside their leadership at Hope Church Lagrange, Ben and Jordan helped plant and pastor 2 dinner churches. After almost 4 years around tables in Chicago, they decided to move south. They are excited to see what God has next for them and dinner church in North Georgia. They have been married for 10 years and love their cat Guppie.

Related Resources:

Dinner Church Collective (Facebook Page)

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

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Interview Summary

“We always knew that the essence of our dinner church was keeping our table open at home. If this season requires us to wait before we can establish one in our current city, then our door will remain open and our table ready to welcome anyone who needs it.” – Jordan

In this insightful episode of the Dinner Church podcast, Verlon Fosner delves into the transformative world of dinner churches—a model of church that combines food, fellowship, and faith in a communal setting. We explore the journey of Ben and Jordan Arias, a husband and wife team who have spearheaded this initiative, transitioning from traditional church settings to dinner churches in urban environments.

Verlon Fosner, Director of the Dinner Church Collective, leads us through a compelling discussion about the challenges and triumphs associated with setting up dinner churches. The couple’s experience offers profound insights into the potential of this church model to foster community and spiritual growth in diverse settings.

Ben and Jordan Areas share their experiences of starting and running dinner churches, first in Chicago and later as they plan to establish new ones in Georgia. Both have backgrounds in ministry and hospitality, which they leverage to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where people from all walks of life can share a meal and engage in spiritual discussions.

Power of Hospitality

One prominent theme was the power of hospitality, highlighted by Jordan’s commitment to keeping their table open, which she describes as a fundamental practice:

“For we knew at dinner church was we kept our table open at our house. If that’s what this season looks like, until we can plant one in the city that we’re in, then our door will be opened and our table will be available.”

This practice underpins the dinner church’s ethos of openness and community engagement, serving as a spiritual and literal refuge.

Adaptability to Urban Environments

Ben and Jordan discussed the initial trepidation and subsequent adaptation to urban ministry in Chicago, where community bonds were unexpectedly strong despite the city’s notorious reputation for violence. Ben reflects, “Chicago has the notoriety of being a violent place… you find that people sort of bond together closer,” illustrating how dinner churches can thrive and foster tight-knit communities even in challenging urban landscapes.

Spiritual and Community Growth

The spiritual and community growth facilitated by dinner churches was a central discussion point.

“It’s not just something you do. It’s a theology.” – Verlon Fosner

This comment underscores the idea that dinner churches are not merely community centers but are deeply spiritual endeavors that mirror the communal and inclusive practices of early Christian gatherings.

This episode with Ben and Jordan Arias sheds light on the transformative power of dinner churches in fostering community through shared meals and spiritual discussions. By blending hospitality with faith in an urban setting, they demonstrate that dinner churches not only accommodate but thrive under challenging circumstances, creating tight-knit communities in diverse environments. Their experiences illustrate the profound impact of such models on community and spiritual growth, encouraging listeners to consider how they might implement similar concepts in their own settings. With Ben and Jordan’s inspiring journey as a backdrop, this podcast invites us to re-envision what church can look like: a place of openness, adaptability, and deep spiritual connection.

Reflection Questions

What does hospitality mean to you, and how can you incorporate it into your community or spiritual practices?
How can urban churches address the challenges of their environments while fostering close-knit communities?
In what ways does the dinner church model align with the biblical practices of fellowship and breaking bread?
What fears might you have about starting a new church model, and how can you address them?
How can the principles of dinner church be adapted to rural or suburban settings?
What steps can you take to explore or start a dinner church in your community?

Coop's Soups: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 13:35:59 GMT

In Brookville, Maryland, a Fresh Expression of church called Coop’s Soups is transforming the way people experience faith and community. Founder Cristin Cooper, Coop’s Soups doesn’t look like a traditional church. Instead, it’s an inviting space centered around soup-making and sharing—a ministry designed to bring neighbors together and embody God’s love in daily life.

With a mission to “fight loneliness, one bowl at a time,” Coop’s Soups reflects the heart of the Fresh Expressions movement, which holds that “church can happen anywhere.” Through soup, friendship, and hospitality, Coop’s Soups is offering more than food; it’s creating a place of belonging and hope for those who might never set foot in a church building.

“You belong because you’re human, not because you have right beliefs.” — Cristin Cooper, Founder of Coop’s Soups

The Vision: Love and Community Through Soup

The journey of Coop’s Soups began with a need Cristin herself felt. Despite working in a large, program-filled church, she struggled with loneliness and a sense of disconnection from the people she served. “I was feeling disconnected from my vocation and the people I was called to serve,” she recalls. After a season of prayer, Cristin left her role, sensing a call to a slower, relational ministry—one that would meet people right where they are.

As she engaged in small acts of kindness around her apartment complex, Cristin noticed that soup-making created a unique space for meaningful, unhurried connection. “God started to reveal to me that I was being called to build community with my neighbors,” she says. Coop’s Soups grew into a place where neighbors come together, share meals, and find connection and spiritual growth in a welcoming space.

Meeting a Real Need: Loneliness and Hunger

In Brookville, as in many places, loneliness and food insecurity are real issues. Studies show that over 60% of Americans report feeling lonely, and nearly 9% of Maryland households face food insecurity. Coop’s Soups addresses both by creating a space for people to gather, share meals, and find authentic connection.

Coop’s Soups embodies Jesus’ command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), practicing presence and genuine care. For some, it offers a way to find community and connection; for others, it’s a place to explore faith in action. Each month, Cristin and a group of volunteers prepare soup for the local food bank and then sit down to share the meal themselves. “If this soup is good enough for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity, it’s good enough for us,” Cristin explains, emphasizing mutual respect over a “charity mindset.”

Community Impact: Church Beyond Walls

At Coop’s Soups, church happens in simple but powerful ways. Cristin and her team set up at farmers’ markets and gather volunteers monthly to make and share soup with those experiencing food insecurity. Volunteers often find unexpected peace and healing in the act of making soup together. One participant, initially hesitant, felt warmly embraced by the community, saying, “This is out of my comfort zone, but I feel so welcomed here.” For others, like a local woman undergoing cancer treatment, Coop’s Soups has become a place of comfort and spiritual renewal. “Tell me more about your church,” she asked Cristin, finding a place where God’s love was shown through care and presence.

A Model for Ministry: Joining the Fresh Expressions Movement

Coop’s Soups embodies the heart of Fresh Expressions, following the steps of listening, loving, building community, and exploring discipleship. Through simple gatherings, meaningful conversation, and shared meals, Coop’s Soups echoes the spirit of Acts 2:46-47: “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”

Prioritizing presence over programs and connection over agendas, Coop’s Soups follows the “Slow Church” model, cultivating relationships in real time and meeting people where they are. This approach encourages other churches to see that ministry doesn’t require perfect planning, just a willingness to follow God’s lead.

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” — Frederick Buechner

Start Your Own Fresh Expression: Taking the Next Step

Coop’s Soups is a powerful example that church can start anywhere. Every church, every individual, can reach out and build community in fresh ways. Fresh Expressions encourages us to reimagine church as a gathering of people meeting where life happens. Maybe for you, it’s a neighborhood meal, a shared service project, or an intentional time to listen to neighbors and explore what’s needed.

What might your next step look like? Consider joining a Fresh Expressions cohort, exploring community needs, or gathering friends to dream of new ways to serve. In the spirit of Coop’s Soups and St. Francis of Assisi’s call to “preach the Gospel at all times…when necessary, use words,” let’s bring love, presence, and hope to our neighborhoods, one simple act of kindness at a time.

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called?

Coop's Soups

Where is it?

Brookville, Maryland

Who is it for?

Coop’s Soups serves individuals in Brookville, Maryland, who are seeking community and connection, including those experiencing loneliness or food insecurity.

What do they do?
Coop’s Soups is a community-focused initiative in Brookville, Maryland, that brings people together through the shared experience of making and sharing soup. By sourcing ingredients from local farms and hosting gatherings where neighbors can connect over meals, it addresses issues like loneliness and food insecurity, embodying the principle of loving one’s neighbor as oneself.

Who is the Pioneer?
Cristin Cooper is owner of Coop’s Soups and is a licensed local pastor in the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, focusing on Fresh Expressions.

Where can I learn more?

Coop’s Soups

Fresh Expression’s Podcast Episode with Cristin Cooper

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Coop’s Soup with Cristin Cooper

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:08:09 GMT

What if belonging could come in a bottle?

That’s the promise of Coop’s Soup, which chef and pioneer Cristin Cooper started after her own experience of loneliness.

In this conversation, Heather and Cristin discuss the journey of leaving her church job and explore building community through sharing a bowl of soup. This episode will leave you hungry for food, friends, and a deeper experience of God’s mission.

Cristin Cooper is owner of Coop's Soups and is a licensed local pastor in the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, focusing on Fresh Expressions. Coop’s Soups is soup to share and an awesome way to make friends and fight off loneliness. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary and lives in Brookeville, MD with her husband, two year-old daughter, and baby boy on the way.

Website: Coopssoups.com

Instagram: @ Coopssoupstoshare

Email: Coopssoupstoshare@gmail.com

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Dinner Church as a Planting Strategy with Don Ross

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 17:48:13 GMT

Church planting is harder than it used to be. Could Dinner Church provide a new path for denominations, networks and church planters?

Don Ross is the superintendent for the Northwest Ministry Network, one of the largest church-planting networks in the Assemblies of God denomination. He has championed a network-wide Dinner Church initiative that has added dozens of new congregations to the states of Washington and northern Idaho over the past few years. In this episode, you’ll hear from Don about how his approach has helped open doors to start Dinner Churches in unlikely places.

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Don Ross once said, ‘Dinner church just works wherever people eat.’ In a time of rising secularism and diminishing church attendance, his approach to spirituality is not just refreshing—it’s necessary. – Don Ross

In this latest episode of the Dinner Church Podcast, we dive deep with Don Ross, the superintendent of the Northwest Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, covering Washington and northern Idaho. With a rich background in church leadership and an innovative approach to ministry, Ross brings his extensive experience and heartfelt dedication to the conversation.

Don Ross has a legacy of church planting and pastoral leadership. From his early days in Ballard, a historic Seattle suburb, to his role in transforming struggling churches into thriving communities, Ross has always been a visionary leader. His transition from pastoring one of Seattle’s first megachurches to leading a network of 350 churches is not just a career shift but a calling.

A Closer Look at Dinner Churches

The concept of dinner churches, as Ross explains, is based on the primitive Christian tradition of the ‘table church.’ This approach has proven effective in both urban and rural settings, providing a platform for community building and spiritual discourse over a shared meal. The simplicity and effectiveness of this model have led to the establishment of multiple dinner churches under Ross’s leadership.

Innovation Through Tradition

The dinner church model revives an ancient Christian tradition that brings people together through shared meals and spiritual fellowship. Ross articulates the significance of this revival:

We really felt the Lord direct us to begin to experiment with this ancient form of church, the table church.

This approach not only fosters a deep sense of community but also bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary worship practices. By reintroducing this historical model, Ross demonstrates how ancient practices can be innovatively adapted to meet modern spiritual and communal needs.

Challenges and Triumphs

Ross’s leadership journey illustrates a path marked by significant challenges, including navigating the decline of a historic church and facing leadership and financial crises. However, his strategic focus on prayer, community engagement, and restructuring has led to profound triumphs. Reflecting on this journey, Ross shares, “Came up the other side. It was agonizing. It was a six-month transition from our old campus that took five years.” These experiences highlight the resilience and adaptability required to lead effectively in complex and changing circumstances.

Expanding the Network

Under Ross’s guidance, the network has seen an impressive expansion, characterized by the strategic planting of new churches and the fostering of robust support systems. This expansion strategy is built on a foundation of clear vision casting, collaboration with larger churches, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty to move forward. Emphasizing his approach, Ross notes,

We’re going to move forward with wait for it focused ambiguity.

His focus on creating a sustainable model for growth underscores the importance of adaptive strategies in church leadership.

Theological and Social Foundations

Ross emphasizes the crucial role of understanding both the theological and social aspects of implementing the dinner church model. This dual focus ensures that the church remains relevant and effective in its mission, catering to the spiritual needs while also addressing the social dynamics of the community it serves. He highlights this balance, stating, “You must understand both the theology and the sociology or you will not get it.” This approach advocates for a holistic understanding of ministry that considers both the spiritual doctrines and the social contexts of the congregants.

The episode with Don Ross is more than just an exploration of his achievements; it’s a testament to the power of adaptive church models in contemporary ministry. The dinner church, as Ross outlines, isn’t just a method of church planting; it’s a revival of a deeply relational, community-focused form of worship that resonates across various demographics.

Reflection Questions

How can traditional church settings incorporate more community-focused elements seen in dinner churches?
What are the potential benefits and challenges of implementing the dinner church model in your community?
How does the concept of ‘focused ambiguity’ apply to other areas of ministry or personal growth?
In what ways can understanding the social context of your community enhance your ministry efforts?
What does the success of dinner churches tell us about the evolving needs of churchgoers today?
What are the implications of the dinner church model for church growth and revitalization strategies?
How does the dinner church model align with the biblical principles of fellowship and community?

Changing the Face of a Denomination with David Brakke

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:53:10 GMT

David Brakke was commissioned by his church in Seattle to plant in Billings, Montana, two full states away. Today, established churches in his denomination have started Dinner Churches, and every single one now outnumbers the parent church. In this interview, you’ll hear David reflect not only on the success of this journey but also on the unique difficulties they continue to face.

David Brakke and his wife, Hailey, live in Billings Montana with their son Noah. They planted a meal centered church in January 2020 in downtown Billings that is called Dinner Church! They are passionate about leading people to Jesus through meal centered gatherings. They love to travel, exercise, and hangout with friends.

