FXUM National Gathering 2025: 'Love Alike: We Can Do Hard Things!'

Fresh Expressions UM represents a Spirit-led, distinctly Wesleyan movement that focuses on cultivating new Christian communities that resonate with today’s world. As United Methodists, we are called to embody the gospel with new people, in new places, and in new ways. The Fresh Expressions movement has been gaining momentum across the US for over a decade, and this national gathering marks a pivotal moment in bringing together the best practices, ideas, and inspirations from practitioners, scholars, and church leaders.

As we reflect on the powerful impact of the first-ever Fresh Expressions UM National Gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina, in February 2024, we're excited to announce that the journey continues! The 2025 Gathering in Atlanta, February 27-March 1, promises to be an even greater opportunity to connect, learn, and grow as we explore how to cultivate fresh, Spirit-led, trauma-informed, compassion-centered communities that serve the present age.

Register Today!

Why You Can’t Miss the 2025 Gathering

Last year, more than 450 people gathered in person, with an additional 350 joining via online hubs, to engage in transformative conversations and learn best practices for cultivating Fresh Expressions of church. The 2025 Gatheringwill build on that momentum with an inspiring new theme: "Love Alike: We Can Do Hard Things." It’s a message of hope, unity, and bold action—a call to lean into the hard, but necessary work of purging injustice and inequality, seeking reconciliation, and bringing the love of Christ to people who have been overlooked by traditional church structures.

This year’s theme draws from John Wesley's powerful words in his sermon, "A Catholic Spirit":

"Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike?"

In a time of division, this gathering will challenge us to transcend differences and focus on what binds us together: love. We may not always agree on everything, but as the people of God, we are called to love alike and do hard things—together.

What to Expect at the 2025 Gathering

The 2025 Fresh Expressions UM National Gathering will be more than a conference. It will be a vibrant, interactive experience designed to inspire, equip, and catalyze teams of United Methodists to bring new life to the church. Here's what you can look forward to:

Engaging Curated Conversations

We are thrilled to announce an exceptional lineup of speakers, including Dr. Candace Lewis, Bishop David Wilson, Woo Kang, Isaiah Park, Steve Harper, Kris Sledge, and many more. These leaders will challenge and inspire you, offering valuable insights into the theology and practice of Fresh Expressions. The keynote addresses are like the first musical notes in a jazz ensemble because they will spark conversations among panels of practitioners who are actively shaping the future of the church and leading the way in innovative ministry.

Connectives: Real Conversations for Real Change

Connectives—small group conversations led by practitioners in the Fresh Expressions movement--are replacing traditional workshops. These sessions will focus on specific streams of Fresh Expressions, offering practical, hands-on wisdom and resources to help your team grow in the mission to reach new people in new ways.

Immersion Experiences Across Atlanta

The 2025 Gathering will feature immersion experiences that take participants directly into the heart of Fresh Expressions. These site visits around Atlanta will allow you to see innovative ministries in action and learn how they’re transforming communities. This direct exposure will help you envision how Fresh Expressions can take root in your context.

Love Labs: A Practical Journey of Discipleship

Teams will have an opportunity to walk through the Loving First Journey in a series of six interactive Love Labs that will guide them through the steps of building relationships and discipleship in the Fresh Expressions framework:

1. Listen
2. Love
3. Build Relationships
4. Explore Discipleship
5. Church
6. Repeat

These sessions will equip teams with practical tools for cultivating discipleship and nurturing new communities of faith.

Worship and the Arts

Contextual and inclusive worship is at the heart of Fresh Expressions UM, and the 2025 Gathering will feature powerful worship experiences led by Rai Jackson and the Well Squad. This team of active Fresh Expressions practitioners will lead us in music and art that reflect the vibrant, creative energy of the Spirit moving in and through us.

Bishops’ Panel and Leadership Sessions

Bishop Ken Carter will lead a special session for judicatory leaders to discuss how bishops, superintendents, and church executives can vision, support, and resource Fresh Expressions. This important conversation will empower leaders to provide the guidance and backing necessary for Fresh Expressions to flourish. A panel of bishops will lead a conversation on the closing day.

The Power of Team-Based Learning

One of the most exciting aspects of the 2025 Gathering is its team-based format. We encourage teams from churches, districts, and conferences to attend together. This is an opportunity to learn and grow in community, share ideas, and develop a shared vision for the future of ministry in your context. To make this more accessible, we are offering discounted rates for team registrations—so gather your team and take part in this transformative experience.

A Vision for the Future

We believe that the 2025 Gathering will be a pivotal moment for the future of the United Methodist Church. Fresh Expressions UM envisions a vibrant, Spirit-led future for the church—one where love, grace, and creativity intersect. Together, we will learn how to love alike, embrace our differences, and do the hard things to bring the gospel to a world in desperate need of hope and transformation.

Register Today!

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity! Registration is open, and we encourage you to sign up early to secure your place. Whether you're attending in person or participating virtually, this event is designed to equip you and your team to create new Christian communities that embody love, grace, and hope.

Join us in Atlanta, February 27–March 1, 2025, and let’s come together to Love Alike and Do Hard Things.

Register Today and Be Part of the Movement!

Register Today!