A Field Guide to Methodist Fresh Expressions

by Michael Adam Beck, Jorge Acevedo (Contributor)

According to Fresh Expressions U.S., "a Fresh Expression is a form of church for our changing culture,established primarily for the benefit of those who are not yet part ofany church." Fresh Expressions are introducing people to Jesus, expanding thekingdom, and revitalizing churches. Congregations need a practical andtheological resource that can help them cultivate Fresh Expressions. As consultants who work nationwide and as innovative pastors, authors Michael Beck and Jorge Acevedo awaken congregational leaders and ministry teams to a distinctive Wesleyan approach for the Fresh Expressions movement. In Wesleyan Fresh Expressions, they show congregations how to cultivate and customize fresh expressions that fit their local context. They motivate ministry teams to take risks, experiment, and when necessary, fail well. On April 2, 1739, John Wesley went to a field just outside what was then the city limits of Bristol, England. There he tried a missional innovation called field preaching. Thousands of people showed up, many of whom who had no connection with a church. Today, most Methodists and other Wesleyans don’t know their own story. Lost in the milieu of divisive issues that threaten to tear the church apart, Wesleyans have forgotten their DNA as a renewal movement, born not from doctrinal disputes but from a missional imperative. In this sense, the Fresh Expressions movement is the most “Methodist” thing in the denomination today. This iteration of the Spirit is taking it to the fields again. Wesleyan Fresh Expressions will help guide the way.

Genres: Church, Christianity

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2020

Reviews

[CG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking church where it's needed

This book is a good guide for those who have hearts for the least, the last, the lost. Each download ( that's what chapters are called) gives example of how Jesus, John Wesley and the authors went beyond the walls and the normal customs/expectations to reach those who live on the margins of society. There are thought provoking questions to be explored, hopefully in a group setting. If you are looking for more from yourself and your church, this book is for you.

[John Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic introduction to both 'fresh expressions' as well as Methodism. It seems to me that 'fresh expressions' shouldn't need a title or a name. They are merely what Methodists and Methodist churches should have been doing all along, to bring the love of God to people where they are in the ways people need it most. We shouldn't be insulated within the walls of the building or the traditions that we've built. We should always be looking for relevant ways to express and show God's love.

Great book.

[Sam Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I’ve read most of the books out there about Fresh Expressions. This one articulated PERFECTLY not only what they are, but how we can do them. Wonderful...a must read for anyone who is a follower of Jesus.

[Tim Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, practical ministry resource.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, insightful and timely, A Field Guide to Methodist Fresh Expressions provides the reader with an immersion into the blended ecology of strengthening the local church while reaching out and meeting people where they are. This is not a church growth strategy in three easy steps book, but a make Jesus real in your community in practical ways field guide. Steeped in Methodist history and tradition, yet propelling the local church forward as vital communities of networking and connection, Beck and Acevedo provide a groundwork for beginning and sustaining thriving fresh expressions in any size church. Highly recommended to read with your leadership team to "download" together.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful book giving me better understanding of the concept of fresh expressions. It roots the concept of fresh expressions in the earliest beginnings of the Methodist movement in John Wesley, especially his field preaching.

[Deborah Porras · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is your thing, excellent guide for it! Not my thing, but many ascribe to the approach. Jorge is great!

[Cheryl Eckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so informative about the Fresh Expression movement. And as a United Methodist, I learned things I didn't know about the origin of Methodism and John Wesley's faith. I would definitely recommend this book