Related Resources:

Dinner Church Collective (Facebook Page)

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

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Sometimes I’ll find myself trying to revert back to something that’s more complex and more difficult because I know it, rather than leaning into something that is actually more simple and more sustainable. – David Brakke

This profound observation sets the tone for our exploration into the transformative world of dinner churches, as narrated by David Brakke and Verlon Foster in this latest episode of the Dinner Church podcast. They discuss the impactful journey of the Dinner Church Collective, a movement that eschews traditional church settings for more communal, dinner-based gatherings. Here, we dive into the core concepts and personal stories shared by David, the pastor leading this innovative approach in Billings, Montana.

David Brakke, a bi-vocational pastor and a vibrant evangelist, has been at the forefront of the dinner church movement in Billings, Montana. His unique approach to ministry focuses on relational gatherings around meals, which has proven to be highly effective in engaging people who are typically resistant to conventional church settings. His journey reflects a deep commitment to embodying the teachings of Jesus in accessible and culturally relevant ways.

The Birth of Dinner Churches

David Brakke’s innovative transition from traditional worship services to establishing dinner churches was driven by an insightful observation: regular church gatherings were not appealing to many of his non-Christian friends. This realization led to a simple yet revolutionary experiment. “And that was, I believe, July of 2018. And in that one month, I had more of my friends who are far from God come to church with me than all the other months of the year combined,” David explains. This shift not only increased attendance but also fostered a deeper sense of community, showing that meals could bridge gaps that conventional services could not.

Challenges and Adaptations

Adopting the dinner church model required overcoming several challenges, particularly around changing the congregation’s mindset from a traditional to a more casual, communal gathering style. David notes the simplicity of this model as both its strength and a point of resistance:

“We gather around tables with a higher emphasis on, say family and community as opposed to programmed things…we found maybe a greater level of sustainability there.”

The model’s focus on communal eating and interaction reflects the early Christian practice of sharing meals, making faith discussions more relatable and engaging.

Community Impact

The implementation of dinner churches significantly impacted the local community, reaching people who felt disconnected from or were outright resistant to traditional religious practices. David shares compelling examples of how these gatherings have become inclusive spaces for those often marginalized in society.

“In that one month, I had 18 friends, mostly from my gym where I workout, come to church with me, and they came for almost a month straight and we’d have breakfast together every week.”

This approach has not only filled a spiritual void for many but also built a supportive network that addresses broader social needs through a faith-based lens.

David Brakke’s narrative is a testament to the power of innovation in faith-based community engagement. The dinner church model, with its emphasis on simplicity and relational connections, offers a refreshing alternative to traditional church settings and aligns closely with the communal aspects of early Christian gatherings.

Reflection Questions

How can dinner churches address the spiritual and communal needs of your local area?
How can meal-centered gatherings enhance evangelistic efforts?
What does sustainability look like in your community’s context?
How can we ensure inclusivity in such community gatherings?
How can partnerships with local organizations be formed and maintained?
How can personal experiences and testimonies be effectively used to inspire others?

City Church of Compton: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 01:46:43 GMT

City Church of Compton is a vibrant community-centered fresh expression of church located in Compton, California. Originally planted by Emmanuel Reformed Church, City Church has become a beacon of hope and transformation in a city once plagued by gang violence and poverty. With a mission to foster relationships through acts of service, City Church focuses on building deep connections with its neighbors, creating a sense of belonging and safety in the community.

“This is not a Bible study; this is just trying to be family. We keep it low maintenance. People bring food, we eat, we pray, we celebrate, and we leave.” – Arnoldo Escobar

At the heart of City Church is its bilingual services, aimed at both English and Spanish-speaking residents. Pastors Arnoldo and Viviana Escobar have been instrumental in leading the Spanish-language congregation, which has grown through simple, yet profound acts like neighborhood clean-ups, shared meals, and prayer. These efforts have cultivated trust and fostered discipleship, transforming the church into a missional community where faith and daily life intertwine. Alongside Pat and Julie Dirkse, who lead the English congregation, the church emphasizes a low-maintenance approach, focusing on building relationships rather than flashy programs

“We haven’t had any drive-bys in five years in our street. We used to have a lot of prostitution in the corner of our street, and it’s gone now. The neighborhood is a whole different neighborhood now.” – Arnoldo Escobar

Looking ahead, City Church continues to expand its impact by integrating social entrepreneurship into its mission. Through ventures like Patria Coffee and City Catering, the church creates jobs and economic opportunities for local residents, further embedding itself into the fabric of Compton. As they continue to nurture both faith and community, City Church stands as a powerful example of how a small, committed group of people can bring about substantial change in their city.

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called?

City Church of Compton

Where is it?

Compton, CA

Who is it for?

City Church of Compton is rooted in the heart of its neighborhood—serving the people of Compton with a special emphasis on the Hispanic community that makes up more than half of the local population. It’s a place where families, neighbors, and friends can come as they are—finding belonging, hope, and purpose through relationships that reflect the love of Jesus.

What do they do?
City Church began with small but powerful acts of love—painting fences, picking up trash, praying for neighbors, and hosting block parties that brought joy and connection to the streets of Compton. Those simple beginnings opened doors for deeper relationships and eventually gave birth to a worshiping community that gathers in a neighborhood garage. Today, the church continues to embody a missional rhythm of life—serving their neighbors, sharing meals, and walking alongside one another in faith. The Spanish-speaking congregation meets for community dinners, prayer, and discipleship in a relaxed, family-like atmosphere where everyone has a seat at the table.

Who is the Pioneer?
Arnoldo Escobar and his wife Viviana, along with planters Pat and Julie Dirkse, played key roles in pioneering City Church of Compton.

Where can I learn more?

City Church of Compton

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Ditching “Church Plant” for Dinner Church Brad Andres

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:21:18 GMT

Brad Andres planted a traditional church in a small town in Ohio that pivoted to a Dinner Church midstream. Initially, it had significant impact, but then small-town issues pressed against his efforts. In this compelling story, you will see why some leaders are looking for a “mission-first” approach to starting communities of faith.

Brad Andres is passionate about people moving one step closer to Jesus. He is an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God and is finishing a Masters of Divinity from Kairos University. Brad lives in Bellevue, OH with his wife Carlie and their three kids: Galilee, Anchor, and Arie. Together, they are living to expand the Kingdom of God one person, one family, one community at a time.

Related Resources:

Dinner Church Collective (Facebook Page)

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

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Interview Summary

One of the board members brought up a question, ‘Hey, it’s been like two years. We said we were going to reach the poor. We haven’t done that yet. How are we going to do that?’ – Brad Andres.

In this episode of the Dinner Church Podcast, Brad Andres shares his transformative journey with dinner churches. Brad, originally skeptical about the effectiveness of dinner churches, recounts how his experiences reshaped his understanding of community outreach and engagement, particularly among the underserved. His journey took a turn when he was introduced to the Dinner Church Collective, leading him to embrace this model of ministry that combines meals with worship, particularly effective in reaching marginalized communities.

Origins and Skepticism

Brad initially approached the concept of dinner churches with a fair degree of skepticism, questioning their effectiveness compared to traditional church plants. His journey began somewhat reluctantly, as he described:

“I began as a reluctant entry into dinner church, as a skeptic of what dinner church was.”

This skepticism was challenged when he was invited to a seminar that introduced him to the broader concepts and successes of dinner church models.

Community Impact and Growth

Brad’s involvement led to the expansion of dinner churches in his area, highlighting their ability to foster community and engage with diverse groups. He noted the simple beginnings and how the initiative grew to encompass a broader demographic:

“And so really, what they were describing was having dinner church with the kids of the apartment complex… we wanted to extend this meal to the whole apartment community.”

The growth was not just in numbers but in the depth of engagement and the apparent blessing of timely divine guidance.

Challenges and Resolutions

Throughout his narrative, Brad discusses several challenges, such as volunteer consistency and community pushback, and how these were systematically addressed. A significant challenge was the fluctuation in leadership and volunteer commitment, which led to a more structured approach.

“We noticed, as the church community leadership, that we couldn’t let this just be kind of at a whim.”

Theological and Social Reflections

Brad delves into the theological underpinnings of dinner churches, discussing how they align with biblical teachings about community and fellowship. He reflects on how this ancient model of church, based around a communal table, can coexist with and even enhance traditional forms of worship:

“The idea of the recovery project, if you will, that this form of worship, of gathering together is equally valid as a church community alongside ones that are more liturgical or ritual-oriented.”

These reflections are rooted in a deep reconsideration of what church and community mean in a modern context, guided by historical practices and scriptural backing.

“It was the kind of like the waters of the first century swam in, Jews and Gentiles alike. And it’s not something that we readily encounter.”

In conclusion, Brad Andres’ narrative is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of adapting traditional church models to meet contemporary needs. His journey from skepticism to advocacy for dinner churches underscores the potential of innovative church models to engage more effectively with diverse and often underserved populations.

Reflection Questions

How can traditional churches better adapt to the changing needs of their communities?
What barriers exist in your community that dinner churches might help overcome?
How might skepticism about new church models be constructively addressed?
What roles do meals play in creating community in your own experience?
How can leaders ensure volunteer consistency in community projects?
What theological insights can be drawn from the practice of dinner churches?

Farmstead Eight: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 16:44:09 GMT

When a local farmer sold his land for development, it could have easily marked the end of a chapter—yet instead, it became the beginning of a new one. In a stunning act of generosity and vision, he set aside eight acres and a barn for Heritage Presbyterian Church, a sacred patch of ground tucked into a growing residential neighborhood. That gift sparked an imagination-fueled experiment called Farmstead Eight —a place where neighbors don’t just live beside each other, but truly belong with each other; a space created to grow goodness, not membership rolls.

“The purpose of Farmstead Eight is not about growing our church,” the team insists, “it’s about growing good in our neighborhood.”

And oh, how they're learning and adapting as they go! The community tried hosting Wednesday night dinners in the barn—warm tables set, plates filled, hopes high. Church folks came, but not many neighbors ventured in. Instead of calling it a failure, they treated it as a holy clue. So they pivoted. Firepits crackled beneath open skies, hayrides rolled through twilight, kids burst into laughter during giant outdoor games, and suddenly the neighborhood came alive.

“We just keep experimenting,” says community cultivator Patience Acosta. “In a world of political polarization, we have the opportunity to be a gathering space where people can be friends and neighbors across differences.”

Today, Farmstead Eight continues to dream and build community in playful, meaningful ways: hide-and-seek nights beneath rustling leaves, orchard harvest parties, barn weddings, community celebrations, and ordinary-magic moments around tables and fires. It’s a living reminder that when a church stops trying to get people to come to them and instead joins what God is already stirring in the neighborhood, something beautiful emerges—simple, hopeful, deeply human, and rooted exactly where it belongs: in the soil of community.

Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church

What is the Fresh Expression called?

Farmstead Eight

Where is it?

Olathe, Kansas

Who is it for?

It’s for neighbors across the street and down the road—the people God has already placed nearby—so they can gather, laugh, share, and grow something good together.

What do they do?
Farmstead Eight creates spaces and experiences that bring neighbors together around simple joys and shared purpose. They host seasonal gatherings—like hayrides, firepit nights, hide-and-seek evenings, and orchard harvest celebrations—that help people connect across generations and differences. The barn and grounds also serve as a hub for community life, hosting weddings, local events, and creative collaborations. Through these rhythms of gathering, play, and shared work, they’re cultivating friendship, belonging, and the goodness of God right in the heart of the neighborhood.

Who is the Pioneer?
The congregation of Heritage Presbyterian Church

Where can I learn more?

Farmstead Eight

This snapshot was developed through thoughtful research using publicly available sources, including websites, news articles, community updates and a brief conversation with the pioneer.

Small Churches in Tough Towns with Beckie Adams

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:27:41 GMT

How much difference can a Dinner Church make? In this episode, you’ll hear from Beckie Adams, a Dinner Church leader in rural New Mexico. Over two years, their “Jesus Table” congregation has grown to the same size as their Sunday morning congregation. But their numerical success has happened in spite of the drugs, alcohol, and poverty that are an inescapable reality in their region. Listen to this podcast to explore the difference one small church in a small town can make.

Beckie Adams felt called to reach out to marginalized populations with a meal and conversation about life for about 15 years. She retired from the secular world in 2021. Although having served as a lay minister in her denomination, she was never ordained nor had any licensure or formal education. After going through the Dinner Church School of Leadership in 2021-2022, she had the framework and details to realize this mission. In January 2023, Neighborhood Dinner @ the Landing was birthed, which Beckie serves as the pastor for this Dinner Church.

Related Resources:

Dinner Church Collective (Facebook Page)

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

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Interview Summary

In this season of the podcast, Verlon Fosner, Director of the Dinner Church Collective is reuniting with leaders that have been trained through various opportunities hosted by the DCC.

Our focus today is on Beckie Adams, a dedicated pastor leading a dinner church in Farmington, New Mexico. Beckie, alongside her husband who pastors a traditional church, has been instrumental in introducing an innovative church model that caters to marginalized communities by combining food, fellowship, and faith in a casual dinner setting. This approach has become a beacon of hope in areas grappling with economic downturns and social challenges.

The Origins of a Community Awakening

Beckie’s journey into dinner church began out of a necessity to reach those who might never step into a traditional church. Her inspiration blossomed at a conference where the concept of dinner church was discussed, aligning perfectly with her vision of ministry through hospitality and community engagement.

“That caught my eye immediately, and I had to be there. So I went, and it was like, this is what I’ve been thinking about. This is what I’ve been dreaming about.”

This led her to enroll in the Dinner Church School of Leadership, which equipped her with the tools to actualize her dream.

