Fresh Start^_® in the Search Process:

A Resource for Diocesan Transition Ministers

Fresh Start has traditionally focused on the period from the arrival of a new clergy person in a congregation through the first two years of his/her tenure.  With this resource, Fresh Start materials now also cover the early stages of a congregation’s transition – from the announcement that the current clergyperson is leaving through the call of his/her replacement.

Designed to be used by Diocesan Transition Ministers, search/transition consultants, and interims who work with congregational lay leaders, the resource consists of three parts.

• An Overview – read this first as it provides an explanation for the design of the material, a bibliography, and a suggested timeline for bringing Fresh Start resources into the congregation.
• Sessions – a series of short (15-30 minutes) sessions in PowerPoint format to introduce Fresh Start concepts to lay leaders.
• Supplemental Material – handouts and other resources to use with the sessions or independently to support lay leaders during a transition.

Fresh Start's sponsors – the Episcopal Church’s Office for Transition Ministry, the Episcopal Church Foundation, and CREDO Institute, Inc. – offer this copyrighted material as a gift to the Episcopal Church and encourage its use throughout the Church with clergy and congregations. 

For further information about Fresh Start or this resource, please contact Fresh Start at info@episcopalfreshstart.org.