Reaching out to those beyond our walls.
The Reach is a ministry of Fresh Expressions; a movement that began in the Church of England over 20 years ago and is rooted in communities worldwide and throughout the United States. Fresh Expressions is a movement defined by a focus on forming faith communities for those who have never been involved in church or who have left the church. This doesn’t mean abandoning the established church. That can and must be passed along to future generations. Rather it’s a partnership between pioneering leaders, dynamic pastors, existing churches, denominations and groups of Christians who are committed to creating disciples in a space where new forms of church can flourish. Fresh Expressions seeks to meet people where they are, both physically and spiritually. Fresh Expressions are places, events and gatherings where the people of God communicate the love of God and the grace of salvation in new and compelling ways. It is creative, expressive, supportive and Biblical in its approach.
The hallmarks of this movement can be summed up in four themes:
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Designed to engage individuals who do not currently attend church. They are not intended to be extensions of existing church programs, or to have a goal of adding members to their congregation. Rather, they are new forms of church that emerge in collaboration with people outside traditional church structures. They are a safe and comfortable space, for people that would not normally attend church, to learn and grow in faith.
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Each fresh expression is developed within and shaped by the specific cultural and social context of the community it serves. It seeks to communicate Christianity in ways that are meaningful and relevant to the particular group it engages. These communities may form in diverse settings and in various environments such as public spaces, housing developments, affinity groups, university campuses, coffee shops or other places where people naturally gather. The possibilities are endless!
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Fresh expressions aim is to function as church for those they reach, rather than as ministries of an existing church. While they may be connected to established churches or denominations, their intention is to form autonomous worshiping communities that are recognized as valid expressions of church.
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Fresh expressions are committed to the spiritual formation and discipleship of their members. Although the methods and expressions of discipleship may differ depending on the context, the goal remains to nurture individuals in their growth as Christians.