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Have you ever received a present that seemed like it was a better fit for the giver, not the receiver?
In this episode, we hear from one of the founding voices of the original Fresh Expressions movement in the UK, Mike Moynagh. We’ll discuss how loneliness is experienced in the UK and how a church is transformed when it is treated like a gift given to bless the world.
Rev’d Dr Michael Moynagh is a Church of England minister based in Oxford. He is known as the leading theologian of the fresh expressions movement, and for over 25 years he has been researching, advocating, advising and coaching these new forms of church. He has an international ministry, and his numerous books include the classic textbook, Church for Every Context (SCM 2012) and his new groundbreaking theology, Giving the Church. The Christian community through the looking glass of generosity, which is available at a discount at https://scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9780334066125/giving-the-church
In season 5 of the Fresh Expressions podcast, we’re exploring the loneliness epidemic that is sweeping across North America and learning how new kinds of Christian community can help.
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Interview Summary
“What would the church look like if we saved the church as a gift from God to the world? Giving is the heart of Jesus.” — Mike Moynagh
These poignant words from Mike Moynagh set the stage for a profound exploration of how contemporary faith communities can counter the pervasive loneliness epidemic. In this episode of the Fresh Expressions podcast, host Heather Jallad a seasoned pastor and advocate for innovative church communities, engages Mike Moynagh, whom she affectionately refers to as one of the “Godfathers of Fresh Expressions.”
Mike Moynagh, a Church of England minister, has devoted over two decades to studying, promoting, and participating in fresh expressions of church—faith communities that meet in unconventional spaces to foster deeper connections. Heather Jallad, with her rich background in developing new faith initiatives, guides this enlightening conversation.
The Loneliness Epidemic
Mike Moynagh discusses the widespread loneliness affecting many societies, exacerbated by events like the COVID-19 pandemic. He notes, “Obviously the epidemic was hugely increased during Covid…and so there’s a great hangover from Covid among some of the adults who suffer long Covid and therefore just lack energy for relationships.” This part of the conversation highlights the church’s potential role in creating spaces where people can connect deeply and genuinely, countering the effects of isolation that many experience.
Historical and Theological Foundations
Mike reflects on the communal nature of the church, rooted in historical and biblical contexts. He explains how the early church operated as a network of house churches, which combined intimate gatherings with larger community worship.
“In my background, everyone always talks about a personal relationship with Jesus. And that’s really important…But it’s more than a personal relationship with Jesus. When you come to Jesus, you come to Jesus, who is part of a community.” — Mike Moynagh
This perspective encourages a return to more relational and community-focused forms of worship, seeing the church not just as a place to go, but a people to belong to.
Innovative Church Models
Discussing practical changes in church settings, Mike suggests models that foster closer interactions among congregants. He advocates for settings where people can engage face-to-face, sharing, “But if you go to some of the fresh expressions and some of the more contemporary churches, we are sitting around tables and, that’s right, much more sense of fellowship.” This approach contrasts with traditional church configurations that may unintentionally perpetuate isolation by focusing on individual rather than communal worship experiences.
Practical Theology
Mike introduces ideas from his latest book, focusing on conceptualizing the church as a gift to the world, which is central to engaging effectively with the surrounding community. He emphasizes the importance of this perspective, stating,
“Giving is the heart of Jesus. You know, grace is the heart of our theology…so why haven’t we talked about church as a gift?”
This concept encourages viewing the church’s mission through the lens of generosity—offering itself as a transformative gift that both challenges and enriches the broader world.
This conversation with Mike Moynagh challenges us to rethink the role of the church in a rapidly evolving world. By addressing the loneliness epidemic through the lens of community and connectivity, Mike inspires a vision of the church not only as a place of worship but as a vibrant, living community actively involved in the lives of its members. The insights shared in this podcast underline the importance of integrating historical church practices with innovative models that encourage face-to-face interaction and communal living. This approach is not just about adjusting the physical layout of churches but about embracing a theological perspective that views the church as a generous gift to the world—a place where everyone is welcome, and every interaction is meaningful.
Mike’s call to action invites all church members, leaders, and thinkers to foster communities that are not only inclusive and diverse but also deeply interconnected and responsive to the needs around them. As we reflect on this conversation, we are encouraged to consider how our own faith communities can become beacons of hope and connection in an often isolated world.
Reflection Questions
- How can your community actively combat loneliness?
- What role does your faith play in building connections with others?
- Are there unconventional spaces in your community where church could happen?
- How can traditional churches learn from fresh expressions?
- What does it mean to think of the church as a “gift” to the world?
- How does your church address the needs of different generations within the community?
- How can church leaders foster a culture of giving and receiving within their communities?
