The Fresh Expressions Podcast

A Rural Church Finds Its Rhythm

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:38:10 -0500

What if church began by listening to the passions already shaping a community?

In this episode, Sharon White shares how a small rural congregation in Waco, Georgia, discovered that bluegrass music was a doorway to belonging. What started as prayerful curiosity grew into the West Georgia Opry, a weekly gathering where music, story, and hospitality now draw nearly 100 people in a town of just 500.

This is a story of paying attention, trusting the Spirit, and discovering how church can take shape far beyond Sunday morning.

Want to hear more rural stories? Check out the Rural Renewal Podcast! https://ruralrenewalpodcast.transistor.fm/

Paddling Toward Purpose: Missional Entrepreneurship and the Church

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

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.

Messy Church & Fresh Expressions–Making Space for Faith in Everyday Life with Crystal Goetz

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:51:15 -0500

In this episode, Heather sits down with Crystal Goetz to explore the shared heartbeat between Messy Church and Fresh Expressions. Together they unpack how intergenerational, creative, and hands-on spaces cultivate openness, curiosity, and connection—often in places far beyond a traditional sanctuary. Crystal shares surprising stories of discipleship that unfolds across generations and reflects on how participatory, experiential communities naturally invite people into belonging from the very beginning.

Food, Familia, and Fresh Expressions in Hispanic Communities

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Marta never imagined she’d live in Mississippi—much less start a church. But God had other plans. In this episode, hear how Marta’s love for her Hispanic community and passion for teaching became the spark for a new kind of church—one that began not in a sanctuary, but in a local library and around shared meals. As she gathered with children and families to read books in their language, moments of storytime and food became sacred opportunities to build relationships, nurture belonging, and share the love of Jesus.

Discover how something as simple as gathering over a table or opening a book can become the foundation for a vibrant faith community—a beautiful fresh expression of church rooted in familia, hospitality, and hope.

Marta Sobrino Bolen, the pastor of Glenfield United Methodist Church, has started a ministry for Latinos called La Misión that helps Latino families in three areas: family, community, and spiritual growth. La Misión currently includes a tutoring program, a food pantry, a clothes pantry, reading and writing skills, spiritual growth, and support to families who have just arrived to the US.

Related Resources:

Fresh Expressions Incubator - Dinner Church in Hispanic Communities

Email us:

podcasts@freshexpressions.com

Church Inside Senior Living Communities

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

What does it look like to build a vibrant Christian community in a senior living center—one of the loneliest places in our culture?

In this episode, we sit down with Jon Moody, leader of Park Place Community in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to hear how a Fresh Expression of Church is reshaping life in senior living. From vulnerability and loneliness to newfound belonging and faith, Jon shares the surprising blessings of starting this ministry—and the simple practices of showing up and listening that make all the difference.

Park Place Community is more than a program; it’s changing culture, creating connection, and showing that even later in life, people are finding their place at the table with Jesus. Whether you serve seniors, lead in ministry, or simply care about belonging, this story will inspire you to imagine what’s possible when the church shows up in unexpected places.

Pastor Jon Moody received his Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Deerfield, IL) in 1998. He was ordained by the Evangelical Free Church of America, then planted and served Hope Community Church for 22 years, before moving to Fort Wayne in 2019 to serve as a hospice chaplain.He served in that role until August of 2023 when he left to plant Park Place Community Church - a Fresh Expression of Church. Jon and his wife Beth have two married daughters and are the proud grandparents of eight!

Introducing Season 7

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:12:58 -0400

Welcome to Season seven of the Fresh Expressions Podcast. I’m your host, Heather Jallad. 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.

A Cross-Atlantic Conversation on Discipleship with Mark Robinson

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this special crossover episode between Fresh Expressions North America and Fresh Expressions UK, hosts Mark and Heather dive into a rich conversation on discipleship. Mark shares his journey into the Fresh Expressions movement, while Heather highlights recent work in the Church of England around the Fruitfulness Framework—a research project exploring the spiritual impact of fresh expressions of church. Together, they reflect on how starting fresh expressions is not only forming new disciples but also renewing discipleship within the inherited church.

From Hanging Out to Exploring Faith: Discipleship in a Fresh Expression with J.R. Briggs

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Heather and J.R. dive into the challenges and opportunities of discipleship in new forms of church. They explore why so many people get stuck in the “hanging out” phase and how churches can gently and intentionally invite them into deeper faith conversations.

J.R. unpacks the importance of both mindset and heartset when approaching discipleship, offering insight into how posture shapes practice. Together, they introduce key ideas from the new course, "From Hanging Out to Exploring Faith," and share practical ways to move toward meaningful spiritual growth in Fresh Expressions of Church.

Flourishing Together: Discipleship in a Mixed Ecology with Blair Pogue and Dwight Zcheile

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Blair Pogue and Dwight Zscheile didn’t grow up in church—but the church changed their lives. Now, they’re passionate about helping others experience that same transformation.

In this episode, they reflect on the crisis of discipleship facing many churches today and how a lack of connection to local neighborhoods is both a symptom and a cause. They share how cultivating a mixed ecology through Fresh Expressions has helped break through stuck systems, and how the simple practice of listening can lead to deeper discipleship and real community transformation.

Crossing the Discipleship Chasm With Matt Lake

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Pastor Matt Lake shares his journey of building a discipleship pathway and uncovering unexpected gaps that led to deep self-assessment and growth. In this candid conversation, Matt unpacks how starting Fresh Expressions reshaped his church’s understanding of following Jesus. His story offers both challenge and encouragement to leaders ready to ask hard questions and embrace transformation.

Opening Space with Shannon Kiser

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In this special bonus episode, we celebrate the release of Opening Space, the new book by Shannon Kiser, Director of Fresh Expressions. Shannon shares the inspiration behind the book, drawn from Luke 5, and what it means to "open space" for church in everyday places.

You’ll hear real-life stories, reflections from leaders, and an invitation to take faithful next steps—whether you’re a pastor, pioneer, or just feeling a holy nudge. Plus, learn how to access a free Luke 5 study guide and join our Summer Book Club.

This episode invites you to reimagine what church can be—right where you are.

Discipleship in a World of Wonders with Jessie Horney

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 26 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Who disciples us shapes how we disciple others. In this episode, Jessie Horney and Heather Jallad explore the powerful connection between being discipled and making disciples. Jessie shares the story of launching the Wonder School—a journey that not only transformed her personal approach to disciple-making but also shifted her church’s entire posture toward mission and church planting. Whether you're rethinking discipleship or dreaming about new forms of church, this conversation offers practical wisdom and inspiration for the road ahead.

The Adventure of Discipleship with Jessie Cruickshank

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 12 May 2025 09:41:06 -0400

Discipleship doesn’t start in a classroom—it starts in the wild. Jessie Cruickshank shares how our brains are wired for experiential learning and how the most powerful discipleship often happens through story, movement, and Holy Spirit-led moments on the go. In this episode, we explore why God invites us to learn through real-life experiences and how time in the wilderness might just be the most transformative classroom of all.

