FOR CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS IN TRANSITION

Fresh Start is a diocesan-led leadership program that strengthens the relationships among Episcopal clergy, congregations and dioceses during critical periods of transition in congregational clergy leadership.

Fresh Start is a collaborative effort of ECF, CREDO Institute, and the Office for Ministry Development and the Church Deployment Office of the Episcopal Church.

This initiative is designed to build the context in which ministry is accomplished in the congregations of a diocese by:

• assisting with the transition issues inherent in any new ministry
• sharpening the skills for congregational development
• strengthening the collegial relationships among the clergy of a diocese
• deepening the trust and interconnectedness among clergy, congregations, bishop, and diocesan staff

Benefits

• strengthens bonds between clergy and congregational leaders so that their ministry together is a "fresh start"
• increases participants' capacity to minister to each other and the wider community
• strengthens the bonds among clergy, congregations, and the diocese
• broadens the scope of a bishop's teaching ministry to clergy and congregations in the diocese
• provides an opportunity for clergy to experience each other's openness to God and to deepen their capacity to be ministers of Jesus Christ