The Fresh Expressions Podcast

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.

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.

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!

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 

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 

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.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.

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. 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.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.

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.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.

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.

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.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.

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.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.

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.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.

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. 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.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.

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. 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.Resources:https://freshexpressions.com/2022/11/14/advent-casting-aside-distractionshttps://freshexpressions.com/2022/11/27/missional-opportunities-in-the-cycle-of-light

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.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.

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.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.

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.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.

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 EXPRESSIONSFresh 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.

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.

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.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.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.

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. 

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.

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. 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. 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. 

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.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.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.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. 

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.

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.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.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.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.

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.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.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.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.

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.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.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.

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.

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.Subscribe & ReviewHelp us get the word out by subscribing and leaving a review for Rural Revival Podcast on your favorite platform.Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsRelated ResourcesRural Revival Summit: A Two-Day Digital Event Exploring New Possibilities for Small-Town Churches – April 21 & 22, 2023Dividing Paradise: Rural Inequality and the Diminishing American Dream by Jennifer ShermanReclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations by Allen Stanton Use RLFANDF30 for 30% off. Join our Facebook group: Rural Revival Podcast CommunityEmail us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

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.

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.

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

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.