These days there is a close relationship between Chhurch Palnting and Fresh Expression fo Church.  Often newly planted churches do not conform to the inherited models of being church.  However, the Rural Evangelism Network has one mission agency member that specialises in church planting as well as various denominational members who have churches using fresh expressions.

So far the majority of fresh expressions we have been informed about follow either Messy Church or Cafe Church patterns.  Some are more fresh expressions of mission rather than fresh expression of church - though that takes us to the discussion of what is meant by "church".

The arguments made for fresh expressions do have relevance for rural areas.  However, place remains very significant in rural areas for those who live and worship there.

For background information on the Fresh Expressions movement go to their website.  For articles on fresh expressions and church planting click any of the links below.