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It is really important to start by listening to the community or network you want to reach. You might literally walk the streets and listen to what people have to say, invite a group to a pub for a meal and ask them what church might look like for them, or get on the internet and do statistical research.

Starting and growing

A fresh expressions journey might start as Christians serve their area or network, a community then begins to form, evangelism leads to disciple-making and eventually a culturally relevant form of church emerges.

Developing

Fresh Expressions has also published a series of three booklets to help groups in churches move forward. They are an excellent place to begin.

• moving on in a mission-shaped church (Steven Croft, Church House Publishing, 2005, ISBN 978-071514078-9)
• starting a fresh expression (Steven Croft, Claire Dalpra, George Lings, Church House Publishing, 2006, ISBN 978-071514096-3)
• listening for mission (Steven Croft, Freddy Hedley, Bob Hopkins, Church House Publishing, 2006, ISBN 978-071514099-4)