Fresh Expressions is an international movement of pioneers cultivating new kinds of church alongside existing congregations to more effectively engage the growing post-Christian society around the world.
Each Fresh Expression is uniquely and contextually rooted. They can be rural, suburban, in public spaces, housing projects or college dormitories. Some are aimed at specific groups like: Messy Church, bikers church, church for artists, church for the homeless; the sky’s the limit. Each is an adventure in bringing the power of the Gospel to people who might never experience Christian community and the transformational love of Jesus.
What Is A Fresh Expression?
Fresh Expressions are defined by a focus on forming faith communities for those who have never been involved in church (The Nones) or who have left the church (The Dones). But this doesn’t mean giving up on the established church. There is a great inheritance in the established church that can and must be passed along to future generations. We believe the key to doing this is by partnering with pioneering leaders, dynamic pastors, existing churches, denominations and agencies who are committed to creating disciples who make disciples; raising up leaders with a passion to join with God on the margins where new forms of church can flourish.
We find beauty and joy in the space where what is meets what is possible, as inherited and established Christian communities are refreshed and reinvigorated, and encounter, develop, and support new missional ways of being church.
We believe that the word ‘church’ refers to the people of God, and that ‘love’ is our defining verb. Fresh Expressions are places where the people of God communicate the love of God in new and compelling ways.
- Missional
Joining God’s mission by going to those not currently served by any church - Contextual
Grounded in the language and culture of the people in and for their particular context - Formational
Focused on discipling people in the way of Jesus - Ecclesial
Forming local, tangible Christian communities that are able to step out as church in their own right