Podcasts about fresh expressions

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 of the Means of Grace podcast, hosts Jesse Enniss and John Yeager discuss their experiences at the Fresh Expressions Conference. They explore themes of connection, community, and the evolving nature of church, emphasizing the importance of listening to neighbors and adapting to new contexts. The conversation highlights the role of creativity in worship, the need for economic justice, and the concept of church leaders as 'sheepdogs' guiding their communities. The hosts reflect on the spirit of holy chaos that characterizes Fresh Expressions and the potential for transformation within established churches. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fresh Expressions Conference 02:57 The Evolution of Church and Fresh Expressions 05:56 Experiences from the Fresh Expressions Conference 08:54 Creative Worship and Community Engagement 11:58 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Fresh Expressions 14:43 Personal Moments and Church Opportunities 17:40 Defining Fresh Expressions 20:35 Adapting Church Plans for Fresh Expressions 23:25 Conclusion and Reflections on the Conference 24:13 Conference Insights and Personal Experiences 27:08 Diverse Perspectives and Community Engagement 33:44 Fresh Expressions and the Future of Faith  

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

This week on the Church in Action Program, we have an interesting discussion on innovative ways to “do church”, evangelism and disciple making. We are joined by Chris Backert, Senior Director of Fresh Expressions North America, and Kathleen Blackey, Senior Coordinator of Communications for Fresh Expressions and Co-Pastor of First Baptist Church of South Londonderry, Vermont. We hope you enjoy this fun and unique conversation! 

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

Support disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina: 1. BeLoved Asheville: ⁠https://belovedasheville.com/⁠ ⁠https://venmo.com/BeLoved-Asheville⁠ ⁠https://www.paypal.me/BeLovedAsheville⁠2. MANNA Food Bank: ⁠https://donate.mannafoodbank.org/⁠. 3. UMCOR: ⁠https://advance.umcmission.org/p-620-umcor-us-disaster-response-and-recovery.aspx⁠. UMCOR flood buckets: https://umcmission.org/umcor-cleaning-kit/ WNCC direct hurricane relief donations: ⁠https://bit.ly/WNCCHurricaneReliefDonations⁠. Original episode description: In which guest Wayner joins Ethan and Jo discuss his ministry story, Fresh Expressions, and the importance of lay-lead ministries.  Find all things WTHIAP at wthiap.com

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.

In this episode, Paul Nixon interviews Jessica Taylor, Associate Director of Fresh Expressions United Methodist (FXUM). Paul and Jessica explore the basics of the FX movement, ponder the difference (or lack of difference) between Fresh Expressions and new churches. Jessica comes to ministry as a laywoman, a 20-something, a young mom, and a person who came to faith as a young adult. She has a lot to teach those of us who have been at ministry for a good while.

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.

In this conversation, Professor Alison Milbank discusses the concept of the parish and its importance in the life of faith. She shares her experiences growing up in the Church of England and the changes she has witnessed due to secularization. Milbank emphasizes the significance of the parish as a local community that brings together people of different ages and cultures. She also explores the threats to the parish, including the influence of secularization and the rise of bureaucratic managerialism in the Church. Milbank argues for a return to the core activities of the church and a focus on mission and evangelism. They also discuss the significance of parish buildings as spaces for community engagement and the potential for the parish to address issues such as mental health, social justice, and environmental sustainability. Despite the challenges, she expresses hope for the future of Christianity and the resurgence of faithfulness. Alison Milbank is Professor of Theology and Literature at the University of Nottingham, where she works in the field of religion and the arts. She has had a particular interest in horror fiction from Daughters of the House: Modes of the Gothic in Victorian Fiction in 1992 to God and the Gothic: Religion, Romance and Reality in the English Literary Tradition (2018). She has also published on Dante reception (Dante and the Victorians, 1998) and on fantasy and religion (Chesterton and Tolkien as Theologians: The Fantasy of the Real, 2007). She is also an Anglican priest, currently Canon Theologian and Priest Vicar at Southwell Minster, a cathedral and parish church in a small town near Sherwood Forest. In 2010, with Andrew Davison she wrote For the Parish: A Critique of Fresh Expressions and in 2023, The Once and Future Parish, with six lectures on the book available on you tube at https://www.youtube.com/@sshoxford5856/videos Associated with the Radical Orthodoxy movement, she co-edited Preaching Radical and Orthodox, with John Hughes and Arabella Milbank Robinson. Presenting Sponsor: Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.    Supporting Sponsors: Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.   Theology Beer Camp https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theology-beer-camp-24/   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer Danny Burton - Producer Dennis Sanders – Producer

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.

