Fresh-Expressions Wilmslow

In the past, there was one recognizable 'culture' for most of our society. The churches were a central part of that culture. Now there are many different groups and subcultures. There are more television channels with smaller audiences. There are more styles of music with their own following. The Church is no longer central to this changing pattern of culture.Yet God calls us to carry the good news to all of these different cultures and groups.

Today, much of the British population knows less and less about Christianity (although most people still believe in God and claim to be Christians). Signs, symbols and traditions which mean a lot within the Church are very hard for an outsider to understand. We need fresh expressions of church for those who need to begin at the very beginning.

Our society may be becoming less religious but it is becoming more spiritual. People are looking for meaning and answers to life's big questions. Many are spiritual seekers. There is a rising interest in all forms of spiritual experience. Often, people do not connect this spiritual search with 'traditional' churches.





			Why are so many Christians beginning fresh expressions of church? Part of the reason is that the society around us is changing very rapidly. The pattern of the week has changed. Many people now work on Sundays. For others, Sunday is a day for sport or their only day off or essential time with families. People need opportunities for worship and community on other days. The way we relate to others has changed. People used to relate closely to where they lived. We knew our neighbours, travelled less and lived near our parents and extended family. Nowadays, relationships tend to be formed by 'networks' through our work or through our leisure. The people we know may not all live in the same place. The Church needs to learn how to relate to these significant networks as well as to particular areas.