Fresh Expressions journal

mixed economy (print) ISSN 1759-1848 mixed economy (online) ISSN 1759-1856

mixed the journal of Fresh Expressions

evangelism as parable howard mellor

10

the ‘strength’ of the church is never anything other than the strength of the presence of the Risen Jesus rowan williams

12

mission and spirituality brother damian ssf

18

chips with everything jonathan clark

31

see page 29 changing church for a changing world

Autumn/Winter 2008/09

image by rachel matthews

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

mixed It will be all change on the Fresh Expression front next year.

In October 2008, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and the Methodist Church announced that the Fresh Expressions initiative is to continue for a further period of five years.

The Bishop of Maidstone, Rt. Reverend Graham Cray, is to be the next Archbishops’ Missioner and leader of the Fresh Expressions team. He will succeed Dr Steven Croft who has led the project thus far and is now to become Bishop of Sheffield. The Methodist Connexional Missioner for Fresh Expressions is to be the Revd.

Stephen Lindridge, currently Evangelism Enabler in the Newcastle District. He will succeed Peter Pillinger who is to become Chair of the Plymouth and Exeter District.

Bishop Graham said: ‘I have been delighted with the national and ecumenical response to Mission-Shaped Church and hugely impressed with the work done by the Fresh Expressions Team. It is an honour and a thrill to be asked lead the second phase of the work. I am very grateful for the Archbishops’ invitation, and look forward to taking up my new responsibilities.’

Stephen Lindridge has helped to pioneer a fresh expression of church in Gateshead and has been instrumental in setting up training and resources to support fresh expressions of church in the North East. He said: ‘I am delighted to be joining the fresh expression team, as the fruit of phase one is evident for us all to see and I am very much looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that phase two (of fresh expressions) will bring.’

The initiative has been strongly and generously supported by the Lambeth Partners since it was launched by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has regularly thanked them for their support during phase one.

Dr. Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church, added: ‘The Methodist Church is delighted to continue the fruitful partnership with the Church of England in the second phase of Fresh Expressions.’

Church Army are to continue as active partners in Fresh Expressions in its second phase. Mark Russell, Chief Executive of Church Army also welcomed the news of phase two.

Dr. Steven Croft told Mixed Economy: ‘Graham will bring a lifelong commitment to mission and fresh expressions of church and the practical experience of building a mixed economy church within the Diocese of Canterbury. He is exactly the right person to lead Fresh Expressions into the next phase of its life. Stephen Lindridge is an experienced pioneer and a tested advocate for fresh expressions of church and will bring rich gifts to the team.’

Meanwhile, this edition of Mixed Economy pays tribute to the remarkable job which Steven Croft has done in establishing Fresh Expressions as an essential part of the Christian landscape in the United Kingdom.

Sir Christopher Wates, Chairman of the Board of Fresh Expressions said: ‘Steve has been an outstanding initiator of ideas and projects and it is absolutely no surprise to me that he should be appointed to such a senior post. Steve will bring to the task of being a bishop a rare combination of evangelist and pastor as well as huge wisdom and maturity.’

As Fresh Expressions enters the next period of its life, this first edition of Mixed Economy draws together stories of creative mission and reflection from across a range of traditions in the Church of Engalnd and the Methodist Church. The journal is evidence of the immense vitality and creativity within the church in these lands both in more traditional congregations and fresh expressions of church. www.freshexpressions.org.uk

2

contents sunderland minister is leading the way in developing a new model of church Pam Macnaughton

substantial space for local application Pete Atkins

messy church is not a club Lucy Moore

stepping into other people’s shoes Rob Marshall greets Rob Gillion at intermission

evangelism as parable Howard Mellor

the ‘strength’ of the church is never anything other than the strength of the presence of the Risen Jesus Rowan Williams

a tool for mission

pg 3 pg 5 pg 5 pg 7 pg 10

pg 12

pg 14

Owen Edwards

pg 15

Mark Ireland

goths in the cathedral milestones on the journey Steven Croft

re:generation in romford Ian Adams

mission and spirituality Brother Damian SSF

people with the gifts needed Steven Croft

church for the unchurched Emma Garrow

the big picture David Bagwell

international perspectives and developments Ian Adams

‘letting go’ and ‘trying on’ Andrew Roberts and Rachel Matthews

spent up or sustainable John Preston

released for something new Norman Ivison

Share Mike Moynagh and Andrew Wooding

little fishes Rachel Matthews

new people; new places; new skills Ian Adams

chips with everything Jonathan Clark

pg 16 pg 17 pg 18 pg 19 pg 22 pg 23 pg 24 pg 25 pg 26 pg 27 pg 28 pg 29 pg 30 pg 31

has been overseeing the work

the archdeacon, clergy and

at Sunderland Minster since 2000,

members of the congregational

describes that sort of monastery

committee; the equivalent of

as ‘a hub community’.

a PCC.

Much of the last eight years has

From the hub of the Minster

been spent dealing with issues

come many spokes reaching

of governance. The Minster is the

into different parts of the city.

first parish to become an Extra-

For a start, the team includes

Parochial Place. Geographically,

three whole-time chaplains; one

parts of the parish were given

for the university, one for retail

to three neighbouring churches.

and industry and, most recently,

Being able to shed its traditional

a spirituality chaplain.

parish

responsibilities

meant

that it could pursue a particular ministry in city life. The settling of most of these issues now allows the Minster more space to look to the future.

the mixed economy paradigm of this hub community

Stephen Taylor moved to Sunderland from Hartlepool, where

sunderland minister is leading the way in developing a new model of church Pam Macnaughton

he had experience of connecting the town centre church with civic institutions. His aim is to

The latter is currently establish-

help Sunderland Minster become

ing her role - making links with

a civic church rather than just a

prayer

city centre church.

models for understanding wor-

networks,

developing

ship as pilgrimage and journeying.

‘Sunderland is the biggest city

Other part-time chaplaincies -

between Leeds and Edinburgh,’

to the theatre, the lifeboat

he says. ‘The Minster team

institute, the football club, the

wants to answer the question,

police and the theatre - are taken

What is church in a large urban

on by other clergy in the team.

community? As a non-parish Sunderland has only had its

traditional services as well as

church, it can have an influence

Sunderland Minster is embrac-

own Minster for a few years. It

exploring avenues for creative

beyond parish boundaries. It

ing a mixed-economy way of life,

was created from Bishopwear-

and innovative witness.

plays a role in policy making for

and faces outward with confi-

the city and in working on the

dence to bring the presence of

mouth Parish Church in 1998.

Since then its leaders have been

The story starts in the mid-90s

image of the city and its regen-

God into the city. It is a work in

asking important questions like:

when Sunderland changed from

eration plans.’

progress, but is already discov-

What is its relationship to other

being a town to a city, and the

churches in the city, and how it

city fathers asked the Bishop of

Accordingly, Stephen now chairs

can best be a Christian presence

Durham for a cathedral. Since a

the city’s Local Strategic Partner-

and influence in civic life?

Diocese can only have one

ship, which works on Sunder-

Stephen Taylor says: ‘Mixed

cathedral, a Minster was the

land’s economic master plan,

economy is particularly applica-

next best step!

and regeneration initiatives.

ble to large-sized urban areas.

church’ or ‘cathedral’. Its leaders

A Minster was historically asso-

At the heart of the ministry is

towns

aim to live out a mixed-economy

ciated with monastic life, sending

the

which

interest in what we are doing

paradigm. They lead worship

people out into the surrounding

includes ecumenical representa-

here, including Doncaster, Stoke

catering both for those seeking

area. Canon Stephen Taylor, who

tives, deanery representatives,

and Bath.’

Sunderland Minster does not

ering a positive and creative role in civic life.

There are churches in other

easily fit the description ‘parish Minster

Council,

and

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

cities

showing

3

mixed Here are some of the current issues arising out of this project:

Patron saint Helping the new city choose a patron saint. Consultation via newspapers and amongst officials led to the choice eventually of Benedict Biscop, an extraordinary seventh-century spiritual leader, with an impressive list of achievements - including bringing stained glass to Britain. He founded monasteries in Wearmouth and Jarrow.

Codex Amiatinus To celebrate the new patron saint, the Minster and city worked together to buy and put on show in different places around Sunderland a copy of the Codex Amiatinus, the oldest surviving one-volume Latin Bible in the world.

City moments In 2004, the civic authorities asked Sunderland Minster to put together a memorial service for Bob Stokoe, the famous former manager of Sunderland Football Club. As a demonstration of the city’s loss and gratitude, it was, says Stephen, ‘a moving audiovisual

and multimedia event’.

Faithful cooperation In 2005, the London bombings in July led to a joint statement by faith leaders at the Minster, reaffirming their commitment to community cohesion.

Much has been achieved in the last ten years, but there is huge potential for the future. Canon Peter Sinclair, who works in management consultancy, is now a consultant for the Minster, working with various stakeholders to define its vision for the next stage.

Ecumenical cooperation

They have come up with six areas for action:

July this year saw the Sunderland International Airshow. The Minster initiated collaborative working to enable a stall and marquee in

• enabling interfaith dialogue;

local church grounds to give Christians of many different churches a chance to engage with people at this important event.

Fairtrade initiative Last year, the city was awarded Fairtrade City status - a huge achievement for so large a city. The Minster was able to use its influence to move the agenda forward.

Resourcing local churches

• creating a sacred space at the heart of the city; • being a venue for civic events; • promoting the regeneration and image of the city; • becoming a critical friend to city institutions; • playing an integral part in church life in the city.

This is a growing area of work for Sunderland Minster. At the moment, it helps out in times of interregnum or clergy sabbaticals,

Stephen’s hope for the Minster is that it becomes, ‘not a club, with

as well as representing the churches in the city.

the exclusiveness that implies, nor a place of competition with other churches in Sunderland, but a place that develops a comple-

Working together The industrial chaplain hosts a number of annual services, including a city harvest, which brings into the Minster symbols of the industrial fruits of the city.

4

mentary ministry to add value to the work of other churches and bring a Christian presence to areas that would not otherwise have one.’

Pam Macnaughton is a freelance writer and editor, and an Associate Missioner with Fresh Expressions

Who’s

involved?

msm

is

a weekend away. There need

designed for lay people or clergy

not be any requirement for

of any age, tradition, or experi-

further work outside course

ence. It is suitable for anyone

sessions other than applying

who has the recognised capac-

the learning gained from them.

ity to be able to lead a small

Teams that are establishing

group, be part of a pioneer

new work are encouraged to

team or exercise leadership in

further enhance their learning

other spheres of church life. We

by being coached/mentored.

Background: The mission shaped ministry course is designed to

recommend that members of

The learning process can con-

equip pioneers to do the work of establishing fresh expressions of

pioneer teams attend the course

tinue beyond the initial year

Church; it is primarily developed by practitioners for practitioners

together for maximum benefit:

through participation in a learn-

who are called to birth new Christian communities. The course was

much of the material is designed

ing network, continued coaching/

ecumenically developed in Lincolnshire as part of a planting strat-

to be applied in teams with con-

mentoring and the use of Share

egy in the county, has been adapted further by Fresh Expressions

siderable

(www.sharetheguide.org).

and is being made available across the UK. See www.freshexpres-

extraction and application of

sions.org.uk for more details and course centres.

principles from case study.

substantial space for local application Pete Atkins

emphasis

on

the

The content, shape and delivery of the course are focused on the practical issues of starting

Emphasis: This course is for practitioners.

It is aimed at:

The mission shaped

• those who are already active and for whom time is at a premium;

ministry course (msm)

• at teams who are starting a fresh

is rolling out nationwide

and sustaining a fresh expression of church with substantial space in course sessions for local application.

If you are starting, or thinking of starting, a fresh expression

expression project together;

of

church

then

take

your

team through msm - it will

• those who are serious about establishing church for those who What’s involved? The course

build great foundations, high-

sessions are spread out through

light

• those who take mission seriously and are prepared to be

a year and typically involve six

equip and inspire you to be as

further shaped in their thinking and practice.

evenings, three Saturdays and

effective as possible.

are not in church;

effective

practice

and

Pete Atkins is mission shaped ministry coordinator in the Fresh Expressions team and also coordinates leadership of the Ground Level Network, one of the national partners in the course.

Messy Church is a fresh expression of church for families, based around sacred values of chilling, creating, celebrating and chomping. It began at a local church and has been talked about around the country, to the point where the team goes to lead a training session at a church and is told all about, ‘this wonderful

project we’ve just started. It’s called Messy Church, have you

messy church is not a club

heard of it?’

