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Fresh Expressions

Recovery FX

Join in and cultivate a recovery fresh expression in your local setting.

Recovery Fresh Expressions are new forms of Christian community that take shape in the heart of recovery life, offering hope, belonging, and the presence of Jesus to people who have struggled with addiction and to their loved ones.

Traditional church settings may not connect with the raw honesty, deep wounds, and daily dependence that define recovery, but fresh expressions of church can emerge right where people are—around a weekly meal in a recovery house, a prayer circle before a 12-step meeting, or a “sober supper church” where worship and testimony flow naturally from shared stories. These communities are not side programs but authentic expressions of the Body of Christ, shaped by and for those navigating the recovery journey.

The opportunity is ripe: God is already at work in recovery spaces, and with the right tools, training, and companions, you can join in and cultivate a recovery fresh expression in your local setting.

Download a free discernment resource here

The Latest

Recovery FX Story...

By Jeanette Staats February 6, 2026
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.

Discipleship in Twelve Steps

with Rosario Picardo

Roz shares how the 12 Steps and the way of Jesus intersect in powerful ways—through confession, reconciliation, and the deep recognition that we can’t save ourselves. In this episode, you’ll hear how Roz’s personal journey with recovery has transformed his ministry, reshaped his church, and led to authentic connections with the recovery community. Discover how Fresh Expressions naturally makes space for healing, honesty, and hope—and why discipleship and recovery may have more in common than you think.

NEW BOOK COMING SPRING 2026

The Recovery Way:

A Field Guide for Starting New Forms of Church Among the Recovery Community

By Shannon Kiser and Rosario Picardo

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