Among the most important questions about contemporary ecclesiology is how to investigate the relationship between innovation and order. Research must take account of grassroots ecclesial innovation, re-structural innovation, and institutional innovation. To do this, theology of ecclesial innovation must articulate polity and human potential, as well as provide a historical and theological analysis. But it also must attend to the concrete actions of the church, which involves learning from communities and conducting action-research.
One way to approach the problem of ecclesial innovation is to examine the early new expressions of church. These first expressions were often called alternative worship. They emerged in the mid-1970s in the context of tension between Protestant and Catholic Ireland. They were also referred to as Fresh Expressions. As a result, they are the early experiments in ecclesial innovation. These are value-directed, theory-laden, and deeply saturated with meaning. They are therefore a valuable source for theological reflection and practice. Moreover, first expressions can offer insights into long-term sustainability of fresh expressions. In this way, they can be of value to researchers, practitioners, and church leaders alike.
First Expressions is a collection of ten case studies of ecclesial innovation in the United Kingdom in the 1970s. Each case study includes a summary of the history, mission, and organizational look of the community. The book also explores theological and missiological questions. For example, the NOS service raises ecclesiological questions such as the place of old wineskins, the relation between order and innovation, and the relationship between innovation and the order of worship. In addition, the book examines the relationship between innovation and order, and seeks hermeneutic discoveries that will help the church unite.
The book is divided into three parts: the first provides historical background, the second investigates the relationships between innovation and order, and the third looks at how first expressions can help the church unite. It is a useful book, especially for pastors who are considering launching a first expression ministry. However, it is not a perfect fit for all readers. It does not offer an exhaustive study of the subject, and it might require further reading.
One of the most important findings of the study is that people's long-term goals affect their perceptions of others' actions when they meet for the first time. This suggests that people tend to infer stable traits from the ordinary behaviors of others. Moreover, they are less likely to alter their impressions after learning of an inaccuracy. In addition, people with high needs to reduce uncertainty are less likely to change their impressions after learning that they are incorrect. Consequently, the accuracy of first impressions depends on multi-modal dynamic information, which varies in duration and duration of time.
Among the first expressions examined in the book are Corrymeela, which emerged in the context of tension between Protestant and Catholic in Ireland. This expression was also the first to emerge in the same city ten years later. Another example is the Mission-Shaped Church. Both are examples of fresh expressions that have helped institutional change.