Fresh Expressions Pathway
Equipping NC Congregations for New Ways of Doing Church
Ready to reach people in new places and new ways? This 8-month cohort equips laity-clergy teams to start a Fresh Expression of church in their community. The journey begins with a kick-off event on August 5, 2025.
What is a Fresh Expression?
In a recent article, “Church for the spiritual but not religious,” Luke Edwards—a pastor and staff member in the Western North Carolina Conference—neatly summarized what a Fresh Expression is. These four points are guides that help us understand how to reach new people in ways that build connection and trust.
- Fresh expressions are new forms of church designed for spiritually open people who are not already a part of church.
Fresh expressions meet people where they are on their spiritual journey. They typically gather in small groups where people can ask questions, share their thoughts and experiences, and grow alongside others in intimate community. - Fresh expressions usually meet outside of the church building.
Gatherings typically occur in public spaces, homes, cafes, or the outdoors. We follow the example of Jesus and go to the people with whom we’d like to connect. - Fresh expressions often gather around shared interests, passions, or life experiences.
Community is formed around shared interests like kayaking, or shared passions like ecological justice, or shared life experiences like single parenthood. Out of these connections we look for opportunities to form social and spiritual community. - Fresh expressions are lay-led and clergy-supported.
Typically, a team of 2-3 people from a church come together to listen to the community and form a gathering. Clergy offer support to the fresh expression leaders, whether that is coaching, prayer or administering the sacraments.
Fresh expressions aren’t big and flashy; they don’t fill stadiums. They’re simple, small, and led by ordinary people.
– Luke Edwards, “Church for the spiritual but not religious,” ResourceUMC.org
About the Cohort Experience
What We Offer
The cohort experience is designed to give you and your team all the support you need to launch a Fresh Expression in your context. Over eight months, you’ll be equipped through the following:
- Garden Day, August 5, 9am-3pm, Garner
Our kick-off event offers a hands-on opportunity to create a plan you can put into action. Bring your team, brainstorm a Fresh Expression for your community, and develop concrete next steps to bring your vision to life. - Monthly Group Coaching
Each month, we will have a group coaching call with a member of Michael Beck’s team. Most months, these will be one-hour Zoom calls. One of these sessions will be a longer, in person opportunity to connect and support one another (November 11, 10am-1pm). - Networking and Peer Support
Starting something new is hard, but you won’t have to do it alone. In addition to monthly coaching calls, we’ll create opportunities for cohort members to connect, share successes and ideas, and offer mutual support as you initiate this work together. - Rainforest Day, May 19, 2026, 9am-3pm, Garner
Our final gathering will be a time to showcase the ministries you have created and prepare for next chapter in your ministry. Each group will present their Fresh Expression, celebrate successes, share lessons learned, and share their hopes and plans for what comes next.
What You Commit
This is a shared journey. While we’ll walk with you every step of the way, the work of listening, experimenting, and leading happens in your community. Here’s what you and your team commit to along the way:
- Form a Team
Start by forming a small team that includes both a pastor and at least one layperson from your congregation. Download this free guidebook from Michael Beck team for guidance on how to form your team: How to Start a Team for Fresh Expressions: A Guidebook. - Start a Fresh Expression with Your Team
This cohort is about starting something new. Bring your ideas to the Garden Day kickoff event and get ready to move from idea to action. When you apply to this cohort, you’re committing not just to dreaming, but to doing the work of launching a Fresh Expression in your community — with guidance and support every step of the way. - Attend the Sessions
The Fresh Expressions Pathway is a process that unfolds over time. Your consistent participation in the Garden Day (August 5, 2025), monthly coaching, and the closing celebration (May 19, 2026) is key. If you have to miss a session, lean into your team. At least one team member should be present at each gathering. View Dates - Stay Committed to the Process
Even if it means re-imagining or pivoting, stay committed to the process of starting a Fresh Expression. Flexibility and perseverance will help you refine your ministry as you learn along the way.
Mark Your Calendars!
In-Person Gatherings
- August 5, 2025 (9am-3pm, Garner), Garden Day with Michael Beck
- November 11, 2025 (10am-1pm**, Garner), Group Coaching with Luke Edwards **All Fresh Expressions cohort members are invited to stay for an optional gathering with Lighthouse Congregations that same day, 1pm-3pm.
- May 19, 2026 (9am-3pm, Garner), Rainforest Day with Michael Beck
Zoom Gatherings (7-8pm, first Tuesday each month)
- September 2, 2025, coaching with Michael
- October 7, coaching with Michael
- November 4, coaching with Michael
- Skipping December because of Advent
- January 6, coaching with Michael
- February 3, coaching with Michael
- March 3, coaching with Michael
- April 7, coaching with Michael
- Skipping May because of the Rainforest Day with Michael
- June 2, final coaching with Michael
Ready to Join? Apply Now.
This cohort is in progress. If you are interested in joining a team from your church, please contact cle@nccumc.org.