Encounters is a series of quarterly publications from Church Army's research unit, The Sheffield Centre.

Since 1999 we have researched the widening range of fresh expressions of church born out of creative church planting processes. The Encounters booklets aim to spot emerging trends, identify good practice and offer strategic thinking for pioneers. Nearly all our research is based on visiting and working with Christian communities around the country, which enables us to both question previous assumptions about church and mission and suggests ways forward.

In 2011we reached issue number 50, which is a good place to start if you are new to us to get a feel of the series so far.

Exploring Encounters

To help you to find the issues that interest you, we have archived our catalogue which is available through this site via theme, context and year published.

Latest Edition no.53: Crossnet - Released April 2012

Their story offers valuable insight into how apprentice-style models of discipleship done among the few are more effective than traditional methods of discipleship among the many. It is a good reminder that the wider church needs a mix of specific, highly intentional, flexible churches, more reminiscent of monastic groups, as well as parochial, generalist, settled churches.