Lucy Moore The journey we are on seems to be into uncharted territory. This is surprising, given that the elements of Messy Church have nothing really new about them: youth groups have always seen the

The difference is, perhaps, first,

cated

need to veg out together; children’s leaders have always done craft

that this is a church, not a club:

welcomes the whole family: we

activities with their groups; Alpha courses have made eating

this gives Messy Church a dig-

never insist that children are

together mainstream and Christians have always managed to

nity and aspiration that a club

separated from their mum, dad

gather together to praise God and celebrate his story. The ele-

doesn’t have. Second, from the

or grandparent in worship. The

ments are not rocket science.

start, Messy Church has advo-

whole experience is for the

an

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

approach

that

5

mixed whole family. That this should

said, ‘Come to church, send

be so revolutionary to so many

your children to Junior Church

churches is frightening.

and we will teach them what they need to know. We, the

It has challenged us to think

church, are the experts and you,

about the use of traditional

the parents, are not capable.’

Sunday children’s groups: how do people worship and learn

Messy Church seeks to reverse

best? By being split up or by

this process and empower par-

modelling the faith to each

ents and grandparents to walk

other? By leaving their family or

the discipleship journey along-

by sharing an experience with

side their children. After all, God

their family that can be talked

placed Jesus into a family.

stream of words? To us, actions

these habits and now have to

and visuals speak as loudly as

I find myself often pondering

rediscover what it means to ‘do

words. With prayer, trepidation

why there are no discipleship

faith at home’.)

and frustration we developed a

about later at home?

the experience is for

have strayed so far away from

Eucharist that turned out to be

courses from the UK designed for Another area with which we’re

the most moving celebration

grappling is that of planning

we have ever had at Messy

It is the once-a-month ceiling

worship that helps these partic-

Church, and the one that pro-

on many Messy Churches that

ular people encounter God and

voked most response.

has made us think about home

does not hinder them from

discipleship. We can’t manage

meeting

starkest

Messy Church is a tool God is

Our Messy Church journey is

to hold it more than once a

example of this was when we

using to give new life and hope

not a one-way experience of

month, but how can we be

held our first Messy Church

to many. We wonder if it is

traditional church feeding and

growing disciples if two hours is

Eucharist. We realised that, if

going to be a platform for a new

supporting the fresh expression;

all we give them once a month?

we are a church, we need to

way of being disciples where

celebrate the sacraments.

the home is as much a temple

the whole family

the whole family to do together?

it is a two-way process with the

him.

The

of the Holy Spirit as the gath-

newer congregation challenging

The answer has to be not to

the traditional preconceptions

add on more meetings, for

But

Common

ered church. And you can see

of what church has to be.

which people have no time, but

Worship eucharistic liturgies,

what Messy Church looks like by

the

Anglican

to equip people to meet God,

though much loved by tradi-

buying expressions: the dvd - 1:

Perhaps, without realising it,

talk about God, pray to him and

tional churchgoers, are patently

stories of church for a changing

the traditional church has taken

celebrate him in their own

unfit for purpose for people

culture ISBN 978-071514095-6

away the authority of the family

homes:

revolutionary

who aren’t ‘churchy’. The whole

£12.99 from our online shop

to bring up the children in the

stuff! (But... isn’t it obvious?

sacrament needed to be taken

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/

Christian faith: the church has

How frightening that we should

back to grass roots and to

shop

again,

be rewritten with these people in mind.

www.messychurch.org.uk

Why would we suddenly call

Lucy has published Messy

Jesus ‘Christ’? We always call

Church (Barnabas, 2006)

him Jesus. Why would we use subjunctives? We always use

Messy Church 2 will be

everyday English. Why would

published by Barnabas

we suddenly burst into accla-

late 2008

mations from a totally different part of the story? We always try to make things clear and

6

Lucy Moore works with the

straightforward. Why should

Bible Reading Fellowship and

the mystery of the simple bread

is an Associate Missioner with

and wine meal be lost in a

Fresh Expressions.

stepping into other people’s shoes Rob Marshall greets Rob Gillion at intermission

and preaching developing your

Donations came in and the

outreach - we have got to know

project (‘we didn’t really know

our audience!’

we were a fresh expression at the time, we only realised that

St Saviour’s had been redundant

later’) began to take off. There

for many years due to disrepair,

are

despite the fact that it is located

companies but as far as they

on one of the most expensive

know intermission is the only

streets in the country. Rob

theatre church in existence.

many

Christian

theatre

was asked to reopen the church Alan Bennett draws comical

that in you. It’s not a question

in 2002 with a specific remit

So there is regular worship at St

parallels

role

of dressing up, by the way! I

to be creative, and intermission

Saviour’s, weekday times of

played by an actor and the task

think it is more a question of

emerged.

reflection and meditation and

of a priest. In his ever so slightly

seeking to step into other peo-

Bible study. But there are also

depressing short story, ‘The

ple’s shoes: to look at the story

regular full-scale theatrical pro-

Laying on of Hands’, Father Jol-

which is there before you and to

liffe has to impress a diocesan

develop that story through the

selection board by the way he

characters involved.’

between

the

sharing the story and knowing

leads a service: ‘A service is a

ductions with professional actors being paid (unusual for fringe theatre) equity rates. Recent plays have included Cracking the

performance. Devout, sincere and

intermission is clearly Rob’s

given wholeheartedly for God, but

dream come true. He is sup-

a performance nevertheless.’ (a)

ported by his wife Janine, as

Raymond) and The Bishop’s

Missioner to the Arts, who is

Candlesticks (written by Associ-

the audience

Whip and Prison Wings (written by

Artistic

Director

Darren

I’d just read the story when I

equally enthusiastic. And he

sat down for coffee with Rob

believes it is God’s dream too.

‘intermission is a break between

Rob becomes more animated

Gillion, Vicar of St Saviour’s and

‘Everyone is important at inter-

the acts of a play. Hence our

and excited at the mention of his

home of fresh expression inter-

mission. I would like to think

name. I simply hoped that we

own one-man show The Visit,

mission - just a stone’s throw

that above everything else we

could provide a place of safety

which

away from Harrods in west

are about hope. And this busi-

where people could stop and

towards the end of last year.

London. ‘There is so much going

ness of listening to people,

take a break from their busy

on here, it’s hard to explain it all

hearing their story and then,

world and reflect on their faith

In the play - from a story by

but one thing is for sure - we

through pastoral care, teaching

journey with Christ.’

Adrian Plass which Rob adapted

ate Vicar Ed Olsworth-Peter) but

packed

St

Saviour’s

have been blessed by God in what we have done so far and the link between theatre and acting and the church is real and alive here.’

Rob, a regular Pause for Thought presenter on BBC Radio 2 and senior chaplain to the Actors’ Church Union, is a trained actor with an impressive CV. He starred in National Youth Theatre productions and commercial theatre

before

recognising

the inevitable vocation to fulltime ministry.

‘I had ten years as an actor and I suppose once you are actor there is always something of

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

7

mixed - Rob is completely alone on

Mixed economy is very much a

and funding becomes ever more

year will present with the

stage for the whole evening. He

part of intermission - existing

demanding. This is the task of

youngsters Jules Caesar!

plays a highly organised and

parochially as part of a very dif-

Revd Ed Olsworth-Peter, who is

efficient vicar of his church, St

ferent congregation that has

to take over leadership of St Sav-

‘I love to see performers from

Thomas the Doubter. Then, one

shown support for intermission.

iour’s and is to be appointed

the world of theatre, music,

day, Jesus turns up and the

Rob is also Vicar of St Simon

Creative Director of intermission.

media, dance and the visual

vicar has a few answers to give.

Zelotes (a Book of Common

His anxiety escalates as Christ-

Prayer

booklet

being inspired by the emphasis

mas

the

good musical tradition) and is

Encounters on the Edge: A

on spiritual nurture and pastoral

approaches

and

congregation

with

a

arts coming to worship and In

George

Lings’

is

about to become Rector of Holy

Short

this

care - as a church with a clear

whether he will be able to hide

Trinity, Sloane Street, as the

fresh expression was described

vision. We are stepping into

much longer from the man who

diocese recognises the tremen-

as a wild bird sanctuary. ‘He

other people’s shoes.’

knows everything.

dous energy and vision which

observed that we at the church

he is putting into this part

are the sanctuary keepers and

Indeed, when Rob was a prison

of London.

the wild birds are our artists.

chaplain in Hong Kong, some-

question

the

play

asks

‘It is fun to do and I had a lot of feedback from it. I have also

Intermission

(b)

We are not an aviary, for we

thing happened to him that,

performed it abroad and in

intermission is now much more

don’t hold artists, but encour-

inadvertently at the time, was

other parts of the UK. It is

widely known and is facing per-

age them to fly. The joy of wild

to change the course of his

about communication. Some-

haps its most challenging time

birds is that they migrate and

working life and ministry.

thing happened here and what

as novelty turns to reality and

often return to the sanctuary

does it mean to us?’

the need to maintain impetus

as a place of safety, where their

‘I was working in a top security

welcome is assured. We are

prison in Hong Kong and one

excited about the future. inter-

day, doing my rounds, this

mission is about journeys of

young man, with no hope of

creation, amongst stories of

ever

faith and is a community of

slipped a piece of paper through

Christian performers, writers

the bars to me. He had drawn a

and artists committed to deep-

picture of a pair of shoes over-

ening an understanding of God

shadowed by prison bars with a

through the arts.’

caption - Why don’t you step

really

being

released,

into my shoes and find out how They have recently extended

much it hurts?’

that to work with young people at risk of offending - showing

‘From that moment, I took his

them the joy of performing and

challenge on board and inter-

stepping into a quite different

mission really is about under-

pair of shoes. Darren Raymond

standing how other people live

(Artistic Director of Intermis-

- through living with and along-

sion Actors), along with other

side them in community - and

members of the Company, lead

by using the great art of theatre

drama workshops and next

to inspire and challenge others.’

(a) Alan Bennett, Three Stories, Profile Books, 2001, p.18 (b) George Lings, Encounters on the Edge: A Short Intermission, Church Army You can find out lots more about intermission at the website below:

intermission, St Saviour’s Church, Walton Place, London SW3 1SA 0207 823 8979, info@intermisson.org.uk www.intermission.org.uk

Rob Marshall is Media Adviser to Fresh Expressions

8

Share is a resource for people leading and supporting fresh expressions of church.

The aim of Share is to be a space where people come: to share their journey to share what they have learned

USPG is enabling Anglican Churches in more than 50 countries to share God’s love through life-changing work, including healthcare, education and agriculural training.

to share their questions and find ways forward Help us to create this resource and use it well.

Contact us today and join God’s global mission

www.sharetheguide.org

When you want to encourage your deanery synod, show them on the edge a new resource from Fresh Expressions...

‘Every pioneer minister comes from a local church . So every PCC and Deanery meeting should watch this DVD, so that they can identify and encourage the pioneers God has given them’ Paul Bayes - Church of England National Mission and Evangelism Advise r

A DVD and booklet featuring 14 ordained pioneer ministers, who tell their stories passionately and honestly.

Read their emails and blogs and see them in action, as they talk about their experience of starting church from scratch.

Church leaders say why they are passionate about this new form of ministry and mission, including Rowan Williams, Mike Pilavachi, Amy Orr-Ewing and Steven Croft.

£8.00 ISBN: 978-0-9560005-0-7

Available from www.freshexpressions.org.uk/shop

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

9

mixed

evangelism as parable Howard Mellor

proclamation of the truth and

able does not teach a spectator

efficacy of the gospel in our

a lesson; rather it invites and

contemporary plural society.

surprises a participant into an experience.’ In an intriguing

Christian theology and the

book publishing his doctoral

evangel are, in my view, public

research, Andrew Parker com-

truth - a notion that rather

ments, ‘The object of parables

cuts against the contemporary

is to force the hearers, whether

Engaging in the Winchester

The various methods of evan-

distaste for a metanarrative.

they like it or not, to open their

Passion,

has

gelism can be cast differently

Our timidity and nervousness

eyes to reality rather than offer

prompted me to reflect again

but I offer here three main

about proclamation is, I judge,

a rational explanation of it.’

on

Easter

2008,

of

types: pastoral, proclamation

violating the right of a whole

These comments focus on par-

evangelism. The Winchester

and evangelism as parable.

generation to enter into the

able as an experience, rather

Passion was a church-inspired

Since the costly and largely

Christian story. Note I say

than a set of formulae that have

community

involving

failed projects of 1994, con-

appropriate proclamation, for

to be learned.

such

appropriate

forms

event

as

ceived in the enthusiasm of the

I do think such evangelism

choirs, theatre groups and

Decade of Evangelism, the Eng-

could benefit from learning

A parable then is not just the

statutory institutions such as

lish Church has almost entirely

from the third type - evange-

telling of a story, but an event

Winchester University and the

focused on evangelism in a pas-

lism as parable.

that attempts to draw listeners

British Army.

toral mode giving attention to

voluntary

groups

relational evangelism.

in so that they see the issues In his parables, used to express

clearly. ‘The stories seem in many

The idea was born while watch-

the heart of his message, Jesus

ways designated to lure the hear-

ing the Manchester Passion.

lets the story speak for itself,

ers to become participants.’