Discipleship in Twelve Steps with Rosario Picardo

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400

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.

Digital Discipleship with Anne Bosarge

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Anne shares how a quick pivot during the pandemic became a global digital community where people are finding connection and experiencing daily discipleship. In this episode, you’ll hear the story of unexpected innovation, the challenges of digital ministry, and how the Spirit is forming authentic faith communities—even online. Whether you're exploring new ways to do church or wondering what digital discipleship can really look like, Anne’s story offers encouragement, insight, and a fresh take on what’s possible.

A Church of Missionary Disciples with Dave Gardner

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0400

How has the Fresh Expressions movement transformed discipleship in the inherited church over the past two decades? In this episode, Dave shares insights from the UK on how Fresh Expressions not only reaches new people but also activates discipleship in fresh ways, empowering the priesthood of all believers.

We explore how Fresh Expressions fosters a culture of disciple-making and why the Church of England’s Fruitfulness Framework is pushing the conversation toward new metrics for measuring church impact. If you're passionate about church renewal, this conversation will challenge and inspire you!

From Lecture to Laboratory: New Ecclesiology for the Church with David Sunde

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 08:29:11 -0400

What if discipleship wasn’t a program, but a way of life?

In this episode, Heather Jallad and David Sunde explore how moving from programmatic discipleship to incarnational rhythms can lead to real multiplication. David unpacks what discipleship truly means, breaking it down into the seven rhythms from his book Small Batch Disciplemaking, and challenges the inherited church’s current models. What does discipleship look like in the everyday? How can we create space for organic, relational, and transformative disciple-making? Join the conversation and discover a fresh approach to following Jesus in the rhythms of daily life.

David Sunde collaborates with an ecosystem of faith-based, community organizations, pastors, and spiritual leaders as a Spiritual Director, thought Partner, and Missional Catalyst. He has been involved in professional non-profit and spiritual leadership for over 20 years. He is a native son of San Franciso, the son of an immigrant, and learned to make a lower level of assumption about culture, class, race, and religion against a backdrop of diversity. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from SanDiego State University and a Master’s Degree from Azusa Pacific University. He is currently working on a Doctorate in Semiotics, Cultured, and the Church through George Fox University.

David and his wife Laurel, have two children, Bjorn, and Annika and live in Austin, Texas.

www.davidsunde.com - There’s a link to the NavPress site for 30% off, including bulk discounts.

People can follow me on IG @small_batch_disciplemaking and @davidsunde

Centering Discipleship with E.K. Strawser

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 08:05:00 -0500

In this episode, Eun Strawser—church planter, physician, professor, and author of Centering Discipleship—joins Heather to explore how pastors and church leaders can shift discipleship from the periphery to the core of their church life. They discuss moving from program-based approaches to discipleship as a pathway, a shift that has transformed Eun’s ministry and personal walk with Jesus. Whether you’re a pastor, leader, or disciple-maker, you’ll walk away with practical insights on creating a culture where discipleship is woven into the very fabric of your community.

The Wicked Discipleship Problem

Fresh Expressions US — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500

What does it take to truly grow as a disciple? In this audio from a past webinar, Matt Lake explores the complexities of discipleship and the need for a multi-layered approach. He emphasizes that at its core, discipleship is about relationship and community—requiring nuance and context. More than just a curriculum, discipleship is a lifestyle, and Matt challenges churches to embrace fresh perspectives and new approaches.

Discipleship Reset - a week-long live training experience designed to equip the leaders of the average North American church for the opportunities of 2025: freshexpressions.com/discipleship-reset

https://freshexpressions.com/product/crossing-the-discipleship-chasm

Discipleship Reset - Season 6 Coming Soon

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Season 6 of the Fresh Expressions Podcast is coming soon!!

Kicking off this season is Discipleship Reset a week-long live training (February 3-7, 1p ET) experience designed to equip the leaders of the average North American church for the opportunities of 2025.

Many churches in North America are facing a crisis of discipleship, and many churches don’t know where to begin to address discipleship in this ever changing world.

You will learn how to:

Address the discipleship crisis and foster a whole-hearted, Kingdom-focused approach.
Empower believers for natural, organic discipleship in everyday life.
Build lasting faith and authentic witness in a skeptical culture.
Use shared meals as a space for deep discipleship.
Unleash bold, adventurous discipleship beyond the pews.

Discipleship Week is FREE and perfect for the everyday church looking for new ideas.

Register at FreshExpressions.com/discipleship-reset

Communitas and Loneliness with Alan Hirsch

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Why is it that we can be surrounded by people—even friends—and still feel so lonely? Alan Hirsch, renowned missional thinker, has an idea about this that he calls "communitas."

In this conversation, Alan helps us explore what it means to be a community on mission and how that could transform our churches into places where we experience both belonging and purpose.

Building Connection thru Apartment Living with Josh Jackaway and Sean Bailey

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0500

What if the solution to the loneliness epidemic is as simple as moving into the neighborhood? In this episode, host Heather Jallad sits down with Sean Bailey and Josh Jackaway from Apartment Life to explore how the church can play a vital role in fostering community in apartment complexes. Together, they discuss the transformative power of intentional relationships and partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits.

Listeners will hear inspiring stories of how small acts of presence and kindness have led to deeper connections and even life-changing moments. Sean and Josh share practical insights on how anyone can bring hope and hospitality into their own neighborhoods. Whether you’re a church leader, a ministry volunteer, or simply someone looking to make an impact, this conversation will inspire you to take the next step in building meaningful relationships where you live.

From Pastor to Farmer with Chris Battle

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0500

What should a lifelong pastor do when they encounter hostility towards the church that they can't seem to overcome? Discover the twists and turns that took Chris Battle from ministering in a typical Baptist church to growing food and exploring discipleship with his neighbors. Join Heather Jallad as they discuss new ways of being the church, connecting with neighbors, and addressing significant issues like loneliness and food insecurity.

From Skeptic to Fresh Expressions Pioneer with David Carter

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

How did Pastor David Carter go from skeptic to passionate advocate for Fresh Expressions of Church? Today, his revitalized congregation includes Adventure Church, a Running Club, and more. Tune in as Heather Jallad unpacks David’s journey and reveals how these innovative gatherings are transforming both his church and the wider community.

Asheville: Serving Through Disaster

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Is your church ready to serve during a disaster? Emergencies often reveal who we truly are—whether it’s individuals, congregations, or Fresh Expressions communities.

In this special bonus episode, we explore stories from North Carolina following hurricanes and flooding. Fresh Expressions leader Luke Edwards shares how churches—especially new and organic expressions—have been uniquely positioned to serve their neighbors in crisis. You’ll also hear from Rev. Dustin Mailman, Founding Pastor of Deep Time, a ministry and social enterprise that creates spiritual community and employment opportunities for those impacted by incarceration. Deep Time has expanded its mission, offering hope through workforce development, worship in local jails, and now disaster recovery efforts.