Challenges and Triumphs

Launching a dinner church is no small feat, and Beckie’s path was fraught with personal and logistical hurdles, including family bereavements and health issues. Despite these setbacks, the launch was successful, and the impact was immediate. “We were going to launch around Thanksgiving… but we still had the idea that we wanted to launch it very quickly,” Beckie shares about the resilience needed to overcome challenges.

The dinner church not only filled a spiritual void but also addressed the communal needs of fellowship and support in tough economic times.

Community Impact

The dinner church model has notably transformed the community dynamics in Farmington. Beckie notes, “We have a high percentage of poverty… our unemployment is higher. Our homelessness is pretty extreme.” She further elaborates, “I feel like, there’s a lot of, addiction to alcohol and drugs and, so it’s a little bit different environment.”

The dinner church provides not just a meal and a message but a sanctuary for those facing the harshest realities of life, offering them dignity and a sense of belonging.

Expanding the Vision

As the concept of dinner church gains traction, it challenges traditional notions of what church means. Beckie’s story is a testament to the power of adaptive religious practices in modern society, especially in serving populations that are otherwise disengaged from conventional church settings. “They are going to church, that is their church,” she explains, advocating for a broader understanding of what it means to gather in faith.

The story of Beckie Adams and her dinner church in Farmington is a compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and deep faith. It highlights the potential of faith communities to adapt and thrive by meeting people where they are, both physically and spiritually. The Dinner Church Collective continues to inspire and equip leaders like Beckie to transform their communities, proving that church can be both a place and an action of love.

Reflection Questions

What makes the concept of a dinner church appealing to communities facing economic and social challenges?
How does the dinner church model redefine the traditional understanding of church?
In what ways can other communities adapt the dinner church model to fit their unique needs?
How can traditional churches support emerging models like dinner church?
What long-term impact could dinner churches have on the broader church landscape?

From Four Visitors to Two Churches with Megan Monterrosa

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 19:05:04 GMT

When Megan Monterrosa hosted her first Dinner Church gathering, only four visitors showed up. In this episode, you’ll hear about why Megan persevered and how they rapidly grew to two flourishing congregations.

Megan Monterrosa is on staff at the Grove Church in Marysville, Washington where she leads a Dinner Church called The Neighborhood, and is an executive assistant to the lead pastor. She is passionate to reach the lost, see Jesus move in the lives of individuals and help them discover their God-given purpose in missional living. She is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree from Kairos University and is in the process of becoming a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God.

Help us spread the word about the Dinner Church podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Related Resources:

Dinner Church Collective (Facebook Page)

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

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Interview Summary

"You know, no matter what happens, you’re going to do the best you can. And then. And it’s up to God.” — Megan Monterrosa

Exploring the transformative journey of Dinner Churches, this blog post delves into the innovative approach to ministry as host Verlon Fosner is joined by Megan Monterrosa on the latest episode of the Dinner Church podcast. Megan, a pivotal figure in the Seattle religious community, shares profound insights into the inception, development, and spiritual essence of Dinner Churches.

Megan Monterrosa’s leadership in developing Dinner Churches in the Seattle area highlights her commitment to creating meaningful community connections through shared meals and spiritual fellowship. Her initiatives focus not just on gathering but on fostering a familial atmosphere where community and spirituality intertwine.

The Genesis of an Idea

The concept of the Dinner Church began as a response to a felt need for more community-oriented spiritual experiences. Megan describes the initial steps taken to realize this vision:

“So I was on staff at the Grove Church in Marysville, Washington… We started talking about possibly doing a dinner church… We went to one of the Dinner Church Encounters, which is where you can learn a lot about the church in a short timeframe.” — Megan Monterrosa

This initiative was birthed from a combination of divine inspiration and community feedback, emphasizing the church’s proactive approach to meet the needs of its congregants and surrounding community.

Rapid Growth and Community Impact

The Dinner Church model quickly proved to be effective, necessitating the launch of additional services to accommodate growing interest. Megan highlights the organic growth and the community’s enthusiastic response:

“It did start to grow rapidly, so within six months we had to open a second one because we couldn’t contain it, in the space.” — Megan Monterrosa

This expansion underscores the Dinner Church’s appeal and effectiveness in fostering community ties and engaging members in a more intimate and meaningful manner.

Spiritual and Operational Insights

Megan shares insights on managing the spiritual and operational aspects of running Dinner Churches. She stresses the importance of spiritual guidance in her leadership and operational decisions:

“I felt that pull from the Lord. But, you know, it was incredible… It augmented the journey. That’s what it did. And you just find the time, you know, it is never easy, but it is definitely worth it.” — Megan Monterrosa

Her narrative reinforces the need for a balance between spiritual intuition and practical management, ensuring that the church’s activities are both spiritually driven and operationally viable.

Megan Monterrosa’s experiences illuminate the Dinner Church model as a beacon of innovation in ministry, emphasizing community, spirituality, and growth. Her insights provide valuable lessons for others interested in exploring similar community-centric approaches to ministry.

Reflection Questions

How can the principles discussed by Megan enhance your current ministry practices?
What might be the challenges and benefits of implementing a Dinner Church in your area?
How can you ensure that your ministry activities align with both spiritual guidance and operational needs?
In what ways can you foster a deeper sense of community in your existing church activities?
What are the key components of a successful community outreach program, based on Megan’s experience?

When God Sends You Somewhere Else with Dan Altimus

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 19:22:41 GMT

Dan had a plan for planting in an exciting city, but through a series of nudges, they ended up in a small town with a significant drug problem. In this fascinating interview, you’ll hear how they attracted one-sixth of their town to their Dinner Church. You’ll also hear about why they stayed after the COVID pandemic shut down their congregation, and what their ministry looks like today.

Daniel Altimus is the pastor of Common Ground Church in York Haven, Pennsylvania. Never imagining himself as a church planter, God connected Daniel to two other men with a love for the gospel and a heart to see people discipled. After a period of sowing the gospel for three years in York Haven, they planted Common Ground Dinner Church in September of 2017. Daniel lives in York Haven with his wife Angie. They have two adult sons, Luke and Shane.

Related Resources:

Dinner Church Collective (Facebook Page)

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

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Interview Summary

“Let’s just say it took us out of our comfort zones in a different way…” – Dan Altimus

This poignant reflection by Dan Altimus, a key figure in the Dinner Church movement in Yorkhaven, Pennsylvania, captures the transformative journey many have experienced. In this detailed exploration of this Dinner Church podcast episode with Dan Altimus, we delve into the innovative model of Dinner Church—a place where food, faith, and community intertwine to rejuvenate not only individual lives but entire communities.

Dan Altimus, alongside his wife Angela, leads a significant community effort in New York Haven through the Dinner Church Collective. With roots deeply embedded in the community, Dan’s ministry focuses on revitalizing the local area through the ancient practice of gathering around the dinner table—turning a simple meal into a profound communal experience.

The Essence of Dinner Church: More Than Just a Meal

A Rebirth from Decline

The Dinner Church model was born out of a response to a period of unexplained decline within Dan Altimus’s community. This decline prompted the community leaders to seek new, impactful ways to engage and uplift their surroundings. The transition to a Dinner Church wasn’t merely about changing the mode of worship or community gathering; it was about responding to a deep, communal need for connection and revitalization. By embedding the church within the routine act of sharing meals, they tapped into a longstanding tradition that promotes fellowship and unity, thus revitalizing the community’s spirit and engagement.

“And 20 years ago, our church went into an unexplainable decline. much frustration that soon led to much prayer. and we really felt the Lord direct us to begin to experiment with this ancient form of church, the table church, if you will.” – Dan Altimus

Core Principles of Engagement

Dinner Church is built on principles that emphasize simplicity, affordability, and evangelistic effectiveness, making it a potent tool for community outreach across various demographics and locations. This model strips back the often complex and resource-heavy structures of traditional churches, opting instead for a more accessible and relatable format. Meals serve as a universal invitation into community life, breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where people can engage in spiritual discussions in a relaxed and welcoming setting. These principles ensure that Dinner Churches can be easily replicated and adapted across different contexts, making them versatile and inclusive.

“Dinner churches are affordable. They are simple. They are very effective at evangelism. And they are rapidly increasing across the country and across all denominational lines and across all social locations.” – Verlon Fosner

Impactful Outreach

The transformative impact of Dinner Church is vividly seen in the personal stories of community members who find not just physical nourishment but also emotional and spiritual support. The inclusive setting allows people who might not typically step into a traditional church setting to feel welcomed. This approach significantly shifts how outreach is conducted, focusing on serving and building the community from within rather than merely preaching to them. It’s about active engagement—meeting people where they are, addressing real needs, and providing a platform for genuine transformation and connection.

“And one of the gentlemen there that was leading that conference, he handed me a book called welcome to Dinner Church … I read probably a chapter of that book, and it was like, instantly I knew this is this was the answer… They read just a little bit and they were like, yes, this is this is where God wants us to go.” – Dan Altimus

As we reflect on the conversation with Dan, it becomes evident that Dinner Church is more than a feeding program; it’s a catalyst for community transformation. By fostering an environment of acceptance and support, Dinner Church empowers individuals to partake in a shared vision of growth and development.

Reflection Questions

What makes the concept of Dinner Church appealing to communities facing social challenges?
How does sharing a meal facilitate deeper connections among community members?
How can individuals contribute to the sustainability of such community initiatives?
What are the long-term impacts of such a community-focused approach on local development?
How does the concept of Dinner Church challenge traditional perceptions of church and community service?

BibleProject’s Tim Mackie and Jon Collins on Eating Like Jesus [Bonus Episode]

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 19:34:05 GMT

“Meals were the main venue for the arrival of God’s kingdom,” says Tim Mackie, describing the work of Jesus in the books of Luke and Acts.

In this unique bonus episode, host Verlon Fosner and producer Chris Morton welcome BibleProject’s Tim Mackie (Bible scholar) and Jon Collins (Explainer and Visual Storyteller) to help us understand why Jesus’ ministry focused so much on meals.

BibleProject’s enormously popular animated explainer videos, in-depth podcast, and ever-expanding free library of resources have helped Christians around the world grow in their understanding of Scripture. This episode will help you understand how the Dinner Church movement is a natural outgrowth of Jesus’ own ministry approach. You will also gain useful insight into how to better teach the stories of Jesus at your tables.

Explore BibleProject resources at bibleproject.com, subscribe to their YouTube channel at youtube.com/bibleproject , and listen to their podcast at bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast .

Timothy Mackie , PhD is married to Jessica, and together they are raising two little boys, Roman and August, in the wonderful city of Portland, Oregon. Tim is an adjunct professor of biblical studies at Western Seminary and a creative writer for BibleProject. He’s been fascinated with Jesus and his Jewish heritage ever since he became a Christian at 20 years old through an urban outreach ministry to skateboarders in Portland called SkateChurch. Tim discovered the wonderful world of biblical studies and languages at Multnomah University and Western Seminary, and he had the privilege of doing a PhD in Hebrew and Jewish Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tim’s greatest passion is to help people grasp the beautiful and compelling story of the ancient Scriptures and how they lead us to Jesus of Nazareth.

Jon Collins was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and is proud to call Portland home. He has been married for 11 years and has two boys. Jon received a BA in Bible and Theology at Multnomah University. After working overseas in Christian ministry and then serving for a year as a pastor, Jon stepped into the marketplace to explore digital communication. He started two digital communication companies and worked with clients ranging from Google and P&G to Silicon Valley start-ups and nonprofits. In 2009, Jon’s first company, Epipheo, introduced the business world to “explainer videos.” Jon has a long history of creating shareable videos that spread messages organically on the internet. In early 2016, Jon ended his participation in former business ventures to work on BibleProject full-time. He is thrilled to be working on something so meaningful.

Related Resources:

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

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Interview Summary

“Meals were the main venue for the arrival of God’s kingdom,” says Tim Mackie, describing the work of Jesus in the books of Luke and Acts.

Where did the idea of Dinner Church come from?

At the Dinner Church Collective, we often refer to Dinner Church as a “recovery project” where Christian leaders are rediscovering a very old approach to church. How old?

To answer that question, we asked Tim Mackie and Jon Collins, co-founders of BibleProject, to help us explore the connection between Dinner Church and Jesus’ practices of declaring God’s kingdom.

Tim Mackie is a Biblical scholar with a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible and Jewish Studies. He co-founded BibleProject and serves as its lead research scholar. His lifelong friend and co-founder, Jon Collins, brings a potent passion for the Bible, the Church and communication. Jon’s earlier work focused on creating “explainer videos” for technology companies, and he now uses those skills to help people explore Scripture.

Note: This conversation has been edited for length and clarity, with only minor grammatical edits. For the full conversation, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or watch the podcast video on YouTube

The Genesis of BibleProject

Verlon Fosner

Let’s just begin, Tim and Jon, unpacking the origin of BibleProject.

Jon Collins

I’ll give it a shot. I grew up in the church reading the Bible, which was significant in my life. However, in my 20s, I felt disconnected from understanding how to read it and gave up. Tim and I met in Bible school, where he was delving deep into biblical literature, while I was moving into creating explainer videos for technology products. Our ongoing conversations about the Bible led me to see it differently—as God’s wisdom and Jewish meditation literature. This inspired me to propose making videos to explain these insights, which we started doing ten years ago. Our aim was to create media that helps people encounter the Bible in this transformative way.

Tim Mackie

Another key aspect was the business model Jon brought—a crowdfunded nonprofit endeavor. We believed that if people found value in our work, they would support it. And they did, allowing us to continue creating and expanding into podcasts and free online classes in biblical theology. It’s been ten years now, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Verlon Fosner

Not too far out of the gate, you guys had a huge run, as it went pretty viral. Talk about that just coming out of the gate, if you will, the experience that you had with some of your first videos.

