Six years ago, Crave came to life as a way to connect “church people” with amazing mission-minded non-church leaders making a social impact in Central Florida. Throughout the years, these incredible Crave Leaders and alumni have been served by faith-based volunteers as board members, community partners, coaches, and committee members.

This year, the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church through a grant from the Susan H. and Wilbur H. Marcy Trust hired Crave to run a pilot cohort of Central Florida church members and clergy who want to launch an amazing missional project, just like our Crave alumni have done for the past 5 years! As an intentional effort to support Fresh Expressions, this pilot cohort is called FX Crave.

We are under the leadership and accountability of a committed advisory group (Rev  David Averill, Rev. Ben Collins, Alina Saucedo, and Bill Walker) who have been exploring, praying, and working on adapting and launching the Crave methodology for Methodists. Almost at its halfway point, FX Crave Leaders represent 5 area congregations, 3 Laity, and 2 Clergy, one of whom was licensed just last month! Their projects include Creation Care; a neighborhood-based collaborative impact; community building for parents of teens; a health and wellness initiative; and a 55+ retirement park missional community development.

FX Leaders gather in person for soul-tending sessions, and online monthly for coaching check-ins and project skill development (outside church walls). Additionally, opportunities to interact with and enjoy the Class 6 Crave Leaders expand FX Leader networks to more diverse neighborhoods and learn alternative approaches for doing neighborhood-based ministry.

While this is the first FX residency-type program, FX Crave is already providing lots of learnings and insights about being a change-maker for the common good, or as Methodists would say “disciplining”. Prayers, ideas, and conversation are deeply appreciated as we discover new ways to be an ancient type of covenant community, spreading God’s love in the world.

If you are interested in getting involved or learning more about FX Crave, please contact us!