I am reading Andrew Dunlop’s Out of Nothing – sub-titled A Cross-Shaped Approach to Fresh Expressions. Clearly, Fresh Expressions id not the only form of church that exists, but I am interested in (and supportive of) what he identifies as the marks that make it church.
The first thing to say
is that it is a form of church. It is not the only form that church can take,
but it is genuine church.
The second thing is
that fresh expressions emerge out of contemporary culture. These days church fails
to ‘hit the spot’ for many. We need a church that relates to our culture.
The third point is that
fresh expressions need to be established primarily with those who don’t already
go to church. This is not a re-branding exercise to help those who are not
satisfied with the existing model. This is trying to reach those who are
currently not part of the Christian community.
As Dunlop says: “My
understanding of the Gospels is that Jesus came to invite everybody to respond
to living a life following him. If the message is to reach everyone, the church
needs to find a way of reaching those …
who may have no background in church or Christian faith.”
That is a big ask, but
that is the call.
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