Two years later, eight people, the producers, meeting weekly for just over 15 months, joined monthly by 40 directors each responsible for a slice of the action,

mobilised

over

800

people to deliver the Winchester Passion. On Good Friday evening 2008, 10-12,000 people engaged with the event.

evangelism as proclamation has had a difficult ride in the UK over the last 25 years

There is testimony from email,

inviting the hearers to participate in it and to take a stand.

They are invited to play the

The topics, drawn as they were

parts - in some sense to become

from life as people lived it, did

the characters and to see and

not require extensive elabora-

hear and feel what is happening

tion. In a little-known work,

from their perspective.’ Evange-

Neal

the

lism as parable then must have

dilemma well, ‘In the parables,

Fisher

expresses

the capacity for so setting out

it is not so much that we are

the narrative that people can

instructed by Jesus but that we

‘see’ it and enter into the story

stand with him and view life

because they see themselves in

through his eyes... We are not

it. In that sense a dramatic

told what we must see there,

presentation well done facili-

church and in the street that

Evangelism as proclamation

rather, the scene is set in sparse

tates the experience of parable.

many

letter

and

conversations

in

deeply

on the other hand, has had a

terms and we are invited to

moved by the event and some

difficult ride in the UK over

view what is before us.’

came to a living faith. The main

the last 25 years. It is a long

Easter Sunday services in many

time since a Billy Graham

It is as if Jesus uses parable to

ing about the implications of

churches across the city saw

mission or anything approach-

create a window and invite his

kingdom, discipleship, mission

an increase of 25% in attend-

ing it. The success of the

hearers not merely to look upon

and community are reserved to

ance

‘Just 10’ missions of J. John

it, but to look through and see

a more restricted audience. At

is welcome but unusual in

the significance for themselves.

Caesarea Philippi and in the

Britain today.

It is of the essence of a parable

Last Supper Discourse it is the

that there is an engagement by

disciples and the inner circle of

the listener with the story.

followers who receive the teach-

people

over

the

were

immediately

preceding years.

It seems to have affected the

Parable is almost always in the public arena. In contrast, teach-

mood in the city, the way Chris-

One of the sub-themes of my

tians

have

argument is the contention that

cemented church relations and

we need to recover our intel-

Other

more

hand, are intended for public

engendered a real enthusiasm

lectual and spiritual nerve to

recently built on this thought.

discourse and dialogue within

for people to work together.

find an appropriate form of

Sally McFague writes, ‘The par-

the public arena.

10

are

viewed,

to

ing. Parables, on the other scholars

have

To draw on Methodist heritage,

approaches to evangelism, and

It will not seek to control the

greater than that undertaken by

John Wesley often used to say

I have reduced them here to

hearers nor their decisions. It

Jesus in his parables, namely, that

of his evangelistic sermons,

three (pastoral, proclamation,

involves freedom of participa-

the hearers may think, discuss, decide and act for themselves.

‘there I offered Christ’. This tells

and parable), the listener needs

tion, giving the listeners the

us about the heart of the mes-

to be engaged in a dialogue

capacity to think and decide

sage, but also indicates the

with the storyteller.

and act for themselves. Those

A postscript

engaged in such evangelistic

Evangelism as parable is a way

approach adopted. In his teaching of the early Methodist

‘It is of the essence of a para-

ministry, of any kind, will

of engaging in evangelism that

people,

the

ble that there is achieved in it

ensure that they are with mere

is entirely consonant with our

preachers, he is highly directive,

a dialegesthai, a conversation,

words, painting pictures to

present culture. A culture that

giving clear instruction.

a dialogue between the narra-

which the listener can relate.

loves story, welcomes dialogue,

and

especially

tor and the listener.’ It is

In such a dialogue the listener

honours risk and enterprise, is

However, in his preaching in the

this that is at the heart of par-

becomes

this

captivated by colour, dance and

open air, Wesley speaks in, rela-

able and which I covet for all

process, hearing, interpreting,

movement, the thoughtful use

tively,

using

forms of evangelism. In my

thinking about the words pro-

of language, the courageous

short

contemporary

bursts, imagery

active

in

and

judgement it gives proper dig-

claimed, and so engaging in

declaration of truths, and the

often inviting those who wanted

nity to the listener, significant

an inner dialogue.

opportunity to be an engaged

to explore the faith more to

importance to the narrative

meet him the following morning

shared and real substance to

The inner dialogue not only

aloof, but willing to be drawn in

at about 5.00am! In both the

the

interprets and assimilates the

to the circle of the dialogue and

parable and the offer there is

between the person sharing

proclaimed

also

to engage with the heart of the

risk and opportunity.

and those listening.

challenges or allows it to chal-

message. Now the challenge for

lenge present thinking and

us and others is how to build on

Engaging in the public arena

assumptions. An approach to

this so that evangelism as par-

means that outcomes cannot be

sharing the good news that

able is not simply confined to an

embraces these values will be

event one evening in Winchester.

controlled, and more obviously, in a parable, the listener has the liberty to walk away from the message. The experience and intention of the Winchester Passion was to take the risk of letting the story of Jesus loose

notion

of

a

dialogue

the listener has the liberty to walk away from the message

on the streets of the city.

spectator. Not one standing

word,

but

as vulnerable, as creative and dynamic in the hearer and

Moreover, the missiological task

proclaimer as were the para-

is to apply the learning points

bles of Jesus.

from this approach to evangelism to other forms of faith

The evangel will be shared boldly

sharing. That becomes the next

and with conviction and yet with-

big challenge.

out imposing belief. The need of That mutuality of conversation

the hearer to decide is not vio-

Howard Mellor is

is vital to the parable and in my

Such an approach to evange-

lated, and the need of the

Superintendent Minister in

view has implications for all

lism is one characterised by

evangelist to communicate in not

Winchester and a former

who would engage in procla-

risk and development or, if you

compromised. The risk under-

Principal of Cliff College.

mation of any kind. In all

like, faith and transformation.

taken by the evangelist is no

Church Army Evangelists are playing a key role in encouraging fresh expressions of church all across the country.

For more information and stories go to:

www.churcharmy.org and www.encountersontheedge.org.uk

To purchase the two DVDs of stories of fresh expressions go to www.freshexpressions.org.uk/shop

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

11

the ‘strength’ of the church is never anything other than the strength of the presence of the Risen Jesus Rowan Williams

When you hear the term ‘fresh

this specific circumstance, with

expressions’ being used as a bit

these specific people?’ The tra-

of a joke, at least you know it’s

ditional parish pattern, worked

arrived! You can hear people

out with flair and commitment,

talking about proposals for new

may be completely the right

arrangements in a PCC or Synod

priority to work on in some situ-

as fresh expressions of church

ations; in others, the actual

admin; or music groups as a

needs of the people around will

fresh expression of organs…

suggest new possibilities. And this is probably most often the

What is obvious is that the lan-

case when we’re talking about

guage is here to stay. The last

those who live in less tradition-

few years have established that

ally focused communities, those

the Church in the UK has recog-

who have never had any experi-

nised an inescapable truth.

ence at all of Church life - and

Renewal for the Christian com-

many, perhaps most, of the

munity is never simply a matter

under-25s.

of doing the same things better, though that is an essential part

So

Fresh

Expressions

has

of it; it’s also about finding what

encouraged two attitudes that I

new shapes for our life together

believe to be vital for a healthy

are created under the pressure

Church. It has helped us to be

of mission. New wines and new

positive about the variety of

wineskins, you might say; the

ways in which the call of Jesus

idea is firmly rooted in the

Christ can be heard and prayed

Gospel itself.

through and thought about; and it has helped us pay real

The Fresh Expressions initiative

and costly attention to the real

has managed to hold together a

questions and the real agenda

resolute commitment to new

of those with whom we want to

forms and styles with an equally

share the Good News.

resolute refusal to write off the best of what we have inherited.

Certainly this has also meant an

One of the things I have found

encouragement to take some

most encouraging and positive

risks. A fair number of new ini-

in all this is the spirit of gener-

tiatives have flared up briefly

osity it has nurtured. It’s always

and then faltered or dissolved,

easy to claim that there is one

and this is bound to be painful.

and only one answer to the

But the New Testament and

question of how to make room

early Christian history already

for new life in the Church.

show us plenty of instances where the new life of the gospel

But this has not been the

community comes to life in

agenda of Fresh Expressions. It

unexpected ways, some of them

has instead made us ask, ‘What

lasting, some transient.

is the kind of vitality, imagina-

12

tive life, integrity and quality of

The early Jerusalem commu-

worship that is appropriate in

nity in the Acts of the Apostles

mixed the journal of Fresh Expressions

is marked by an intense com-

who have answered his invita-

at work and the Holy Spirit

the depth of every human heart

mitment

and every human culture.

its

tion, in ways that can be painful

making a difference? Is this a

material goods and by loyalty

to

sharing

all

and demanding but are also

place and a community where

to the Temple. But it is not

lifegiving

people can begin to see that

So, as this first phase of Fresh

slavishly reproduced in other

beyond imagination.

what makes the Church what it

Expressions’ work moves into a

and

transforming

churches - and, so far as we

is and holds it together is the

new rhythm and style, I thank

can tell, it does not survive the

The ‘strength’ of the Church is

sheer strength of God’s prom-

God that he has helped us turn

scattering of the apostles and

never anything other than the

ise and invitation through the

our eyes back to the heart - and

the later death of James the

strength of the presence of the

living Jesus?

Head - of the Church, so that

Lord’s brother.

Risen Jesus. And one thing this

we see all that we do and say as

means is that, once we are

You can ask that question with-

the believing community hang-

Paul in Acts 19 encounters

convinced that God in Jesus

out rubbishing or ignoring the

ing on his Word. Generosity and

an established Christian group

Christ is indeed committed to

precious heritage of witness that

attention - and, undergirding

apparently

a

us and present with us, there is

our denominations have accu-

them, gratitude and wonder. I’ll

defective understanding of bap-

working

with

a certain freedom to risk every-

mulated.

deeply

be praying that, in the next

tism, and he sets out to change

thing except those things that

traditional churches where the

round of work and planning, it’ll

its practice and theology. The

hold us to the truth of his pres-

presence of the living Jesus is

be this gratitude and wonder

letters to the churches in Reve-

ence - Word and sacrament

obvious and there are fashiona-

that will more and more inform

lation suggest a picture of local

and the journey into holiness.

ble new ones where it isn’t. What

what we do - and that such

churches some of which are

These will survive, whatever

matters is what I mentioned a

gratitude will set us all free to

expanding or deepening their

happens to this or that style of

little while ago: whether we are

rediscover some of what the

lives, and some drying up.

worship, this or that bit of local

really trying to make the con-

essence of the Church’s life is,

There is no need to panic at the

Christian culture, because the

nection between what we say

and deliver us from that pro-

thought of risk and even at the

presence of Jesus in the com-

about Jesus and what the genu-

foundly tempting and sometimes

thought that what we come up

munity will survive.

ine questions and needs are of

all-pervading anxiety which so

with is liable to change drasti-

There

are

the people we are seeking to

chokes the Good News of Jesus

cally or even disappear in the

Fresh Expressions, I’ve sug-

serve. Generosity and attention,

and his resurrection.

form we know it.

gested, has helped us see

remember: and all of it in the

something of this liberating

name of the One whose word of

Rowan Williams is Archbishop

But, to live with risk like this,

vision. It’s true, from one point

judgement and mercy and hope

of Canterbury

we need to have a clear and

of view, that this takes us

has the power to penetrate into

robust understanding of what

beyond a concern with denomi-

the Church really is. It is not, in

national identity; and for some

the New Testament, a carefully

this is worrying. Is it really

constructed

society,

Anglican, or Methodist, or Bap-

local

tist? What I hope is that, in the

branches, with members sign-

next phase of the work of Fresh

ing

constitution.

Expressions, as it continues to

Instead, it is what happens

enter more fully into the blood-

when the news and the pres-

stream of the churches, we

ence of Jesus, raised from the

start asking instead - of Fresh

dead, impact upon the human

Expressions, but also of some

scene, drawing people together

of our inherited patterns - ‘Is it

in a relationship that changes

really Church?’

organising up

human itself

to

a

in

everyone involved, a relation-

mixed economy mixed economy is the annual journal of Fresh Expressions.

Fresh Expressions is an initiative of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and of the Methodist Church. Our aim is to encourage sustainable fresh expressions of church in every place alongside traditional congregations within a mixed economy of church life. www.freshexpressions.org.uk mixedeconomy@freshexpressions.org.uk Editor: Rob Marshall; Editorial Assistants: Owen Edwards, Tracey Stemarthe; Design: Mark Orriss (www.orriss-design.co.uk); Distribution: Ben Clymo.

