Worcester vision day

Around 150 people from various Christian backgrounds shared in a fast moving, interactive Fresh Expressions vision day at the Bishop Perowne High School in Worcester. They reflected on stories of a new church for children and young families, a church that gathers around bread making, another that meets in Café Nero’s and even one that has been developed for surfers.

Gathered in a cafe style lay out with lots of drinks and nibbles participants imagined different forms of church for different people ranging from toddlers with their teddies to skateboarding teenagers to lively octogenarians.

The President of the Methodist Conference, Revd Stephen Poxon was in a buoyant mood as he addressed a packed gathering at the Fresh Expressions Worcester vision day on Saturday 18th October. Drawing on his experience of the world church which is seeing exponential growth in many places and the signs of new life and vitality through fresh expression of church in Britain, Mr Poxon encouraged those present to ‘go for it’ as they explored fresh ways of engaging with communities to share the good news of the Gospel.

‘I believe this is the most exciting time to be a Christian disciple since the resurrection’.

In a time of challenge as well as opportunity for the church in Britain the Vice president of the Methodist Conference, Mr David Walton spoke of the need for the church to learn from others in society. When many parts of the country are experiencing shortages of clergy he also stressed the importance of the ministry of lay people and how this needs to be encouraged in the development of fresh expressions.

Fresh Expressions Director of Training, Revd Andrew Roberts said:

'We had a great day in Worcester. One  full of energy and ideas. Relationships have been built and learning depended. We pray that from this day more fresh expressions of church will form'.

Amongst others taking part in the vision day were the Archdeacons of Worcester and Dudley and the Chair of the Birmingham Methodist District Rev Bill Anderson. At the close of the day Mr Anderson prayed for those present and for the fresh expression movement that through all the light of Christ might be expressed and experienced.