New documentary promoting churches' green shoots of growth features Church Army Evangelists
Church Army Evangelists Ben Edson (see also
Sanctus1 serves up Christianity for clubbers at Manchester's newest venue) and Mandy Wright (see also
Rural church is now open to fresh expressions, claims Lings) feature as part of an inspiring resource for those interested in exploring innovative ways of 'being and doing church' this is launched today (1 March 2006).
expressions: the dvd offers a detailed insight into the Fresh Expressions initiative - a project led by the Church of England and the Methodist Church to develop and nurture contemporary forms of church alongside traditional ones.
The development of hundreds of new forms of church under the banner 'Fresh Expresssions' is one of the most encouraging signs of growth and is supported by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York through the Fresh Expressions Team.
Mandy and Ben feature amongst fourteen examples of new initiatives aiming to connect with those who are currently untouched by the Christian Church which are showcased in a collection of five-minute films, offering exciting glimpses of creative formats being developed across the country. The films also capture intimate profiles of the diverse range of people being touched by their local 'Fresh Expression'.
Former Blue Peter and Songs of Praise presenter, Diane Louise Jordan, who presents the documentary concludes: "This film offers plenty to be encouraged by, and reveals a real sense that Fresh Expressions are on the brink of something incredibly exciting. As we continue to find new ways of being church for a changing culture, I challenge you to join in!".
Neil Biles Director of Evangelism and Fresh Expressions for Church Army adds: "Church Army welcomes this DVD as an effective way to highlight the type of pioneering lay ministries we support in our focus on developing Fresh Expressions of ministry. I am particularly encouraged to see the work of Church Army Evangelists Mandy Wright in Devon and Ben Edson in Manchester featuring so prominently as just two examples of the wide range of valuable work we are doing as part of the Fresh Expressions agenda for the church".
expressions: the dvd is published by Church House Publishing, priced £12.99, and is available from all Christian bookshops and Church House Bookshop, 31 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BN, tel. 020 7898 1300, e mail bookshop@c-of-e.org.uk, or on the web at: www.chbookshop.co.uk (mail order available).