Jon Collins

Initially, it was a slow and steady growth with a small but invested audience. However, about three years in, a significant inflection point occurred when a respected pastor endorsed our work, accelerating our content creation and reach.

The Role of Meals in Jesus’ Ministry

Chris Morton

Tim, I’ve heard you discuss the initial followers of Jesus and their response to his teachings. How do you see that in Scripture, and what do you think is going on there?

Tim Mackie

The Gospel of Luke uniquely emphasizes Jesus’ public meals as a vital part of his kingdom announcement. These meals were social events that broke down societal barriers and promoted equality and community. This practice continued in the early church, as seen in Acts and Paul’s letters, where communal meals were central to the life of the early Christians. These meals were more than just about eating; they were about embodying the values of the kingdom of God.

Chris Morton

Any thoughts just carrying on and how you see that in the epistles and the book of Acts?

Tim Mackie

Oh, well, Acts, you know that famous line of the Jerusalem church post-Pentecost, and they dedicated themselves to a life of learning together, to the apostles’ teaching, a life of prayer. And it’s plural in Greek in Acts 2:42, to the prayers, like saying the Jesus prayer and the Jewish liturgies. And then he also says to the sharing of possessions and the breaking of bread, which is the shorthand for they regularly had meals. Isn’t that interesting? It’s like a discipline to have these communal meals together.

And then that plays on through Acts where you see these moments and a meal isn’t always mentioned. But like when Paul’s having his all-night Bible study marathon and Eutychus falls out of the window, I mean, that was definitely, definitely they were having a meal. There was some part of that. So there’s also all these implicit meals. Paul talks about in all the house churches and the networks that he started. He mentions meals in the letter to the Galatians and to the Corinthians. And actually, it was those meals that exposed divisions in the community. And Paul trying to heal those divisions that were exposed at the table to get people back to eating meals together was like the way like how Paul would know that the gospel of Jesus is really transforming people is whether they eat together. That’s like his vision in Galatians and Corinthians and not the rich and the poor doing their different thing and not the circumcised or uncircumcised in different rooms. For him, it’s one room, one table.

And that’s just so fascinating, because that’s not the rubric of like success that comes into many of our minds. But apparently for Paul, if you can get people around the table together regularly doing a replay of the last Passover of Jesus, then something real magical can happen.

Verlon Fosner

Tim, in particular, Alan Hirsch makes a statement that if we interpret Scripture through the epistles, it creates a strange distortion, whereas to interpret all the Scriptures through the Gospels, there is a clarity and there is a possibility of unification of the book. Does that inspire or how would you respond to that?

Tim Mackie

Yeah, I think I would qualify that just a little bit. But, you know, I’m a Bible scholar at heart, and so I want to qualify everything probably needlessly most of the time. But in the early Jesus movement, actually, before there was such a thing as a collected form of the apostolic writings that we call the New Testament, there was the oral Jesus tradition, like actually the oral preserved eyewitness memories and the memorized bodies of teaching before like Matthew existed. So we’re in the earliest decades of the Jesus movement. And in that era, by the first 50, even to 100 years, the Bible was, for most followers of Jesus, the Greek Bible as heard, being read and sung at the meals, the weekly meals, and their liturgies. And it was actually what we call the Old Testament that was the main thing that was illuminating who Jesus was as his teachings and the stories about him were also recounted orally. And that’s a really important phase of the Jesus movement to remember that no one even had a New Testament to read the Old Testament in light of. What they had was the Old Testament to illuminate the Jesus whose stories we retell every week as we have meals. And so in many ways, it’s just as true that we read the Gospels in light of the Old Testament, and that it’s the Old Testament that illuminates the Jesus of the Gospels.

But then at the same time, there were so many twists and surprises that Jesus threw out there for how he was doing, what he was doing, that it forced his disciples to go reread and reprocess all sorts of things that they knew from their Scriptures. And so it’s always been not just reading backwards and not just reading forwards, but it’s always been the whole of Scripture and Jesus illuminating each other. And that continued to be the case even into the early church in ways that I’m still learning about right now. So that qualification may not matter to anybody than me in this moment, but I think it does matter to me, because what I want to know, what I do want to know is, did Jesus just arrive on the scene as like a brand new, innovative, unprecedented thing and everything changes in light of him? Or is it also the case that he really, like you said, was fulfilling the Torah and prophets like he was the hand slipping into a glove, but the glove had already been there for some time and he was slipping into it, but also adding some new shades of color or something to it that nobody had quite ever seen before. And I think it was probably more like that, a little more dynamic than just reading the Old Testament in light of the Gospels. But I agree with you and Alan that reading the whole Bible in light of the epistles is probably going to produce a bit of a strange creature.

Chris Morton

Verlon, how would you compare that with what you guys have learned and maybe just share a little bit about your community there in Seattle?

Verlon Fosner

Yeah. Well, we’ve recognized that Jesus primarily healed by day and then had dinner with all kinds of folks by night. It was almost this daily strategy and salvific strategy of planting the new kingdom. But his practical activity was this healing by day and then dinner with all different kinds of the least, the last, the religious leaders, whoever that he could drag into that room. And it seemed to be very strategic. And so we in with the dinner church, just taking back and recognizing it as a recovery project, not as an innovation, has taken us back into the same material that you’ve been talking about. And then of course, in a very formal way in that very famous Last Supper, we see Jesus hand off, hey, eat this meal together. Invite everybody else, which was the backdrop of the Passover. You invite all the lonely, the lost, the last, the widows, the strangers. You eat together, but from here on out, rather than remembering the escape from Egypt, talk about me. Remember me. That was the new Passover that birthed that night that they obviously took very seriously going forward.

Tim Mackie

Maybe just another thought. One big part of the project that I’ve forced Jon to go on with me this journey is seeing how the early stories in Genesis set up all the key themes and ideas for every part of the biblical story going onward. And meals. Eating. The eating of fruit is, of course, the famous iconic image from the Garden of Eden story at the beginning. But actually, God’s provision of food, the enjoyment of food, and then food becoming a problem and an obstacle to humans fulfilling their purpose in the world, but then also God’s desire to restore abundant food to people.

These are all such important ideas from the early pages of Scripture. So I think in recent years my reflections have been more also about that, about how the meal ministry of Jesus is enriched when we see it as a part of the Garden of Eden that was lost. And then Jesus is bringing the Garden of Eden back. The meals are a way of experiencing a little taste of Eden. Or ironically, a table can be an experience of exile from Eden, depending on the values that are in the story that the meal is telling.

Finding the Riddles in Jesus Stories

Chris Morton

Tim suggests that we should become better storytellers. Jon, I believe, your role in a lot of this project is being a storyteller. So do you have any thoughts for folks who are trying to prepare Jesus’s story every week about what makes a good story and how they can do a better job?

Jon Collins

Well, I’ve been mislabeled the storyteller. I like to call myself an explainer, and an explainer mostly cares about do you understand this idea? Do you understand what the passage is about or this idea that we’re talking about? Do you understand, if it’s a story, do you understand the story? And an explainer will use all sorts of tools to try to keep your attention and try to help you understand. Story is one of those tools. Telling stories to help you understand something. But that’s just one tool in the toolkit.

I think curiosity, I think helping people develop an internal, just wonder and curiosity. Like there’s something deeper here. I have questions, my questions are okay. Let’s follow the questions. Let’s not be afraid of the questions. So leading is a good storytelling technique. A good communication technique is leading with some tension. Like look at this. This is weird. This is hard. This is a riddle. This is strange. And then just letting it be strange and letting that tension just sit there. Now the rest of the time together we’re going to slice into this tension.

And I think maybe that’s just the one to leave you with, because I think our intuitions are to want to make this really simple and clear from the get-go. And I don’t want you to misconstrue tension with disbelief or with misunderstanding or a quest of misunderstanding. So I’m going to, like, not step into the tension. So I think this is a really good opportunity to come in. I mean, the Bible does this all the time. It just gives you a riddle and then forces you to deal with the fact that this is awkward. And I think that’s a wonderful communication technique to employ.

Reflection Questions:

How can communal meals change the dynamics of your faith community?
What new insights do you gain by reading the Old Testament in light of Jesus’ story?

Reformed Christians, Presbyterians and Fresh Expressions of Church

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 18:22:31 GMT

The Reformed Tradition

I had my vision checked today. Why? Because I have noticed myself squinting to make sense of what I am trying to see. Something needs to shift so that I can see more clearly and experience the world around me more robustly. I notice that our 21 st century post-Christian culture is squinting to make sense of the Church of Jesus Christ, which is often seen less about good news and more about scandals and judgment.

What needs to shift so that a hope-starved world can experience the goodness of God? What needs to shift in how we operate as churches so that people see Jesus in our local congregations? How can the historic faith traditions, especially the Reformed Tradition in which I have spent much of my life, be a vehicle for people to see that the kingdom of God has come near?

We believe that fresh expressions of Church have the opportunity to shift blurred vision for a “squinting” world, and the Reformed Tradition can be richly expressed in these new forms of Church.

Editor’s Note
The Fresh Expressions movement is a Holy Spirit-led approach to cultivating new Christian communities. Inspired by the church of the Apostolic era, it is not limited to any one denomination or tradition, but is “ecclesially flexible.” In this series, Fresh Expressions and the Historical Streams of the Church, readers will hear from Fresh Expressions team members and missional leaders from different streams of the church who will share how this mission model brings out the best of their history, theology, and charism, and how it can bring new life to local congregations.

The Reformed tradition is marked by a deep sense of the glory of God. The Word of God in Scripture and the soaring creeds handed down through generations of saints shape this tradition and its deep reverence for the grandeur of God. In a world of shallow entertainment and dispensable relationships, the Reformed tradition wrestles deeply with what it means to be God’s covenant people.

Characterized as the “frozen chosen,” Presbyterians, a subset of the broader Reformed tradition, are often perceived to be heavily cerebral, set in their ways, and hung up on predestination. In practice, Presbyterians are intellectually curious, willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved in the needs of the world, and freed from the fear that they have somehow not done enough to earn their salvation. Life with God through Jesus Christ comes only by God’s grace and sets us free to live in grace.

In the Reformed tradition, deeply thoughtful and faithful people interpret Scripture differently, for “God alone is the Lord of the conscience” (Westminster Confession). Thus, within this tradition, there are conservative voices and progressive voices. At our best, this gets us out of our echo chambers, calling us out of the idolatry of our own religious preferences and into dialogue with different voices. And without a human authority (i.e. a bishop) to make determinations, Presbyterians know how to gather and discern communally about how to faithfully attend to God’s call to mission and ministry.

In a culture steeped in cynicism of institutional authority, endless echo chambers, hopelessness, and a deep sense of disconnect, the Reformed tradition has the opportunity to give people a view of a glorious, grace-filled, expansive, and inviting God in Jesus Christ through fresh expressions of Church.

Six Reformed Values Needed for Today’s Missionary Moment

In 1517, Martin Luther was having to squint to see the grandeur and the grace of God obscured by all the trappings of what the church had become. Jesus had come proclaiming a new kingdom that was coming into view through his life and resurrection by the grace of God. The apostle Paul’s life was transformed by this power, sparking him to surrender a religious practice of rigid adherence to the law and to give himself over to the power of grace. Undeserved grace, Paul boldly proclaimed, is what the good news of Jesus is all about.

But over and over through history, God’s people drift away from this good news and into something else. Works righteousness. Religious power and influence. Indulgences. Hierarchy. And often, it is the people most invested in the current religious system that find the drift from good news hardest to see. Martin Luther nailed his protest onto the church doors, calling out for the corrections necessary for ordinary people to be able to see an extraordinary God.

According to the Reformed tradition, this was not a once-and-done event. The church must always be attentive to ways it is obscuring people’s view of good news. And be always willing to reform. Reformed…and always reforming.

There is so much room in our tradition for the church to be re-formed to more accurately portray the God made known through Jesus Christ. The joy of being “always reforming” is that we get to acknowledge the accumulated religious “stuff” that no longer serves the church or the community around it. We can engage in new forms of church that carry the best of the community of faith with it, thoughtfully discarding those non-essentials that no longer serve the mission and no longer center people in a robust life with Jesus and with others.

Reformed and Always Reforming

Ecclesia semper reformanda est.

- Karl Barth

The Sovereignty of God

There is within the human mind and by natural instinct an awareness of divinity.

- Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, I.iii.1

We live in a culture chock full of information, all of it at our fingertips 24/7, yet desperately longing for meaningful connection and the “something more” that we keep elusively grasping for. “There’s got to be more to life than this,” we hear people say. That longing, our tradition responds, is pointing us to the unfathomable reality that the God of the universe knows us and loves us.

The Reformed tradition proclaims that in every moment, we are in the presence of the living God. We are never beyond God’s reach and we are never beyond God’s grace. And that’s good news! Unfortunately, in our North American context, many people’s experience of the church writ large is not a view of the glory of God but of constant judgment by God’s people. Fresh expressions of church may be our best opportunity to give a post-Christian culture a view of a God who is FOR them, not against them, an opportunity to shift this skewed view of God to one that more clearly reflects the glory of God and the joy of God’s grace.

In the Reformed tradition, Scripture is the Spirit’s instrument for “calling, conversion, equipping, and sending of saints into the world as Christ’s Witnesses.” (Guder, Darrell, Called to Witness: Doing Missional Theology, 2015, Eerdmans, pg. 103). In the early church, the stories of Jesus were shared around tables and the heart of the gospel was shared among communities through relationships and letters. These were gathered into written form, but by the 1500’s the Church had cordoned them off for the educated priestly class to safeguard and mediate in a language unfamiliar to ordinary people. The Reformation was about stripping that disconnect away and reconnecting God’s Word with ordinary people in a language that could be understood, giving renewed spiritual vitality to the everyday people of God.

