Who is Fresh Expressions Australia?

Fresh Expressions Australia is a national task force established to encourage Anglicans to build mission-shaped churches everywhere. 

The world has changed and many realise that our one size fits all approach no longer works. Our church is learning to reconnect with God's mission in the world beyond our doors.  

In many ways, Anglicans have always seen God at work in the world. We have always aspired to be God's light and salt in the world, healing brokenness, addressing injustice and proclaiming God's love and forgiveness.  Consequently, we're a tradition that deeply believes that evangelism, when it's at its best, always endeavours to fit the local context, speak to local cultural realities and adapting to local circumstances in order than some might come to know Jesus and experience new life (1 Cor 9.22).  

Today, we believe that no single expression of church is capable of keeping up with all the changes in society.  We believe that our existing expressions need to become more effective at keeping those who currently belong and better at reaching those who have fallen out of church life.  Put simply, our existing expressions of church should be attractive and welcoming places to belong. 

We also recognise that a growing number of Australians have no involvement with nor interest in the church as we know and love it.  We believe that the church needs to go out boldly to meet these people if they are to meet Jesus.  

Many Christians from a variety of traditions now find themselves companions on this journey as we discover how to become better missionaries in our own backyards.  We invite conversation with Christians from other traditions who are exploring how to do mission in Australia today.  It's not a matter of building a bigger church but seeing God's kingdom bear fruit in the world once again. 

Formally, Fresh Expressions Australia is a national task force of the Anglican Church.  It is led by Bishop Andrew Curnow (Bendigo) with support provided by the Revd Stuart Robinson and Mr Wayne Brighton.  Other members include: Bishop Stephen Hale (Melbourne), Bishop Trevor Edwards (Canberra & Goulburn), Bishop Robert Forsyth (Sydney), The Revd Lyn Bullard (Bathurst) and Mrs Sue Williams (Newcastle).

Stuart (photo left) is the church's National Mission Facilitator, an advisory and consultancy role for diocesan leaders about evangelistic mission.  This includes strategic planning and practical advice on how to build healthier churches and to start fresh expressions of church.  Feel free to contact Stuart Robinson with any questions, comments or ideas on (02) 9419 2200 or office@stpauls.org.au.

 Wayne (photo right) is the Secretary of Fresh Expressions Australia.  He is the communications and research coordinator for Church Army Australia.  He likes to keep his finger on the pulse of church innovation and provides strategic advice and assistance to the task force.  He is also the webmaster. He can be contacted by email at freshexpressions@anglican.org.au.