The Churches of God, General Conference is happy to announce a new partnership with Fresh Expressions (FX)!
Fresh Expressions is a cross-denominational organization that works internationally to support and grow new missional methods of church. FX does this by working with local congregations to reimagine how church can be more missional and more contextual, and they’ve been doing it since 2004. In fact, a small number of CGGC churches have already been involved with Fresh Expressions. Because of the positive feedback, and their proven track record, we believe this partnership is our next step in providing powerful resources to help our local congregations reach more people for Jesus.
What is a fresh expression?
FX says that “fresh expressions are about getting creative in your church’s reach.” This creativity allows for many different expressions of church, but the requirement is that each new expression be missional, contextual, formational, and ecclesial. With each of these criteria, we can be confident that a fresh expression isn’t simply some trendy way for Christians to avoid coming to church, but instead it’s an authentic way to reach people for Christ.
FX reports that around 60% of people in the U.S. are not attending church in any meaningful way, and it doesn’t seem to matter what the worship style is or how the “content” is delivered. This is corroborated in recent studies by organizations like Pew Research. The people aren’t coming. So, if we want to invest in their lives and show them Jesus, we have to go, just like Jesus commanded. This means that Fresh Expressions shouldn’t be new or scary. Instead, the idea of creating highly contextual opportunities to help people meet Jesus outside of the church walls is a thoroughly first century idea, and one which we hope many of our churches will jump on.
You may be asking, what does the CGGC tangibly gain from this partnership? If so, I’m glad you asked. Here are some benefits of the partnership.
For Regions
Regional conferences can expect a 50% discount after expenses on all FX related training sponsored by a region. These include Vision Days, Pioneer Cohorts, Activate Cohorts, Dinner Church Training, Expresiones Divinas, and anything offered in our new Center for Remissioning (training around Contextual Intelligence, Incarnational Innovation, Congregational Disciple-Making, Breakthrough Prayer, and Digital Mission/Ministry).
You can learn more about what Vision Days are or any of these different opportunities here.
For Churches
Our local congregations will receive a 25% discount on FX Training/Coaching, either offered through our National Platform (National or Regional Conferences or Online Summits), or if a Church requests for such training/coaching locally.
For All
Anyone in the denomination is eligible to receive a 25% discount on Bulk Orders of FX Books when orders are made directly through our office. Also, anyone is eligible for a 25% discount on subscription to FX Online Learning & Resource Tool – FXConnect
Of course, the resources don’t stop there. Fresh Expressions has a wealth of information, blogs, how-to’s, stories, videos, other resources freely available on their website or on their YouTube channel.
This partnership represents the CGGC’s deep desire to help our churches grow and adapt to the current cultural climate in ways that are also deeply Biblical. As FX says on their own announcement, “this partnership represents a commitment to adapting and evolving church life to better reach people and share the gospel in today’s world.” We all recognize that the church has much work left to do, and many people who still need to hear about the risen Christ. So, join the CGGC and Fresh Expressions as we work together to maximize our collective potential for Kingdom impact.
Christ’s Peace,
Lance
CGGC eNews—Vol. 17, No. 8
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