Today, the common vernacular is not just about a modern written translation of the Bible. It’s the embodiment of the teachings and good news of Scripture in forms that can actually be encountered as good news. It’s how the Spirit calls God’s people into a wild adventure as witnesses in a world desperate for good news! The weaving together of the Reformed tradition’s value of Scripture in the common vernacular and the heart of the fresh expressions movement gives room for the gospel to be experienced in the language of the skatepark, of the recovery community, of the playground, of the metaverse, and more. And it sets the church free to be the witnessing community that we are called to be!

All that matters is that God’s Word be given free course to encourage and enliven hearts so that they do not become burdened.

- Martin Luther

The Language of the People

Relationship with God does not require mediation by a religious professional. We all have access to God through the great high priest, Jesus Christ. That means that anyone can connect with God anytime, anywhere. No seminary degree is required to receive God’s grace. And no seminary degree is required to share God’s grace. The people in our pews can do far more than serve on church committees…we are all called to be ministers of grace.

Imagine what could happen if the everyday people in our pews caught a vision for being vessels of God’s grace in their workplaces, neighborhoods, hobbies, and homes. There is no “just laity.” As a matter of fact, Karl Barth was quoted as saying, “The term “laity” is one of the worst in the vocabulary of religion and ought to be banished from the Christian conversation.” (Karl Barth. Theologische Fragen und Antworten, 1957, 183-184). Fresh Expressions invites us to let go of the laity/clergy divide and catalyze the priesthood of all believers. We have pews full of people who could start new forms of church!

“In Christ we are all priests…to offer praises and thanksgiving, in short, to offer ourselves and ours to God.”

- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, IV.xix.28

The Priesthood of All Believers

In the Reformed tradition, the Christian life is more than acceptance of forgiveness of sins and more than personal transformation. It is also the vocation to be a partner in God’s mission in the world. Salvation is a call not to privilege but to service. Rather than just biding our time until we can be with God forever in heaven, we are called to actively participate in the world in the way of Jesus, shaped by Jesus’ priorities and Jesus’ character. We get to be partners in God’s work of transformation and shalom!

Throughout history, the Reformed Church was actively involved in society, building hospitals, educational institutions, and community hubs. Today, through fresh expressions of church, Presbyterians are well equipped to be part of a movement to break down the separation of secular and sacred, inviting Christians to be agents of transformation in the everyday spaces of life and recognizing God’s reign in all spheres of life, not just Sunday morning sanctuaries.

Our confidence in Christ does not make us lazy, negligent or careless, but on the contrary, it awakens us, urges us on and makes us active in living righteous lives and doing good.

- Ulrich Zwingli

Christ Transforming Culture

In our tradition, there is no such thing as solo heroic leadership. We have a strong undercurrent of “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Therefore, we don’t ever put too much power and authority in the hands of one human leader. That means that in the Reformed tradition, all ministry, including governance, is shared.

The value of shared ministry is perfectly aligned for the participatory culture in which we find ourselves. Social media has given room for people to participate more robustly in all aspects of life. Because a post-Christian culture is not likely to respond to one expert who monopolizes the conversation, there is tremendous opportunity for a tradition that values shared engagement and leadership. Just imagine a covenant community dialoguing together about God’s Word and its implications for the life of faith. Just imagine a community thoughtfully shaped by its participants in ways that make sense for the context, honor God, and are faithful to the mission God has set before them. Shared ministry is what fresh expressions are all about!

All Christians are equal in the sight of God, and that all Christians have a role to play in the ministry of the church.

- John Knox, The First Book of Discipline

Shared Ministry

Fresh Expressions Give a Clear Vision of the Reformed Church

My optometrist gave me a new prescription for lenses that would help me to see more clearly. My long distance vision needed fine tuning in order to better see what is far away. In the same way, our post-Christian culture needs opportunities to see a community of Jesus-followers who can help them make sense of a God who has come near. My close-in vision needed fine tuning to better be able to see what is right in front of me. In the same way, our congregations need to more clearly make sense of our call to be witnesses in a rapidly changing world.

Six years ago, our congregation began experimenting with a coffee shop as a natural gathering place for a busy, disconnected community. No cute Christian platitudes on table signs, no hard sell to get people to worship. Just a place of grace and hospitality and willingness to get in good conversations. And in God’s sovereignty, opportunities abound to have deep spiritual conversations and begin to change people’s assumptions about God and God’s people.

Just down the road, a local mom got involved in a food pantry and came alive as she volunteered. “If this is what the Christian faith is about, I’m interested!” she said. Now, you’ll find her leading an initiative to foster a community center in the facility where a rural congregation had once gathered. No seminary education, but a heartbeat for Christ and Christ’s mission. And once a month, you’ll find her convening a group of local families to explore faith together through Messy Church.

In another setting, a martial arts instructor who also happens to be a Jesus-follower opened up a Ninja gym to connect with the kids and families who would never feel comfortable walking in a local Sunday morning worship service. Struggling with the ripple effects of opioid addiction, these families are discovering the transformative power of God’s grace through workout challenges and mentoring.

The Reformed Tradition adds richness and depth to the theological landscape of North America. A tradition without trite cliches for the deep questions of faith and life may be a welcome relief for a culture that seems to be searching for deeper purpose and deeper community. Presbyterians and others in the Reformed tradition often struggle to protect our deepest values and traditions so they don’t get lost in the pursuit towards modern relevance. But the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Through fresh expressions of church, we can carry forward the heart of these values in new forms of covenant community.

We are seeing fresh expressions of the Reformed tradition unfold among incarcerated communities, online communities, neighborhoods, refugees, sports enthusiasts, single parents, food pantries, and more. Around dinner tables, gym workout routines, and hiking trails, communities of people are being shaped by Scripture, captivated by the grace of God, and catalyzed to be transforming agents in the way of Jesus in their communities.

Reformed and always reforming. To the glory of God.

About the Author

Shannon serves as Director of Training, leading our team of mission strategists and trainers in the development and implementation of the Mission Shaped Ministry course through Pioneer Learning Communities. She is also a pastor on staff with Riverside Church in Sterling, VA, a Church that worships in two languages and engages in several Fresh Expressions of Church. In the last several years, Shannon has been involved with the Presbyterian Church’s New Worshiping Communities initiative, and has directed the coaching network that supports pioneer leaders. Shannon lives in Springfield, VA with her husband Patrick and teenage daughters Catherine and Suzanne.

Shannon Kiser

Good Things Happen Around a Table

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 21:03:29 GMT

It’s been said that the seven last words of a dying church are, “We’ve never done it that way before.” Pastor Brett DeHart is not content to maintain the status quo. He’s been the Pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Augusta for nearly three years now. He is intentional about keeping the church’s traditional worship vibrant, but is very open to new ideas and new ways to meet and minister to people.

Aldersgate began in the early 1960’s, as people made the move further out of Augusta. The church has a strong history of reaching families and supporting missions. Its growth continued into the early 2000’s and since that time, attendance has dwindled. Pastor Brett has observed that Covid contributed and probably accelerated what was already going on. One upside to the pandemic was that it gave folks an opportunity to evaluate the role and level of importance the church played in their lives.

The church’s traditional worship is still a solid part of the church’s life and ministry. However, as Pastor DeHart is quick to point out, “We are finding new ways to reach new people.”

One of those ways is through Messy Church. It got its start about 20 years ago.

Pastor DeHart said, “England of course is a good couple of decades ahead of us on the church trajectory. Their churches have declined throughout Europe at a much faster pace than in America. They had to get more innovative and creative sooner, and so we’ve learned some things from them. Messy Church is one of those.”

Messy Church started during Covid with three drive-in events. It’s been going on for about 18 months now. It’s an interactive experience for adults and kids with games, crafts, a Bible story, and dinner for the whole family. Messy Church currently meets monthly on Sunday afternoons, with about 50 people participating.

“For most of the folks, initially at least, it’s their first church experience, which we’re perfectly fine with,” Pastor DeHart said. “It’s just church done a little differently. The goal was how we can reach people that might not be open to our traditional settings. Recovery, really is in that same vein.”

This piece was originally published at Augusta Business Daily. If you have a story about a Fresh Expression to share, send it to info@freshexpressions.com .

These additional gatherings require that those who participate take ownership and step up to help serve. That deepens community and sustains these opportunities.

Why start with a Messy Church? Pastor DeHart explained, “The DNA of this church has always been reaching families, kids, and youth. At one time, the church had 19 kids in a two-year-old class.” Messy church isn’t the way things have always been done, but still matches the church’s DNA.

The Table Recovery Church is another gathering which now meets at 11:30 a.m. each Sunday at Aldersgate. It just started on May 7. Pastor DeHart presented several new options and ideas when he started on staff at the church. Several members of the church had been through recovery or had family members who had helped build momentum for the idea. Right now, 12-15 folks have gathered for The Table Recovery Church.

When asked about the response that has been had, Pastor DeHart said, “People so far have been very positive, we do have some people coming back and they’ve said for them this feels right. It’s not an AA meeting or NA meeting, but it has a lot of those characteristics. So, we’ve got some people that are fresher to the recovery experience and then, we have some that are 15, 20, and 25 (years) sober who want to give back, which is step 12.” There is a good amount of open sharing that is part of the experience.

I asked where The Table Recovery’s name came from. Pastor DeHart said it was a combination of dinner church, the idea of meeting around a table, and recovery ministry.

“Powerful things happen around a table,” he said, “Also from a Christian perspective, a great deal of ministry happened around a table. Not just the last supper. So often, he was going with Nicodemus and having a meal at his house (I must come and dine at your home) … There’s so much… It’s said that if you look at Jesus’ ministry, most of what he did was healing and eating. Oftentimes, healing happened at the meal as well.”

A couple of contemporary Christian songs like, “Come to the Table” by Sidewalk Prophets and “To the Table” by Zach Williams have been used and provide great reminders that Jesus invites all of us to the table and that he has a place for us there.

Pastor DeHart was intentional about finding a table to serve as the altar for Table Recovery Church. He found one made from decades-old reclaimed barn wood. It’s scratched and dented. It’s rough and provides a great visual image, especially for those in recovery. Pastor Brett said, “We all come and despite our scratches and dents …we can still be functional as the table illustrates. God can redeem, reclaim, and restore.” It’s a powerful symbol.

So far, folks who have come represent a wide age group, from 20 to around 80.

“We want it to be a broad-based program,” he said. “We talk about addictions, afflictions, and compulsive behaviors. Everybody is in recovery that is the Christian story. We call it sin. We’re all in recovery from sin. Get off your high horse, you’re no better than anyone else. We all fall short of the glory of God. The Christian story is that Jesus is looking to heal all of us.”

Pastor DeHart also made it clear that the church’s goal is to be “A safe place that offers hope, help, and healing.”

“When people come back, that’s also an indication that you’re doing something right,” he emphasized. “We ain’t here to fix each other, we’re here to support one other.”

Aldersgate is also preparing to launch a new single-parent ministry this fall. These gatherings will include a meal and will be designed as a place where people are encouraged, and community is found.

About the Author

Steve Swanson spent decades in radio broadcasting. Most recently he served as Station Manager for 88.3 WAFJ in the Augusta GA area until retiring at the end of 2020. He and his wife Susie live in North Augusta SC and are blessed with a son, daughter, and six grandkids.

Steve Swanson

Pentecostalism & Fresh Expressions: From Street to Sanctuary and Back Again

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:04:33 GMT

Azusa Street: A Fresh Anointing and Fresh Expression of Church

This is a confusing time to be a church leader. We are watching the version of church that was invented by the reformers, centered around large gatherings, preaching and programming, slip some gears. At the same time, we are watching new, often smaller, forms of church come into focus. These shifting ecclesial forms, or as we call them, “fresh expressions of church,” can look different from one denomination to another. So, what could these changes mean for the 655 million Pentecostals around the globe?

The church I pastor in Seattle is a product of the Azusa Street revival that occurred in Los Angeles in the early 1900s. The stories of the fresh anointing that fell during those days drifted up the coastline to captivate and inspire our church’s founding. In fact, we became the first Pentecostal church to open in the city in 1923, and immediately joined the Assemblies of God, which has since grown into the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world. During those first decades, our church, like the Azusa saints, was a rugged group of Christ-followers who prayed hard, healed people, and boldly established the name of Jesus as the hope of the world.

The Azusa Street outpouring was led by William Seymour – a black pastor, and Charles Parham – a white pastor. This is a beautiful fact to consider – especially in this day of racial tension. The Azusa story reveals how heaven attends earth when brothers and sisters of all colors dwell together and advance the work of Christ in unity. While I cannot claim that all Pentecostals across the land became immune to racism, it is part of our founding story that has served as a cornerstone of hope and an ongoing call to reconciliation wherever we go. But this outpouring was not only a story of racial unity, it was also marked by divine power pouring onto the earth like the Book of Acts.

The saints at the Azusa mission had determined to make a significant difference in the lives of people living on the worst streets of LA. Crime, alcoholism, and homelessness were ruining thousands of lives, with people living and sleeping on the sidewalks. It was into this painful and broken environment that heaven opened and a new movement of the Holy Spirit flooded the hearts and efforts of the Azusa saints. It was as if Heaven was saying, “if you all are going to dive into the lives of these broken people, we are going to empower you to heal, pray, and lift this broken morass of humanity to wholeness.” If there is another way to interpret this heavenly outpouring, I do not know it.

Today’s Pentecostalism is a worldwide movement with millions of adherents in established denominations like my own Assemblies of God. But it began as a fresh expression of Church, following the Spirit’s guidance to establish new forms of Christian community for the needs of the time. Where the movement remains true to this heritage, it will continue to flourish in both familiar and unforeseen ways.

