Fresh Expressions Training News
 66kb Training News
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Methodist Training Officers
I am grateful to Anne Topping for opening up this opportunity to send this update on Fresh Expressions training. It is my privilege to serve the Fresh Expressions team as Director of Training. I am one of the Methodists on the team. Previously I was District Mission Enabler for the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District.
Fresh Expressions offers three major training resources. Across Britain many Methodists are at the heart of the teams delivering this training.
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vision days
- 60 vision days have been presented in England and Wales
- Total attendance 4800
- 15 more are being arranged – including Scottish days
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vision days are one day interactive learning events that introduce people to the vision and values of fresh expressions of church. In the morning two core sessions help participants understand why fresh expression are needed, what their core values are and how they form. Worship, prayer and stories (both local and national) are woven into the sessions. Plenty of time is given to creative activity, discussion and questions. In the afternoon a range of seminars allow participants to explore particular aspects or types of fresh expressions such as; discipleship, rural fresh expressions, fresh expressions with children or with older people or café church. A final plenary session provides space for reflection on the day, more worship and prayer and consideration of further learning opportunities offered by Fresh Expressions.
Key outcomes for vision days are;
- People going on to participate in mission shaped ministry or deciding to form an msm course.
In April 2009 a vision day was held in Corfe Mullen in Dorset. Having enjoyed a fruitful day the local organisers have committed to run msm in 2010.
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People being enthused to explore the starting of a fresh expression in their community.
Christians from Kidderminster came to a vision day in Wolverhampton. Enthused and envisioned they went on to form Café Church at Café Nero in the town centre and Messy Church for unchurched families.
- A wider pool of Christians understanding why fresh expressions are important and consequently being supportive of those developing them.
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mission shaped intro
- 500 copies of msi have been downloaded in 14 countries
- Estimated total participants 8000+
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mission shaped intro is a free to download six part introductory course designed for small to medium sized groups. msi focuses on the why question why are fresh expressions of church needed? It then goes on to help people see and imagine how church can be different and yet still church, in order to share the Gospel and make and form new disciples in communities and cultures that existing churches struggle to connect with.
Key outcomes for mission shaped intro are;
- Opening up hearts and minds.
One msi participant said 'I hadn't thought just how much the world has changed and how that has impacted the church'
- People going on to participate in mission shaped ministry.
A number of centres including Liverpool, Chester, Durham and Birmingham are using msi intentionally and strategically to recruit people onto msm.
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mission shaped ministry
- 31 courses completed or started across England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Total participants 1267
- 20 more courses planned including two in Scotland
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mission shaped ministry is a one year learning experience for those seeking to start or sustain fresh expressions of church or to help their existing church become more mission shaped. At the heart of msm is a taught course which is comprised of twenty four units presented over a programme of three Saturdays, a residential weekend and six weeknight evenings. Participants are taken on a learning journey exploring;
- Foundational principles necessary for starting fresh expressions.
- Personal formation for those engaged in mission shaped ministry.
- The things necessary to grow and sustain fresh expressions.
Many individuals come on msm but a particular feature of the course is its suitability for groups. Learning is interactive with presentations, discussions, stories and time for reflection. Prayer and worship are woven throughout the course and centres are encouraged to develop as learning communities with hospitality and table fellowship being very important. Coaching is offered in between sessions for those who want further support in reflecting upon their learning in their context.
Key outcomes for mission shaped ministry are;
- Fresh expressions being started.
The Ark in Crediton, Devon a fresh expression for children and families was started by a group who did msm together.
- 2. Participants going on to take up fresh expressions posts either as lay or ordained pioneers or in supportive roles in Dioceses or Districts.
Methodist Minister David Alford, participated in msm and now is responsible for encouraging the development of fresh expressions in his circuit
For more information about Fresh Expressions training please visit www.freshexpressions.org.uk/training or contact me on 01384 279065 or via andrew.roberts@freshexpressions.org.uk
I would be delighted to share a conversation with any Training Officer and am very grateful for the support of those in the network who are already involved in Fresh Expressions training.
Andrew Roberts
July 2009
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