Joining the conversation is GA, Deep Time's Minister of Social Enterprise. GA brings his passion for community-building, violence prevention, and mentoring his peers to this work. He helps lead roasting operations while supporting outreach efforts that inspire transformation in others.

Listen in to hear how these leaders, through Deep Time’s radical inclusivity and innovative ministry, are making a deep impact when it’s needed most. Learn how fresh expressions of church can grow and serve in transformative ways during times of hardship.

Coop’s Soup with Cristin Cooper

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

What if belonging could come in a bottle? That’s the promise of Coop’s Soup, which chef and pioneer Cristin Cooper started after her own experience of loneliness.

In this conversation, Heather and Cristin discuss the journey of leaving her church job and explore building community through sharing a bowl of soup. This episode will leave you hungry for food, friends, and a deeper experience of God’s mission.

The Church is a Gift with Mike Moynagh (Corrected Audio)

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 12:31:48 -0400

Have you ever received a present that seemed like it was a better fit for the giver, not the receiver? In this episode, we hear from one of the founding voices of the original Fresh Expressions movement in the UK, Mike Moynagh. We’ll discuss how loneliness is experienced in the UK and how a church is transformed when it is treated like a gift given to bless the world

Full Community for the Formerly Homeless with Gabrielle Clowdus

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

In 2023, homelessness hit an all-time high in the United States. But simply providing shelter is seldom enough. How can churches provide the “full community” people need to turn their lives around? And how could it affect the congregation itself?

In this episode, you’ll hear from Gabrielle Clowdus of Settled, a movement to help churches develop permanent supportive tiny home villages designed to address long-term homelessness. Each Sacred Settlement is owned and operated by the worshiping community on their land, with Settled by their side for the journey. Gabrielle and Heather discuss what she describes as Full Community. Gabrielle identifies five key elements of what she describes as a Full Community: Intentional Neighbors, Permanent Homes, Cultivated Places, Purposeful Work, and Supportive Friends.

Learn more about Gabrielle’s work at settled.org.

Kendall Vanderslice: Building Community by Breaking Bread

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

What does freshly baked bread have to do with the loneliness epidemic? Could experiencing Christian community be as simple as sharing a meal? In this interview, Kendall Vanderslice shares how her passion for baking and sharing meals has helped her overcome loneliness and dive into Christian community.

Transformational Community with the Incarcerated with Victor Glover

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Victor Glover found life in Christ while in prison and began to share his faith with others there. In this episode, you’ll hear how Victor worked with God to love, serve, and build community in an unexpected place. Listen and be reminded of how Christian community can transform lives, even in the loneliest of places.

Fresh Expressions is a worldwide movement of everyday missionaries who want to see churches thrive in the places we live, eat, work and play by leveraging the creativity and endurance of the inherited church. To learn a simple five-phase process for starting a new expression of church go to freshexpressions.com/howtostart.

If you love this free resource, you can access our entire library of practical and inspiring training materials and connect with other church leaders on FX Connect. Sign up for your free account at fxconnectus.org.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Finding Belonging with David Kim

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Being a part of a group, or even a church, doesn’t mean you feel like you “belong.” In this episode, David Kim of Made to Belong helps us explore what it takes to build a community of belonging. You will learn about five practices he has identified for cultivating community in a disconnected world both inside and outside of our inherited forms of church.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Trauma and Church with Elaine Heath and Charles Kiser

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0400

When we go to church, we bring our stories with us. Our stories can color how we experience Christian community, and even affect the larger community.

Fresh Expressions Pioneer Elaine Heath and church planter Charles Kiser are co-authors of Trauma-Informed Evangelism: Cultivating Communities of Wounded Healers. Motivated by their own experiences, they have worked to create expressions of church that are safe spaces for healing and connection. You can learn more about their book at https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802882356/trauma-informed-evangelism/.

In season 5 of the Fresh Expressions podcast, we're exploring the loneliness epidemic that is sweeping across North America and learning how new kinds of Christian community can help.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

The Loneliness Epidemic and the Church with Heather Jallad, Shannon Kiser, Luke Edwards, and Chris Morton

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0400

“Loneliness isn't just an uncomfortable feeling; it's dangerous to us as individuals and as a society.”

In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy went so far as to declare it an epidemic. "Being socially disconnected is...[as detrimental as] caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day..." Failing to address it would lead Americans to "further retreat to our corners—angry, sick, and alone."

But what if churches held the key to addressing this growing problem? In this new season of the Fresh Expressions podcast, we'll explore the loneliness epidemic and how contextually-rooted Christian communities can draw people to Jesus and to each other.

To kick off this discussion, host Heather Jallad will be joined by Luke Edwards, author of Becoming Church, and Fresh Expressions Director of Training Shannon Kiser. We'll dig into what the loneliness epidemic looks like and how we have seen God work through the church to spread love and connection.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Alan Graham & Gannon Sims: Passions, Forged Family and Homelessness

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 20 May 2024 10:58:01 -0400

What happens when you follow the passions God has given you? Can God use your passions to help address some of the major issues facing our culture?

In this bonus episode of the Fresh Expressions podcast, you’ll meet Alan Graham and hear how his passion led him to start Community First! Village, a master-planned neighborhood where the chronically homeless and mission-minded Christians live side by side.

We’ll also get an exciting update from former podcast host Gannon Sims about how he is helping to develop a deep sense of forged family alongside his work as a pastor in a traditional church.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Do Not Despise Small Beginnings with Dr. Chris Backert

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Does your ministry feel insignificant? Churches large and small have struggled with a decline in attendance since pandemic restrictions were lifted. But scripture teaches us not to despise small beginnings. In this episode, Dr. Chris Backert, North American Director of Fresh Expressions returns to discuss the opportunities that lay ahead for churches and church leaders when they embrace small beginnings.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Dreaming Again: New Years with Mitch Marcello

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Over time, it’s natural to become stuck. In your career, relationship, ministry, you name it.

Goal-setting and resolutions are great things to do. But what if you could become a person with a more creative spirit and innovative mindset?

This episode features an excerpt of a recent webinar where creativity coach and Fresh Expressions Mission Strategist Mitch Marcello will help you understand how people, churches, and organizations can get stuck and help you learn to use principles of innovation in everyday life. As you enter a New Year, you do not want to miss this opportunity to break out of your rut and unleash your God-given, Holy Spirit-powered creative potential.

It’s just one of dozens of hours of practical training content you can access on FX Connect, our unique and useful learning community for pioneering leaders. If you love this free resource, sign up for your free account at fxconnectus.org.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

A Very Merry Christmas Podcast

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 06:30:00 -0500

Merry Christmas from the Fresh Expressions Team!