Advisory Group: Steven Croft; Norman Ivison; Pam Macnaughton Produced by media33

ship which means that each

Is this a place and a community

www.media33.co.uk

person involved with Jesus is

where people are expecting

Published by Fresh Expressions

now involved with all others

the Risen Jesus to be tangibly

www.freshexpressions.org.uk

13

mixed

a tool for mission Mark Ireland

One of the most interesting and significant developments in mis-

important. A vision statement

Sending a document to the

expresses vision rather than

diocesan office headed ‘Mis-

purpose, inspiring people with a

sion Action Plan’ is not itself a

vision of where (under God) we

predictor of growth, either

might be in a few years’ time. A

numerical or spiritual. How-

good vision statement can act

ever, evidence from Blackburn

as both magnet and compass,

diocese shows that parishes

drawing people together and

that produce well-constructed

pointing in a clear direction.

MAPs are significantly more likely to grow than similar

sion in the last five years - since Mike Booker and I wrote Evangelism

- which way now? - has been the spread of mission action plan-

The origins of mission action

ning. Like most fresh moves of the Spirit, this has not been the

planning can be traced back to

result of any national initiative or launch, but appears to be spread-

the arrival of David Hope in

This underlines the value and

ing organically from one local church to another, and from one

London diocese in the early

importance of providing con-

diocese or district to another as mission-minded church leaders meet

nineties. Faced with a huge and

sultants and advisors to help

together to talk, to pray and to share good practice. At the latest

very divided diocese, Bishop

churches to go through the

count over 2,000 churches and 16 dioceses have now introduced

David

for

process properly and to keep

mission action planning and the number grows month by month.

Action, to establish four agreed

on doing it. If a church’s MAP

mission priorities for the dio-

is just a vaguely worded wish-

The concept is a simple one, and one that is similar to the improve-

cese. The staffing and finances

list,

ment strategies increasingly being used by successful schools,

of the diocese were then exten-

objectives, or a collection of

hospitals and companies. The difference of course is that, in a

sively refocused (with the loss

competing agendas without

church, prayer is central to every stage of the process, seeking

of some diocesan boards and

any ordering of priorities, or a

both the guidance and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, who is

councils) to resource these mis-

paper exercise that’s allowed

the true Agent of mission.

sion priorities at local level. Each

to gather dust, then, sadly,

deanery and parish was then

it’s a waste of time.

devised

Agenda

parishes that don’t.

without

any

‘SMART’

A good mission action plan (MAP) involves the minister and church

invited to follow a similar proc-

council in a four-stage cycle: REVIEW, CHOOSE, PLAN and ACT.

ess, and to choose a few realistic

To look at good examples of

This cycle needs to be revisited regularly, so that the MAP is a

targets that they wanted to set

parish and diocesan MAPs,

working document constantly revised, not a blueprint in a file gath-

themselves in the light of the

visit the website www.church-

ering dust.

overall diocesan vision.

maps.co.uk, where Mike Chew

Having recently moved from being diocesan missioner to being a

When

recently,

a huge range of MAPs from

parish priest again, I am discovering that - even for those familiar

Hope said he believed that mis-

both local churches and dio-

with the process - getting a whole church to agree and own a clear

sion action planning contributed

ceses so that practitioners

vision is a surprisingly difficult task. Churches need clear leader-

significantly to reversing the

can learn from one another.

ship, but if the vision is to be inclusive and owned by the whole

downward attendance spiral in

To help those wanting to

congregation, each church member who is prayerfully listening to

the diocese - ‘It wouldn’t have

implement

God needs a way of being able to input to the process - without

happened without MAP.’ Hope’s

planning at local church, dis-

having to give up their only free Saturday to attend a parish away day!

approach is interesting in that

trict or diocesan level, Mike

he encouraged a two-way dia-

Chew and I are writing a

logue, writing personally to

book, to be published by SPCK

those who had completed MAPs,

in 2009.

and Peter Hill have assembled

a vision statement is different

interviewed

mission

action

and producing a report after the first year, feeding back to the

Mark Ireland is vicar of

parishes what they had said.

All Saints Wellington with

Acknowledging that some par-

Eyton in the diocese of

This is where the MAP process is proving really helpful. As part of

ishes wanted nothing to do with

Lichfield, and co-author of

our mission action plan I am currently working on a draft vision

MAP he commented, ‘We didn’t

‘Evangelism - Which Way

statement, outlining the kind of church God might be calling us to

force it - I thought if it was

Now?’ (CHP, 2nd edition

become over the next five years. Lots of churches have mission

good, it would spread by word

2005), and ‘Evangelism in a

statements, but a vision statement is different and, I believe, more

of mouth.’

14

Spiritual Age’ (CHP, 2005)

in

goths in the cathedral Owen Edwards

a

looming,

bell-towered,

characteristically angry, violent

candle-lit edifice in the middle

and antisocial is to misrepresent

of a graveyard. Indeed if you go

and disenfranchise them; and to

catholic, you get to burn incense

associate those qualities with an

and drink blood, as well. By

item of clothing is even more bizarre

contrast, playing a bit of Rasmus

and tragicomic. (As the owner

looks a bit, well, townie.’

of several hooded sweatshirts, perhaps I have an interest here!)

The development and under-

congregating in the city centre

At first, the cathedral was providing

standing of what we mean by

for want of anywhere safe to

a place for Goths to hang out in

But all labels have a root: in this

mixed economy of church is

go, the Cathedral moved and

safety; but it was soon observed

case, one can specially identify

seen

found a fertile soil for evangelism.

that many of those taking refuge

those from deprived inner-city

were also beginning to take an interest in church services and

areas, affected by family breakup, poorly financed education,

the church building, without really

and a fractured, crime-plagued

connecting. And so now, Wednes-

community.

perfectly

in

Coventry

cathedral and how it has been dealing with its duty of care and mission in the 21st century.

It does, of course have a pastoral duty to a wide variety of audiences. We could call them those who tend toward inherited expressions. But there will

coventry is encouraging a very different type of group to feel welcome

day nights, 7.45pm, they come and gather for the ancient Office

So, it seems to me, there can be

of Compline, introduced in this

nothing more in the spirit of the

form for their use - candles,

2,000-year-old, adaptable Body

prayer, silence, the Peace.

of Christ than for it to find a

still be many semi-regular visi-

place for ‘Hoodies’, armed with

tors to whom a fresh expression

Utterly orthodox in its liturgy and

permanent markers, sketching

is their best route into the

The context might seem unlikely,

theology, but utterly tailored in its

scenes from the Gospel and

Christian paradigm. Two groups,

but a survey of the Cambridge

specificity and missional context,

writing ‘Jesus Wept!’ on the wall

two labels, have found a place

Gothic community suggested

The Goth Compline is a nuanced

of their place at the Cathedral,

in the flock at Coventry through

anywhere up to a third of ‘Goths’

mixed internal economy within

before returning to a game of

fresh expressions: Goths and

considered themselves in some

an expression of church.

pool or sitting down and talking

Hoodies. The results have defied

sense Christian, and as one

the preconceptions attached to

journalist put it when discussing

Of more recent advent is work

new community - as, perhaps,

the demographic labels.

St Edward’s Cambridge and its

with ‘Urban’ youth, aka ‘Hoodies’.

the great cathedral bells ring

Goth Eucharist:

Both are horridly misleading labels

out as they have done in one

in themselves: to identify the

form or another in this place for

young people of inner cities as

nearly a thousand years.

When it became apparent that groups of Goths (young people

‘…church services are all about

who listen to heavy metal music

a misunderstood man who got

and wear dark clothing) were

nailed to a cross. They are held

with their companions in this

Owen Edwards is studying theology at Chester

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

15

mixed The Church of England and the Methodist Church have been on a journey towards becoming a mixed economy church over two dec-

milestones on the journey

ades. These are some of the milestones on that journey.

1998

1990

Both churches begin a Decade of

Church Army evangelists are

Evangelism. The key fruits of the

increasingly deployed to these

decade are not in the big events

pioneering

and evangelistic campaigns but

Encounters on the Edge series

in the renewal of process evan-

of booklets begins.

situations.

Steven Croft

The

gelism through smaller groups.

2000

Conference sets a high priority

by the House of Bishops. mis-

on developing fresh ways of

sion shaped ministry course

being church.

launched by Fresh Expressions

1992

and other partners. The course

Methodist Conference publishes

2005

is now running in over 20 cen-

Archbishop George Carey estab-

Our Calling and focuses church

lishes Springboard as an initiative

life and activity around Worship;

A

to

Second Fresh Expressions DVD

to enable evangelism. Over the

Learning and Caring; Service

encourage fresh expressions

published. Fresh Ways working

next 12 years the team lead mis-

and Evangelism.

of church among dioceses and

group established by Methodist

districts.

Conference.

sions and equip the churches to reach out to those on the edge

2002

tres with over 600 students. growing

movement

Fresh

Expressions

Hard

Questions

website launched with online

tour engages 14 theologians to

directory. A growing sense of

look at the difficult theological

ence calls on circuits to consider

The Church of England estab-

creative initiative at local level.

questions raised by fresh expres-

planting new congregations.

lishes a new working party

Recommendations of Mission-

sions of church (now published

chaired by Bishop Graham Cray

shaped Church begin to be

as Mission-shaped Questions).

to look at the growing number

implemented.

Share

of faith. The Methodist Confer-

1994

of new forms of church in The Church of England publishes

development.

the report Breaking New Ground

website

launched

by

Church Army and Fresh Expres2006

sions as a way of collecting and

resourcing good practice.

- the first ever General Synod

2003

Guidelines on ordained pioneer

study of church planting. Major

ministry agreed by the House

church-planting

2008

conferences

Rowan Williams becomes Arch-

of Bishops. Over 60 candidates

convened by Anglican Church

bishop of Canterbury and brings

now recommended for training

Bishop’s Mission Orders come

Planting Initiatives continue to

to the role a strong commitment

or ordained. First Fresh Expres-

onto the statute book for the

resource this agenda.

to mission and to encouraging

sions DVD published with 14

Church of England as a way

these new forms of church as

stories of creating new com-

of giving legal recognition to

1996

part of a mixed economy of

munities

contextual

fresh expressions of church

church life and mission.

mission. vision days begin. Over

alongside the parish system.

4,000 people have now taken

Growing international inter-

part. One third of Anglican

est in what the Church of

parishes claim to have begun

England and the Methodist

Church Army establishes The Sheffield

Centre,

researching

2004

evangelism and new ways of

Mission-shaped

through

being church in response to a

The

Church

a fresh expression of church

Church are doing. A grow-

growing movement of experi-

report is commended for study

since the year 2000. One third

ing number of pioneer posts

ments in new forms of church

by the General Synod - 25,000

of Methodist ministers on the

are

life for a changing context.

copies have now been sold.

move indicate a desire to begin

and circuits to enable fresh expressions of church.

The term ‘fresh expressions of

fresh expressions of church in

1997

church’ enters the vocabulary

their next post.

of the churches. Fresh Expres-

Methodist Church publishes Stop-

sions is established as a joint

ping the Rot: planting new

Anglican-Methodist

congregations, telling the story of

to encourage this new move-

Guidelines

early ventures and giving guidance.

ment of mission. Methodist

lay pioneer ministry agreed

16

created

in

deaneries

Steven Croft is Archbishops’ 2007

Missioner and Leader of

initiative

the Fresh Expressions team on

encouraging

and Bishop-designate of Sheffield.

The focus from the start has been on prayer, discipleship, meeting the needs of the young people, and above all enabling

the ideas of young people are heard and

community. ‘The buzz of com-

celebrated

munity’ is key says Ruth.

Interestingly, re:generation is beginning to attract some older

And what about the future? re:

adults, usually parents of teen-

generation shares a church

agers involved. There’s now a

building

weekly Bible study for this group

churches in the circuit, where

called (in the house style)

they have a room that is spe-

re:juvenate.

cifically theirs. ‘We’d love to

with

one

of

the

have a place that is open all

re:generation in romford

Involvement in fresh expres-

week, a place with a very open

sions can be demanding. re:

feel, where people can come

generation has received some

and be themselves.’

strong support within the circuit

Ian Adams

for this ground-breaking work,

Ian Adams is a leader

but perhaps inevitably has also

of mayBe (a fresh expression

faced questioning. ‘There was a

in the Diocese of Oxford,)

real fear when we began,’ says

a mentor, guide and writer

Ruth, ‘that we would draw

on themes of emerging

‘The vision of re:generation’

-

work

young people out of churches,

church and simple,

says Ruth Poch, ‘is to provide a

focused on building community

but in reality most of the young

creative and

safe environment where people

in one location.

people that are in re:generation

prayerful living:

were already de-churched or

www.ianadams.info

long-term

hands-on

can really explore Christianity, and not feel they are going to

re:generation seeks to ‘relate

be judged or looked down upon

to the needs of the emerging

for where they are at, or for

generation of Christians and

where they are coming from.’

non-Christians today.’ It now

unchurched.’

involves between 50 and 60

re:generation is an innovative

people, mostly in the 13-21

fresh expression in the Romford

age group - and their involve-

Methodist circuit in Essex. The

ment is very real. The website

church started in 2004, led by

(www.regenerationchurch.

new deacons Ruth and Jamie

co.uk) is run by young people

Poch in their first posts after

in re:generation, and is full of

training at The Queen’s Founda-

their ideas:

tion, Birmingham.

ESC is ‘a group of Christians The

posting

came

about

using

graffiti

to

share

the

because this local Methodist

gospel.’

circuit knew that it was strug-

(www.parkourforJesus.co.uk)

gling to meet the needs of

sees parallels between the skills

teenagers. The initial plan was

of le Parkour - moving fast and

for Ruth and Jamie progres-

efficiently through the urban

sively to set up youth work in

environment - and finding ways

individual churches across the

to negotiate the obstacles of

circuit. But it soon became clear

life. And R-Mail is the church’s

that something else was needed

news in comic book design.

parkour

for

Jesus

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

17

mixed

Briefing: Emerging Churches by Eddie Gibbs and Ryan Bolger (SPCK, The Fresh Expressions website

is updated regularly

2006) is perhaps the best overview of the worldwide emerging

and could be amongst your browsing favourites: keep in touch

church conversation. ‘If the church does not embody its message

with us via www.freshexpressions.org.uk. Podcasts are a

and life within postmodern culture,’ say Gibbs and Bolger ‘it will

regular feature.

become increasingly marginalized.’

CMS

Colossians Remixed: subverting the empire by Brian

(www.cms-uk.org) is ‘an evangelistic mission working

Walsh and Sylvia Keesmaat (IVP, 2004, published in the UK, 2008)

to see a world transformed by the love of Jesus.’ CMS brings a

looks again at this New Testament letter and discovers a powerful

stimulating and vital global perspective to local mission. CMS

biblical resource for our time. ‘Colossians is,’ suggest Walsh and

has recently moved to Oxford and its excellent resources include

Keessmaat ‘a subversive tract for subversive living.’

a variety of meeting spaces and a comprehensive library of world mission.

Small Fire (www.smallfire.org) is an inspiring online record

Morning bell is a daily call to prayer sent and received by SMS text or email. The aim is to enable people to begin to practise a monastic-inspired rhythm of prayer wherever they are. Exploring

by Steve Collins in pictures of ‘alternative worship’ in action. ‘Envi-

themes from Scripture, wisdom of the saints and lived experience,

ronments of startling beauty come and go in a matter of hours,’

morning bell rings out early each morning and is available from the

says Steve. These pictures suggest the potential and possibility of

pace bene project (www.ianadams.info).

creative worship.

Blah (blahonline.wetpaint.com) is a rolling series of conversa-

Reimagining Spiritual Formation: A week in the life of an experimental church (emergent YS, 2003) by Doug

tions on mission, worship, church and Christianity in today’s rapidly

Pagitt and the Solomon’s Porch community is the story of an inno-

changing culture. Facilitated by CMS, Blah is a stimulating mix of

vative urban church community in Minneapolis, USA. Told candidly

local events, learning days and opportunities to engage with prac-

in their own words, it pictures a church whose life and worship

titioners and authors from around the UK and beyond.

spring from the experience and hopes of its people.

mission and spirituality

time for us to acknowledge and

island remains tangible, yet

enjoy the range of expressions

moulded further by a turbulent

within our shared Franciscan

history,

vocation,

encourages

weather, and the development

diversity while cherishing the

of a strategy of survival by its

underlying

later inhabitants.

which unity.

Inevitably,

strong

doses

of

there have been high points

Brother Damian SSF

and low points, and a good deal of learning about people and grace and generosity.

people in the end do need encouragement

The Anglican Franciscan broth-

might also meet separately

ers enjoyed something of a

for shared prayer, fear was

One of the blessings of belong-

boom time in the sixties and

expressed

would

ing to a religious order is the

seventies, and I was happily

somehow undermine and break

variety of opportunities and

caught in the tide. In their

up that coveted life in common.

experiences it brings.

Northumberland, novices were

I learnt that care needed to be

To serve on Lindisfarne is one

encouraged to focus on sharing

taken to maintain the unity. Yet

such amazing gift, and espe-

Today, Holy Island opens its

the established common life.

the more we worked simply for

cially

causeway

unity the more the diversities

pioneer religious life of those

schools, birdwatchers, walkers,

The traditions were to be learnt

appeared - and threatened!

seventh-century

who

tourists - and pilgrims! Pilgrims

and passed on. So when some

The trials and errors of the

built up the Church so effec-

also come in many shapes and

of the novices asked if they

years to date have provided

tively. Their legacy to this

sizes: in parish groups, as

that

this

to become still

new Friary at Alnmouth in

18

to

connect

with

saints

the

to

holidaymakers,

retreatants, completing St Cuth-

So that may include a reflective

bert’s Way or commencing St

walk round the harbour, a

Oswald’s Way.

chance to sit in the Gospel Garden and write a postcard, a

The sight of a procession of

nice cream tea in a café, a

coaches crossing the causeway

chance to see the Priory ruins

in convoy is at times alarming.

and hopefully find some solace,

And, warns Ian Bradley, the

challenge or prayerful engage-

writer and broadcaster, we are

ment in one of the churches.

people with the gifts needed Steven Croft

likely to become even more popular as the years go by.

People in the end do need

This is a story in two parts. It’s not an account of a real situation

encouragement to become still,

but a story that highlights some common mistakes in establishing

What an opportunity, but it is

even when the incentives are

a fresh expression of church, and some healthy principles. See how

daunting. Our numbers are

high. So people can find wel-

many mistakes you can spot in the first half and how many good

small, just over a hundred actu-

come and prayer cards, candles,

principles you would want to underline in the second.

ally live on the island. The

and intercession slips to pin on

community

three

the prayer board, all of which

hotels, three church centres,

will hopefully assist the spirit to

two modest stores with a sub-

engage and cause a spark of

post-office and some B&Bs. Our

response. Quite often it is the

school has eight children under

lady arranging flowers who

Mandy and Mike belong to a healthy congregation in a traditional

nine years of age.

finds herself the most effective

church in a large village. The regular Sunday morning service attracts

pastor to a visitor.

over 40 people, who are mainly over 50. There is little connection

supports

case study how a fresh expression of church can emerge

between the congregation and young families in the village.

The ancient Church of St Mary must be there for its parishion-

I often find myself claiming that

ers. Yet how do the locals make

life on Lindisfarne is unique with

Mandy and Mike recently moved into the area. They were previ-

real their belonging while visi-

the ebb and flow of its tides. As

ously members of a large charismatic church in a large city. They

tors constantly outnumber them?

such, nature offers, free of

are very attracted to the idea of starting a fresh expression of

The tendency for them has been

charge, the provision of busy

church. For many years, Mandy has wanted to be a worship leader.

to look back and claim their

and slack times in each day,

There is no opportunity for a music group in the Sunday morning

memories rather than look for-

giving its rhythm for activity and

service so this could be the way forward.

ward with expectation. Meanwhile,

then contemplation.

The vicar is not unsympathetic. He has read a little about fresh

pilgrims or groups of visitors arrive with high hopes of refreshment

Yet it throws in an obvious

expressions of church and likes what he sees on the DVD and the

and renewal, of identifying with

challenge

identifiable

Fresh Expressions website. A small group from the parish attend a

the early saints, seeking for a

communities, religious and sec-

Fresh Expressions vision day but no other training is yet available.

place to deposit their personal

ular: to seek the riches of

The couple begins to meet regularly with three other people who

stresses and tensions, and to

diversity within the unity of the

volunteer to help and become part of the core team.

offer praise and intercession.

whole; to recognise the partner-

to

all

ship opportunities that exist to

The group’s starting point is that it may be a good way forward to

The key factor from my per-

create the unity; and to embrace

begin a new Sunday evening service on a regular basis and in a

spective is partnership - that

these brothers and sisters for

charismatic style in Mike and Mandy’s house. They decide to test

is, to allow the creative flow

Christ’s sake; to be open to

this idea out on various groups. The vicar is pleased that something

of the whole community to

others who come with their own

new is happening but is extremely preoccupied at present with a

offer its distinct contributions

hopes and fears; and to underpin

dispute over buildings in one of his other churches, so leaves the

within

new venture well alone.

purpose,

the whole through the regular

spelt out for me when I was

one

basic

offering of the prayer of the

inducted as Vicar: ‘let the

church in continuity with the

The PCC grumbles a bit but can find no basic objection if this is

Island speak to them’. In

Saints who have gone before us.

what fresh expressions are all about. However, one person does ask whether the group has carried out a proper research and a mission

other words, to facilitate and provide

the

hospitality

‘God to speak to them.’

for

Brother Damian SSF is Vicar

audit. Who are the people the group is intending to connect with?

of Holy Island

The group agrees to do this but the pressure is building to start to

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

19

mixed gather for worship and prayer

with the original team, that it

ing and developing the new Sunday evening public gathering notches

and so the fresh expression

would be good to move the

up another gear to cope with the weekly event in the local school.

begins initially as a prayer meet-

event into the nearby school.

ing for those who want to come

This would create lots of space

Numbers at this event drop as the evenings close in and the

and support the project on

for growth. After some initial

weather gets colder. The PCC has been to look and now stays away.

Sunday evenings at Mike and

hesitation and one resignation

The visitors no longer come. Numbers dwindle to the original group

Mandy’s home.

the group owns the idea and

of a dozen or so who are so busy putting out chairs and setting up

begins to work towards it. Pub-

the hall that they no longer have time to talk and pray. There is an

Three months later a group of

licity is printed and put up

attempt to organise a community carol service but it seems the

around 12 is meeting in Mike

around the village. A speaker is

people in the village prefer the Christingle at the church.

and Mandy’s house. They enjoy

invited from 30 miles away. At

their worship and fellowship

the next PCC meeting there is

In January, Mike and Mandy take the decision that the group may

together and once a fortnight

real conflict bubbling up. Why

as well move back into their house. They are beginning to feel

gather for a meal. Without

wasn’t there more consultation?

unsupported by the PCC and also that some of the members of the original group are not taking on responsibility for what should be

exception they are all existing members of the Anglican or

Mike replies that this is the way

happening. They are also very tired. Things limp along for a while

Methodist churches in the vil-

you have to do things in fresh

longer. However, by Easter, the couple have decided that the group

lage. They find a lot of the

expressions of church. Someone

needs a break. The experiment has come to an end.

group’s time is taken up with

comments back that there seems

supporting the pastoral needs

to be a bit of an ‘us and them’

of two or three members of the

situation developing. Would it

group. Mike reports to the next

be good to have some sort of

Over the summer months, the diocesan missioner hears what has

PCC meeting that all is going

social event or conversation to

happened to the Brave Adventure and comes to visit. She spends

well - they have seen many

draw the different communities

time with Mandy and Mike, with the original group, with the vicar

answers to prayer - but they

together? Nothing happens.

and the PCC. During the discussions there is a lot of affirmation for

a better way?

the courage and faith of the original group but also some honest

haven’t yet had time to do the The new public service opens

owning up to key mistakes. It is also very clear that the original

for business on a fine Sunday

question has not gone away: how will the existing churches in the

Six months later and the num-

evening

village connect with a new generation?

bers in the group have grown to

Adventure Church. Thirty people

15. The house is now quite

come along. They are made up

The missioner returns for a second meeting three weeks later and dis-

crowded on Sunday evenings.

of the original group; the visi-

covers that there is an appetite to begin again and a new openness and

There is a sense of great excite-

tors who have been coming to

willingness to learn lessons together. The viicar and PCC agree to estab-

ment around the new group.

learn; one or two members of

lish a project team to work together to explore a fresh expression of

The food is good and a real

the PCC and a couple of people

church. Mike and Mandy are appointed as team leaders. One of the PCC

community is forming. Chris-

from the village who have heard

is appointed to the group specifically to look after communication with

tians from other churches are

about it from the posters. There

the wider church. Every six weeks the vicar meets Mike and Mandy to

wanting to find out more about

is a real sense of occasion. The

review progress. Sue, the missioner, agrees to act as mentor to the new

what is happening so most

visiting speaker is excellent.

team. The whole group begins to engage with Share (a guide to fresh

weeks there are some visitors

The doubters in the PCC adopt

expressions of church, www.sharetheguide.org) and one joins the Share

to the small group. Mike and

the Gamaliel position and wait

community and takes particular responsibility for checking the group’s

Mandy are now finding their

to see what happens.

progress against the experience of others recorded there.

mission audit work.

in

October:

Brave

workload is growing, pastoring the new group and liaising with

At this point in the process, Mike

the visitors. Somehow the mis-

and Mandy come under real

sion

pressure. Mandy’s mother, who

audit

work

has

been

lives 60 miles away, contracts a

postponed again.

serious

illness.

Mike

passes

Because their home is getting

through an extremely demand-

quite full, Mike and Mandy

ing time at work. At exactly the

decide,

same time, the work of sustain-

20

without

consultation

One of the conditions set by the

ministry course. The group grad-

PCC for something new begin-

ually comes to realise that the

ning is that nothing should

primary school is the most likely

happen publicly for about six

focus for mission. Mike and Man-

months and until there has been

dy’s children attend the school

a great deal of prayer and

and they become aware that

research by the new team. Their

there are a number of families

second condition is that the team

who would welcome a chance for

enrols in the mission shaped min-

their children to engage with

istry course that begins in the

Christian

diocese next September. Mike

there is no provision at the church

and Mandy are particularly care-

and Sunday mornings are not a

ful about selecting the new team:

good time for families to attend.

they can no longer accept volun-

The head teacher is keen to build

teers but are clear that only

church-community links and wel-

people with the time to give, the

comes

calling and the right gifts can

involvement in a number of fund

work with them at this stage.

raising events including a highly

teaching.

the

team’s

However,

practical

successful barn dance and fashThe new team meets together

ion show held in the school hall.

Listening for Mission is one of a series of five booklets to help

once a fortnight to pray and to

Plans are forming to begin a

local churches set up fresh expressions of church

plan. This seems about right in

mixed-gender village cub pack

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/shop

the first few months. In the ini-

(there are very few local ameni-

tial few months they get to

ties for children) and two members

Through the set-up period the

reviews what is happening.

know one another and share a

of the team have agreed to lead

team has continued to learn from

Input from Sue as mentor and

growing vision for connecting

this. An end of term school carol

the msm course. As that draws to

support from the vicar are

with the young families. They

service is held in the parish church.

a close they become part of an

both key. Over the course of

ongoing learning and support

the first few weeks numbers

get hold of the booklet, listen-

ing for mission, and begin to

In February, Mark and Mandy

network with Sue, the missioner,

attending average 30 people -

work through a five-stage proc-

present a report to the Church

as convenor. Mandy has felt

half of them children.

ess of mission audit. The first

Councils on their work so far and

affirmed in her own growth and

part of every meeting is worship

also the outlines of a plan for an

ministry through this period and

The summer holidays provide a

and prayer together. The second

all-age fresh expression of church

is exploring the possibility of

much needed break to reflect on

is very practical as maps are

meeting initially once a fortnight

Reader ministry linked to the

progress to date and learn les-

drawn and people report back

on school premises in the early

fresh expression of church.

sons. The Church Councils affirm

on

of

evening and supported by both

research. A key meeting takes

churches. The Church Councils

Shortly after Easter as the

forward and agree to resource it

place with the local Methodist

are engaged, ask questions and

schools return for the summer

for a further year. The team is

minister and, after all appropri-

are fully supportive. They both

term,

is

strengthened with people with

ate meetings and consultations,

contribute to the start-up budget,

launched in a low-key way.

the gifts needed for this stage.

the possibility for the fresh

which will cover a hire fee for the

There is excellent publicity to

Plans are laid for an Emmaus

expression is jointly owned by

premises and some equipment.

the school community but the

nurture course for parents in the

both the circuit and the dean-

The team also receives a grant

two congregations are specifi-

late autumn running fortnightly

ery.

church

from the diocesan mission fund.

cally told not to attend over

and alternating with the fresh

members join the team. There

The fresh expression will be

the first few sessions and there

expression. A good foundation

is regular reporting back to the

based around craft activities fol-

is no publicity outside the vil-

has been laid for the future.

two church councils.

lowed by a meal together and an

lage. There are lots of mistakes

act of worship with teaching in

in the first three or four meet-

Steven Croft is Archbishops’

This process of building founda-

smaller groups. It will run initially

ings and much to learn. It is

Missioner and Team Leader

tions continues through the first

for the summer term and will

essential that the team gath-

of Fresh Expressions and

months of the mission shaped

then be reviewed.

ers after every event and

Bishop-designate of Sheffield.

their

Two

different

Methodist

bits

the fresh expression as a way

the

new

venture

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

21

mixed Current members of The Net

missional aspect and to enable

are drawn from the student

the community to keep reach-

population and lower-earning

ing out,’ explains Nick. ‘My

workers. Meanwhile, its dioce-

reflection on the Acts church is

san share has increased. ‘A

that the deep koinonia gave

healthy church is self-sustaining

witness to those around them.’

and needs a sense of sacrificial

The Net’s contemporary vision of

giving,’ Nick believes. An early

forming new relationships is both

principle of the church was no

true to its original heart as well as

collection plate. Now a gift box

its persistent key challenge.

is present at every meeting.

This change in practice is no distraction from a continued focus on discipleship. On arrival, Nick spent several months talking one

exciting developments in Huddersfield

to one with members and discovered a steadfast commitment to

church for the unchurched Emma Garrow

the church that did not necessarily take on board the need for a

‘Network churches have perhaps

shared life of faith.

a lower size threshold,’ suggests member of The Net’s advisory

The geographical spread of

group, George Lings. ‘Nick has

members who might work in

perceived that though The Net’s

Bradford, live in Holmfirth and

congregations are tiny, different

worship in Huddersfield could

tiny congregations are the way

be seen as prohibitive to this,

forward.’ Archdeacon to The Net, Robert Freeman, agrees.

The Net in Huddersfield has

Growth in numbers, however,

but a larger question arising

changed both leader and demo-

does not mean growth overall.

from the nature of networks

graphic since its launch in 1999.

The Net’s initial core was made

might also be responsible. If

‘Nick has made a good transi-

The challenge facing this pioneer-

up largely of professionals who

network churches make room

tion,’ he says. ‘We have someone

ing network church today is how

were able to support the church

for the competition with work

who is also a pioneer at heart

to sustain a core community whilst

financially. As a new venture,

and leisure, are they suggesting

and who has enabled The Net to

continuing to look outwards.

The Net’s share (annual contri-

that sharing with a community

look again at why it exists.’ The

bution) to the Wakefield Diocese

of faith is only as important as

tendency would be to settle and

Current incumbent, Nick Haigh,

was low. Consequently, resources

any other activity?

drift back to being a gathered

arrived as leader of The Net in

were available for a ministry

2006,

that employed a youth worker

The Net’s response is to increase

and children’s worker.

its output. Hence the addition of

replacing

Dave

Male,

whose original vision helped bring the church into being. Nick

church instead of a networked missional community.

a second venue, an art gallery

‘These communities exist to

had worked with Dave whilst in

Only a few of the original team

space on a Sunday afternoon

evangelise and multiply. I think

training and was familiar with

are still around. ‘The nature of a

that includes a shared meal

that’s what’s been healthy, that

the vision and the model. The

network church is that it gathers

every week to which members

multiplication has arisen.’ Yet he

task ahead of him was to con-

the network-minded, those who

are inviting their friends. The

agrees that financial implica-

tinue to reach unchurched 20

are not geographically based for

vision is to have not one large

tions do affect The Net’s mission

and 30 somethings. This included

a length of time,’ explains Nick.

gathering but many smaller

‘at a time when all dioceses are

establishing

centre

‘It’s a very scattered, diverse

groups that meet for a large

facing very tough decisions

venue. The Net now meets on

community and there’s a critique

celebration once a month.

about sustainability and finance’.

Sunday mornings at the National

perhaps

Children’s Centre and this fixture

Church has responded to a net-

‘The challenge is to deepen

and protected’ but must make

has seen a welcome increase in

work-based society but there are

church life and the life of the

its case along with every other

attendance by students.

inbuilt flaws to that.’

church community, to keep the

church in the diocese.

22

a

town

needed

there.

It can no longer ‘be ringfenced

The

‘The mixed economy means that different expressions of church are going to have to put their own case for the limited resources available,’ Robert suggests.

George Lings believes, however, that there is still a firm case for supporting The Net.

‘Though we don’t know how all networks work, some are too ephemeral to know, in a town like Huddersfield, a diocese needs to follow through on the idea of a mixed economy, and that has financial implications,’ he says. ‘To support one Net and see how it works is not an undue risk. A

one in 200 risk doesn’t seem irresponsible in the slightest.’

The Net’s challenges centre around sustainability. Its answers seem to lie in holding to its purpose as it seeks to be a church for the unchurched within the Anglican family.

Emma Garrow is a freelance writer

Nailsea has no cinema but it

Advertising was done through

does have people who enjoy

articles in the local press and

films. A group of eight of us

posters in the town centre.

from the Anglican and Method-

There were also leaflets for local

ist churches in the area got

churches, community centres,

together to plan and then

and a neighbouring film club.

launch Film Club Extra in Octo-

Normal attendance so far has

ber 2007.

been between 30 and 50 people.

the big picture David Bagwell

Seats are arranged in groups of

thoughts can be read in full in the

The first film shown was the

five to encourage some mixing

archive section of our website

gritty

with others and to prepare the

(www.nailseafreshexpressions.

way for the discussions that

blogspot.com).

and

drama,

realistic

The

prison

Shawshank

Redemption, which like all the subsequent films has the criterion of being a quality mainstream

an incarnational approach to mission in Nailsea

immediately follow the film after a short comfort break. A series of

There is no doubt that Film Club

open-ended questions encour-

Extra is beginning where people

aged everyone to first share their

are and enabling the good news of

themes that we felt overlapped

reactions to the film, and then to

Jesus to be presented in new ways

with the good news of Jesus.

consider the overall ‘message’ of

and to a new group of people.

By choosing popular secular

the film in terms of what we have

Over the coming months and years

seen as the ‘spiritual’ issues.

the challenge will be to find ways

entertaining

film

but

with

films as the basis of the club

A Public Video Screening Licence

rather than those that have a

(PVSL) is needed, which stipu-

more overt Christian message,

lates what can and cannot be

The groups have not needed any

point the other key aspects of the

we were trying to overcome

done in terms of advertising and

other leadership or direction.

Methodist ‘Our Calling’ vision of

the sacred/secular divide that

revenue raising so that copyright

After 20-25 minutes the discus-

what it means to be church, and to

has bedevilled so much of

is not breached. Everything is

sions are drawn to a close and

grow leadership from within the

church life.

done in terms of hall decoration,

the leader for the night shares

club to carry the work forward.

background film music, advertis-

their final thoughts, in which with

In other words it’s an incarna-

ing slides beforehand and even

examples drawn from the film,

David Bagwell is a Methodist

tional approach to mission that

the use of the Pearl and Dean

they ask deeper questions about

minister in the Gordano Valley

looks for the presence and

theme tune to create an authen-

the purpose and meaning of daily

Circuit of the Bristol District

activity of God within every

tic cinema experience for the

life and then link this in with a

shortly to move to Camborne

part of his creative world.

unchurched visitor.

Christian approach. These final

in Cornwall.

to add to this ‘learning’ starting

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

23

mixed

international perspectives and developments Ian Adams

Jason Bishop from a group

is going on religiously and spir-

called The Journey, in Texas,

itually in Britain as providing a

(www.journeylubbock.org) says

vital foundation for the start of

that the Share website (www.

new fresh expressions. ‘What

sharetheguide.org) has been a

are the Canadian realities?’ he

valuable source of inspiration.

asks. ‘If Fresh Expressions is a

‘Much of what is shared there

response to a changing culture,

keeps me hoping and inspired

we have to know how Canadian

for the American Church. Some

culture is changing.’

of the events that we’ve implemented here at The Journey share core principles with the

‘An eco-tone,’ explains writer,

fresh expressions of church in

speaker and pioneering emerging

the UK.

church leader Brian McLaren

things we’ve read on the sites.’

Fresh Expressions has

There’s further exciting evi-

been able to encourage

(www.brianmclaren.net) ‘is the

Scott Bader-Saye from Peace-

dence in Canada of the way in

meeting place, the overlapping

meal in Pennsylvania (www.

which Fresh Expressions has

point, the boundary, between dif-

peacemealcommunity.org) says

been able to encourage thinking

ferent

Fresh

that Fresh Expressions has been

and action beyond the UK. The

Expressions, he says, is playing a

a great help in encouraging him

Anglican

vital role as an eco-tone. ‘It faces

and his colleagues to start

recently announced the setting

inward to the institution and out-

something new within tradi-

up of Fresh Expressions Canada,

ward to the emerging culture.’

tional church. Through exploring

to be led by Anglican priest and

John also sees a need for Fresh

cultures.’

And

Church

there

thinking and action beyond the UK

has

Fresh Expressions online he

leader of Emerge in Montreal

Expressions Canada to network

Brian describes himself as, ‘an

discovered a close connection

(www.emergemontreal.com),

people who are either already

evangelist for Fresh Expressions

to what was happening in the

Nick Brotherwood.

engaged in fresh expressions of

in the USA, where currently it

UK. ‘Our goal was to create a

has almost no exposure at the

new embodiment of church

John Bowen of Wycliffe College,

involved. vision days (using

upper echelons of the church’.

within the traditional structures

Toronto is a key figure in the proc-

Fresh Expressions materials)

church, or would like to become

and liturgical sensibility of the

ess of setting up Fresh Expressions

have already begun and the

At local level in the USA there

Episcopal Church. I have con-

Canada. He suggests some poten-

plan is to offer this resource

are various examples of groups,

tinued

tial priorities for this new venture:

more widely. ‘This is an exciting

projects and communities that

Expressions site to get ideas

have found some of their inspi-

about what other communities

He identifies the research done

have a sense that, in the midst

ration through contact with

are doing.’

by Fresh Expressions into what

of all the troubles in the Angli-

to

visit

the

Fresh

development, and many people

can Church, the Holy Spirit is still at work.’

Ian Adams is a leader of mayBe (a fresh expression in the Diocese of Oxford,) a mentor, guide and writer on themes of emerging church and simple, creative and prayerful living: www.ianadams.info There is also significant and growing interest in developing fresh expressions of church in Australia, and New Zealand Brian McLaren

24

and much of northern Europe.

‘letting go’ and ‘trying on’ Andrew Roberts and Rachel Matthews Across the country, in pubs, schools, churches and cathedrals over 4,000 Christians have participated in a vision day . The highly interactive days introduce people to the vision and values of fresh expressions through a rich mix of worship and prayer, storytelling and interviews, presentations, discussions and reflection. or projects. After a day in a primary school on a large council estate The key Fresh Expressions values of hospitality and community are

in Kings Norton, Bill Anderson, the Chair of the Birmingham Meth-

modelled with participants seated café style and sharing food at

odist District said:

regular intervals.

‘In a church where our mission intention is much more clearly on Fresh expressions are all about incarnational mission; about

the agenda than it has been, days like this scratch where we are

‘the Word becoming flesh and blood and moving into the

itching and give us the encouragement to have a go.’

neighbourhood’.

Alan Smith, the Bishop of Shrewsbury, was similarly enthusiastic after a day in Oswestry:

‘today I learnt that “fresh expressions

‘Our rural Fresh Expressions day was so encouraging both because

of church” is not just the latest buzz word.

heard of so many exciting and innovative things already going on.

I see its impact.’

of the great interest from rural churchgoers but also because we We should have more of these vision days.’

The Bishop’s wish has come true and details of forthcoming vision

days can be found at www.freshexpressions.org.uk/vision. If you would like to organise a day in your area Fresh Expressions will be

vision days begin with participants letting go of something precious to them and trying on something precious that belongs to someone else. Creative ‘character’ cards are used to help people imagine different forms of church for different cultures. Minds and hearts are opened to the needs of others. Participants engage in four key sections: • a celebration of what is happening and why it is important; • the core values of fresh expressions and how they form;

delighted to provide presenters and work with you in organising a day. We recommend that you: • contact Rachel Matthews for a full information pack rachel.matthews@freshexpressions.org.uk; • get a small ecumenical organising group together (minimum level Circuit/Deanery) and choose a date; • allow six months to plan and prepare.

Speaking after the Westminster vision day, the then Methodist

• optional seminars on a range of topics;

President, Martyn Atkins, said: ‘Vision is incredibly important’.

• reflection on God’s call and guidance on help and resources.

Rachel Matthews is Fresh Expressions Events Administrator vision day feedback has been extremely positive, with participants

Andrew Roberts is Director of Training

going on to engage seriously with mission-shaped thinking, courses

of Fresh Expressions.

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

25

mixed The importance of philanthropy in establishing new ventures has long been understood across the wider charitable sector, yet the crucial role finance has to play in enabling mission is often overlooked. This article seeks to explore how funding streams can enable, rather than inhibit, the future sustainability of mission initiatives.

spent up or sustainable

There is a danger that innovative, cutting edge mission projects

John Preston

maintain a very traditional approach to handling issues of money and finance; only considering them when funds are running out, and the funding need is pressing. However, the application of some simple principles can provide a platform for sustainable

Conversely, supporters who are actively involved with your project

growth and health.

are much more likely to offer an open-ended commitment to give regularly. Their giving becomes part of the revenue funding needed

1. Focus on revenue three years before you need it

for ongoing sustainability. This underscores the importance of encouraging those who are involved not only to give their time and

Many projects start with a capital injection sufficient for a number

skills, but to commit financially as well.

of years’ running costs, but don’t start creating sustainable revenue streams until it’s too late. It takes time to develop and nurture revenue streams whether you’re in business, managing a charity or

3. If regular giving is required to sustain your fresh expression, teach it as part of discipleship

running a mission initiative.

There’s a natural tendency to shy away from talking about money in the Unless your ongoing revenue requirements are minimal, you will

life of any church; and even more so in a mission environment. Yet it is

need two or three years to nurture sufficient regular income. This

vital that we talk about money early, and as a routine part of church life.

is illustrated in Fig 1. The two charts show the same amount of capital investment, but the one on the right is spread stepwise

The important thing is not to focus on money for the project first,

over five years, giving time to grow the necessary revenue for

but rather to teach broader money topics as an essential part of

ongoing running costs. Note that in doing so, there is some sur-

discipleship. Issues such as handling consumerism, managing debt,

plus capital that can be spread into years 4 and 5, to cushion the

ethical spending, are practical worldly issues, and a distinctive

revenue need.

Christian view can underscore the relevance that the Christian faith

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

capital revenue

yr 1 yr 2

yr 3 yr 4

yr 5

Fig. 1

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

has to issues of life and lifestyle. Woven into a broader diet, giving to support mission can be introduced naturally.

financing a fresh expression needs careful yr 1 yr 2

yr 3 yr 4

yr 5

planning and a sense of stewardship

2. Share the vision with those who might fund it It is well known by fundraisers that whilst donors are prepared to

4. Plan on a rolling three-year basis. (At least!)

fund projects generously, they will fund only those that excite them and in which they can see a value. There is no shortage of compet-

When focusing on mission there can be a tendency to think and plan

ing calls upon a philanthropist’s purse. Potential donors are both

short term - the next few months offer quite enough challenges, and

those who will be actively involved in your project and those who

energy and focus can be drawn to navigating these successfully. Plan-

will not, and it is advisable to think widely when developing a list of

ning finances needs to be much longer term, and a three-year planning

potential donors.

horizon minimises the risk of being caught by surprise when it’s too late to correct the issue easily. The budget for the current year should

Most external supporters will provide capital funding, either as a

be fairly detailed, ensuring that money is spent where you want it to

one-off gift, or regular gifts over a limited period. They may renew

be. The longer-term planning horizon will be less definitive, but if

their gift for a further period, but many won’t. Keep communication

potential developments can be anticipated, strategies to manage the

open, and update them on progress.

financial impact of these can start to be developed.

26

5. Make wise decisions on buildings and people

Summary

Decisions on buildings and people are the two key areas to think and

Lots of thought, research, prayer and hard work goes into new

pray through. These are undoubtedly the areas of major cost in a

mission initiatives, yet the sustainability of such new expressions of

project, but also the areas that can have a significant impact on

mission and church will be at least partially governed by establish-

success or failure in mission terms. Alternative resourcing strategies

ing sustainable revenue streams. This needs similar thought,

carry huge financial implications; stipended/salaried, part-time, tent-

research and prayer throughout the life of the project.

making or purely using volunteers, will make very different financial demands on the project. Decisions on property - purchasing, leasing,

John Preston is National Stewardship and Resources Officer for

renting or hiring - will also have major financial implications.

released for something new Norman Ivison

the Church of England. ters, in a Bridlington pub, was a

The question in my mind is,

more enticing photo opportunity!

though, will ordained pioneer ministers deliver in ways that

In contrast, standing in a dark

perhaps worker priests and

Gloucester Cathedral and shar-

ordained local ministers and

ing supper with a gathering of

ministers in secular employment

mainly unchurched young adults

didn’t quite? Will they really

had all the trappings of the tradi-

make a difference to the way

tional about it, but in reality was

we do mission and ministry in

The term ‘pioneer minister’ can

emphasis of ministry, until he met

far from that. Michael Volland,

the Church of England? Like

raise the hackles of those who like

the candidates. He found them

pioneer curate at the cathedral,

Stephen Fern, I am a convert. I

things precise and organised,

‘dynamic, engaging and exciting’

leads FEIG, a small, emerging

am sure they will.

especially if these perceived ‘mav-

and he realised that often men

missional community that uses

ericks’ are going to operate in a

and women like this were not

the wonderful space but in totally

Amy Orr-Ewing, a Christian

mixed economy church and there-

being attracted by the church.

new ways. As a cathedral staff

apologist working for the Zach-

fore be inescapable. But over the

Archbishop John Sentamu sees

member, Michael embodies what

arias Trust, puts it well. For her,

last few months, as I have travelled

pioneers as exemplars of Jesus.

it means to be ‘mixed economy’.

ordained pioneer ministry is not

the country filming the latest

Like him they stand where human

yet another top-down initiative

Fresh Expressions’ DVD, meeting

need and God’s love intersect,

but is coming from the grass

ordained pioneer ministers in train-

always loitering with intent.

ing and ordained pioneer ministers in context, I have been constantly

Some particular filming days stand

surprised and impressed.

out. I remember the chilly evening spent on wasteland near Hornsea,

ordained pioneer ministry in the Church of England

roots, coming from the cutting edge of mission in Britain today.

And that means that our old stereotypes of what a vicar is do not have to be what ministry

These cowboys and cowgirls, as

and the interview with pioneer

Mike Pilavachi calls them, really

Ben Norton. His XY church is

are working on the margins,

aiming to form Christian commu-

with people not normally on the

nity around activities for men,

Then there were Annie Kirke

radar of our churches. They are

such as survival camping. The

and Pete Hughes at St Mary’s

Norman Ivison is Director of

working with wisdom, skill and

later discussion on natural disas-

Bryanston Square, just south of

Communication and Resources

sensitivity. At the same time,

Marylebone. They are training

for Fresh Expressions and a

they are affirming the need for

in situ, and plan to church plant

former BBC producer

traditional congregations and

in the Diocese of London. Unlike

clergy but are glad to be

most of us who remember what

released for something new.

it was like to be a green curate,

ordained pioneer ministry in

they will hit the ground running.

the Church of England, Fresh

Senior selection secretary Stephen

Already Pete is in discussion

Expressions, 2008

Ferns is also a convert. He says

about where his new church will

(ISBN: 978-0-9560005-0-7)

that, like many others, he had

be and who will form the team

available from www.freshex-

some hesitations about this new

John Sentamu

is like any more. Buy the DVD and accompanying booklet and decide if you agree.

to help lead it.

on the edge: exploring

pressions.org.uk/shop

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

27

mixed

Share Mike Moynagh and Andrew Wooding

• UP (in worship to God);

What is the ‘mixed economy’?

The Jerusalem church in Acts was a bit like inherited church.

It had a traditional mindset and emerged from a ‘you come to

• IN (in fellowship with one another); • OUT (in mission to the world); and

The Share website, from Fresh

• It will have the potential to

us’ context: Jews from the

Expressions and Church Army

become a mature expression

known world had come to Jeru-

(www.sharetheguide.org),

is

of church shaped by the

salem at Pentecost. The Antioch

• OF (belonging to the whole

a means by which we can

gospel and the enduring

church was more like a fresh

church throughout the world

learn together about fresh

marks of the Church and for

expression. It launched ‘we’ll

and through time).

expressions.

its cultural context.

come to you’ mission and had a

It

contains

a

guide to good practice, and

more radical approach to theol-

These correspond to the four

ogy and church practice.

historic marks of the Church in

answers to questions that

Note that fresh expressions

people are asking. So far,

have an emphasis on mission,

there are over 40 questions to

they are culturally appropriate,

But despite tensions between

catholic and apostolic. (See

browse (www.sharetheguide.

they come into being only after

them, they were interdepend-

‘Are fresh expressions proper

org/questions).

listening to the local community

ent. Paul, who headed up the

church?’ - www.sharetheguide.

and one day, as disciples are

missionary work launched from

org/section1/4)

made, they will become mature

Antioch, felt himself to be

expressions of church. (For

accountable to the leaders at

more, see ‘What is a fresh

Jerusalem.

expression of church?’ - www.

church had the spiritual matu-

sharetheguide.org/section1/1)

rity to recognise the Holy Spirit

Here

are

some examples.

