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The Guide contains how-to-do-it advice on starting, developing and sustaining fresh expressions of church based on shared experiences.
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Developing

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'A fresh expressions journey' explained. From what we observe, we think that this journey (illustrated by four main circles) will often be good practice. Not every fresh expression of church will develop in this way, but many do.

 

A fresh expressions journey

A diagram of four overlapping circles, showing how a fresh expression might develop: 'loving and serving' leading to 'building community' leading to 'exploring discipleship' leading to 'church taking shape', underpinned by prayer, ongoing listening and relationship with the wider church. Before the overlapping circles there is 'listening', and after there is 'do it again'.

 

Many fresh expressions of church

  • begin with a period of listening to God and to the people the missional team feels called to serve;
  • develop by building loving relationships and through acts of service;
  • create a sense of community in which evangelism can have its proper place;
  • provide opportunities for individuals to explore becoming followers of Christ;
  • encourage church to take shape around those entering faith.

How to help people travel into faith. The big challenge is to help people travel through the four circles - through 'loving and serving' and 'building community' to 'exploring discipleship'. One or more of the following seem necessary:

  • A number of hands touching each other in a circleActs of kindness - activities (hopefully involving the whole group) that reveal Christ's heart of love.

  • God talk - sharing your faith naturally in everyday conversations and providing occasions that provoke people to think about Jesus.

  • Creative expressions of spirituality - encouraging individuals to express their spiritual longings and understandings through painting, photography, poetry, pottery and other creative ways.
  • Missional worship - opportunities for people who don't go to church to encounter Jesus through suitably flavoured tastes of worship.
  • The experience of healing, whether through acts of Christian love, the prayers of believers, healing services or the ministry of healing, can make individuals more open to the reality of God.

To explore more, here are some links:

 

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Comments

Evolving Worship vs. Becoming Church

Posted by James Henley on 30 June 09 - 00:07

I'd agree with George that the last phase in the process isn't completely satisfactory - is there a point in the process at which a Fresh Expression "becomes" church, and if so why can't it simply be church right from the outset. If church is "any expression of the life of Jesus that takes communal form" (Rowan Williams) then surely if our initial intention is to be church, then we have been church all along?

However, I disagree with "evolving worship" and am happy that this stage has been re-thought. To limit our definition of "worship" to the simple development of some kind of corporate creative act when the church gathers is to once again give power to an old "leaky" ecclesiology.

James Henley, The Lab Youth Church - Newport, S Wales.