Fresh Expressions in the Sacramental Tradition: Ancient Faith, Future Mission

by Steven Croft (Editor), Ian Mobsby (Editor), Tessa Holland (Contributor)

Mission Shaped Church," the groundbreaking report published in 2004 has sold over 20,000 copies and has changed the way mission is done. Fresh Expressions, which sprang into being in its wake, is now an established and growing presence in the church. 350 people are in training for Pioneer Ministry. Fresh Expressions conjures up children's clubs, cafe church and innovative youth work, yet this is not the whole story. Churches from the traditional wings of the church are being equally creative and imaginative, exploring alternative ways of worshipping and being Christian communities. Their focus may be more contemplative than action-packed, but the place of encounter with God needs space and silence. Practitioners from such churches tell their stories and reflect theologically on the initiatives they are exploring. Some of the very best names in the field have contributed to this book which will make a unique and important contribution to the understanding and practice of mission today. This title includes many well-known contributors: Rowan Williams, Brian McLaren, Steven Croft, Stephen Cottrell, Richard Giles, Phyllis Tickle and priest missioners from traditional Anglican parishes and emergent churches in the US.

Genres: Spirituality, Christian

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 2009

Reviews

[Ryan]

This was a great book, and a good introduction to me, who has little experience with the "Fresh Expressions." Being Anglican myself (ESCUSA), I have as much, if not more, in common with Fresh Expressions than with the Emerging Church, although, there be no need to draw such a sharp distinction. But as an Anglican, there is something truly wonderful about these postmodern expressions of a traditional faith growing out of the Anglican spiritual and sacramental tradition. It makes me proud ;. The book covers a multitude of subject by various author/practitioners in the field of Fresh Expressions. Some of the highlights for me: Rowan Williams introductory chapter, Carl Turner's discussion on exploring essentials and non-essentials in worship, Michael Volland discussing the community Feig, Simon Rundell's chapter on Blesséd, and Karen Ward on COTA. Low-lights: unfortunately my distaste for authors like McLaren and Tickle was by no means challenged. McLaren displayed a classically liberal understanding of what is going on in the Church (as well as a strange affinity for categorizing people and explaining why the Brits are naturally emergent) and Tickle pushed her own reductionist project of denying any real dynamic to history other than according to her 500 year template. It also irritates me when authors describe trans-cultural phenomena in their own unique terms like "The Great Emergence." It seems silly. That aside, I would recommend this book.

[Michael Mayor]

A nice collection of essays that give insight into dynamics currently afoot in Anglicanism. My one critique, and it is significant, is that like most other works there is less insight and the breaking of new ground than is needed in the current environment. At times there is the sense of the comfortable complacency that allows for small changes to be seen as much more significant than they are.

[Kaylea]

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