Fresh Expressions United Methodist National Gathering

Futuring Forward: The Reawakening of the People Called Methodists

Fresh Expressions UM is a distinctly Wesleyan Spirit-led movement of new Christian communities that serve the present age.

We have a singular focus… to cultivate communities of love and grace for people neglected by the church. We are seeking to be the church with new people, in new places, and in new ways.

United Methodists have been at the forefront of the Fresh Expressions movement in the United States for over a decade. In the past several years, practitioners, scholars, and developers have assembled to create a distinct Wesleyan pathway to resource the pan-Methodist family in the cultivation of these grace-centered Fresh Expressions of Church.

In this task, we are seeking to “bring forth treasures old and new” (Matthew 13:52), as we synergize the values of early Methodism and Fresh Expressions in the United Kingdom “to serve the present age.”[1]

In 2024, multiple conferences across the US are partnering to create the first-ever Fresh Expressions UM National Gathering. We will gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, February 7-9, 2024.

The future of the continuing United Methodist Church is bright. We are gathering together to be inspired with fresh imagination and hope, while curating best practices from the field.

We will learn from some of the most notable bishops, scholars, and practitioners across the connection. A plethora of workshops will be provided, offering an array of practical tools, processes, and frameworks. Immersion sites across Charlotte will be prepared to receive teams that want to experience mature Fresh Expressions firsthand.

The gathering is designed by teams and for teams. Mark your calendars and register now to stay up-to-date with event details!

Current partners:

Florida UMC
North Georgia UMC
Western North Carolina UMC
Holston UMC
Indiana UMC

[1] Wesley, Charles. “A Charge to Keep I Have” second stanza.