Stories from God’s Harvest: Fresh Expressions
“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the Harvest to send more workers into His harvest field” (Luke 10:2).
We have been praying Luke 10:2 every day, asking the Lord of the Harvest for more workers. And God is answering those prayers by calling women and men into ministry.
The mission of Jesus is the mandate of the Church. Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). One of the biggest reasons we start new churches is to reach new people in new ways with the timeless gospel. At the most recent Covenant Assessment Center, three Northwest Conference planters were among 11 approved planters in the United States and Canada. Many new churches are considered “fresh expressions”—new ways of doing church. This month, let’s look at a few of these churches.
North City Church
North City Church is a “brunch church” that gathers around tables for a meal, worship, teaching and discussion. JD and ChristianAnn Larson started the church in 2019, and their heart is for the church to love their neighbors in practical ways. Meals are provided at no cost, and in the summer the service is outdoors—allowing those who are passing by to join the meal.
Faith and Fitness Kansas City
Faith and Fitness Kansas City is led by Jason and Brooke Heppner. Their gatherings combine working out together, worship and groups. Over a hundred people have joined their community that currently meets every other month. The leaders are prayerfully discerning next steps as a church.
Garden City Church
Garden City Church is led by Chris and Elin Aldrich and is one church meeting in house churches and committed to blessing their neighbors. The house churches are committed to practicing hospitality, including regular “porch” events to bless and invite neighbors. Church attenders are also asked to participate in “bands” of 3-4 people for deeper support and accountability. Garden City has grown to four house churches and has a leadership incubator to train future house church leaders.
Corner Church
Finally, let’s look at Corner Church, led by Scott Woller. This is not a Covenant Church but is a fresh expression worth learning from. The church has five churches (and growing) that meet in coffee shops called Corner Coffee. Each location has a pastoral leader who is present in the location to care for the neighborhood and coffee shop customers. The pastors gather during the week to plan messages and support each other.
These stories are shared to inspire followers of Jesus to dream big about living the Great Commission and working hard to multiply disciples, leaders and churches. May the Lord bless our work in the harvest field under our feet.