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Why Fresh Expressions?

The Church Alive in New Places

We equip leaders to start new Christian communities where people live, work, and gather.

The world has changed.


Nearly 60% of Americans will never walk into a Sunday service—no matter how good the sermon or the coffee. But most churches keep pouring everything into that one hour. Fresh Expressions helps churches reimagine mission—launching new, everyday communities of faith that bring people to life, leaders fresh vision, and churches renewed vitality.

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What are Fresh Expressions?



Fresh Expressions are new forms of Christian community that emerge in the places where people already live, work, and gather.


They often begin with shared interests or simple acts of hospitality. Over time, prayer, discipleship, and authentic community grow, and a new form of church unfolds—right where people are.


This isn’t a program. It’s a movement of ordinary Christians living with Gospel intention, forming authentic relationships, and opening new pathways for people to experience Christ’s love.

Varieties of

Fresh Expressions

Every fresh expression is unique for its context, but we do see some common streams of communities emerging. Those include:


  • Dinner Church–communities that gather around a shared meal and a Jesus story
  • Messy Church–intergenerational gatherings where families explore faith together
  • Expresiones Divinas–fresh expressions of church among Spanish speaking communities
  • Recreation Church–communities that gather around a shared hobby, interest or sport
  • Café Church–communities that gather for shared life and faith exploration in local coffee shops, pubs, and restaurants
  • House Church–communities that gather in local homes and neighborhoods
  • Recovery Church–communities that gather around the shared journey of recovery from addiction
  • Church in the Marketplace–workplace communities and missional businesses 
  • Missional Communities–communities that gather around a shared passion for serving their local communities and those in the margins
  • Digital Communities–more than livestreamed worship, these communities form in digital spaces such as video games, Tik Tok, and more


Fresh Expressions are emerging in:

  • Rural Settings
  • Urban Settings
  • Small Town Settings
  • Suburban Settings


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CORE PILLARS


Foundations of a

Fresh Expression



We believe that inspiring the people in your church to pay attention to the people around them, invite connection, and spark conversations will open up opportunities to foster dynamic faith communities.


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Missional


Our aim is to reach those who don’t go to church.

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Contextual


The emerging community makes sense for the unique context.

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Formational


Our purpose is to grow mature disciples of Christ.

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Ecclesial


The group takes shape as a Jesus-centered community.

Roots Of Our Movement

For more than 20 years, the global Fresh Expressions has helped established churches reach new people with new kinds of Christian communities.

Our History
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LOOKING FORWARD

Starting something new.

Meet the Leadership

Practitioners, thinkers, and normal church leaders who inform our movement.

Meet Our Partners

Denominations, networks, seminaries,
and congregations who expand the movement.

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

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.

Read More
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Glossary For Mission

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Logo for Fresh Expressions. Glossary for movement. Word: Supporter.

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Shalom Creatives: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

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.

Faith & Friends on Tap: A Fresh Expressions Snapshot

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 Fresh Expressions Podcast

Fresh Expressions believes any church can reach people who are not yet part of any church.

This podcast unravels the complexities of today's local mission field and introduces resources from pastors, practitioners and historic movements adept at proclaiming the Good News inside and outside the inherited Church.

Paddling Toward Purpose: Missional Entrepreneurship and the Church

By Jeanette Staats • January 14, 2026
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. 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. Related Resources:

The Rural Renewal Podcast

Renewal is happening in small-town churches. Many of Jesus' followers across rural regions are uncovering exciting possibilities as they explore creative and practical approaches to loving their neighbors. This new podcast from Fresh Expressions will introduce you to ministry leaders serving in rural contexts to provide examples and inspiration for being the Church and addressing the needs unique to your community.

Grace, Doubt, and Leadership on the Big Screen

By Jeanette Staats • January 26, 2026
Do movies actually reflect real-life ministry? Or do they miss the quiet tensions, complexities, and grace that leaders carry every day? In this episode of Rural Renewal, we take a different approach by reflecting on Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Beneath the mystery, the film raises questions about faith, leadership, public trust, and human frailty in close-knit communities. Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, this conversation invites you to think about how stories shape our understanding of church, calling, and renewal where life and faith intersect. Chris and Kathleen Blackey , are hosts of the Rural Renewal Podcast. Since 2010, together they have served as co-pastors at the First Baptist Church of South Londonderry, Vermont. The Blackeys live in South Londonderry, Vermont with their children – Sarah, Daniel, and Priscilla, as well as their cat, dog, and chickens. Related Resources: Join our Facebook group: Rural Renewal Podcast Community Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com Subscribe & Review Help us get the word out by subscribing and leaving a review for Rural Renewal Podcast on your favorite platform. Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts