Fresh Expressions of Church

John and I attended the recent day conference arranged by Bishop Michael which, despite a clash with Cup Final day, was attended by around 300 members of many churches in the Kensington Area. It was a very exciting and informative day giving an insight into what fresh expressions is about and showing us that we have already started it at All Saints!

 So what are fresh expressions of church?

They are communities which are already (or have the potential to grow into) a church in their own right, within the current parish system,  – and they are springing up in many places and taking may forms, according to the communities they are serving.

Here are just a few examples:

A weekday drop - in centre for young families at a church in East Twickenham began with a ministry of “welcoming and chatting” (a mainly female group!) and now includes a short informal service which is regularly attended by 40 carers and their children.

A church in Hounslow has become involved in an existing local homeless project and is now holding informal worship services alongside the project activities.

Following the success of the Soul in the City Holiday Club project a church in North Kensington is setting up a ministry to the children and young people on their surrounding housing estates aimed at building a worshipping community both on and off the estates.

What is it that we are already doing at All Saints?

Our Alternative Worship Group which meets on a Wednesday evening each month is providing an experience of worship for several families who are unable to come to church on a Sunday. This is a relatively small group at present but it represents a fresh expression of the existing church reaching out to people who find traditional church services and times difficult.

 Why is there a need for fresh expressions of church?

We are living with changes in church and society. Church has moved from a central role in our society to the edges. At the same time the “centre” of our society is moving around. As churches we need to rebuild communities where they are needed or where they are already forming.

It is no longer enough for the church simply to put on traditional services and expect people to come to them.  The churches need to serve the community where it is.

 To find out more:

The Rev Dr Michael Moynagh (who gave the keynote address at the conference) is the author of “Changing World, Changing Church” and “emergingchurch.intro”

For those with internet access – the website address is www.freshexpressions.org.uk

Sylvia Teed