Linda Rayner explores why United Reformed Churches sometimes struggle with the term fresh expressions, in an article published in Reform magazine in July 2012.
Churches sometimes struggle with the term fresh expressions – but I'm simply looking to chart things being done with the intention of forming a new type of church community.
I am often asked to go and talk to congregations and elders about mission opportunities and one of the first messages they hear is that mission doesn't necessarily mean bringing people into church; instead it centres on taking mission out to where people are. As a result of that we then start talking about fresh expressions of church which are established mainly for those who are not yet members of any church at all. I am also Training and Development Officer for North West Synod and it's amazing how much the two roles dovetail. On top of that, I am studying at Northern College, so there is quite a lot to fit into a working week!
One of my tasks is to map URC congregations working to establish new ways of being church. This is as much about relationship building as it is about information gathering and I'm delighted that the networks now know about my role and are much more familiar with what it means.
The mapping results so far have included some surprises. I'm not seeing a specific geographical pattern for instance but there are many pockets of activity up and down the country and I have come across a lot of churches involved in fresh expressions ecumenical partnerships.
Some people, when describing something like café services, may say, 'It's not a 'proper' fresh expression because we have been doing it for years.' I know that churches sometimes struggle with using the term fresh expressions but I'm simply looking to chart things being done in a new way, a way that has the intention of forming a new type of church community.
Fresh Expressions' thinking is not in the bloodstream everywhere in the URC but it's not in every Anglican or Methodist Church either. I don't think the URC has any specific challenges compared to the other denominations in this regard. Our congregational nature means there can be all sorts of exciting things going on but the wider URC church community is not always aware of them. The irony is that people outside the church can often grasp the idea of what it means to be a fresh expression far more quickly than those inside the church; they're also quick to ask questions or make it clear they're not interested! I see that in my leisure time too. I'm a fan of modern jive and there are people who – as soon as they know I work for the church – simply disappear and I never get another dance with them. Then there are those who want to know more and more about my work. In other words, meeting people where they are and not trying to force the issue.
Eastern Synod has appointed a new Pioneer Minister, Rev Tim Yau. They have employed Tim to look at developing church in and around Ipswich waterfront and on a local housing estate. He has been observing what is already going on there as part of his listening for mission to become part of the community. I'm really looking forward to seeing what develops there.
A highlight of my work so far has come from URC-focused 'vision days' which are designed to highlight fresh expressions and the concept of going out in mission rather than bringing people in. 62 people attended the day at Bramhall, Cheshire, and the plan is to produce tailor made resources and arrange further Vision Days for our churches because the material is turning out to be very enlightening for those within the URC.
Look out for me at General Assembly where there will be a Fresh Expressions stand in the venue foyer and a Special Interest Meeting when it is hoped that the leader of the Fresh Expressions' national team, Bishop Graham Cray, will be part of a speaking panel. I will be encouraging people to keep on doing what they see is working; they shouldn't feel that they have got to change it. On the other hand, if there are ways to get the Gospel message out to people in a different way, then give it a try because – even if you give it 12 months and then find it's not right in your context – you won't regret it. If you sit there and don't try at all, you will never know.
Linda Rayner is URC Coordinator for Fresh Expressions.