Fresh Expressions Explained
The concept of “Fresh expression” is not new to the Uniting Church. It is about doing church differently by exploring alternative forms of worship and community.
The concept of “Fresh expression” is not new to the Uniting Church. If you have taken the Mission shaped Ministry course, you’ll likely be familiar with the term. Fresh Expressions is about doing church differently by exploring alternative forms of worship and community.
We already have many Fresh Expressions in our Synod, and they are on the cutting edge of mission. Many are connecting with the broader community in creative and exploratory ways, helping to bridge the gap between church and society. At a time when people are skeptical about the church, Fresh Expressions can be an easier entry point into the Christian community.
How is a Fresh Expression different from a traditional church?
Fresh Expression is a church that does not look like traditional/inherited church. It starts with listening to the community, serving that community then moving towards discipleship and starting an intentional community. A Fresh Expression might or might not have a church building, a paid minister or a lay leader. It could be attached to a traditional church or a presbytery for support. It is always missional placing the broader community before the needs of the church.
What makes Fresh Expressions relevant today?
Fresh Expressions offer a more accessible entry point into the Christian community, especially for people who may feel disconnected or skeptical about traditional church. In our Synod, we believe that all forms of church are necessary for contemporary society to reach all people, which is why we've adopted a "blended ecology" approach.
Examples of Fresh Expressions?
It is usually small and simple and might have other names like micro-church, faith community, dinner church, kava church, Forrest church- there is so much variety. A Fresh Expression is different to a missional initiative. A missional initiative might not necessary be an intentional community- it may be a café for instance or a community garden. A Fresh Expression will always be intentional about moving people towards discipleship and faith and forming an intentional community.
This happens through careful listening to the neighbourhood as well as budling solid relationships- this could take years.
New Three Step Pathway
We have a vision to see Fresh Expressions thrive in our Synod. This means they need to be free to start up, be supported, encouraged and financed by our structures and institution.
We have a new three-step pathway—look out for this pathway in our usual promotions!
EXPLORE
To know more about Fresh Expressions, come to our EXPLORE gathering that is held online twice a year. We encourage everyone to join and learn more about Fresh Expressions and hear stories of starting new initiative from those leading the gathering. The next Explore online session coming up on 6 November with Carolyn Meers – registration details can be found here.
FORM
This is our training program for Fresh Expression leaders. There will be an apprenticeship/coaching model involving some teaching to help form leaders who want to lead Fresh Expressions communities. This is an evolving space so keep watching!
CONNECT
This involves a few things.
Website- A new webpage focused on Fresh Expressions is currently in progress and will be available soon. It’ll provide resources to support you and connect with the right people to help you start something new or get the information you need. Stay tuned for updates!
Connect groups- These groups are self-initiated and designed to support Fresh Expression practitioners. A list of them is available on our webpage, and anyone can start a group by registering online and selecting a facilitator.
Connect groups come together to offer mutual support and encouragement—whether through prayer, learning, or sharing the challenges and joys of mission. Group sizes can range from as few as 3 people to as many as 12.
Authentication- what does it take for a Fresh Expression to be seen and authenticated as a “church” in its own right? How do we “ordain” Fresh Expression leaders? How can we support presbyteries to support Fresh Expressions? How do we encourage traditional churches to plant Fresh Expressions? How do we grow Fresh Expression leaders? These are questions that need deep thinking and planning. We are wrestling with these questions currently and would love to hear from you if you have some ideas.
Currently, our Fresh Expressions steering team includes Andrew Smith, Christine Palmer, Leigh Gardiner, Will Small, and Rod Pattenden. They’re available for a coffee and chat if you’d like to discuss anything related to Fresh Expressions. We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Our vision is to see Fresh Expressions grow as a thriving movement within our Synod. We aim to support and nurture this community, knowing it’s challenging to embark on this journey alone. If you’re passionate about starting something new or want to be part of this evolving community, we invite you to join us. We’d love to have you on this journey!
If you have any further questions, please contact Rev. Dr Karina Kreminski, Mission Catalyst - Formation and Fresh Expressions - karinak@nswact.uca.org.au