According to research from The Barna Group, the Church is losing its place and relevance in the culture. However, the Church that Jesus created is an identity and not a place. This session will focus on creative expressions of the Church to accomplish The Great Commission and re-establish its identity in the 21st Century. Ameerah Lewis Lead Pastor, City of Hope Church Tom Sherwood Lead Trainer/Coach, Peoples Church House to House

Dinner Church is a Fresh Expression of the 21st Century Church that revisits its roots in the 1st Century. It utilizes principles and practices from the early church like eating meals together, telling the "Jesus Story," worship, sacraments, and reaching marginalized people. Come learn about the theology and practice of Dinner Church to reach the unchurched & de-churched in your community and beyond.   Carl Bauchspiess Dinner Church Director, OCMN   Anthony Johnson Radiant Life Church

Charles DiRico leads a movement of Fresh Expressions of Church that is known as Word on the Street. The four expressions that have emerged so far are dinner churches or open table meals. Three of those open tables are shared with persons who are experiencing homelessness in the Charlotte, NC, area, and the fourth is a bilingual open table that is shared in a local mobile home community.  Charles is a graduate of Virginia Tech (BS) and Emory University's Candler School of Theology (MDiv). He is currently a doctoral candidate at United Theological Seminary, where he is focusing on Fresh Expressions and the Future Church. We invite you to kick back, relax, and listen in on a conversation between friends! #livesimplylovemuch

In this episode Luke Edwards talks with Rev. Dr. Stephanie Hand and Rev. Dr. Michael Beck about their new book, which offers a model for leading a congregation to become a place where racial equity, justice, and liberation are intrinsic to the structure and life of the church.   Register for the National Fresh Expressions UM Conference in Charlotte and be sure to use the code WNC for a discount! Learn more here: https://sites.google.com/view/nationalgathering/home   Learn more about Fresh Expressions in the Western NC Conference at https://www.wnccumc.org/FX.    Check out Michael and Stephanie's book, Doing Justice Together: https://www.cokesbury.com/Doing-Justice-Together 

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.

Travis Smith, a grief counselor and pastor, founded Blue Ridge Hope with a mission to connect individuals with resources that will help them be successful in attaining their emotional goals and reconciling personal loss. Travis is passionate about building community and works hard to help bring hope and healing to individuals who have dealt with hurt in the traditional church. In 2014, he founded “Sacred Ale,” which is Fresh Expression that meets in a local pub. Travis earned his bachelor's degree in religious studies as well as his Master's of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC. He is married to Allyson, and together they have 4 children. We invite you to kick back, relax, and listen in on a conversation between friends! #livesimplylovemuch

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

How do you share your faith in a secular culture, more effectively make disciples of Jesus, and lead through hard times? As a pastor, author, and leader of the Dinner Church Collective for Fresh Expressions, Verlon Fosner has learned the power for all of that in the Jesus stories found in the Gospels. Join us as we rediscover our own excitement for the stories of Jesus and learn how to share them with others.Support the show

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.

Shannon Kiser is Director of Training and Coaching for Fresh Expressions North America and one of the pastors at Riverside Presbyterian Church in Sterling, Virginia.In this episode, we have a great conversation about how she and the congregation she pastors have experimented with new forms of church, as well as what they've learned in that process.  We also discuss how the Church Leadership Institute's Adaptive Church Leadership Cohort can help you lean into the kind of experimentation that's necessary when following the Holy Spirit into whatever new expressions of church you're being led toward. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Shannon Kiser is Director of Training and Coaching for Fresh Expressions North America and one of the pastors at Riverside Presbyterian Church in Sterling, Virginia.Fresh Expressions and the Church Leadership Institute together are trying to make sense of what it means to be a vital witness in the 21st century.Fresh Expressions is a movement that comes out of the UK where a traditional and heritage church was experimenting with what it looks like to engage in some experimental missions on the edges while still valuing the inherited church.Shannon Kiser says, according to Fresh Expressions, we don't have to give up what we love and cherish about the inherited church to also experiment on the edges.Shannon Kiser describes how her church began experimenting with new ways of doing ministry, including opening a coffee shop for the community.A Fresh Expressions kind of ministry as Shannon describes can be messy.  The church doesn't get to control the narrative.When things get messy, it's important to be clear on your values so you know when to say yes and when to say no to opportunities that emerge.According to Shannon Kiser, it is possible for you to connect with a changing culture and yet still live out some of the rhythms and depth of the inherited church that feeds you.Churches have to cultivate a culture that is more ripe for experimentation, which then creates the field where new and fresh expressions of ministry can more easily grow.Fresh Expressions teaches as very simple journey.  It involves:Listening to your neighborsLoving our serving your neighbors based on what you have learnedBuilding community with your neighborsAllow a new form of church to emergeShannon Kiser explains how the Church Leadership Institutes Adaptive Capacity Cohort help churches engage this process.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Books mentioned:Canoeing the Mountains, by Tod BolsingerFreash Expressions:www.freshexpressions.comChurch Leadership InstituteAdaptive Church Leadership CohortLearn how to lead your church into ministry that matters. Check out my online course, Engaging God's Mission.

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.