Fresh Start Program

A Program for Clergy Entering New Cures and Lay Leaders in the Congregations They Serve

FRESH START is a diocesan-led program for clergy in new positions and the lay leaders in the congregations where they serve.

Fresh Start is designed to:

* assist with the transition issues inherent in any new ministry;

* sharpen the skills of lay leaders and clergy for congregational development;

* strengthen relationships needed for ministry among the clergy of a diocese;

* deepen the trust and interconnectedness between clergy and the lay leaders of congregations and the bishop and bishop's staff.

Fresh Start seeks to strengthen the relationships among Episcopal clergy, congregations and dioceses during critical periods of transition in clergy leadership of the congregation.

BENEFITS

* Helps to honor the ministry of all leaders, lay and ordained, in the life of the congregation.

* Helps to establish a common language to talk about issues of transition.

* Increases participants' capacity to minister to each other and the wider community.

* Provides an opportunity for leaders, both lay and ordained, to experience each other's openness to God and to deepen their capacity to be ministers of Jesus Christ.

Q&A

What is the format?
Fresh Start meets monthly from September through May. The program uses theories, practical tools and small group discussions to help participants address issues of concern around the transitions they are facing.

When and where does the group meet?
The group meets every third Thursday from 8:30 to 1:00 at St. Alban’s on the Cathedral Close [pdf] unless otherwise announced. Lunch is provided.

When can clergy join Fresh Start?
New clergy are invited to join Fresh Start at two points during the year: in September and January.

How are parish lay leaders included?
Clergy participants are provided with resources to bring Fresh Start to their congregations, and search/transition consultants and interims within the Diocese are also provided with training on how to use Fresh Start material with congregations and lay leaders.

What topics are discussed?
There are four core modules which are always covered: Transition (the underlying theory behind Fresh Start); History-Sharing and Understanding; Entering a New System; and Family and Friends: Leading an Integrated Life. Other topics such as conflict management, decision-making, and role clarity are included based on an assessment of the needs and concerns of participants and may vary from year to year.

FRESH START
Contacts in the Diocese of Washington
FreshStart@edow.org
Office of Deployment and Vocational Ministry
(202) 537-6531

Diocesan facilitators
Ms. Sandra Kolb
The Reverend Mr. Frank Dunn
Ms. Carol Wzorek

FRESH START is a collaborative effort of The Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Church Foundation, and CREDO Institute.