From the Steeple to the Street: Innovating Mission and Ministry Through Fresh Expressions of Church

by Travis Collins

In From the Steeple to the Street, Travis Collins addresses the cultural realities behind the Fresh Expressions movement, as well as the movement’s theological underpinnings. A missionary movement that began in England has come to North America. Long established congregations are finding ways to engage people not likely ever to walk through their doors, and fresh expressions of church are engaging people who are “without hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12, NIV). Missional leaders from a wide range of denominational traditions are learning from each other, and prayerfully cheering for each other, as we learn to take the church Jesus loves closer to where the people Jesus loves actually are. From practical experience, Collins offers insights to local church leaders on how this might unfold in and through your church.

Genres: Spirituality, Evangelism

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2016

About the author

BA, Samford University
M.Div., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Missionary to Nigeria 1991-1996
Pastor in US since 1996
Presently Pastor of First Baptist Church, Huntsville, Alabama
Member of the Fresh Expressions US Team

Reviews

[Heather Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

the most comprehensive book I have read about the Fresh Expressions movement.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good information but a tough read at times.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great balance of the theology behind fresh expressions with practical tips and questions as well as stories of current fresh expressions

[Justin Ruszkiewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Some went off to sea in ships, plying the trade routes of the world. 24 They, too, observed the Lord’s power in action, his impressive works on the deepest seas." (Psalm 107:23-24, NLT)

The above passage inspired Travis Collins to write this book and engage in the fresh expressions church movement that's happening all around the world. Originated in the U.K., this movement has expanded and moved towards people who have been written off by the church, are not affiliated with organized religion, and are all around us within our community.

This book not only explains what this movement is all about, but it also challenges us to consider how God is calling us to be more missional as the Church. I appreciate that Collins is not trying to write off church as we know it in America, but he is challenging us to get back to MISSION, which is central to the existence of God's people in the world.

One of my favorite takeaways from this book is Collins' encouragement for us to view ourselves as pioneers as we set off into God's mission for us in the world around us. And Collins is right: Missional pastors are in great demand in our world, including here in the United States.

This book is for a very specific audience, and if you fall into that crowd, then this can be a really solid resource and encouragement. But that said, there were quite a few skippable chapters that didn't pack a punch and were a little too informational. Which makes sense, given that this book isn't made for just anyone to pick up and read. I'd also argue that the first half of the book is really strong, with the second half getting weaker as it went along, and then there was a strong ending chapter or two.

Overall, I will gladly recommend this book to those who are feeling a call to ministry and especially to those who are in a separate career but have passion to reach people with the Gospel in missional ways.

Rating: 7.5/10, four stars.

[Missyjohnson1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much repetition of points. Could have been a much shorter book that would be just as effective.