From July 28-31, Rev. Dr. Michael Adam Beck was the Foundation-sponsored Summer Theologian in Residence at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center at Lake Junaluska, N.C. The director of the Fresh Expressions House of Studies at United Theological Seminary, Michael is a sought-after speaker and workshop leader. During his time at Lake Junaluska, he led worship, morning devotions, and held three practical workshops on Fresh Expressions of Church, a type of Christian community that welcomes and is built around people who don’t attend church or have never been.
On the morning of July 28, Michael preached the sermon at the summer worship series. As the fog lifted, swans and geese glided across the lake behind the tent where the crowd gathered. Most of the seats under the tent were filled, and peopled spilled out onto the lawn in camp chairs. As Michael talked about the different approach of Fresh Expressions and its reliance on the “priesthood of all believers” to engage laity in leadership, worshippers were encouraged to respond and interact. At one point during the sermon, a young member chimed in with an enthusiastic “Amen”, causing chuckles amongst the group. He went on to say that Fresh Expressions of Church is meant to be a place where people can find common ground around a place, identity, or activity that can open up discussion about and connection with Jesus.
Following the worship time, all were invited to a brunch reception to meet and talk with Michael. Local church leaders – laity and clergy – came to fellowship and “pick the brain” of this passionate and practical theologian. Standing in a circle they described how their local groups were implementing aspects of Fresh Expressions, and Michael gave them encouragement and suggestions.
Monday through Wednesday that same week, Michael led a workshop each day, open to the community, on Fresh Expressions of Church centering around the scripture Luke 10:1-9. They covered the topics: The Changed Mission Reality, Why Fresh Expressions (Philippians 2:1-11), and How Fresh Expressions (Acts 15: 6-21, Luke 15:1-7, Ephesians 4:1-13). Each day, over 20 people gathered in the meeting room to learn, discuss, and interact, and many attended all three sessions. While Michael led the workshop, participants also shared their experiences, ideas, and encouragement.
Jane Wood, immediate past president of The Foundation for Evangelism, shared that as a lay person, she was encouraged to see the engagement and enthusiasm of other laity, many from the immediate, more rural area of Western North Carolina. “I’m grateful that The Foundation is able to support leaders like Dr. Michael Adam Beck, and laity who are passionate about sharing the Good News. More people are being invited to witness the life-transforming power of Jesus through these Fresh Expressions of Church!”
Last Fall (2023) The Foundation for Evangelism renewed a second round of grant funding for “Adventurer’s Leadership Academy (ALA),” a non-degree program open to laity at United Theological Seminary’s Fresh Expressions House of Studies, of which Michael is the director. As part of his first week as president of The Foundation for Evangelism, Rev. Dr. Jack Jackson attended the worship and workshops. “The Foundation for Evangelism has long supported laity and clergy working together toward a more evangelistic, inviting culture in their communities. I’m happy that our support of Michael for this Theologian in Residence event, and our support of United’s (ALA) program will equip more disciples to share the Good News of Jesus Christ!”
To learn more about the Foundation’s grant support of this initiative read our story from 2021, and visit https://united.edu/adventurers-leadership-academy/ to learn more about ALA.
To learn more about Rev. Dr. Michael Adam Beck, visit https://michaeladambeck.com/.