In this special Christmas episode, you will hear greetings from our North American team and get a glimpse of what God is up to in the North American Fresh Expressions movement.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

How Ski Slopes to Swing Dances Become Fresh Expressions of Church with Marcus Corey and Mitch Marcello

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Many traditional Christians build their weekends around Church attendance, many others are spending their weekends "playing." Hobbies, sports, and other activities provide much more than a thrill or a distraction: they are places where people feel more alive, more embodied, and often build their most profound community. Rather than try to pull people away from their passions, how can church leaders embrace people where they are having fun?

Marcus Corey has spent over a decade leading a church that meets on a ski mountain. Mitch Marcello has pioneered Fresh Expressions in various "fun" settings, like social dancing groups and rugby leagues.

In this podcast, you'll hear real stories of God at work and building Christian community in places dedicated to having fun.

Missio Divina: An Audio Devotional for Pioneering Leaders

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

How does a pioneer stay passionately focused on their mission and deeply rooted in their relationship with God? One way to engage with Scripture for the purpose of understanding how we join God's work in our world.

In this episode, we feature an excerpt of our audio devotional resource Advent Missio Divina. In this devotional, you'll hear scripture, and be prompted to listen to the Holy Spirit, in order to be propelled into mission in your context. Additional episodes of this resource are only available on FX Connect (fxconnectus.org), an online community for pioneering leaders.

Each episode of Missio Divina focuses on one of the phases of developing a fresh expression.

Those phases are:

Listening
Loving & Serving
Building Community
Exploring Discipleship
Church Taking Shape

Listen now, and if you appreciate this resource, head over to fxconnectus.org to access our entire library of useful and inspiring content, and connect with other Christian leaders like you.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Mission is the Shape of Water with Michael Frost

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 10:40:56 -0500

Friend and missional mentor Michael Frost returns to the Fresh Expressions podcast to discuss his book Mission Is the Shape of Water: Learning From the Past to Inform Our Role in the World Today.

Does mission look the same across all times and places? Michael Frost says no in his latest book! He dives into Christian mission through the centuries, examining how context sculpts mission uniquely in each era.

We'll explore the shaping forces of history, culture, and postmodernism on the Church's mission and hear stories of innovative, situation-specific efforts from across the centuries. Examining mission in light of history is critical for discerning mission now. This conversation will lead you to follow God into a uniquely "shape" mission for your context.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

How to Engage Boomers Today with Jim Divine

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:58:49 -0500

From the Jesus People movement of the 70s and the “seeker-sensitive” outreach of the 80s, Boomers have shaped the development of the North American Church. Yet, as they approach and enter retirement, for some their church participation is dwindling. Join Jim Divine, who pastors a church in The Villages, Florida, to discuss how churches can help guide the “Me” Generation to discover their Kingdom Purpose in the final third of life.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Advent for Everyone

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

The weeks leading up to Christmas provide an opportunity for Christians, and even our broader culture, to turn our minds to Jesus.

But how do you help Christians reimagine the holiday season that has been co-opted by secular and consumerist practices?

How do you take the concepts and traditions, many rooted in high church liturgies, to modern churches, dinner churches, home churches and other fresh expressions?

This episode features an excerpt of a recent webinar where you’ll hear ideas that will help you experience Advent, no matter what your church looks like. This is just one of dozens of hours of practical training content you can access on FX Connect, our unique and useful learning community for pioneering leaders. If you love this free resource, sign up for your free account at fxconnectus.org.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Advent Everywhere with Jon Davis

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

For some Christians, Christmas is a frantic mix of family gatherings, secular celebrations with a special worship service on December 24. But what might it look like or Christians to recapture the sense of Christmas as a season of anticipation and celebration of the incarnation?

In this episode, episcopal priest and Fresh Expressions pioneer Fr. Jon Davis will help you understand the traditional seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany and how they help Christians experience the reality of Emmanuel, God-With-Us. You will also get practical ideas for how you can take these liturgical practices beyond cathedrals and celebrate this season among families, house churches, dinner churches and other Fresh Expressions.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Resources:

https://freshexpressions.com/2022/11/14/advent-casting-aside-distractions

https://freshexpressions.com/2022/11/27/missional-opportunities-in-the-cycle-of-light

How a Thanksgiving Meal Inspired a Church Plant with J.D. Larson

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:49:41 -0400

Since JD's church in Minneapolis reimagined itself as a Dinner Church, they've reached people in their neighborhood they would never have met before. This shift was inspired in part by their experience at Thanksgiving. In this episode, you will hear J.D.'s story about how they used the lessons of a Holiday service project to help start a different kind of church.

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Spooky Season & Your Church with Kris Beckert

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Halloween has become an increasingly central part of the social lives of families and neighborhoods. So, where do church's fit in? In this episode, Heather is joined by Pastor and Pioneer Kris Beckert whose passion for fall sports, campfires and Halloween is central to how leads both a traditional congregation and Fresh Expressions of Church.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

New People & New Momentum this Fall with Brett DeHart

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 09:15:02 -0400

Fall is here, and the holidays are around the corner! This is a busy season, but it's also a great time for churches and church leaders to connect with your community. Host Heather Jallad is joined by fellow pastor and Fresh Expressions practitioner Brett DeHart to discuss how these Fall and Winter seasons can help you expand the reach of your congregation and bless your community. They discuss ways to help your congregation get excited about Fresh Expressions, reengaging after a busy summer and how to build off of the excitement and energy of Advent, Christmas and New Years.

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Announcing Season 4: New People & New Momentum this Fall

Fresh Expressions US — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:11:40 -0400

It's Fall and it's time for another season of the Fresh Expressions Podcast. For over two decades, the worldwide Fresh Expressions movement has helped inspire and equip leaders to start thousands of new faith communities in homes, community centers, dog parks, tattoo parlors, cafes and other unexpected places.

Season Four will help you reimagine how you can leverage the Fall Season and the Winter Holidays to reinvigorate your church's relationship to your neighborhood and community. This time of year can be a lot. That's why we're giving you real stories and actionable guidance from church leaders and pioneers that will inspire you to make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Subscribe to the Fresh Expressions Podcast now to ensure you get new episodes the day they drop.

FRESH EXPRESSIONS

Help us spread the word about the Fresh Expressions podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

David Fitch on Practices that Form a People for Mission

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:53:57 -0400

Churches are full of formal liturgies and unspoken traditions. But what kind of shared activities actually form a group of people into a band of missionaries?

In this week's episode, reconsider your church's regular practices by listening to David Fitch's talk Practices that Form People for Mission.

Young Adults & New Approaches to Church with Kris Beckert

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

When it comes to participation in church, the stats about Millenials and Gen Z are startlingly low. What if part of the problem is the "expression" of church they have available to them? In this talk from Kris Beckert, you'll learn from her experience of forming Fresh Expressions of Church with and for Young Adults.

