Archdeacon Nikki has established a group of those leading Fresh Expressions of Church
across the Diocese, who meet termly to encourage each other and share good practice.
At each meeting, one person will give a case history of their Fresh Expression, explaining
how it started, the challenges they have encountered and overcome and what they are
learning. This is followed by an opportunity for the rest of the group to ask questions and
engage in discussion. In the second half of the meeting, people bring a growth issue that
they’re struggling with and these are discussed in small groups using an ‘action learning’
model to help identify possible solutions.
Archdeacon Nikki says: “It’s great to bring together people from across the Diocese who
are exploring different ideas for engaging with those unreached by traditional forms of
church. Both lay and ordained leaders are involved and we are all learning from each
other to help our Fresh Expressions to thrive and grow.”
Once a year, Nikki is organising a Saturday morning gathering for the whole teams
involved in Fresh Expressions. An outside speaker will be invited in to look at the wider
issues and to motivate and help us grow. On 18 November there will be a session on
discipleship and how to ensure this is kept as the main focus of Fresh Expressions. Lucy
Moore, the national leader of Messy Church, will be our speaker.
“Another session is being planned focussing particularly on Fresh Expressions in rural
contexts and on estates, recognising that the needs and issues are often different here
than in city centres,” says Nikki. Dates for this are yet to be confirmed.
Please pray for all those running Fresh Expressions of Church across our diocese and
for those who are part of these new congregations.
Worcester East Deanery – Rural Dean: Charles Thomas; Lay Chair: Michael Bunclark
Diocese of Ndokwa (Nigeria): Bishop David Obiosa
Diocese of Southwark: Bishop Christopher Chessun with
Bishops Richard Cheetham (Kingston) & Jonathan Clark (Croydon)
Diocese of Björgvin (Norway): Bishop Halvor Nordhaug
