Messy Church is an example of a Fresh Expression of Church: that is, a whole new way of 'doing' church. Most Messy Church groups meet once a month, but some meet as often as once a week. A typical session includes crafts and activities, an informal worship time and a meal, though not necessarily in that order. A significant characteristic of Messy Church is welcoming whole families together to eat, create, worship, build relationships, and have fun doing it!
These programs are run in the early evening or on weekends outside the normal Sunday morning church schedule, because they are meant for people who might not normally come to a typical Sunday service. The intent is that more traditional churches which launch a Messy Church will help to develop a whole new worshipping community.