Kris is pastor of Table Life Church. She completed the M.Div. at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC and has served at churches in the Baptist, United Methodist, and Nazarene traditions. Prior to being called to ministry, she received an M.S. in environmental science from the University of Maryland, where she also worked in the field, researching coastal environments and enhancing science communication. Kris is an avid runner, cartoonist, and archer and enjoys cheering for her Carolina TarHeels and Philadelphia Phillies.

Season three is brought to you by FX Connect, an online community full of other church leaders passionate about reaching new people in new places. Access our entire library of practical and inspiring training materials and connect with other church leaders at fxconnectus.org.

Bringing the Church to Work. At Disney World. with Steven Barr

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Most people spend the majority of our weeks at work. What would it look like to form a church specifically for individuals within their workplace? And what if that workplace was Disney World?

Listen to this recent talk from Steven Barr who has dedicated decades to forming Cast Member Church, an expression of Church reaching the staff and crew at Disney World, and get a glimpse for how your church could reach people where they work.

Steven Barr and his wife, Lucia, have passionately led Cast Member Church from its inception. With 30 years of pastoral leadership in his rearview mirror, Steven is a recognized cultural futurist and creative communicator for churches and organizations worldwide. Steven is the author of such titles as KINGDOM INFLUENCE: Three Proven Keys to Revealing Jesus in a Skeptical and Suspicious World and A GUIDE TO A LIFE BEYOND IMAGINATION. He is currently working on two follow-up titles, to be released later this year. Steven and Lucia have two adult children and split their time living in Orlando, Florida and Paris, France.

Creating a Space for Those Far Away from Church with Deb Hirsch & Luke Edwards

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Some churches like to say they welcome everyone, but the truth is that such a Christian community is complicated. In this insightful discussion with real-world practitioners Deb Hirsch and Luke Edwards, you'll hear about what it is like to build a community where committed Christians and those exploring their faith can thrive together.

Deb Hirsch is a speaker, church leader, and writer who has led churches in both Australia and Los Angeles. She is one of the founders of Forge Mission Training Network and is a member of the Forge America national team. She also serves as a board member for Missio Alliance and was part of the leadership team of Christian Associates, a church planting movement in Europe, North & South America. She is the co-author (with Alan Hirsch) of Untamed: Reactivating a Missional Form of Discipleship, and her book Redeeming Sex reflects her own journey and attempts to bring new conversations about sexuality into the context of the church. Deb has been involved in social work, community development and as a trained counselor has worked in the field of sexuality for over twenty-five years. She and her husband live in community with others in Los Angeles.

Luke Edwards is the Associate Director of Church Development for the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and a trainer for Fresh Expressions US. He was the founding pastor of King Street Church, a network of fresh expressions in Boone, NC. Participating in local, regional, and national levels of the Fresh Expressions movement has given Luke a unique perspective into the future of the mainline church in a post-Christian society.

Hospitality and Why it Matters to God with Alan Roxburgh

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Churches, with their official buildings, formal architecture, and highly developed language, are great for insiders. But in a world less familiar with Church, Christians must be masters of hospitality. In this talk, Alan Roxburgh helps explain what hospitality is, why it matters for to Christian leaders who are passionate about God's mission in the world.

Alan J. Roxburgh is a pastor, teacher, writer, and consultant with more than thirty years experience in church leadership and seminary education. As a senior consultant with The Missional Network, Roxburgh leads training and consulting initiatives across the world. His many books include Reaching a New Generation, Leadership in a Time of Change, Introducing the Missional Church, and Missional: Joining God in the Neighborhood. When not traveling or writing, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Jane, and their five grandchildren in Vancouver, British Columbia.

How to Tell a Jesus Story with Kris Beckert and Verlon Fosner

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0400

How do you teach people about Jesus without using a typical "sermon?" In this episode, you'll hear from Verlon Fosner and Kris Beckert about "Jesus Stories," a simple, Biblical and enjoyable approach that fits well in settings like Dinner Church.

Verlon Fosner & his wife Melodee have been in church leadership for 35 years, and for the past 18 years have served a 93 year-old church in Seattle, Washington. In 2004, their long effective church began to decline, and they were faced with the decision: move to the suburbs or become an urban church. They felt called to not only stay, but to dive further into the urban neighborhoods of Seattle – especially the ones with a sparse church presence. What began as an urban Dinner Church spread into a multi-site Dinner Church, and then expanded into a national Dinner Church Network.

Kris Beckert is pastor of Table Life Church. She completed the M.Div. at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC and has served at churches in the Baptist, United Methodist, and Nazarene traditions. Prior to being called to ministry, she received an M.S. in environmental science from the University of Maryland, where she also worked in the field, researching coastal environments and enhancing science communication. Kris is an avid runner, cartoonist, and archer and enjoys cheering for her Carolina TarHeels and Philadelphia Phillies.

Finding and Developing Pioneering Leaders with Jo Saxton

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 29 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Reaching new people with new kinds of churches doesn't just require leadership; it requires pioneering leadership. In this talk from Jo Saxton, you'll learn more about what a pioneering leader is, where you find them in your church, and how to help them get started.

Jo Saxton is a speaker, podcaster, author, and leadership coach. She hosts a digital coaching community and is the founder of Ezer Collective – an initiative dedicated to investing in women leaders around the world, equipping them to own their voice and boldly step into their calling.

Born to Nigerian parents and raised in London, England, Jo now lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two daughters. She loves the every-day stuff like good music, good food, and good friends. For more information visit: josaxton.com.

Church for Every Context with Michael Moynagh

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 22 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Fewer and fewer people find their way to a traditional church building on Sunday. So what would it look like to bring church into every context? Drawing on decades of experience helping lead the Fresh Expressions movement in the U.K., this talk from Michael Moynagh with ignite your imagination with new dreams of where church can happen.

Revd Dr Michael Moynagh is an internationally recognised missiologist who has been central to the development of the Fresh Expressions movement in the UK and beyond. He is also an associate tutor at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and a senior research fellow with Career Innovation. He is author or Church in Life: Innovation, Mission, and Ecclesiology and Being Church, Doing Life: Creating Gospel Communities Where Life Happens and other seminal texts within the Fresh Expressions and mission-shaped church movements.

Listening for Mission with J.R. Briggs and Mia Chang

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 15 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Are you on a mission from God, or does it come from somewhere else? How do you even tell? In this session, J.R. Briggs and Mia Chang discuss their experience and advice for listening to God's call in their lives and their congregations.

J.R. Briggs is a Mission Strategist and Trainer with Fresh Expressions. He is the founding director of Kairos Partnerships, a ministry seeking to love the Church by caring for Her leaders through coaching, consulting, speaking, equipping and writing. He is affiliate professor of practical theology at Missio Seminary, and serves as a guest instructor at Friends University. He serves as the Director of Leadership & Congregational Formation for The Ecclesia Network. J.R. is an author, co-author and contributor of thirteen books and dozens of articles, both in print and online. J.R. and his wife Megan have two sons, Carter and Bennett. They live in the heart of Lansdale, Pennsylvania.

