John Motis

For folks like the Rev. John Motis, missionary work begins right here at home in Central Florida – in unorthodox places such as coffee shops, restaurants, parks and wherever people gather.

Motis, a deacon at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd of Lake Wales, is part of a unique movement called Fresh Expressions in which members create new forms of church alongside current congregations to make contact with an ever-changing world. He is one of an estimated 75 people who will attend Fresh Expressions Vision Day: Orlando from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday, May 11, at University Carillon United Methodist Church, 1395 Campus View Court in Oviedo.

The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida is sponsoring Vision Day with the theme “Changing Church for a Changing World.” This is the second time the diocese has sponsored a Fresh Expressions event; it is open to clergy and laity. “Each time we have an event, we gather more and more interested congregations,” Motis said.

The Fresh Expressions movement, which began in England a decade ago and has since spread to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the U.S., has broad appeal because it is designed for non- and multi-denominational clergy and laity who work alongside current congregations.

“It is taking Jesus outside the four walls of our existing churches,” Motis said. “Doing church in the places people live. We know our current model is not reaching a pretty significant percentage of our population. Even though we invite them and offer special programs in our churches, they are not going to come.”

To counter that problem, clergy and laity are doing church in new and creative ways. Instead of holding services in their respective churches, religious leaders are bringing church to public hot spots such as coffee shops, parks and the like.

“These are people who may have been in church at some point in their lives, or perhaps never,” Motis said. “Either way, (they are) very much in danger of being lost. This is mission work right inside our communities. I believe there is a hunger for Jesus Christ. We need to feed it!”

Reaching the lost is the focus of the one-day session. Motis said event leaders will look at real-life examples of Fresh Expression groups, hold conversations about the challenges of starting a group and discuss how to start a group in a local neighborhood.

“Our hope is to stir up interest and create excitement,” Deacon Motis said, “to open the door for the Holy Spirit to work in our midst.”

Among those expected to speak at the event are Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida Bishop Greg Brewer and Dr. Chris Backert, national director for Fresh Expressions USA.

Registration is still being accepted online at http://freshexpressionsus.org/event/vision-day-orlando-fl/ for all interested clergy and laity. Cost is $20 per person for individuals from the Diocese of Central Florida, $35 general admission. Fee includes coffee, refreshments and lunch.

Email Motis at john@cci-83.com for additional details on the event.

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