Pentecostals Were Built for this Secular Moment

While the Reformation Era has mostly been about teaching Scripture in sanctuaries, this post-Christian Era will require us to enter under-gospeled circles and start doing church for them in a manner that befits their social patterns. When Melodee and I became the pastors of this Seattle church in 1999, there were 425,000 churches across all denomination lines serving in the body of Christ. Now, there are only 300,000 churches. In other words, the past 24 years has seen a sobering decline of the Sanctuary Church.

But while the sanctuary is fading, new, fresh forms of church are on the rise. While this is scary news for some, it should be enlivening for Pentecostals. After all, we were born on the streets. We thrive in the broken corners of society. The healing power within us starts pouring out of us once we are doing life and sitting at tables with the secular population.

This is why our Sanctuary-style church in Seattle eventually transitioned to a network called Community Dinners. Instead of sitting in rows with other Christians remembering the work of the Spirit, we sit at tables with our neighbors, and pray for a new outpouring to happen at the meals we share.

Dinner Churches are just one of the many micro-expressions of Church that are rising up when the body of Christ begins to roll up their sleeves, stir up their boldness, and start turning strangers into friends. God is calling the entire Jesus family to take risks and find new ways to embody the Church for our unique moment. Pentecostals should recognize this from our own history and sprint towards the call. After all, this is squarely in our wheelhouse.

In 2013, I sat in an Oxford lecture room with numerous other Pentecostal leaders, all of whom were pursuing doctoral degrees. Dr. Wonsuk Ma was lecturing that day on “The State of the Gospel in the World.” He ended his presentation by saying, “While we don’t know how, we know that the Pentecostals will figure largely into the future of world evangelism.”

Those words pierced me, because as a Pentecostal leader, I didn’t have a good practical vision for how we were supposed to engage the future harvest of the world. Our sanctuary-centric Pentecostal expression did not suggest an obvious role in this waning Reformation era. But in the last ten years, the Fresh Expressions movement has come more fully into focus. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the limitations of our sanctuaries to breathe healing into a painful world.

Perhaps it is time for us to stop limiting the Holy Spirit to a suit and a sanctuary, and start imagining the Holy Spirit wearing jeans, sitting in a community center, and breathing healing and strength through us into the lives of secular strangers.

Come on, Pentecostals…we are built for this moment!

About the Author

Dr. Verlon and Melodee Fosner have led a multi-site Assemblies of God dinner church in Seattle, Washington since 1999 (www.CommunityDinners.com). They joined the FX team in 2016 and founded the Dinner Church Collective . In this decade when more churches in the U.S. are declining than thriving, and when eighty churches a week are closing, Verlon and Melodee sensed that a different way of doing church was needed for their 85-year old Seattle congregation. It soon became obvious that they were not the only ones in need of a different path. There is a lot to be gained when church leaders begin to see open doors in the American landscape that they had previously overlooked. Therein lies the journey for those who will forge a new future for the American Church.

Verlon Fosner

Fresh Expressions in the Anglican Stream

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:25:53 GMT

Ancient Roots

The image above features three bishops from the Diocese of the Arctic, originally published here . (the author, Jon Davis has led three teaching missions to the Diocese of the Arctic in recent years)

The Anglican tradition is rich, liturgical, sacramental, biblical, theological, experiential, ancient, and missional. The term “Anglican” may bring to mind formal, “high church” liturgies with incense and precise movements reflecting a deep reverence for Almighty God, but it can also be demonstrated in fiery evangelical preaching or in Pentecostal manifestations of the Spirit. There continues to be a struggle in the Worldwide Anglican Communion between progressive, more liberal theological views and conservative, traditional views. But this breadth of expression also makes space for contextually focused, imminently flexible “fresh” approaches to being and doing church, anytime and anywhere.

When you understand the history and the heart of the Anglican Church, it is no wonder that an international, multi-denominational missional movement like Fresh Expressions found its start in England.

While it is easy to associate the Church of England with the once-sprawling British Empire, it dates back to the mid-second century and has Celtic roots as well as influence from the church in Rome. There were English Bishops at the Council of Nicea in 325, and in 597, Pope Gregory sent Augustine (of Canterbury) on a mission to evangelize the Anglo-Saxons, bringing the church in England under the auspices of Rome.

In 1534, the Church of England severed ties with the Pope and Rome as a part of the Reformation that was taking place on the continent. The common narrative is that this break took place because King Henry VIII wanted a divorce and the Pope would not allow it. This is true; Henry wanted an heir to the throne that Catherine could not provide. But this is only one aspect bringing about the divide. There were political reasons; the King of Spain pretty much had control over the papacy, and his sister was Henry’s wife, so in essence, Spain was controlling England through the church. There were financial reasons; the Crown was broke, with empty coffers, and by taking control of the church, Henry gained financial assets.

Finally, and most importantly, there was a theological reformation taking place among the clergy as they were reading Martin Luther and others, and they were seeing errors and heresies in the Roman church.

A Passion for the Common Man

At the core, a feature of the English Reformation was the principle of taking the Bible and the worship of the church and translating it into the language of the people. Much of the population was illiterate, but translation meant they could hear and understand the words being spoken, the prayers being prayed, the songs being sung.

This uniquely English focus on accessibility began more than a century earlier when John Wycliffe (often referred to as the “Morning Star of the Reformation”) translated the Scriptures into English. Scholar, theologian, and Bible translator William Tyndale in the 1500s was passionate about the Bible and wanted the common man to have access to the Scriptures. His vision was for a biblically literate English people.

It is estimated that 90% of the King James Version of the New Testament was taken from Tyndale’s translation. Tyndale once quipped in a conversation with a Roman Catholic priest that, “He would cause a boy that drives the plough to know more of the Scripture than the priest did.” This was an essential aspect of the Reformation that unfolded in Britain.

Add to this Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer’s work in compiling and writing much of the Book of Common Prayer for worship in the Church of England, makes this a foundational tenet in the mid-1500s. This mission of getting common people to hear, read, learn, and inwardly digest the Word of God in the context of worship is a central premise, a tactic in securing a biblical faith and practice among the English people.

This task of translation is essential for the 21st Century Church. We need to take the message and experience of Christianity, the essential propositions of the faith once received, and the call to follow Christ and frame them in a manner that people can understand the Good News of God found in Jesus.

Christianity is like a foreign language to most people; it is hard to comprehend, and thus it is hard to value. Like in the English Reformation, there is a need to translate the Christian Faith into the modern world in such a compelling way that unchurched people can understand and believe the Gospel. Translation of the Bible, liturgies, and Christian teachings is an example of contextualization and has been central to the methodology of the Church of England for nearly 500 years.

The world was changing in the 1500s, and the Reformation was needed to restore and remake the church for what was emerging. We are in need of such a reformation today. The Reformation brought changes to how the church was conducted.

Phyllis Tickle, in her book The Great Emergence, reminds us that regularly the church has a major shift; “About every five hundred years, the Church feels compelled to hold a giant rummage sale. We are living in and through one of those five-hundred-year sales today. Christianity has gone through an upheaval because the old answers no longer hold true for a large number of people, and the church at large has to accommodate. Core beliefs don’t change, but the way they are presented and practiced does; the old version of Christianity doesn’t die but is reconfigured.”

Fresh Expressions is a reconfiguring of the church’s mission for today. It was birthed in the Church of England as people were witnessing the formation of new kinds of faith communities apart from the historic and formal church’s piety and practice. There have been moments of renewed mission in Anglicanism (i.e., Charismatic Movement, Alpha Course, Renewed Worship), but these had their limitations. The church has long measured its health in numbers, recording its vitality in Average Sunday Attendance. This number has been in decline for decades in the cultural west. Fresh Expressions expands the means of gauging a church’s mission by seeing the growth in other ways and means, not just Sunday attendance.

Making Prayer and Worship Accessible

The world has moved on. There is a “been there and done that” attitude toward Christianity. Once upon a time, Christian faith was at the heart of the cultural west. People possessed denominational loyalty. If you were Episcopalian, you went to the Episcopal Church; the same for Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and so on. Today, this brand loyalty has almost fully disappeared. It was assumed people were Christian, and churches competed to gather people into their specific brand or tribe. This is no longer the case, and the church must adapt to the reality of a changed world. The church seemed satisfied with a type of Christianity in the culture that did not require conversion or personal faith or transformation. Authentic faith and practice stem from an encounter with Jesus, becoming a new creation in Christ, not merely following Christian rules.

In the English Reformation, distinct in many ways from what happened on the European Continent, there was a looking back to the early church for renewed polity and practice. There was a restructuring of Pre-Christendom models for worship, leadership, and piety. Some of the Book of Common Prayer was based on the work of Hippolytus of Rome in the early 3rd century. The structure of church leadership (bishops) was more akin to the early church structure of the Council of Nicea in 325 versus the Roman view of the Pope as a supreme authority in the church. The reading of Scripture, the Gospels, and Epistles, the corpus of the New Testament in the early church were in the common tongue of the people. In the English Reformation, the leadership looked for earlier missional models to adapt to a changing world.

The World Has Moved On

In the Post-Christendom era we are now navigating, we need to once again look to Pre-Christendom models to renew the mission of the church. We could also define this current time not just as Post-Christendom, but we could also name it Pre-Revival as it looks a lot like the landscape the church was birthed in 2000 years ago.

In 2017, I found myself considering a call back to serve a congregation as Rector or Vicar. I eventually ended up receiving a call into vocation with Fresh Expressions. I looked at some 75+ church profiles that were looking for a priest, and what I saw was telling. All of them, in one way or another, were saying they wanted a priest who could make the church great again. They desired someone who could attract young families and children, fill Sunday school rooms, and lead the congregation back to the vitality it once enjoyed a few decades ago. Don’t we all want that!

But underneath this stated desire for youth is a longing for a world that no longer exists. There will be exceptions based on geography or demographics, but for the most part, Christendom models do not work in a Post-Christendom world. After 50+ years of decline, the church must wake up and realize the world we grew up in is disappearing. Sundays formerly were competition-free in terms of activities. In the late 1980s, Sunday morning soccer leagues began to emerge, followed by other sport activities for kids. A generation ago, businesses were shuttered on Sundays, whereas now 60% of our economy is up and running on Sundays. The world in one generation is vastly different from what was. Tod Bolsinger recently commented, “The world in front of us looks nothing like the world behind us.” What we are experiencing here in the USA is what the church in England was experiencing 20-30 years previously.

Pre-Christendom Models for a Post-Christendom World

Church is not limited to what we do on Sunday mornings. Being a church means following Jesus 24/7 in the company of others. Fresh Expressions is reviving this fundamental teaching and demonstrating that church can happen anywhere and at any time. Whether it’s a coffee shop, a restaurant, a dinner table, a neighborhood cul-de-sac, or any other gathering place, these locations can become fertile ground for faith and friendship. In terms of architecture, historic churches often find themselves at the heart of a community. This is evident in almost every English village I have visited, and it holds true in the United States as well. With the demographic shift taking place, the church must position itself where people gather and convene in order to remain central to the culture.

Moving toward where the culture is does not mean abandoning the historic church, including its buildings and liturgies. Rather, it involves developing a blended ecology where traditional models and new missional ventures inspire and complement each other. Churches have long incorporated programs such as home groups, Bible studies, dinners, and other gatherings, often referred to as fellowships, outreaches, or service opportunities. However, we were often hesitant to call them “church” because we associated church primarily with Sunday mornings. Yet, when we examine the early church as described in passages like Acts 2:42-47, we encounter a different picture.

Acts portrays a daily rhythm of being together on mission. It highlights an aspect that is sometimes overlooked in the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20. Instead of interpreting it as “therefore, go and make disciples of all nations,” a better translation would be “as you are going.” The expected normal cadence for a believer is to embody the Gospel in all aspects of life: at work, in our homes, at the coffee shop, the gym, the market, during leisure activities, and so on.

Fresh Expressions, in many ways, is framed as a sacramental ministry. Through the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, we become an outward and visible sign, walking sacraments in the world. Our lives, characterized by acts of kindness, mercy, compassion, love for our neighbor, sharing the gospel, and more, bring the presence of God and the breath of the Spirit into the world. As new creations, children of God, and citizens of His Kingdom, we declare a new way of being. Acts 1:8 tells us that we become witnesses: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Dinner tables, parks, coffee shops, and other places can all become sacramental and sacred spaces—what Celtic Spirituality refers to as “thin places”—when we enter them with a gospel-centered and missional intent.

A Shared Life

Fresh Expressions, when lived out, leads to a “Benedictine” sort of Christianity. In the early 6th century, Benedict of Nursia founded a monastic order and formed a Rule of Life fixed on elements of fellowship, devotion, worship, prayer, service, and gospel mission. Abbeys, where these communities dwelt, were centers for education, hospitals in times of plague, commerce, cottage industry, and more. People lived an integrated life of faith and practice in all they did.

The daily activity of all Christians should be anchored in the Gospel Mission, which is a Great Commandment and a Great Commission way of life. We do this together as a faith community, in fellowship, loving the world around us, sharing with people the joy of knowing Jesus as Lord. Every person we meet was created in the image of God.

I read this quote recently (unattributed), “You never look in the eyes of someone that God does not love.” There are broken, wounded, hurting, lost people just trying to get through the day. Their existence is meaningless, without purpose. Questions plague every moment as they long for a life that makes sense as they search for a reason to continue. They don’t understand faith; religion is beyond their grasp. They push the notion of spirituality aside, thinking that life is about possessions, power, or a partnered relationship; seeking to be satisfied by their design but never finding satisfaction or contentment.

They need someone to come alongside them and translate for them the truth found in Jesus. To explain that God loves them and that they were born with a destiny to be reconciled to God. We do this like Jesus did. Jesus clothed himself in human flesh in his incarnation. He now chooses to incarnate himself in us. We become his feet, his hands, his voice by being present with people who are lost. We demonstrate compassion, kindness, mercy, love, and hope, bidding people to be reconciled to Almighty God through Christ Jesus, just as we have experienced God’s salvation and redemption.