Rev. Dr. Mia Chang is Founding and Lead Pastor of NextGen Church in West Windsor, NJ. She holds a D.min from Palmer Theological Seminary is a board member of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, Ecclesia Network, Spring In the Desert Ministry. She also founded Africa River of Life, an NGO that supports education in underserved areas of Africa.

Tod Bolsinger and David Fitch: From Moving Fast to Moving Slow

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 08 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

How do you help an established Church change? How do you help "church people" think of themselves like missionaries?

In season three, we're opening up our archive of a decade of useful training materials and sharing some of the talks and workshops that have inspired us over the years. This episode features a fascinating discussion featuring two very different leaders approaching similar issues. Tod Bolsinger, whose experience includes being a large church pastor and seminary Vice President, is an expert in institutional change. David Fitch, who has participated in multiple church plants, has a passion for working on a small and intentional level. This discussion will help you imagine new ways to tackle the complexities of your ministry world.

COMING SOON! Season 3, Featuring David Fitch, Jo Saxton, Tod Bolsinger and More!

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 03 May 2023 11:50:27 -0400

The Fresh Expressions Podcast Season Three is Here! For over two decades, the worldwide Fresh Expressions movement has helped inspire and equip leaders to start thousands of new faith communities in homes, community centers, dog parks, tattoo parlors, cafes and other unexpected places. In Season Three, brought to you by FX Connect, you will hear practical advice for starting something new from leaders like Jo Saxton, Tod Bolsinger, Deb Hirsch, David Fitch and more. Visit freshexpressions.com/podcasts to listen back to previous podcasts and subscribe to receive every new episode when it drops. And visit fxconnectus.org to join an online community of church leaders reaching new people in new places and to access our entire library of practical and inspiring training materials.

PREVIEW: Hope for Rural North America and the Rural Church with Allen Stanton | Rural Revival Podcast

Fresh Expressions US — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 14:23:24 -0400

Rural Revival Podcast is now available! Listen and subscribe at https://freshexpressions.com/podcasts.

The word “rural” can bring to mind both bucolic and dilapidated images. But the truth is much more complicated! Discover how churches serve as anchors for small-towns, and new metrics for measuring success in this unique environment.

In the first episode of the Rural Revival Podcast, you’ll hear from Allen Stanton, an ordained pastor who currently manages a large initiative to expand access to dental care in rural areas and is author of Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations.

Rural Revival Podcast is a part of the Rural Revival Summit, an initiative of Fresh Expressions happening April 21-22. The summit is a two-day digital event exploring new possibilities for small-town Churches. Learn more at freshexpressions.com/ruralrevivalsummit.

Allen Stanton is an ordained pastor in the Western North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves in extension ministry, managing a large initiative to expand access to dental care in rural areas for the College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Allen is the author of Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations (Rowman & Littlefield, 2021). Allen holds degrees from Wake Forest University and Duke University, and lives with his wife and two daughters in Tennessee.

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Related Resources

Rural Revival Summit: A Two-Day Digital Event Exploring New Possibilities for Small-Town Churches – April 21 & 22, 2023

Dividing Paradise: Rural Inequality and the Diminishing American Dream by Jennifer Sherman

Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations by Allen Stanton Use RLFANDF30 for 30% off.

Join our Facebook group: Rural Revival Podcast Community

Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

Church Planting, Multi-Site and Fresh Expressions: What's the Difference? With Jorge Acevedo and Heather Evans

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Jorge Acevedo is Pastor of Grace Church in Florida. They’ve seen meaningful growth using Church Growth and multi-site strategies. But now, they’re focusing on developing Fresh Expressions. In this episode you’ll hear about their journey, and why a big church is doing something small.

Heather Evans currently serves on staff at Grace Church in Cape Coral, FL as Director of Reach, Send, and Fresh Expressions. In addition to leading local reach ministries for Grace like Adopt-a-School, Shoes of Hope, and a food pantry, Heather oversees several Fresh Expressions of church, one of which is Eat, Pray, Love, a dinner church located in the second largest trailer park in America. Heather is passionate about bringing church to people from all walks of life who are far from God.

Michael Frost on How Missional Begins with God and Why Some Churches are Thriving Today

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Long before it became a buzzword in church leadership, the term “missional” provided a refreshing image of who God is and what it means to follow him. In this wide-ranging yet practical discussion, Michael Frost, co-author of The Shaping of Things to Come, provides a lookback at the last few decades of the missional movement, and addresses how some churches adapted and thrived in our changing context.

Why Rural Churches Need Fresh Expressions with Tyler Kleeberger

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Rural Churches in North America are facing an overwhelming variety of difficulties. How might a fresh expressions help? In this episode, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the fresh expressions approach can help build new faith communities in any context.

Tyler Kleeberger is pastor of The Farmhouse in rural Metamora, OH of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. Tyler is a pastor in the United Methodist Church and is also very weird when it comes to the stereotypical pigeon-holes that are associated with those labels.

He works with churches, non-profits, and other organizations in reimagining their identity and developing their impact. Tyler's community work can be found at "The Farmhouse" which is an organization that exists to foster health in their place by practicing "Place Economy" and specifically at their community gathering called "Farmhouse Sabbath".

Related Resources:

Fresh Expressions of the Rural Church

An Anglican and Pentecostal on How to Pray with Verlon Fosner & Jon Davis

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Why is it that some pray to great effect, while others see little, and still others struggle to pray at all? Verlon Fosner and Jon Davis come from vastly different Christian traditions, but share a belief that prayer you can learn to pray. In this episode, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for how to pray for your church and ministry.

Verlon Fosner has led a progressive congregation in Seattle Washington since 1999. In 2008 the congregation transitioned from a traditional proclamation church into a multi-site Dinner Church called Community Dinners. In 2016, Verlon joined the Fresh Expression US leadership team and began coaching declining churches, leading “Dinner Church Encounters” across the country, and hosting “Seattle Immersions” at their home, which enables a few leaders at a time to observe Dinner Churches in action followed by training conversations around a fireplace. Verlon holds a Doctorate of Ministry from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, and has written several books. He and his wife Melodee have three adult children, five grandchildren, a collection of grand-foster-kids, and two grand-dogs.

The Rev. Jon Davis PhD, an Episcopal priest is a known and recognized leader in the Episcopal Church and beyond. He has expertise in youth ministry, worship and liturgy (PhD dissertation), church growth and planting, missions, conference leadership and more. He is now on staff with Fresh Expressions. He is a sought after, dynamic and engaging speaker, writer, worship leader and ministry trainer. He and his wife Beth live on a little farm in Oviedo, Florida with a couple of horses, a number of cats, chickens, English Bulldogs and other critters.

Liturgical Mission with Winfield Bevins

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Modern missional movements have often viewed the historic Christian traditions with suspicion. The old traditions may be beautiful, the thinking goes, but they’re too insular, focused primarily on worship and on the interior life of the church, and not looking outward to evangelism and good works.

