As people prepared bonfires and parties on November 5th, over 70 Christians met together at Guildford's vision day, to explore how they may reach the lost and introduce them to Jesus.
With a warm welcome and interviews conducted from comfortable sofas at the front, Fresh Expressions hosted its first twin-track vision day, led by Andrew Roberts (Director of Training with Fresh Expressions) and Rachel Jordan (Associate Mission & Evangelism Adviser for the Church of England). Using the very latest material, the day ran parallel sessions for both explorers and practitioners. The first track for the practitioners - those already involved in fresh expressions and wanting to move to the next stage, and second track for those who are at the beginning of exploring the concept. As the day flowed, participants explored God's calling along with Bishop Ian Brackley and District Chair John Hellyer who both took part in the day. All were encouraged by the local stories shared, including Rezurgence - a church for BMX bikers, and a superb example of Café Church in St Paul's Dorking.
Local Organiser Stephen Cox (Mission Advisor for Guildford Diocese) said,
Our feeling is that it was an excellent day. The content was judged to perfection, and the atmosphere just right. Clearly people went away envisioned and encouraged...
Reflecting on the day, Andrew Roberts said,
We were delighted with how the new vision day worked. The outcomes were very strong both for those still keen to capture the fresh expression vision and those who are developing new forms of church and are hungry for support, sustenance and fresh vision.
Meanwhile, for Rachel Jordan,
It was particularly good to think and discuss the growing merging of evangelism and discipleship with those who have been pioneering new fresh expressions. The leaders of fresh expressions had so many wonderful stories about the way they had stepped out and started new things and seen God at work in their wider community.
Have you hosted a vision day yet ?! If not, we would love to hear from you! Vision days are a great way for all Christians in a city, town or group of villages to discover more about fresh expressions of church. So far over 6000 Christians with a real desire to develop their dreams. have taken part in over 80 places in the UK.
If you would be interested in hosting a vision day (either the standard model or the new twin-track model) in your area or simply finding out more - please do get in touch with Rachel Matthews on vision@freshexpressions.org.uk or 01384 294454.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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