Join us every third Tuesday of the Month for a new episode!

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome Christopher Wells. 

Christopher Wells is a seasoned technologist and strategy consultant with nearly 20 years of experience in AI and machine learning, specializing in generative AI, NLP, and data-driven transformation across industries like finance and aviation. He established Chatham Financial's data science division and later advanced Indico Data Solutions' NLP research, driving market competitiveness with strategic innovations and intellectual property. Currently, he consults on AI projects, delivering impactful solutions for diverse business challenges.  He holds a Ph. D. in high energy theoretical physics from The Johns Hopkins University.

As author of A Community At Worship, Chris also offers church consulting services, guiding congregations to discover God's will for them as worshippers and revitalize corporate and personal worship. Since 2013, he has served as a worship leader at First Baptist Church of Kennett Square, a passion that began at age 13 as an organist at First United Methodist Church of Corry, PA. Chris is a loving (and somewhat incompetent) husband to Rachel Dorman-Wells and a proud (and somewhat incompetent) father to three children, Iris, Soren, and Etta.

Grab a copy of Chris' book here.

Find Chris online: 

About New People // New Ways:

What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/

Join us every third Tuesday of the Month for a new episode!

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome Bishop Tom Berlin. 

Tom Berlin serves as Bishop of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Prior to being elected Bishop, he served as lead pastor of Floris United Methodist Church in suburban Washington, D.C. Tom is a graduate of Virginia Tech and Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He is the author of numerous books, including Reckless Love, Courage, Restored, Defying Gravity, The Generous Church, and the coauthor (with Lovett Weems) of Bearing Fruit, Overflow, and High Yield.

Find Bishop Berlin's books here

Hear more from Bishop Berlin https://www.flumc.org/bishop-berlin

About New People // New Ways:

What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome a true pioneer adventurer and a key figure in the Fresh Expressions Movement, Rev Leslie Newton. Born and raised in Lancaster, in the north of England,  Leslie studied Accountancy & Law at University before training and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. His local Methodist Church nurtured his faith through the years and encouraged him to grow and develop through welcoming and encouraging his contributions through music, youth work and later in preaching.

Leslie was accepted for the Methodist Ministry in 1995 and met his wife, Gill, at Wesley College, Bristol where they both trained. They were married in 1996 and became parents to Laura in 2000. Prior to becoming Chair of the Yorkshire North and East District in 2017, Leslie has served in circuit ministry in Barnsley, Stockport and York.  The Chair’s role offers oversight and leadership in mission to the Methodist Church in a region.

Leslie is currently co-Chair of the Methodist Church in Britain's New Places for New People Guiding Team, and serves as a Trustee of Fresh Expressions.

You can find Leslie's book here and a study guide companion here. 

About New People // New Ways:

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/

Fresh Expressions FL Social Media:

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we welcome a true pioneer adventurer in church planting and a key figure in the Fresh Expressions Movement, Rev Graham Horsley. Graham began his ministry journey in 1980, and by 1992, he had taken on the role of British National Church Planting Officer while simultaneously leading a church that successfully planted two new congregations.

In 2000, he fully embraced his calling as a full-time church planting advocate, playing a crucial role in integrating the Methodist Church into the Fresh Expressions Movement. His visionary leadership also led to the creation of the Methodist Venture Fx organization, which has had a lasting impact on innovative ministry within the Methodist tradition in the UK.

Although he retired four years ago, his passion for ministry continues. He is currently working on a fresh expression specifically designed for the Baby Boomer generation, navigating the unique challenge of helping the local church understand and embrace this new approach.

About New People // New Ways:

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/

Fresh Expressions FL Social Media:

In this episode of "New People, New Ways," we are joined by Reverend Thea Curry-Fuson, an ordained elder in the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Reverend Thea's journey is a testament to transformative faith and ministry. Growing up unchurched with only a nominal faith and relational exposure to God overseas, she entered into a transformative relationship with Jesus at the age of 28. Almost immediately, she felt the call to pastoral ministry, prompting her to leave her nonprofit career.

We will explore Thea's unique path to ministry, the challenges and triumphs she encountered along the way, and her current role in fostering new ways of being church. Join us for an inspiring conversation on faith, transformation, and the innovative approaches Reverend Thea employs to reach and nurture communities.

About New People // New Ways:

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/

Fresh Expressions FL Social Media:

In Episode 34, we are joined by Lori Jennings, Vice-President of American Baptist Churches of PA and DE (ABCOPAD), Head Coach of the Leadership Team, and Home Church leader for GraceCrossing Community Church in Phoenixville, PA. Lori also serves as a short-term missionary in Uganda, where she combats the prosperity gospel by sharing truth with pastors and teaching children about the real living God and the hope in Christ. She is preparing for her third trip to Uganda in July 2024.

Lori’s daytime career is as the Public Information Officer for The Township of Lower Merion in Ardmore, PA. She is married to Ronnie and has two children, two grandchildren, and countless kids she has become a “mom” to in both the Phoenixville area and Uganda.

In this episode, we delve into Lori's work with Fresh Expressions, exploring how they reach and care for the community, foster ecumenical partnerships, and embody the hope of the church. We also discuss discipleship within her home church and her unique approach to ministry. Join us for an inspiring conversation on making a tangible impact in diverse communities.  

About New People // New Ways:

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/

Fresh Expressions FL Social Media:

In Episode 33, we’re joined by Laceye Warner. Rev. Laceye C. Warner, PhD is Royce and Jane Reynolds, Associate Professor of the Practice of Evangelism and Methodist Studies and Associate Dean for Wesleyan Engagement at Duke University Divinity School. An elder in the Texas Conference, Dr. Warner was appointed to the faculty at Duke Divinity School in 2001. She is the author of several books including Knowing Who We Are; The Method of Our Mission: United Methodist Polity and Organization, and a contributing editor to the Wesley Study Bible. Dr. Warner enjoys living on a flower farm with her family and many of God’s creatures.

In this episode, we discuss the connection with the Early Methodist Movement, Holy Tenacity, inclusion and tradition, and a future of the church formed out from a change in theological education. 

Check out Laceye's Books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Laceye-C.-Warner/author/B001JP1AUO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1719317997&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

About New People // New Ways:

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/

Fresh Expressions FL Social Media:

In Episode 32, we’re joined by Danielle Buwon Kim. Danielle was born in South Korea and moved to the United States during her middle school years. She is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and is currently appointed as the Associate Director of Research and Development at the North Texas Annual Conference. She is the pastor of Ka:ll Community, a community of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) and allies who gather enjoy Asian food together, expose and heal AAPI invisibility, and reclaim their Christian faith.

In this episode, we discuss the connection with food and spirituality, community rooted in shared experience and culture, using research to benefit the church, and a future of the church rooted in value over vision.

Check out Ka:ll Community: https://www.kallcommunity.org/

About New People // New Ways:

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Piper Ramsey-Sumner, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/

Fresh Expressions FL Social Media:

In Episode 31, we’re joined by Isaiah and Daniel Park. Isaiah and Daniel are pastors at Restoration Church in Reston, VA, a campus of Floris United Methodist Church where Isaiah also serves. At Restoration Reston, fresh expressions are being launched and cultivated as they actively mobilize and equip laity to co-create communities of faith that are involved in the well-being of Reston and beyond. Daniel and Isaiah are blessed with four children. There is never a dull (or quiet) moment in their home.

In this episode, we discuss how churches can become vital parts of their community, how fresh expressions empower laity, and what it means to be a church that strives to be “1 Church 4 All.”

Check out Restoration Church: restorationreston.org

Follow Restoration Church:

Follow Daniel: https://www.facebook.com/ddpark

About New People // New Ways:

What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Piper Ramsey-Sumner, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/

Fresh Expressions FL Social Media:

In Episode 30, we’re joined by Matt Stout. Matt is an elder in the United Methodist Church serving Garden City UMC near Savannah, GA. He has a wife, three kids, and an elderly dachshund. Matt is a nerd who enjoys fantasy and sci fi, tabletop games, and playing the banjo.

In this episode, we discuss gaming and spirituality, building community from our passions, and connecting spirituality with sci-fi and fantasy stories.

Follow Matt:

Follow Garden City UMC: https://www.facebook.com/gardencitymethodist

About New People // New Ways:

What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Piper Ramsey-Sumner, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

Fresh Expressions FL: https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/

Fresh Expressions FL Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshexpressionsfl/