The ongoing task
The definition of a fresh expression is ‘a new form of church for those who are not yet members of any church’, and the Fresh Expressions movement has given rise to a vast number of projects. By nature, they are evangelistic, and one crucial task shared by all fresh expressions practitioners is that of encouraging people into discipleship. Indeed, this should flow naturally from our evangelism. According to William Abrahams’ The Logic of Evangelism, 1996, all evangelists should aspire to this. Thus, I thought it would be helpful to cite seven observations on how fresh expressions are proving useful to local churches as they focus on both.
- The first rule of discipleship is to put your faith in Jesus and follow.
This is a working definition of mine that developed in light of the Methodist Church’s focus on discipleship some years ago. During this period I sensed that whilst many people were familiar with the word ‘disciple’, we lacked a clear definition. One the one hand, it is too easy to believe that we have faith in Jesus without giving any serious consideration as to whether really following his radical example. Vice-versa; whilst we might think that we are a Christian because we have Christian values and are involved in some kind of service, there is a world of difference between having Christian values, and accepting Jesus as Lord of our lives. Discipleship is a blend of both having faith in Jesus, and following. I find this definition helpful because everything else we do in terms of ‘being’ church flows from it. - The second rule of discipleship is to be human and to be open to change.
Crucially, disciples reflect on what they have experienced, are open to God changing them, and are willing to take practical steps to change how they will do things differently the next time a similar situation arises. Thus, if we are not reflecting on how we feel, the judgments we are making, others’ needs, and how we are doing what we are doing, we are not behaving responsibly as disciples. Truth be told, we are probably not even behaving as responsible human beings. One of the most important qualities for church leaders is the ability to reflect on both their own state of heart and mind (the ‘being’ bit) and their practice. - To be a disciple is to deal with disappointment.
Richard Gibbs (former Pioneer minister, presently serving as a parish priest in the Ely diocese), argues that pioneer ministry inevitably involves a measure of disappointment balanced with encouragement as one thing works, and another is less successful. Richard suggests that our initial response, particularly if we are tired, is rarely the most helpful – often giving rise to panic and rash action. He says, ‘Don’t forget. Tomorrow is another day, and the sun will rise again,’ and ‘The best thing about disappointment is that the negative feelings will pass’. However, one important factor in dealing with disappointment is for pioneers to have good oversight; ‘Get some proper oversight’ says Richard, ‘oversight that connects you with reliable authority, not just permission, which can be unreliable.’ Ideally, pioneers should have a high degree of responsibility and authority, rather than a high responsibility but no authority to make meaningful decisions that can pave the way for change and success. - People learn to be disciples through our own behaviour.
Both Ed Olsworth-Peter (Adviser for Fresh Expressions of Church and Young Adults, Ely Diocese), and Charlie Nobbs (Pioneer and New Initiatives Trainer, Peterborough Diocese) questioned, separately, the Emerging Church mantra of ‘belong, behave, believe’ by stressing how our behaviour and church culture heavily influences how newcomers understand commitment and the nature of discipleship. Charlie states, ‘Being a valued member of a group trying to live out together ways to follow Jesus on a daily basis makes a huge difference. How could you gather a small group like this?’ Ed notes a shift in contemporary culture, particularly evident on social media, whereby people are moving away from valuing material possessions and are now looking for authentic and immersive experiences that make some connection with the past. - Discipleship comes naturally to Messy Churches.
Charlotte Nobbs (local Messy Church leader, Peterborough Diocese), gave the best counter-argument to the somewhat clichéd question of how messy churches can encourage discipleship; it is happening within core teams who organise, within young people who can be appointed as group leaders, and within newcomers (particularly whole families) who contribute in practical ways. Messy churches are places where people (and not just young families) gather and learn about the Christian faith in different and often tactile ways. They provide non-threatening opportunities for newcomers to become more involved and therefore exposed to Christ-centred values of hospitality, creativity, and embracing of all-ages. Charlotte was substantially correct in questioning why some leaders within the inherited church felt it appropriate to question how discipleship was developing in Messy Church, without necessarily considering how that same question might apply to their own church congregations. - To be a disciple is to give your whole life to a community.
Chad Chadwick (Youth Missioner, Peterborough Diocese) shared something of his ‘table church’ fresh expressions project, which comprises all of the essential elements of ‘church’ whilst enabling a sense of fluidity as people incorporate teaching and fellowship into their lives by gathering around different ‘tables’. These include fellowship, confession, and communion. Whilst this is inventive in itself, the most moving thing about Chad’s work was how he was devoted to developing a sense of family where the lines between friendship and ministry were blurred. Here, ‘church’ has ceased to be a ‘service’ offered for an hour on a Sunday and has become something that is lived by a community every day of the week, with particular emphasis on shared meals. Chad’s work reminded me of one youth leader, Elaine, who once said to me, ‘It is not good enough to be there for people for one night of the week. You have to be prepared to give your lives to them.’ - Discipleship is about denial, sacrifice, and following Jesus.
Helen Crofts (Peterborough Methodist Circuit Mission Enabler, and a member of the Methodist Church Pioneer Pathway) drew from three passages that speak on the cost of discipleship; Matthew 16:24-26, Mark 8:34-36, and Luke 9:34-36. Discipleship is about us surrendering to God and being prepared to deny ourselves, not least our own personal agendas and our desire to live a comfortable life. Discipleship is also about taking up our cross. Helen shared how in her view, this is what separates disciples of Jesus from admirers of Jesus and that taking up the cross involves suffering to a greater or lesser extent. Linking back to our first point, Helen also stressed that discipleship is also about following Jesus and allowing his teaching to penetrate the very core of our identity; living for others, forgiving as we have been forgiven, going the extra mile, and learning humility.