At the heart, Fresh Expressions is recapturing this form of Christian faith that in many places was lost or replaced. We settled for a substitute practice of safe or tame Christianity when in reality following Jesus is a wild and exhilarating life that beckons us to an abundant and overflowing existence as citizens of the Kingdom.

British author and apologist, C.S. Lewis, in his Chronicles of Narnia, there is a description of the lion Aslan, a Christ-like figure throughout the series. “Aslan is a lion – the Lion, the great Lion.” “Ooh” said Susan. “I’d thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”…”Safe?” said Mr. Beaver…”Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

Jesus is not safe or tame. We follow Jesus who summons us to a countercultural, scandalous life of love and fulfillment. Being a disciple of Jesus is not safe or easy, but it is the only place we find meaning and purpose as we are anchored in the goodness of God.

In the last twenty years, Fresh Expressions has spread from the United Kingdom around the world. Fueled in part by the Anglican desire for translating the Gospel, it has helped congregations and struggling congregations and everyday Christians enter their communities, build relationships, share faith stories, and talk about Jesus. It has helped churches become less about buildings, budgets, clergy, and church staff and more about an interactive, intentional engagement with people where they are.

Fresh Expressions can look like a Pub Church where people gather and talk about life. Or they might resemble a Writer’s Guild, such as my congregation in Florida hosted, where people who are interested in writing meet to discuss the craft. Gathering in common spaces around common interests leads to a conversation about life, faith, and purpose. Fresh Expressions can meet around a table for a meal, breaking bread and breaking the isolation and loneliness of people who feel lost or are in despair. Anglicanism has this missional life in its DNA, and as we recapture this vision of the church, Christ is lifted up so that He might draw everyone to himself. If we simply keep doing church in the same way, we will get the same minimal results. However, if we adapt to and begin to understand the changed world in which we live, we will see outposts for the Kingdom of God emerge in new and surprising places.

When I planted an Episcopal Church in 2006, our tagline was “An Ancient Faith in a New Church.” We wedded Anglican traditions to Fresh Expressions, a blended ecology complementing one another so that both can thrive. The heritage of Anglicanism is, by design, ancient and modern, traditional and contemporary, all connecting and innovating as God does a new thing in a new age.

We translate the ancient message of the Gospel into a language people can understand. Let us resurrect these ancient ways for a modern world desperate for Good News.

What is the Church?

About the Author

The Rev. Jon Davis PhD is an Episcopal Priest, church planter, teacher, worship leader. He is on staff with Fresh Expressions as a mission strategist and is launching some Fresh Expression gatherings through the Abbey Mission in a NE suburb of Orlando. jon.davis@freshexpressions.com

Jon Davis

Fresh Expressions in the Wesleyan Tradition

Mon, 01 May 2023 19:46:16 GMT

Our tour guide was always telling us to “look below the surface.” Good words for ministry, for emotions, and for life! But this was a bit different. We were in Israel. There was a lot of neat stuff to “look up” to during such a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you’ve been there, you know what I’m talking about. But our tour guide knew better. Our group was visiting Capernaum as one of the sites on our tour. Much of the town that had been Jesus’ mission-center two thousand years ago has archeological ruins that you can see in squared off areas as you walk along paved walkways.

St. Peter’s Church, built in 1990, is sort of at the center of the entire site; it’s an interesting modern building that currently “hovers” like a spaceship over the site that is allegedly the house of the Apostle Peter. But our guide took us past these views and the crowds that jostled to see them. He led us to an area that we could peer underneath the church structure to see what looked like the outlines of walls and spaces that had been rooms long ago. “Always look below,” he said, as he took his laser pointer and scanned first an upper layer of limestone and then a lower layer of black rocks, outlining two previous church structures that had existed before the current one, as well as quite possibly the original house of Peter.

“The new always has the foundation of the old,” he said. “At the heart of what is built and seems new is always something that has been there all along. You just have to rediscover it. You just have to see it again.”

The Mission of Christ and the Wesleys

While Fresh Expressions of Church may seem new and different to some people, at their core they really lie at the foundation and heart of the original mission of Christ and the Wesleyan movement. Initially started by the Wesley brothers as a reforming discipling and evangelistic movement within the Church of England, Wesleyanism went on to sweep across North America. Today, it is carried on by various denominations who share its distinctives of prevenient grace, sanctification, free will, personal and social holiness, and mobilization for mission and service in the world. These and other features correspond with the values of the Fresh Expressions movement.

While some may question the validity of starting church in a dog park or in a community center around dinner tables or among the chaos of a group of dads hiking with their kids, these structures might actually point us back to the foundation of theology, discipleship, and mission established and built upon John and Charles Wesley, Sarah Crosby, Phineas Bresee, Jarena Lee, Orange Scott, B.T. Roberts, Catherine and William Booth, among others. In a sense, the bedrock of Fresh Expressions as forms of church that are designed to reach our changing culture is the same bedrock that is expressed in the theology, discipleship, and mission of what it means to be distinctively Wesleyan.

Starting Fresh Expressions is a bit like “looking below the surface” of archeological ruins on top of which other expressions of church were formed over the centuries to connect with the people of their time. It can also be a means of rediscovering and re-embodying the Wesleyan heart for today’s Wesleyans, Nazarenes, Free Methodists, United Methodists, AME’s, Salvation Army, and many others. Fresh Expressions both revives the existing Church at the same time it expands it—much like John Wesley’s ministry.

But what is that bedrock? What is the distinctive core of Fresh Expressions of Church in the Wesleyan tradition? Let’s look at three core elements and how they are expressed as we start new forms of church for our changing world.

1. Embodying Wesleyan Theology

While John Wesley was not a systematic theologian, his theology was organized around the Ordo Salutis, or order of salvation, in a way that was highly practical. Just thinking about and debating ideas about God was not worthwhile for Wesley; he had to see it lived out and responded to in real life. The order of salvation demonstrates how God is working in the process of salvation, liberating human beings from sin. In the same way, fresh expressions of church both embrace and create space for the work of God in salvation.

Three Distinctives of Wesley Fresh Expressions

Using my church’s Dinner Church as an example, you can see hallmarks of Wesleyan theology lived out in a fresh expression:

Unlimited atonement, free will, and prevenient grace

All are invited to the Supper Table, our dinner church—and we mean it. We believe that God’s grace and the hope of salvation is available to all, not a preselected group of people, because of Jesus’ atoning work on the cross. This means that there are no exceptions to who is welcome, no one is dismissed for being atheist, and no one is ever rejected because they “have been coming for months but haven’t come to Christ yet.” We also respect God’s give of free will and people’s right to choose whether to be a part of this Dinner Church community or refuse, whether to just come to eat or to engage, whether to explore faith or talk about the Phillies.

Even so, we believe God is already at work in each person’s life—they just don’t know it yet. Even the act of attending a dinner church is a response to God’s prevenient grace, God’s work of drawing them close, the grace the comes before. The seats in the room, the table itself, is a place of prevenient grace; our team wonders “who will fill these seats this week? Will we see John? Will these forks and knives deliver food to mouths but also more to hearts and souls? Will we hear the story of God at work in someone’s life whom we least expect?”

Theologian Thomas Oden writes: “Grace works ahead of us to draw us toward faith, to begin its work in us. Even the first fragile intuition of conviction of sin, the first intimation of our need of God, is the work of preparing, prevenient grace, which draws us gradually toward wishing to please God.” Again and again, we see the room fill up with people who are hungry for more than sloppy joes or a chicken dinner.

Justification, adoption, and assurance

John Wesley said “prevenient grace elicits the first wish to please God, the first dawn of light concerning His will, and the first slight transient conviction of having sinned against Him.” It was time for dessert one Thursday night. I had shared a devotion about God’s love before the meal started, and an older gentleman startled me by tapping me on the shoulder. “Can we talk?” he asked, and motioned to an empty table in the corner of the room. For the next 25 minutes, I listened to his story and answered his questions about the virgin birth and being made right with God. “How does it all work?” he asked. But in this and other fresh expressions of church, we also embody adoption.

Loneliness is real. People who attend or join in may be adopted into the workings of the fresh expression, whether setting up tables or cooking or helping somebody with a ride. They become part of something bigger, even before they may believe. But that adoption goes even deeper when someone comes to faith. It’s hard to describe it, but it becomes a connection between brothers and sisters, like the early Church. We accept, love, and serve each other, broken pieces and all. And for those who may have been hurt by the Church or are coming back to faith, Fresh expressions creates an environment where they can experience assurance of God’s love.

Wesley’s own experience occurred at Aldersgate in 1738 while he listened to a reading of Luther’s preface to the Book of Romans. In his own famous words: “By “the testimony of the Spirit” I mean an inward impression of the soul, whereby the spirit of God immediately and directly witnesses to my spirit that I am a child of God, that Jesus Christ hath loved me, and given himself for me; that all my sins are blotted out, and I, even I, am reconciled to God.” For people who have been turned off by Church or who are spiritually curious, just as in our dinner church, fresh expressions of church allow us to engineer nonthreatening, highly relational environments for the Spirit to work and lead toward salvation.

2. Embodying Wesleyan Discipleship

While it’s true that Fresh Expressions creates spaces and nontraditional communities for people to come to faith who might never come to church, that’s only part of the story. Fresh Expressions also rejuvenates the existing Church itself, just as Wesley did.

Wesley and the early Methodist movement not only shared Christ with people in the towns and fields, as did other reformers like Whitefield; Wesley led to a powerful evangelical revival among those who had been embracing the nominal folk Christianity which infected much of England in the eighteenth century. Wesleyan theologian E. Stanley Jones describes this bidirectional “conversion” of the Wesleyan movement as a vibrant Church who will “not only convert people from the outside to membership but also produce conversion within its own membership. When it cannot do both, it is on its way out.”

Sanctification

Fresh Expressions reaches people but it also sanctifies people. People in the Church who may have been sitting in pews or attending Bible studies for years but then begin serving as pioneers or supporters of a fresh expression of church suddenly may experience growth in their own faith and purpose. They begin to see their learnings take shape and Jesus’ mission come alive around tables and on trails and on the street.

On one of my fresh expressions teams, Betty’s (not her real name) heart broke when she saw that several guys who joined our fresh expression had holey (not holy) shoes, and that moved her to find out their sizes and get new shoes for them that were delivered discreetly.

On another team, several folks who previously had not been involved in serving, now work tirelessly and passionately, even once even commenting to me, their pastor, that “God is really growing my faith through being involved with this. I’m actually praying and reading my Bible each morning too. I don’t know what’s gotten into me!” Wesley’s ministry stressed the need for believers in the Church Body to keep growing and mature in their Christian walk. Committee meetings and endless Bible studies usually don’t do much in the heart department.

Kenneth J. Collins describes “Christian perfection, then, is another term for holy love. It is holy in that believers so marked by this grace are free from the impurities and the drag of sin. It is loving in that believers now love God as their goal of their being, and they love their neighbors as they should.” So many church members have either been cut off from their neighbors or see mission as merely throwing money at organizations that they have missed the sanctifying power of being boots on the ground.

Holiness

Becoming more like Christ through the transformation of the heart lies at the forefront of many of Wesley’s sermons. We are to be holy, different, set apart for God’s purposes. While Fresh Expressions use culture as a touching point, including gathering spaces and activities outside sanctuaries and church classrooms, we do embody a different way of life as followers of Christ. Those touching points diminish the inclination to retreat into holy huddles and Christian bubbles. It’s our hope to be attractive to those who curiously ask “why are y’all so nice? Why are you guys doing this?” Part of holiness is also holistic.

John Wesley was deeply convicted that God cares about our earthly life as well as our heavenly one. To that end, Wesley even wrote a medical text titled Primitive Physick, where he questioned how the doctors of his time (and some of ours) sometimes treated human beings like machines instead of people. Just as many Wesleyan denominations have social causes such as abolition, ministering to the poor, and temperance in their foundations, Fresh Expressions gives avenue to serve the whole person.

Community

Wesley did not believe you could be a Christian by yourself. In his preface to the 1739 hymnal, he wrote: “the gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness.” In his younger days, he was known as the initiator of small groups: Methodist classes, bands, and societies, each with its distinctive purpose and size. The love, piety, and maturity he had experienced among the Moravians led him to organize such groups, which multiplied and grew by leaps and bounds.

Fresh Expressions of church are not what we usually think of as a church “Small Group Ministry,” which is usually a means of collecting the saints in holy living room huddles. But Fresh Expressions of church hold community at the core—and small communities, at that. An average size of 10-35 people (some dinner churches especially may be larger) allows people to know and be known. That’s where life-on-life transformation happens. That’s where we know names and raise up leaders and helpers and find out Jane has a knack for baking incredible chocolate chip cookies. Sometimes an initial fresh expression social gathering, like my Happy Trails hiking ministry or Rugby Church, will offer a small group meetup before or afterward, preferably around food and drink, to gather those who would like a deeper dive into discipleship and a discussion. Sometimes at my dinner church, we will offer this as a one-on-one or two-on-one discipleship opportunity where those who choose to do so will walk through a booklet or Gospel together. Community is key. Community is Wesleyan. And we are hungry for it in more ways than one.

3. Embodying Wesleyan Mission

The theology and ministry of the Wesleyan movement emerged into both a practical and invitational construct. Wesley’s organization of small groups rejuvenated a meaning of mission and service for many whom religion has become tiresome and meaningless. Wesley’s determination to remain part of the greater Church and reform her from the inside-out did lead to tensions and even disciplinary actions, but even these events turned the Wesley brothers to face even more outward to the people Jesus also loves. Wesley’s preaching was good news to so many on the margins who were destitute, orphaned, and widowed in 18th century England, as well as in the American colonies. Fresh Expressions has mission at its core, that we join God in his mission to our neighborhoods, communities, and world.

