{"id":13412,"date":"2026-07-09T09:43:36","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T13:43:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/leadership\/?page_id=13412"},"modified":"2026-07-09T10:27:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T14:27:55","slug":"fx-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/leadership\/fx-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Fresh Expressions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Fresh Expressions <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Fresh Expression (FX) is not the church experience you may have grown up with. And that’s the point! It is less about filling the pews, and more about being the presence of Christ in the community. Diving into a FX requires us to think differently and listen deeply.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What is a Fresh Expression?<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
A Deeper Dive<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Connect with an Ambassador<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
FX Stories<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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What is a Fresh Expression?<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

In an article, “Church for the spiritual but not religious,” Luke Edwards\u2014a pastor in the Western North Carolina Conference\u2014neatly 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Fresh expressions are new forms of church designed for spiritually open people who are not already a part of church.<\/strong>
    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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Fresh expressions usually <\/em>meet outside of the church building.<\/strong>
    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\u2019d like to connect.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Fresh expressions often gather around shared interests, passions, or life experiences.<\/strong>
    Community is formed around shared interests like kayaking, 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Fresh expressions are lay-led and clergy-supported.<\/strong>
    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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    A<\/strong> Deeper Dive into FX<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Fresh Expressions are…Creative and Contextual<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    What’s Next?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Understanding what a Fresh Expression is often takes some time and research. Want to learn more about what the Fresh Expressions movement is about? Make a plan to delve into resources that offer rich content and opportunities for reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Research and Learn More<\/strong>
      Free-to-access videos and case studies are a great place to start. This resource page was developed by Michael Beck, the UMC’s Fresh Expressions Director. Amplify Fresh Expressions Videos<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Read Something<\/strong>
      Part of letting the Holy Spirit guide you is to equip yourself with the wisdom and experiences of others. There are numerous resources you can borrow from the NCC Media Center. Check out the Media Center’s       pathfinder<\/a> to search for books about Fresh Expressions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Form a Team<\/strong>
      Fresh Expressions are best led by a team of laity and clergy, and they are most often laity-led. Need guidance on how to form a team to help you dream and plan? Consult Michael Beck’s guidebook,       How to Start a Team for Fresh Expressions: A Guidebook<\/a>.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Connect with an Ambassador<\/strong>
      Talk with one of our       FX Ambassadors<\/a> to learn next steps and be ready to take a faithful leap that could impact your discipleship and connecting you with new people your community.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      Connect with an Ambassador!<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      Complete a short form to get connected with an FX Ambassador. These clergy and laity participated in a 2025-2026 Fresh Expressions cohort and are experienced in listening to their communities, doing data-based and organic research, and have developed Fresh Expressions in their context. They are not afraid to ideate and try new ways to reach people for Christ. And, they are excited to help you in your own journey to learn about FX. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Once you add your contact and church information, we will connect you with an Ambassador and you can start the conversation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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      Connect with an Ambassador<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      North Carolina Conference
      Fresh Expressions Stories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      These stories come from real experiences in real communities, right here in the NCCUMC. If you have an FX story to share, reach out to cle@nccumc.org<\/a> to let us know!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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