Methodist Fresh Expressions: Listening to Leaders of Specific Rural Initiatives in England

Abstract

This paper is based on a series of interviews with leaders of Methodist fresh expressions of church in rural locations, two in the north-east and two in the south-west of England. The lead Methodist ministers and others involved in the initiatives were interviewed about their experience of fresh expressions of church in their particular rural location. The aim of the interviews was to listen carefully to the lead ministers and the others involved to ascertain the key recurrent themes. Analyses of the interview data revealed four major themes: knowing your community, beginnings, growing, and developing, and working ecumenically. The key issues facing those setting up fresh expressions of church in rural areas are then discussed. The paper ends with plans already in hand for future research in this field.