Fresh Expressions, Nerd Culture, and the Future of Digital Ministry

FXUM National Gathering 2025: Love Alike – We Can Do Hard Things

Last year, I walked into the Fresh Expressions National Gathering expecting to hear about all the creative ways people were bringing the gospel into unexpected places.

Coffee shops? Check.
Biker bars? Check.
Hiking groups? Check.

Surely, someone would be talking about how the church is reaching people in gaming spaces, online communities, and the digital world… right?

Not exactly.

While a few were talking about using social media for effective ministry, there wasn’t anyone specifically focused on a digital-first expression of church.

When I asked where digital ministry fit into the Fresh Expressions movement, the response was a true pastoral classic: That’s a great idea! Why don’t you be the one to talk about it next year?

So here we are.

At FXUM 2025 in Atlanta this year, I’m not just showing up—I’m leading a group, joining a few panels, and ensuring digital ministry gets the attention it deserves. And if you care about this too, I want you there with me.

If you haven’t signed up yet, use my " NathanFX " code when registering. Let’s make some noise.

This year’s gathering is all about embracing bold, messy, complicated ministry. The theme comes from John Wesley’s words:

Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike?

It’s a reminder that ministry isn’t about getting everyone to agree—it’s about showing up with love in the places we’re called to serve. And yes, that includes digital spaces.

Here’s why FXUM 2025 matters:

• Last year, 450 people showed up in person, and 350 more joined online—proving digital connection is already a part of this movement.

• This year, FXUM is ditching traditional workshops for Connectives—small group conversations led by practitioners who are actually doing the work.

• The focus is cultivating fresh, trauma-informed, compassion-centered communities serving this moment in history.

And this year, digital ministry is in the conversation.

Nerd Culture & Digital Communities ARE Fresh Expressions

For the past several years, Checkpoint Church has hosted several online Fresh Expressions for nerds, geeks, and gamers. We’ve streamed hundreds of hours on Twitch. We’ve hosted book clubs, video game clubs, and anime clubs. We’ve facilitated Dungeons & Dragons groups. We’re a church plant that has the concepts of Fresh Expressions baked into the things that we do as a community.

And here’s the thing, we do this because it’s what we already know—nerd culture already functions like church:

• Conventions like Comic-Con are basically religious pilgrimages​. Fans gather around shared lore, engage in rituals (cosplay, panels, midnight releases), and find a deep sense of belonging.

• The Bible was one of the first forms of social media​. It was designed to be shared, discussed, and passed from person to person—just like digital communities do today.

• Mission trips send people to new places to do ministry—why not send people into digital spaces too?

If the church can do Fresh Expressions in tattoo parlors and at dinner tables, why wouldn’t we embrace digital spaces where real community is already happening?

So What Am I Doing at FXUM 2025?

I’ll be:

• Leading a digital ministry group – If you care about reaching people online, let’s talk.

• Joining panel discussions – Bringing the nerd pastor energy to the main stage.

• Making sure digital ministers are seen and have a space that knows the calling God has placed on their hearts.

If you’ve ever wondered where you fit in the church because your ministry doesn’t look like the “normal” way of doing things, this is your moment.

FXUM 2025 is Built for This

This year’s event isn’t just a conference—it’s an interactive, hands-on experience. Here’s what’s happening:

• Connectives – No lectures, just real conversations led by people actually doing this work.

• Immersion Experiences – Visiting Fresh Expressions in Atlanta to see ministry happening in real time.

• Love Labs – Practical sessions walking through the Loving First Journey of disciple-making.

• Worship – Led by Fresh Expressions practitioners who understand creative, contextual faith communities.

• Team-Based Learning – Churches, districts, and conferences are encouraged to come together to develop new visions for their communities.

It’s all about building church communities that actually make sense for the world we live in today.

Join Me at FXUM 2025

If you’re serious about recognizing digital ministry as a legitimate Fresh Expression, this is the place to be.

FXUM 2025 – Atlanta, February 27–March 1
Sign up using my code: "NathanFX"

Let’s do the hard things.
Let’s love alike.
And let’s bring Fresh Expressions to the digital frontier.

World 3-4 Complete

Q: Why do Fresh Expressions leaders love side quests?
A: Because sometimes the best ministry happens off the main path.