“Nones,” those who claim no religious affiliation, and “dones,” those who have disengaged from religious communities, now represent the fastest growing religious category in the United States. At the same time, this trend is matched by those who consider themselves “spiritual, but not religious.”

Fresh Expressions began as a movement within Anglicanism to reimagine church life beyond inherited models, rooted in listening, service and contextual discipleship.

Traditional Anglican (parish) churches are typically planted by clergy who have discerned a calling to establish an expression of church that is open to everyone in a given area who might be looking for or resonate with a particular style of worship and approach to Christian community. Like all churches, these parishes are called to reach the lost, lead people to maturity in Christ and invite people to participate in God’s mission in the world. However, because of the diverse scope of their ministry and commitment to try to exist as permanent, public-facing church communities, issues of financial sustainability are necessarily front and center.

Presently, C4SO’s examples of fresh expressions are all clergy-led. While we value these and welcome new initiatives as the Spirit leads, we are especially excited to begin identifying lay leaders that can be equipped and commissioned to this work.

The Canton Abbey & Common Life Church
The Micah Project
Hope on the Inside
Trinity Lakeside
Life Anglican Church
The Sabbath Life
Resurrection Little Rock
C4SO’s chapter of The Order of the Common Life