In Liturgical Mission, Winfield Bevins argues that the church's liturgy and sacramental life are in fact deeply missional. He explores the historic practices of the Christian church, demonstrating how they offer a holistic framework for everyday Christian discipleship and mission in the twenty-first century. The result is a book that not only invites all Christians back to the historic liturgy of the church, but also invites those already in liturgical churches to rediscover the missional life that has too often remained latent in their own traditions.

Winfield Bevins is director of church planting at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including Ever Ancient Ever New and Marks of a Movement.

Love Languages and Church Remissioning with Michael Beck

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0500

What if the key to congregational renewal is knowing their “love language?” Michael Beck, in his efforts to help three different congregations experience renewal, learned that different churches are different. In this episode, Dr. Beck will help you identify your church’s “love language” and how that could shape your ministry.

Michael Beck is Director of Re-Missioning for Fresh Expressions US. He co-pastors a rural church in Florida and serves in a number of denominational roles for the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is the author of multiple books including Deep Roots, Wild Branches and Contextual Intelligence.

From Church Plant to Dinner Church with J.D. Larson

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0500

J.D. Larson wanted to plant a church. So he raised support, gathered a team and launched. When COVID hit, they struggled to connect and decided to try something different. In this episode you’ll learn why one church planter chose DInner Church to reach his community.

J.D. Larson is a Mission Strategist and Coach with Fresh Expressions. He and his wife, ChristianAnn, co-pastor a Dinner Church called North City Church in Minneapolis. North City is currently working to open a second Dinner Church and has helped other churches nearby start their own Dinner Churches. J.D. previously served as an Executive Pastor at Mill City Church and graduated from Bethel Seminary with a M.Div. He and his wife have three kids and a cocker spaniel who all love the outdoors and good food.

Related Resources:

Dinner Church: Why Some Churches Thrive By Focusing on Food with Verlon Fosner & Isaac Olivarez | Season 1, Episode 8

Dinnerchurch.com

Thriving Denominations with Chris Backert

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Denominations and church networks often have auspicious beginnings but struggle to maintain their momentum. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Backert discusses why some denominations are thriving and why that matters to all kinds of Christians.

Our guest is Dr. Christopher Backert. Dr. Backert is the National Director of Fresh Expressions US. Working with church and denominational leaders to develop new expressions of Christian community is the passion of Chris’s life. Chris holds a D.Min. in Missional Church Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. He lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with wife Rachel, daughter Elliana and son Jase.

Related Resources:

How Bad Can it Be? Hope for the Declining North American Church | Season 1, Episode 1

Tod Bolsinger on Why Some Churches Adapt and Others Do Not

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Things are changing faster than ever. Churches, like many organizations, struggle to know what to do. Occasionally, you find a church that seems to be able to take new challenges head on. In this episode, you’ll discover why some churches adapt, and how you can be more adaptive yourself.

Tod Bolsinger, MDiv, PhD, the co-owner and principal of AE Sloan Leadership, Inc, an executive coaching and consulting firm that works with church, non-profit, and marketplace leaders in leading change. He is also the Executive Director of the De Pree Center Church Leadership Institute, a Senior Fellow of the De Pree Center for Leadership, Associate Professor of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary, was the founder of the Fuller Leadership Platform, and served as a Vice President of Fuller Seminary for six years. Prior to his educational career, he served as a pastor for 27 years. He is the author of five books, including the Outreach Magazine Resource of the Year in pastoral leadership, Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory, Leadership for a Time of Pandemic: Practicing Resilience and most recently, Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change.

He can be reached at bolsinger@aesloanleadership.com

Related Resources:

Tod Bolsinger: Spiritual Capacity for Leading Adaptive Change | Bonus Episode, Season 1

God’s Mission and what does that make the Church? With Graham Cray

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0400

What if the Bible wasn’t just a bunch of interesting stories and good advice, but an account of God’s mission in the world? If God is on a mission, what does that say about the Church? In this episode we’ll get back to the basics, try to understand what God is up to and why Fresh Expressions of Church are a big part of the plan.

Graham Cray was the Principal of Ridley Hall theological college in Cambridge before being appointed Bishop of Maidstone in 2001. Graham left this ministry in 2008 when he was appointed Archbishop's Missioner and Team Leader of Fresh Expressions. He chaired the working group which produced Mission-shaped Church and has contributed to several other books regarding the future of the Church including Mission-shaped Youth, The Future of the Parish System and Making Sense of Generation Y.

Future Church Toolbox: Today’s Skills, Strategies and Spiritual Capacities with Sue Nilson Kibbey and Shannon Kiser

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0400

What are the core competencies for a church on mission? What abilities must a leader develop to go from “pastor” to pioneering missionary? This episode will discuss the new muscles that churches and leaders need to develop to thrive in the future.

Sue Nilson Kibbey is the Director of the Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center at United Theological Seminary whose purpose is to resource leaders with creative, practical and effective tools for ministry in a new era. Sue’s Missional Church Initiative birthed a Breakthrough Prayer journey that has led churches and individuals to look up and out expecting and anticipating a move of God. https://www.innovateunited.com/ https://www.snkibbey.com/ https://www.amazon.com/OPEN-ROAD-Adventure-Breakthrough-Initiative/dp/1950899217

Shannon Kiser serves the Fresh Expressions Team as Director of Training. She serves as a pastor at Riverside Presbyterian Church in Sterling, Virginia, a blended ecology congregation that worships in two languages.

Hope from the Black Church: Lessons the Entire Church Needs to Hear with Joy Moore

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0400

While each stream of the church has something unique to offer, few have been forged with as much adversity as the Black Church in the U.S. This episode will take time to listen to leaders from the Black Church and learn what they are encountering as they minister in today’s pandemic scarred, Post-Christendom world.

Dr. Joy J. Moore An ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, Joy Jittaun Moore, Professor of Biblical Preaching, serves as Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. Dr. Joy is an “Ecclesial Storyteller” seeking to encourage theologically framed, biblically attentive, and socially compelling interpretations of Christian Scripture in order to understand the critical issues influencing community formation in contemporary culture (all that means is she tells community-forming stories from the Bible as a follower of Christ!).

Dinner Church: Why Some Churches Thrive By Focusing on Food with Verlon Fosner & Isaac Olivarez

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0400

In its early days, many churches met around tables. This episode will introduce you to the rapidly growing Dinner Church movement and inspire you to encounter Jesus at the table.

Verlon serves on the Fresh Expressions team as director of the dinner church collective. He and his wife Melodee live in Seattle, WA where they lead community dinners, a network of dinner churches they planted out of an inherited congregation.

