Rio Texas Churches Gather at National Fresh Expressions Conference
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Information provided by:
Ray Altman, Director of Congregational Vitality &
New Faith Communities, Rio Texas
From February 25–28, thirteen lay and clergy leaders from across the Rio Texas Conference traveled to Ocala, Florida, joining more than 500 church leaders from around the country for the FXUM National Gathering 2026: Altogether Now — Seven Generations and Beyond.
Hosted at Ocala First United Methodist Church, the gathering brought together clergy, laity, and fresh expressions practitioners with a shared calling: to be the church for people who aren’t yet in it.
A Shared Movement
The Rio Texas delegation represented six congregations:
• St. Matthews UMC — San Antonio
• Hill Country UMC — Marble Falls
• Bee Creek UMC — Spicewood
• Emanuel UMC — San Antonio
• Lakehills UMC — Lakehills
• Canyon Lake UMC — Canyon Lake
photo courtesy of ray Altman.
Together, they joined a diverse and ecumenical gathering—roughly two-thirds United Methodist and one-third ELCA—reflecting a powerful sense of unity across the wider Church.
Learning, Worship, and Real-Life Practice
Over three days, participants experienced:
Worship alongside leaders from across the country
TED-style “Jazz Notes” and panel conversations
Small groups focused on spiritual formation
“Immersions” into active fresh expressions in the Ocala community
For many, these immersions were the most impactful—offering a firsthand look at ministry happening beyond traditional church walls.
What Is a Fresh Expression?
A Fresh Expression is a new form of church created for people not currently connected to a congregation.
Instead of expecting people to come to church, fresh expressions go to where people already are—coffee shops, living rooms, community centers, and neighborhoods.
These communities are built on relationship, presence, and belonging.
photo courtesy of ray altman.
Voices from Rio Texas
Leaders returned home inspired, challenged, and equipped:
“To not be afraid of failure and to work more at empowering people to lead instead of always leading myself”
“Fresh expressions ideas are best initiated and carried out and led by the laity members who have passion for it, not the pastor. Fresh Expressions is the church the way it should be. We must be willing to step into places that make us uncomfortable”
“Belonging comes before believing”
“Open our hearts, mind, and soul to be welcoming to anyone that God sends to our ministry, church, or life”
“To do as Jesus did by going out to the people to share his teachings and show his love. Meet them where they are instead of expecting them to walk through the doors of the church”
“My biggest takeaway from the 2026 Fx Gathering is the picture of unity painted as we worshiped, shared, and learned together with our ELCA siblings in Christ. I returned home hopeful and inspired to begin listening better in the community where I live and minister.”
photo courtesy of ray altman.
What Comes Next
These thirteen leaders return to Rio Texas not just inspired—but commissioned.
Several churches are already developing fresh expressions in their communities, and this gathering has deepened that commitment. For others, this is just the beginning.
Fresh expressions don’t start with programs—they start with listening and joining where God is already at work.
Support, coaching, and grants are available through the Rio Texas Conference for those interested in exploring new and emerging ministries.
📩 To learn more, contact Ray Altman at the Rio Texas Conference, raltman@riotexas.org.
