WHAT IS FRESH START_^®?

Fresh Start is a resource for clergy and congregations in transition. We define transition as the period of time beginning when a clergy person announces his or her departure plans until a new clergy person has been in place in the congregational system for two years.

Fresh Start is designed to help ensure that new ministries begin well by strengthening the bonds between clergy new to their positions, congregational leaders and diocesan personnel.

Fresh Start is a collaborative ministry supported by the Episcopal Church Foundation; the Office for Ministry Development; the Church Deployment Office; CREDO Institute, Inc. and all dioceses actively running Fresh Start programs.

Fresh Start curriculum is made available to facilitators sent by their diocese to nationally-run Facilitator Training Conferences.

Fresh Start curriculum is made up of numerous modules designed to help participants explore issues of transition. Four of these are considered “core” and are recommended for inclusion in any Fresh Start program.

Fresh Start modules are created in PowerPoint and can be easily adapted and presented in a variety of methods.

Fresh Start material is distributed to dioceses in both print and electronic formats so it can be modified to meet their unique needs.

Fresh Start is designed for clergy and lay leaders in transition.  Clergy Fresh Start is designed with the newly ordained, clergy new to the diocese, and first-time rectors and assistants in mind, but individual dioceses are free to decide whom to include in their program.

Fresh Start was introduced to diocesan facilitators in October 2000. Facilitators from across the Church have been trained to lead programs.

Fresh Start is currently running in over half of the Episcopal dioceses, which meet program standards established by Fresh Start.

Fresh Start leadership, in the program’s early years of development, partnered with The Anglican Church of Canada, which started the program in several dioceses. In 2005 an independent Fresh Start program was established in the Anglican Church of Canada.

Fresh Start facilitators are expected to be part of an ongoing learning community to help insure that Fresh Start does not become Stale Start.