Fresh expressions pioneers admit their mistakes

29 January 2008

In the latest edition of the Encounters on the Edge series of booklets, George Lings, director of Church Army's Research Unit, focuses on 'lessons from hindsight'. He tells the stories of two fresh expressions pioneers, who are refreshingly honest about the mistakes they have made and what they would do differently now.

Si Jones was leader of Ignite, a youth congregation in Northwood, London. He says, 'Ignite has been the best and the toughest thing I have ever done! There has been a huge cost involved for all people … not least to my family, where our children were part of a church with only two other children. This cost must not be underestimated as people offer themselves for this form of ministry in the future.'

Looking at the work of Derek Spencer - leader of the Eden youth church in Horsham, Sussex – George Lings says: 'How good in this case he could stop, find support, take advice, and attend to the cracks. He has now come back, ready to move on with a fresh role and deeper wisdom. Many of us know seasons of apparent failures that have been painful but apt tutors.'

Si Jones and Derek Spencer are mission-minded pioneer leaders. In both cases, the emotional and physical energy to plant a fresh expression of church has been huge. How do we look after our pioneers? How do we enable them to plant more than once?

Both stories highlight the high cost of over-investment in the Sunday public event. Stories that start their public life with worship are particularly prone to this.

George Lings says, 'We are grateful to two leaders who were candid about their own stories. It so happens both are examples of youth congregation, but what they saw contains valuable insights for all fresh expressions. In telling these stories I have tried to embed what I see as the many virtues and values as well as the valuable lessons of hindsight. We are still learning.'

Encounters on the Edge 36, Leading Fresh Expressions: lessons from hindsight, is now available and is priced £4.00. To order copies, contact the Sheffield Centre on 0114 272 7451, or email ask@sheffieldcentre.org.uk