The “Core” and “Edge” Dynamic in the Church- A Model for Fresh Expressions?
The church thrives in the tension between its centre and its edges. The “core” offers stability, tradition, and faithful presence, while the “edge” brings creativity, challenge, and fresh expressions of faith. Both are essential, not opposites but partners in shaping how the gospel is lived today. The question for us is: how can we better value and support both core and edge leaders as they work together for the future of the church?
The “core” and “edge” dynamic in the church – A model for fresh expressions? Are you a core (centre) leader or an edge leader?
This core/edge dynamic has been talked about for some time and applied to the church. Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, described it like this in a recent Guardian article:
“There is the growing edge, the abundance of new things happening, with the new challenges about worship and ministry they bring. And there is the so-called routine, the ordinary life of the parish, where people are unobtrusively introduced to Jesus Christ daily. And these two are really one.”
He is saying that we need both. I agree.
Why We Need Both Core and Edge
We need those leaders and church structures that provide stability, resources, tradition, faithful and good-standing in the community (core). And we also need those church expressions that are deeply contextualised so that new ecclesial forms emerge which are more suited to a particular place and time. These edge expressions (fresh expressions if you like) can reform and refresh the centre as they are supported by the centre.
But how can we work together better and see the need we have for both?
The Temptations of Core and Edge
The temptation is for the core to be threatened by the edge, as the edge can bring a sharp critique of the core. Alternatively, the edge can cut itself off from the church, often feeling misunderstood and unsupported.
So how can we support edge leaders who have a deep passion to contextualise the gospel and church for today, and connect with people’s spiritual longings?
Insights from Theology
Theologian Diana Butler Bass also sees this dynamic. In her recent Substack writings, she said:
“The edges are always chaotic. But those are the places of greatest creativity. The centre is always calm. And yet, the edges depend on its stability for their very existence.
I understand this now- at least as a writer and a teacher. I’ve learned to attend to both edges and centre. I’m not exactly sure how to extend the metaphor to community or nation...But seeing the structure of the whole helps. Centre, edges.”
Finding Balance
Of course, we don’t need another binary in our world today. There is a bit of both core and edge in each of us. However, most people tend towards one or the other.
Which way do you gravitate towards? And how can you identify and support the edge leaders in your church?
Fresh Expressions in Practice
Karina Kreminski recently hosted another Explore Gathering (online) that dove into this exciting possibility: how everyday spaces like playgroups can become places of connection, faith, and community and the video is now avialable to view.
Further Resources
For more useful thinking on this core/edge dynamic: