A Fresh Church Vision

What does the future of church look like? For three leaders from Camp Mount Luther’s CaTALYST faith community, it looks like connection, creativity, and meeting people exactly where they are.

Chad Hershberger, Jim Vitale, and Ali Wyland recently attended the Fresh Expressions United Methodist National Gathering 2026 in Ocala, Florida—an immersive, three-day event focused on reimagining how faith communities form and grow across generations.

The gathering featured fast-paced “Jazz Note” talks, interactive panels, and hands-on learning experiences led by innovators and practitioners from across the Fresh Expressions movement. Participants explored new models of church through cross-cultural worship, small group collaboration, and site visits to local ministries already putting these ideas into action.

One of the most impactful experiences for the group was visiting three “dinner churches”—gatherings that blend food, faith, and friendship in a relaxed, welcoming setting. These experiences highlighted a core idea behind Fresh Expressions: church doesn’t have to happen in a traditional building to be meaningful.

Fresh Expressions communities are formed when people create simple, authentic spaces for connection—whether in coffee shops, homes, parks, or online. While each expression looks different, all share four core values: inclusion, accessibility, transformation, and connection.

The experience directly connects to the mission of CaTALYST, Camp Mount Luther’s emerging young adult faith community. Designed by and for young adults, CaTALYST focuses on building intentional relationships, gathering in both online and in-person settings, and living out faith through regular service in the community.

“This experience affirmed that the way we’re building community through CaTALYST matters,” said Hershberger. “People are hungry for authentic connection and spaces where they can belong before they believe.”

As CaTALYST continues to grow, insights from the national gathering will help shape its next steps—bringing fresh energy and new possibilities for engaging young adults and others in faith across Central PA. It also ties into the camp’s new strategic plan to broaden its constituencies and serve those who need a voice in the region.