A few months back, I started noticing something. Across a large variety of outlets, I was seeing mostly secular writers and reporters delving into a topic known as the Loneliness Epidemic. Many were responding to the Surgeon General’s report outlining loneliness and isolation as widespread and detrimental, not just to us as individuals, but even affecting our shared life. They were also responding to mounting data about the decline in church attendance.
Now, this is something we know a lot about at Fresh Expressions. Many of our congregations, denominations, and traditions were developed for another time. Declining church attendance is due, in part, to the way our churches organize and operate being inaccessible to many of our neighbors—even those who are open to a faith community.
So what do we do?
We believe Fresh Expressions of Church are a powerful tool for addressing this epidemic. The Psalmist promised, “God places the lonely in families,” and we see Fresh Expressions as one way God is fulfilling this promise today.
In this season of the Fresh Expressions podcast, we’ll discuss how Christian communities can draw people to Jesus and each other, featuring stories from pioneering leaders who are building new types of church communities.
For this first episode, join me, Associate Director of Training Heather Jallad, Becoming Church author Luke Edwards, and Fresh Expressions Director of Training Shannon Kiser as we explore the loneliness epidemic and how the church can foster love and connection.
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