Testing Fresh Expressions

Testing Fresh Expressions investigates whether fresh expressions of church really do what is claimed for them by the fresh expressions movement and, in particular, whether their unique approach helps to reverse trends of decline experienced by traditional churches. The book examines those claims and untangles their sociological and theological assumptions. From a careful study of factors underlying attendance decline and growth, Walker argues that long-term decline can be resisted only if churches are better able to attract children, the non-churched or both.

John Walker has experience of both traditional parish ministry and innovative church planting. Alongside parish ministry he has been a researcher for the Diocese of Canterbury in a joint project with the University of Kent, Canterbury.

Introduction: Still Fresh?; Part 1 Fresh Hope?; Chapter 1 Changing Society; Chapter 2 Changing Church; Part 2 Existing Evidence; Chapter 3 Proportion; Chapter 4 Secularization; Chapter 5 Diffusion; Chapter 6 Congregation; Chapter 7 Generation; Part 3 New Research; Chapter 8 Context; Chapter 9 Why Try?; Chapter 10 Why Stay?; Chapter 11 Transformation; Part 4 Implications; Chapter 12 Strategy; Chapter 13 Ecclesiology; concl Conclusion: Fresh, Still ...;