What is a fresh expression?

The

definition

expression

of

of

a

fresh

church

has

evolved over time. The term was coined by the Mission-

shaped Church report. It was taken from the promise made

by Anglican clergy every time they take up a new post: ‘to

proclaim the Gospel afresh in each generation’.

the Nicene Creed: one, holy,

The

at work. Here is a splendid

Is the opposite of a fresh expression a stale expression of church?

example of the mixed economy church. (See ‘fresh expressions

and a mixed economy church’ www.sharetheguide.org/

No. Alongside fresh expressions

is

‘inherited

section1/1/mixedeconomy)

exist already. Fresh expressions

Are fresh expressions really church?

are new or different forms of connect

or network you want to reach.

You might literally walk the streets and listen to what people have to say, invite a and ask them what church might look like for them, or get

on

the

internet

and

do statistical research. (See

Fresh expressions can grow into

people who are not reached by

mature church and some do

inherited churches.

that more quickly than others.

A fresh expression is a form

There is still plenty of life in inher-

Archbishop Rowan Williams has

of church for our changing

ited forms of church. Traditional

described church as ‘...what hap-

A fresh expressions journey

culture, established primarily

does not necessarily equal stale.

pens when people encounter the

might

most helpful definition:

that

by listening to the community

with

Currently we think this is the

church

It is really important to start

group to a pub for a meal

church’.

Inherited churches are what

How might we start a fresh expression?

Jerusalem

‘How might we start a fresh expression?’ - www.sharetheguide.org/section2 )

start

as

Christians

for the benefit of people who

Many inherited churches are full

Risen Jesus and commit them-

serve their area or network,

are not yet members of any

of vitality and growing. Our aim is

selves

and

a community then begins to

church.

not to grow fresh expressions

deepening that encounter in their

form, evangelism leads to

instead of inherited churches but

encounter with each other...’

disciple-making and eventu-

• It will come into being

alongside them: a mixed econ-

through principles of

omy. (See ‘fresh expressions and

to

sustaining

ally a culturally relevant form What happens when people gather

of

church

emerges.

(See

listening, service,

a mixed economy church’ - www.

round Jesus has been described

‘How do fresh expressions

incarnational mission and

sharetheguide.org/section1/1/

in Mission-shaped Church in

develop?’ - www.sharethe-

making disciples.

mixedeconomy)

terms of four dimensions:

guide.org/section1/5 )

28

What part do the sacraments play in fresh expressions?

priate, or conversely, just right for the people they seek to reach.

The issue of administration affects the approach of many lay-led fresh expressions, and creative ways of addressing this are a part

As in inherited church, fresh expressions see baptism and Holy

of many leaders’ work. (See ‘The UP dimension of church’ - www.

Communion as central to being part of the universal Church.

sharetheguide.org/section1/4/up)

The many forms of fresh expressions have a variety of approaches

It is important to be faithful to the tradition of the denomination or

to the celebration of Holy Communion. For some in the catholic

stream to which the fresh expression is affiliated, while seeking

tradition this sacrament will be central to their worship. For others,

ways to express that tradition in the culture the fresh expression is

the leaders may have discerned that communion is not yet appro-

called to serve.

Mike Moynagh and Andrew Wooding edit the Share website and encourage learning networks among fresh expressions practitioners.

little fishes Rachel Matthews

As a mum with a little toddler,

In 2007 a number of people who

it’s difficult at times to find your

were anxious to extend children’s

spiritual food. We are so busy

work within the church squashed

being a Martha, doing our very

together in a lounge to watch

best for Jesus, that we often

expressions: the dvd - 1: stories

neglect

group. As the session started with

openly on the theme of the day.

a story and a song, it was clear

James and I had a wonderful

that this was a Christian environ-

morning. It was heartening to

ment and that God’s love for the

receive God’s word and love

children was to be acknowledged

through

and understood. There was a

without the need to do anything

variety of activities, which had all

in return. This was truly grace

been prayerfully planned and

in action.

mums in Bridgnorth

of church for a changing culture and began to talk about what they

church can be a challenge (my

might do. After some weeks of

little boy James often wants to

dreaming, reflecting and praying,

We gathered later in the church,

talk about fire engines during

Little Fishes was born.

to listen to a Bible story, sing

the Lord’s Prayer). And if you

there,

engaging toddlers and

of

importance

leaders

related to the day’s theme.

spending time with him… I find

the

the

and join together in prayer.

are blessed enough to have a

‘Let the children come to me.

house group, being able to go is

Don’t stop them!

I was astonished during my

The challenge for Ruth Cole and

dependent on your child’s sleep-

The kingdom of God belongs

time with the group, having

her team is a continuing one - as

ing patterns… and I’m writing

to those who are like

been fed so well spiritually, to

the children grow up and go on

this, as somebody with faith.

these children.’

return to the downstairs room

to nursery, the team is keen to

How much harder is it to be fed

Mark 10.14, NLT

and be offered food (quite liter-

maintain the contact it has

spiritually, if you don’t have a faith to begin with?

ally) for both myself and James.

established. It’s a difficult chal-

Little Fishes is open to parents/

The fresh expressions values of

lenge and life is so incredibly

caregivers and their toddlers and

hospitality and table fellowship

busy, but with such an open

At Cartway Church (URC & Meth-

meets on the second Friday of

were powerfully present.

heart and open door, I believe

odist) they are tackling this

every month from 11am till 1pm.

problem and offering something

Tickets are offered to families

The surfaces were cleared, the

for both mums and their tots once

attending toddler group and at

painting and mess was tidied

a month called ‘Little Fishes’. Cart-

the moment there are about ten

away and in front of us was a

way Church is tucked away in

families who attend regularly.

beautifully cooked meal for the

Bridgnorth and through its toddler

that the links that have been so lovingly made won’t break easily.

I know I’m hoping to return soon!

children and sandwiches for the

Rachel Matthews is

group the church has indirect

I took my toddler James to one of

mums. This provided another

part-time Fresh Expressions

contact with over 60 families in

the sessions and was welcomed

opportunity to build relation-

Events Administrator and

the area.

warmly and lovingly into the

ships and for everyone to reflect

full-time mum.

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

29

mixed Gareth sees the potential of small groups. ‘I think this is the real

new people; new places; new skills

hope for the project. It’s my conviction that people discover Jesus in the intimacy of a small group. That encounter gives people new confidence. Conversely if we don’t learn how to be comfortable in a small group we will never be able to engage fully in mission.’

Ian Adams Gareth played a key role in the founding of fresh expression Tubestation (www.tubestation.org) in an old chapel near the surfers’ beach of Polzeath in north Cornwall. He is now beginning a new fresh expression on the south side of Cornwall. The aim is to re-ignite church life in a rural area where many churches have closed.

The Roseland Peninsula is Cornwall in miniature: long and narrow,

‘fresh expressions are developed out of relationships,’ says pioneering Methodist minister Gareth Hill, ‘and need plenty of contact to make them successful.’

with vast wealth and considerable poverty, and an economy based on agriculture and tourism. Traditional established religion is still around, but the Methodist Church has sold all its buildings on the peninsula. This was not a strategic decision but the result of a slow

At the moment the shorthand name for these projected small

decline in membership over many decades.

groups is cell - but Gareth says that, ‘we may need to discover a

‘The church,’ says Gareth, ‘has a rich local heritage, and much

these might be cross- generational groups, or whether each small

public goodwill, but is at a crossroads.’ In recognition of this the

group will have a particular focus, but Gareth is happy to let the

Truro Methodist Circuit decided to create the new position to which

details emerge in God’s care.

new name for cell to suit our location.’ It’s not yet clear whether

Gareth has been appointed. The aim is ambitious: ‘to do something

new, not to repeat what has gone before, but to create a fresh

‘It is,’ he says, ‘a step into the unknown, but a very exciting one.’

expression rooted in the area and its people’.

Gareth has a threefold strategy for the first phase of this new project: • New places: ‘I want to discover the potential places we can

use. Probably people’s homes to begin with but this may eventually become public places: pubs, clubs, community halls.

I need to become a user of some of these new places, to become a consumer, to become known.’

• New people: ‘fresh expressions are developed out of relation-

ships and need plenty of contact to make them successful. I want to get to know people, and I’m a great believer in getting to know people over coffee.’

• New skills: ‘there are ways of holding this project together

that need me to develop some skills I do not yet have. An effective and dynamic website could be crucial, so I am planning to take a web design course.’

Looking to the future, Gareth can imagine a network of small groups, ‘where people are beginning to have the confidence to talk

with their neighbours about Christ because these are the people who we have coffee with. When they ask us to pray with them it will be as natural as borrowing sugar.’

30

Gareth Hill

chips with everything Jonathan Clark

monthly (at present) eucharistic

ethically.

service that is specifically aimed

inspiration of saints, mystics,

at parents and carers of young

philosophers

children,

throughout

a

lightweight

and

we

recognise and the

the

artists

centuries…

informal act of worship in which

moot seeks to live a christian

they can feel at ease with the

spiritual rhythm of life through

noise of their children, because

practising

presence,

everyone else has one too. We

ance,

There is a somewhat scurril-

ditional: our main service is a

think of that as our own little

accountability and hospitality.’

ous website that suggests that

Sung Eucharist, and we sing

fresh expression, because it is

(www.moot.uk.net, 6.7.08)

the only appropriate Catholic

BCP

Evensong

becoming for some ‘their church’

response to any pastoral, spir-

every Sunday. They are perhaps

- and a Bible study group has

Whether on the simple level of

itual or social problem is to

surprisingly effective.

now grown out of it.

St Mary’s Noisy Mass, or in a

heard it described - have

One evening, a young couple

There are other, much bolder,

those of us in the Catholic tradi-

whatever you like, but it’s

turned up for Evensong. On talk-

fresh expressions of church that

tion have perhaps to do more

chips with everything. All in

ing

it

have grown out of the Catholic

work in creating fresh expres-

all, it doesn’t sound like the

transpired that one of them at

tradition in the Church, and

sions than those coming from

sort of menu that is likely sud-

least had been attending a large

have re-interpreted it for groups

other traditions. If the church’s

denly to include the exotic and

charismatic fellowship in central

far more marginalised from the

tradition itself is one of the

experimental dishes on the

London. Oh, how I wished that

traditional forms of church than

places in which we encounter

menu of fresh expressions.

our worship had been something

our young parents. How about

the Holy Spirit, developing and

that she could have connected

Moot, for instance? Moot, which

changing it has to be approached

And let’s be honest, many of

with! And that was that, I

meets in Westminster but whose

with care. But that doesn’t

the new dishes have been put

thought. Then they turned up

members are from all over

mean things shouldn’t change.

on the table by individuals and

next week, and it transpired that

London, is, as its website says:

It is as much a betrayal of the

groups coming from the evan-

they had been looking for some-

gelical and charismatic end of

thing

the Church. Maybe exactly for

Evensong was just the thing.

Mattins

and

celebrate a Mass. Or, as I’ve

creativity,

acceptbalance,

whole community such as Moot,

to

them

very

afterwards,

different

-

and

tradition to put it in aspic, as it

‘a developing community of

is to ignore it. The Fresh Expres-

spiritual

are

sions movement is the sort of

that reason, those within the

seeking to find a means of living

challenge - and also the oppor-

Catholic tradition have often

a life that is honest to god and

tunity - that we all need.

regarded

fresh

expressions

with a certain amount of suspicion. But that is beginning to change.

Fresh expressions of church are important as part of the mission of the whole Church, of all tra-

suspicion surrounding Fresh Expressions in the Catholic movement is dwindling

travellers

who

honest to now… moot seeks to make

connections

and

find

Jonathan Clark is Rector of

inspirations in the meeting of

Stoke Newington, Chair of

faith, life and culture… moot

Affirming Catholicism and a

looks to the christian call for

member of the General Synod

justice, equity and balance as a

of the Church of England.

means of living politically and

National Day of Pilgrimage

ditions and equally, all parts of the Church have something distinctive to bring to the task of expressing the gospel afresh.

But we also have, for instance,

The problems the Church is

a large number of parents and

facing in a rapidly changing

carers of very young children,

culture are common to all.

who find our Sunday style of worship theoretically perfect -

Where I am in ministry, there is

but in practice almost impossible,

a clear need for the ‘mixed

as they are continually worrying

economy’ that has been com-

about what everyone else is

mended as the context for fresh

thinking of their baby. So we

expressions. We are deeply tra-

have set up the Noisy Mass, a

forming fresh expressions of the church in a sacramental and contemplative tradition Celebrant and Preacher The Most Revd Rowan Williams Archbishop of Canterbury Coventry Cathedral Monday, 8th December, 2008 The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 10.30am to 4pm

www.freshexpressions.org.uk/mixedeconomy

31

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changing church for a changing world

www.freshexpressions.org.uk