Isaac Olivarez and his wife Jaime founded Urban Outreach Denver in 2012 and believes God is calling the church back to the table where Jesus spent much of his time. https://www.lovedenver.org/

Digital Ministry, Pandemic Babies and Other Things that Are Now Normal with Chris Morton and Ryan Dunn

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0400

The pandemic is many things, but most powerfully, it is an “accelerator,” bringing barely known trends into the forefront of culture. This episode will look back at this event, and consider how has affected the shape of the local church.

Chris Morton is Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives with Fresh Expressions US. He’s been a youth minister, a tech and branding guru and was on the planting team of Austin Mustard Seed, a church community in Austin, Texas where he lives with his wife Laura and their son Micah.

Ryan Dunn is an ordained Deacon in the Methodist Church, Minister of online engagement for Rethink Church and a staff member of UM Communications tasked with creating content and building community with those who are not yet a part of the church. Ryan hosts a podcast, Pastoring in the Digital Parish, where guests coach and teach about building community in digital space.

Church Members Who Start Churches with Luke Edwards

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Often, your most energetic and capable Christians find themselves dedicating their time and effort to maintaining the basic core programs of a church. However, there are capable leaders who have skills and dreams for serving God beyond a typical congregation. This episode will show you how to identify the pioneers in your church and empower them to join God’s mission in the contexts they are called to.

Luke Edwards is the Associate Director of church Development for the Western North Carolina Conference of the UMC and a trainer and mission strategist for FXUS. He was the founding pastor of King Street Church, a network of fresh expressions in Boone, NC. Participating in the local, regional, and national levels of the FX movement has given Luke a unique perspective into the future of the mainline church in a post Christian society. https://freshexpressions.com/product/becoming-church-a-trail-guide-for-starting-fresh-expressions

Tod Bolsinger: Spiritual Capacity for Leading Adaptive Change | Bonus Episode

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 25 May 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Tod Bolsinger is a recognized leader in the field of adaptive leadership in the church. He is a speaker, executive coach, former pastor, and author who serves as associate professor of leadership formation and senior fellow for the De Pree Center for Leadership at Fuller Seminary. He is the author of Canoeing the Mountains and Tempered Reslience.

Discover how your church can learn adaptive leadership from Tod Bolsinger at freshexpressions.com/aclc.

House Churches & Beyond: Bringing Church Home with Gannon Sims | Bonus Episode

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 11 May 2022 11:41:13 -0400

In a day of statistical decline in church participation, what if we imagined marriages as little churches and households as living demonstrations of the way that God’s love is reoriented around Jesus? In Bringing Church Home, you’re invited into a kind of radical kinship rooted in family-community love. In his first book, author Gannon Sims shows how our homes can become hubs for mission pointing toward our true home where we—no matter our previous experiences of family or home or love—can find kinship in God.

Learn more about “Bringing Church Home” at https://freshexpressions.com/product/bringing-church-home

Blended Ecology: What a Thriving Local Congregation Looks Like Today with Michael Beck & Matt Lake

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0400

Local congregations, with their own personality, gatherings, programming and leadership are probably what people think of when they hear “church.” But cultural shifts and the pandemic lifestyle changes are making it harder and harder for these traditional congregations to thrive. This episode will provide real life examples of congregations thriving today.

Michael Adam Beck is the director of Re-Missioning for FXUS and Cultivator of FX for the Florida Conference of the UMC Michael serves as co-pastor of Wildwood and St. Marks UMC with his wife Jill, where they have a network of 13 FX. Michael holds a DMin in Semiotics and Future Studies from Portland Seminary and is the Director of the FX House of Studies at United Theological Seminary. His book Deep Roots, Wild Branches is a must read for pioneers and practitioners of FX and his latest book Painting with Ashes is a story of redemption and resurrection in the most powerful way possible. https://michaeladambeck.com/

Matt Lake is Pastor of First United Methodist Church, a blended ecology of church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Duke Divinity School and Portland Seminary.

2,000 Years of Innovative Expressions of Church with Elaine Heath

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0400

When you hear the word “church” you are likely imagining something that is very particular to your time and culture. But the church is 2,000 years old, and has many different expressions. This episode will introduce you to a variety of expressions of Church throughout the centuries.

Elaine Heath is an ordained in the United Methodist Church, who has served as a professor for eleven years at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, and as Dean and Professor of Missional and Pastoral Theology at Duke Divinity School, Duke University. After retiring from Duke she led Neighborhood Seminary, a non-profit which she co-founded to provide theological, practical, and spiritual formation for lay people to know how to help their neighborhoods flourish by participating with what God is doing in their neighborhoods. She currently lives with her spouse at Spring Forest, a multicultural intentional community in rural North Carolina, where along with 7 friends they tend a forest and small farm that support immigrants who experience food insecurity, hold day retreats for small groups and individuals, and host a decentralized mission church, The Church at Spring Forest. She serves as Abbess for their residential community, and Theologian in Residence for their church.

https://www.elaineaheath.org/
https://www.springforest.org/

Beyond Sunday: Transformational Stories from Fresh Expressions of Church with Heather Jallad and Gannon Sims

Fresh Expressions US — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 10:41:59 -0400

Fresh expressions of church are transforming lives of people who would never come to church on a Sunday. In this episode, you’ll hear the stories of individuals who encountered Jesus through a fresh expression, and Christians whose faith expanded by starting a new kind of faith community.

Church in Post-Christian Europe with David Male and Sabine Sramek

Fresh Expressions US — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0400

The church in Europe has been declining for decades. But at the same time, a hopeful new movement that inspires everyday Christians to start their own faith communities. In this episode, you’ll discover what kind of church flourishes in today’s world.

Dave Male is presently Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England based in Church House, Westminster. He leads a large team which aims to equip every worshipper in the Church of England to be able to articulate their faith and live it out in the whole of their lives as well as developing many new fresh expressions of church across the whole of England and releasing 1000 new evangelists. Dave spent ten years starting and leading the Net Church in Huddersfield which was one of the first fresh expressions of church in the UK. His latest book ‘How to Pioneer, even if you haven’t a clue’ has been made recently into a course which helps small groups of people to begin new communities.

Sabine Sramek is a sociologist by training and has served on the German Fresh Expressions Team since 2014 where she directs the internship program and outreach to young adults. She and her husband Ingo are the proud parents of Johanna. They live in Tübingen, near Stuttgart (South Germany). She enjoys reading, horse riding, and traveling. Her favorite books include Terry Pratchett’s Discworld Novels and almost anything by N.T. Wright.

You can hear more from Dave Male by registering for the 2022 Fresh Expressions Gathering at http://freshexpressionsus.org/remission.

Hope for the Declining North American Church with Chris Backert

Fresh Expressions US — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 11:28:36 -0500

For years, experts have warned about the decline of the Church in North America, and that was before the pandemic! This episode will help you have a greater understanding of what it means for the North American church to be in decline, and why there’s still hope.

You can register for the 2022 Fresh Expressions Gathering at http://freshexpressionsus.org/remission.

Teaser

Fresh Expressions US — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 13:08:42 -0500

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.

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