Fresh Start

Designed for clergy starting in new placements/incumbencies. Clergy meet monthly to discuss transition issues.

Builds collegiality while sharpening skills. Content includes congregational development theory, role clarity, parish size model, goal setting strategies, mutual ministry, conflict management, among others. Each session includes a critical incident presented by a group member. There is suggested reading in between sessions. Core modules: entering a new system, family and friends: leading an integrated life, history sharing and understanding, and transition. Other modules include role clarity; renegotiating roles and expectations; power, authority and influence; finances: what you need to know; church size and its implications; conflict awareness and management; and more.

Parish workshops cover similar topics but also include a workshop for the parish selection committee.

Diocese

Diocese of Toronto; Diocese of New Westminster

Basic orientation (eg. organization development, catechetical, or missional)

Organization development

Primarily designed to be implemented by (eg lay or ordained; diocesan staff)

There are two streams; one for clergy and one for parish teams.

Cost

Free

Facilitator requirements

Facilitated by a Fresh Start trained facilitator (preferably ordained to facilitate the clergy discussion groups and either lay or ordained for the parish workshops)

Approximate duration

Clergy program: Monthly meetings for two years

Parish program: modules as appropriate.

Denominational orientation (eg. Anglican or other)

Originally developed by The Episcopal Church (USA)

Broader context (eg. rural or urban; size of parish)

Clergy need to be close enough to colleagues to be able to meet monthly

Ease of replication (eg. how easy would it be to start this in a new place?)

Moderately easy. Diocese of Toronto shares the material freely. Facilitators need training, which is offered on an as needed basis.

For more information

Diocese of Toronto Clergy Fresh Start: Mary Conliffe

Diocese of New Westminster Clergy Fresh Start: Ruth Monette, Director for Mission and Ministry