Rowan Williams on Fresh Expressions

“I believe very strongly that whether we’re talking about inherited models of church or fresh expressions, the real heart for the next generation is pretty well bound to be in those small groups of people working at their relationships, at their understanding, together, quietly, in the long term.” Dr Rowan Wlliams, Changing the Landscape

It is suggested [but not confirmed] that Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams might retire next year. Not sure if that is accurate or not. But either way, he has been a great friend and guide to the next generation. His support of the fresh expressions movement is something we hope to see imitated by other countries.

I highly recommend reading his address called Changing the Landscape, given earlier this year, in which Dr Williams adds some great balance to the conversation  – the need for small groups (cells) and the importance of the big event. The reality of the “mixed economy” and at the same time the necessity of allowing Jesus to hold together all those differences. Great stuff.

Rowan Williams 2007

Andrew

Andrew Jones launched his first internet space in 1997 and has been teaching on related issues for the past 20 years. He travels all the time but lives between Wellington, San Francisco and a hobbit home in Prague.

4 Comments

  • Charlie says:

    Andrew, I agree with you about that address, which was studded with brilliant observations.
    But he hasn’t announced his retirement (not yet, anyway). That was what all the fuss was about – the Telegraph story was a piece of rumour-mongering.

  • Ian Cron says:

    Thanks, Andrew. I have long admired the Archbishop and feel as you do that he’s been a great encouragement to those in Fresh Expressions and to those of us in similar groups/movements in the US.
    Ian Morgan Cron

  • Andrew says:

    Thanks Charlie, i will downgrade the rumor to fit with current reality. or in other words, i will edit to reflect.

  • AJ Swoboda says:

    Dr. Williams is right on. I spent some very interesting time with Fresh Expressions in the UK last summer and came to very must love what is going on. So glad Rowan is facing it this way.

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