A mindset of going out

In the Church of England, preaching always took place inside the sanctuary. It is recorded that John Wesley countered the idea of his Reformed counterpart George Whitefield preaching in the great outdoors. But when the Church of England got angry at Wesley for what he was doing and the message he was sharing, they ordered him to stop preaching. When he refused to comply, he was banned from the parish churches. This is what forced him to begin preaching in fields and various outdoor settings, the “most vile thing” he himself called it. Fast forward to the American frontier and we see it again with the advent of field preaching, early Methodist revivals, and circuit riders, taking the good news to the people. Fresh expressions takes the church Jesus loves closer to the people Jesus loves—most of whom are “out there” in an increasingly secular society. Fresh Expressions transcend geography and culture too, spreading around the world in different places and different ways, often even before their pioneering leaders know how to identify them or what to call these “churches beyond the walls.” Fresh Expressions sees the fields are ripe for harvest, and we have no problem preaching out in them either.

Sending out the laity

Starting in 1739, Wesley began to appoint local lay preachers, largely because he was unable to convince most of his priest colleagues in the Church of England to join the Methodist movement. As an alternative, he recruited and trained gifted and willing unordained people to lead the Methodist societies. He granted them authority to preach, to lead, and to do pastoral work in their towns and villages. Of course the equipping and sending of the people goes back to the priesthood of all believers, but Wesley allowed this work to re-emerge as a foundational piece of the movement. In the same way, the majority of fresh expressions of church are lay-led. Pastors are the permission-givers who send people to be everyday missionaries and pioneers in the strategic locations they find themselves for Kingdom work: offices, neighborhoods, soccer fields, schools, dog parks, tattoo parlors, diners, and porches, just to name a few. The work of Fresh Expressions is not another responsibility for the pastor to “start-the-thing” but rather for the tentacles of the Church, as a people, to reach beyond the inherited church building and structure.

Wesleyans Love Because He First Loved Us

“The new always has the foundation of the old. At the heart of what is built and seems new is always something that has been there all along. You just have to rediscover it. You just have to see it again.” What would it look like for Wesleyan denominations, churches, pastors, and people to partner with the Spirit and fully embrace fresh expressions in their midst? It all starts with listening. Fully listening to God and what God is up to already in our communities and context is a place for all of us—personally and collectively—to begin discerning what God may have us do.

Before we launch forward with a great idea, we must listen together for the need, the desire and the lead. We prayer walk our communities, talk to people, and hear the passions of those God has called together. Pastors and denominational leaders become the permission-givers who identify, allow and equip pioneering leaders, especially among the laity, to begin the work. Pastors, Councils, and Boards validate and encourage the work. The inherited, existing church becomes the launchpad for these missions and mission-leaders and celebrates them as extensions of its own ministry among people they would never reach if they had never ventured forward. We become Kingdom-minded in the process, benefitting the mission of the worldwide Church by contextualizing the gospel.

Under centuries of Church lived out and expressed in our Wesleyan traditions, we see a foundation that can be lived and loved in a new way through fresh expressions of church. “We love because he first loved us” 1 John 4:19 was one of Wesley’s favorite verses, called the “sum of the whole gospel.” It is the gospel which we share but also build. Of course, this means we may have to dismantle some ministries and practices that were built by those before us on that foundation, things that once were greatly successful at sharing the gospel and bringing people to church but don’t any more. But the foundation stays, and lends itself for more building. We have the opportunity to be the harbingers of Jesus’ gospel of grace in new places among new faces—both for people who long for faith and as a revival of our own. Like John and Charles, let us continue to faithfully preach the good news and believe going out to the fields just may not be a bad thing at all.

I believe there has never been a better time to be a Wesleyan. Do you?

About the Author

Kris is pastor of Table Life Church. She completed the M.Div. at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC and has served at churches in the Baptist, United Methodist, and Nazarene traditions. Prior to being called to ministry, she received an M.S. in environmental science from the University of Maryland, where she also worked in the field, researching coastal environments and enhancing science communication. Kris is an avid runner, cartoonist, and archer and enjoys cheering for her Carolina TarHeels and Philadelphia Phillies.

Kris Beckert

Breaking Bread and Scooping Casserole: A House-Church Easter

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 21:18:14 GMT

As I drove my well-worn Honda Odyssey packed full of friends staying at the local homeless shelter, Ron, a particularly boisterous and often shameless individual, asked James, “Do you have any cigarettes?”

“No, go fish.” James replied. The whole van belly-laughed the rest of the way to my house.

We arrived to find a lively house. The sound of people introducing themselves and the smell of honey ham filled the downstairs. My pregnant wife was putting the finishing touches on our Easter feast. We set our table and brought a folding table from church to make room for everyone. It was an eclectic group: folks experiencing homelessness sitting with college students and former board room big wigs. Yet around the table, all were equal—hungry and eager for seconds of pie.

(This post was originally written as part of a resource for the WCC’s Week of Action on Food )

King Street Church was born in the midst of potlucks. When my friend Elizabeth and I asked ourselves how a church for those not interested in church might be created, we thought of the popularity of a local potluck hosted on what residents of Boone call “Hippy Hill.” What would it look like for us to host potlucks, invite our friends who are interested in faith but not church, and see what happens?

What would it look like for us to host potlucks, invite our friends who are interested in faith but not church, and see what happens?

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A few months and a dozen casseroles later, the conversation one morning around the breakfast table turned towards faith. It went on for an hour, people sharing their experiences with God and their frustrations with their interactions with the church. At the end a young woman asked, “Can we do this again next week?”

It was these meals that brought our friends together, and the conversation and community that formed around the table brought all of us closer to Christ and created friendships that will last a lifetime. Three of the young men that came even got matching tattoos. At the very least their tattoos will last a lifetime.

Crossing the Buffet Line

Every Monday night for the last four years, I ate dinner at the local homeless shelter before hosting a Bible study for the residents. Each week I walked through the buffet line, receiving the meal from volunteers. I’m pretty sure half of the church ladies in Boone think I am homeless.

One week stands out to me. I went through the line, thanking each person for the food they placed on my tray. A volunteer turned to another and said, “Wow, he is so polite.” It was as if she perceived the invisible wall between the haves and have-nots as soundproof.

Many churches are so close to Christ’s table, but they’re stuck behind the buffet line. The church is called not only to feed the hungry, but to eat together. When the table is set and all sit down, labels melt away and relationships are formed. That is the beauty of Christ’s table.

The church is called not only to feed the hungry, but to eat together. When the table is set and all sit down, labels melt away and relationships are formed. That is the beauty of Christ’s table.

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The Feast of the Coming Kingdom

When the Church gathers around the table, we see a glimpse of the coming Kingdom. Perhaps this led the religious leader in Luke 14 to proclaim, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the Kingdom of God.” But Jesus expands his imagination beyond a meal shared by the religious elite. He paints a picture of a great banquet overflowing with people from every walk of life. The host gives the instructions: “Compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled.”

The wedding feast of the coming kingdom will not be a buffet, it will be a huge table overflowing with amazing food and drinks. People from every nation and background will be laughing together and passing the food to their neighbor, perhaps to someone they’re surprised to see there.

Church Around the Table

Signs of the Resurrection

After our Easter dinner we transitioned to the living room to watch a short video. In the clip, Father Juan Hernández Pico, friend of Oscar Romero said this: “Friendship is the most important sign of resurrection.”

Looking around the tables that day at the surprising friendships being born, at the abundance of food passed around for seconds and thirds, the resurrected Christ was made known in the breaking of bread and the passing of green bean casserole.

About the Author

Luke Edwards

Why Dinner Church Is a Joy in Hispanic and Latino Communities

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 18:20:29 GMT

In Psalm 23, the most favored psalm of generations, the same thing happens. God prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemies, anoints your head with oil, and fills your cup to the point of overflowing.

He is your host, extending you an invitation to His table of abundance and joy. Naturally, here he blesses you (Shalaj) with goodness (Hemet), and mercy (Hesed) will follow you every day of our lives.

Where Church is Born

The silence of four centuries erupts in excitement, and Jesus Christ inaugurates a new era with intimate and profound implications. Now, God is present! He converses, laughs, cries, and invites us all to celebrate and remember his life, teachings, and miracles around His table (Luke 15:2; 22:15-20).

There, between surprises and scares, the church is born around a table!

Every moment of being together was a good time to break bread, eat together with unwavering joy. Love anchored so profound that they shared with everyone according to their needs, so much so that no one had a shortage (Acts 2:42-47).

Immediately, the apostle Paul encourages us to wait for everyone to come to the table and celebrate the meal with deep gratitude. And why not if the blessing of this meal extends all the ways towards the heavens, anticipating the biggest banquet celebration of the lamb’s wedding.

God understands the language of fellowship, joy, and festivity that food, family, and community offer. For this reason, he invites us to experience his delight amid our Hispanic-Latino communities.

The last time I saw Mrs. Alicia, it was in my dreams in another city.

I could feel his hugs, the kiss on my cheek, and saying to me with a smile, “Eliseo, now it’s your turn, serve yourself like a piece of bread for hungry people to eat, and give as generously as I have given you.”

I never saw it again, but somewhere in my wallet, I have a hidden coin, in my mind a delicious “Semita,” and in my heart the genuine desire to invite you to the table.

The food is served and warm! Come here! And celebrate with me.

Come here! Sit at the table, Jesus Christ is with you, and I invite you to celebrate with me because shared food is a blessed table good.

“Something holy happens around a table (‘Shulhan’) that will never happen in a sanctuary. In a church auditorium, you see the backs of heads. Around the table (‘Shulhan’), you see the expressions on faces. In the auditorium, one person speaks; around the table (‘Shulhan’), everyone has a voice. Church services are on the clock. Around the table (‘Shulhan’), there is time to talk.” (Max Lucado, Outlive Your Life )

It smells so delicious here!

Hmmm.

What did you prepare that smells so rich?

“Ropa vieja,” rice with gandules, a barbecue, empanadas, farofa, mole poblano?

“You cooked your favorite dish. Did you throw garlic on this yucca?”

“Let’s see, let me taste it.”

I took a few steps, closed my eyes, and you don’t have to imagine anything. Just sitting at the table took me to the most intimate part of the home, to a beautiful relationship, and it was like opening the trunk of my memories.

Standing before this threshold of history, I remember my mother making us corn tortillas fresh out of the “comal.” She will put melting cheese to the end, licking your fingers. And the fascinating thing was that the boys who came to play ball with us enjoyed them too.

At the age of 9, Doña Alicia, owner of the corner store in the “El Paraíso” neighborhood, gave us “Semitas,” a thick, tasty bread with melted sugar inside.

Mrs. Alice would take the coin and lean over the counter with charming eyes, a tender smile, and with a pleading sound in her voice, she would say: “here is your coin back, and I will give you your change.” She handed me my “emergency coin” and another one “just in case your brother would want ‘semita’ also.” She would say.

As she pronounced those angelic words, to this day and with teary eyes, I think she was an absolute angel with feet of clay!

It is no secret that food, family, and community constitute anywhere, the backbone of Hispanic and Latino cultures; all three are gestures of love.

Abraham, Food and Family

Food is then the cornerstone and the epicenter of the family, the attention to gatherings and anecdotes of the grandparents, and the aroma and flavor, expressions of our culture, providing generational ties.

Perhaps your great-grandmother used to make a stew in this way. And so, the recipes crossed seas and borders orally and manually. Even this culinary family offered spaces with a sense of belonging, purpose, and direction in life.

Out of our hearts then emerges a principle that all shared food is a blessed table good.

Let’s see how this principle of why the celebration of dinner church an extravagant joy is. Come, sit at the table, grab a cup of coffee and a couple of cookies!

An elderly couple wanted to have a child, one of the promises! But nothing had happened. Sarah had passed the age to give birth, and even though they were octogenarians, they were about to discover God’s blessing around a meal (Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7).

And so, it happened. Abraham, her husband, runs to receive the guests (heavenly visitors), hurries to prepare an exquisite meal; they ate and enjoyed intimate communion.

Right there, Sara was listening behind the curtains of the tent. She heard the message: “God will visit you and give you a son.” She laughed. And it was no wonder. At her age, pregnant? But it happened indeed (Genesis 21:1-7). She conceived and gave birth to a beautiful son, Isaac.

I don’t know what your reaction would have been. But when God gives a promise, He never takes long to fulfill it because there is nothing impossible for Him. In this story, we perceive that happiness in that perfect union between table and blessing.

Both form the heart of gratitude in ancient cultures like Israel.

Table and blessing are two keywords in the Old Testament that show the importance of the table, and then the blessing when eating at it: Shulhan (Table) y Shalaj (send—blessing).

שולחן Shuljan = SH – L – J – N = Table
שליח Shalaj = SH – L – J = Send—blessing

That environment was and still is profound hospitality. It opens doors to create authentic communities, saying to each person that their lives are as significant to us as to God.

About the Author

Rev. Dr. Eliseo A. Mejia is a pastor, missiologist, and church-planting leader with nearly three decades of experience launching new faith communities across cultures and countries. An ordained elder in the Kentucky Annual Conference, he currently serves as senior pastor of Paris First UMC and formerly led Mosaic UMC, a vibrant multicultural congregation in Louisville. He has also served as Associate Director of Hispanic, multiethnic, and international church planting for the Kentucky Conference. Passionate about equipping leaders and reaching new people for Christ, Dr. Mejia now serves as Director of Expresiones Divinas with Fresh Expressions.

Eliseo Mejia