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In this special bonus episode, we celebrate the release of Opening Space, the new book by Shannon Kiser, Director of Fresh Expressions. Shannon shares the inspiration behind the book, drawn from Luke 5, and what it means to “open space” for church in everyday places.
You’ll hear real-life stories, reflections from leaders, and an invitation to take faithful next steps—whether you’re a pastor, pioneer, or just feeling a holy nudge. Plus, learn how to access a free Luke 5 study guide and join our Summer Book Club.
This episode invites you to reimagine what church can be—right where you are.
Shannon Kiser serves as the Senior Director of Fresh Expressions North America. She is on the pastoral staff of Riverside Presbyterian Church in Sterling, VA, a church that worships in two languages (English and Spanish), engages in several fresh e
In Season 6, we’re diving into discipleship—exploring what it means to follow Jesus and share Jesus in our everyday lives and how churches can cultivate a culture of discipleship that is more than curriculum within their communities.
Related Resources:
FREE Opening Space Bible Study & Small Group Guide Download Here
Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com
Interview Summary
“The door was blocked… so they opened a hole in the roof. That’s what Fresh Expressions are about—making space when the usual ways are closed off.” —Shannon Kiser, Senior Director of Fresh Expressions US
The Fresh Expressions Podcast recently hosted a special live episode celebrating the release of Opening Space, a timely and inspiring book by Shannon Kiser. Designed as both an invitation and a guide, the book is a vibrant blend of biblical insight, practical strategy, and real-life stories to help congregations rediscover the joy of joining Jesus in the everyday spaces of life.
Shannon brings decades of ministry experience and visionary leadership to the conversation. As the Senior Director of Fresh Expressions North America, she has walked alongside hundreds of leaders across the country, equipping churches to take small steps toward big change. In this conversation, she shares what prompted her to write the book, how Luke 5 shaped her imagination, and why Opening Space is a book for “just your average, everyday congregation.”
Why Opening Space?
Shannon opens the conversation by naming a felt need: church leaders want accessible, inspiring ways to begin experimenting with Fresh Expressions—without needing a theology degree or a massive overhaul of their ministry structure.
“I sensed a need for a non-intimidating, accessible introduction to Fresh Expressions—something that would help people see themselves in the stories.” —Shannon Kiser
She grounds the book in Luke 5:17–26, the story of friends tearing open a roof to lower a paralyzed man to Jesus. This story is personal for Shannon, who faced a near-paralyzing injury as a teenager, but it also serves as a powerful metaphor for the Fresh Expressions movement:
- Doors may be blocked—but that doesn’t mean the journey ends.
- Creativity, risk, and love open new pathways.
- Both “doors” and “holes in the roof” are necessary in the church today.
“I’ve always been captivated by that story—their love, their creativity, their willingness to risk. That’s what Fresh Expressions looks like.”
Stories That Stir the Imagination
Throughout the book, Shannon shares vivid stories of ordinary people experimenting with extraordinary faith in unconventional spaces—on paddle boards, in yoga classes, during lunch breaks with day laborers, and more. One story that especially stands out involves a barista named Matt.
Matt, a non-churchgoer, worked in a church-run coffee shop but had dreams of becoming an actor. Through relationship and encouragement, he eventually created and performed a one-man play based on the Gospel of Mark.
“It was profound to watch the gospel come alive through the eyes of someone discovering it in real time—not preaching it, but embodying it.”
Even now, Shannon prays that the words of the Gospel, once internalized for the stage, might rise up in Matt’s heart when life gets complicated. It’s a powerful example of incarnational ministry—where presence, not performance, is the starting point of mission.
Who Is This Book For?
Shannon is clear: this book isn’t for specialists or megachurch strategists. It’s for the everyday pastor and the small-town congregation.
“This is not about restrategizing your whole church. It’s about trying a couple small experiments on the edges.”
Opening Space offers churches a practical, hope-filled on-ramp into mission. It’s conversational, not academic. Inspirational, yet deeply grounded in Scripture. The end of each chapter includes reflection questions perfect for teams, small groups, or leaders exploring next steps together.
Dave Male, UK pioneer and theologian, calls it “a very practical book packed full of biblical insights.” Another leader, Michael Moynagh, described it as “the best introduction to Fresh Expressions I’ve ever read.”
The “Who” Before the “What”
In one of the podcast’s most memorable moments, Shannon shares a recurring piece of advice she gives to leaders:
“Church people always want to start with the ‘what’—what cool thing should we do? But I say, start with the ‘who.’ Who is breaking your heart? Who is God calling you to be with?”
This deeply relational approach reminds listeners that Fresh Expressions aren’t strategies to implement—they’re relationships to cultivate. Community is born not from programs, but from friendship, curiosity, and faithful presence.
A Holy Nudge
Shannon ends with a pastoral word to listeners who feel the Spirit stirring:
“If you’re experiencing a holy nudge—don’t ignore it. Talk with someone. Open space in your own life and say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’”
Fresh Expressions is more than a model—it’s a mindset. One that calls us to follow Jesus beyond the walls of the church and into the real lives of the people around us.
Opening Space is more than a book—it’s a doorway. Or maybe, for some, it’s a hole in the roof. It’s an invitation to take a risk, get creative, and join Jesus in the places people already gather. Whether you’re a pastor, lay leader, or simply someone wondering what church could look like outside of Sunday morning, this book offers clarity, courage, and a clear next step.
“Don’t just sit on this book. Let it stir you. Let it move you. Let it open space in you.” —Shannon Kiser
Reflection Questions
- What “blocked doors” do people in your community face when it comes to encountering Jesus?
- Who are the people God is inviting you to be present with right now?
- Where do people in your community already gather—and how might the church show up there?
- How do you distinguish between doing mission “to” people and doing life “with” people?
- What gifts or passions already present in your church could be reimagined for mission?
- What is one step you will take this month to begin “opening space” for God’s work in a new way?
