FRESH START is a program for clergy in new parishes and for their congregations.
FRESH START hopes to strengthen the relationships between clergy and congregational lay leaders during critical periods of change in leadership.
FRESH START hopes to provide a safe space, good information on congregational development, and the support and wisdom of others to start conversations amongst parishioners and priests about the anticipation and the challenges of starting a new ministry together.
FRESH START is a diocesan-led program designed:
- to assist with the transition issues that happen in any new ministry by providing opportunities for clergy & lay leaders to learn together and discuss issues of transition outside the parish,
- to sharpen the skills of lay leaders & clergy for congregational development and proactive communication to address critical issues before they become problems,
- to strengthen the relationships and trust between clergy, lay leaders, and the bishop/diocese
- to honour the ministry of all people in the life of the congregation.
How does it work in our Diocese?
Clergy attend monthly sessions for a period of two years with other clergy in transition in the diocese and participate in some of the congregational program.
Congregational leaders attend 8 sessions over a period of two and a half years. Parishes are encouraged to send as many parish leaders as possible joining in a semi-regional program soon after the resignation of the rector is announced.
Who should be involved?
- Congregational decision-makers
- Committee chairs
- Group leaders, Council members
- Interested parishioners
- Lay leaders
- Clergy
‘The product is the relationship.’
The Congregational Program
FRESH START includes a variety of workshops, each designed to be adaptable to the particular regional setting. Each Saturday event allows time for a main workshop and the group chooses a second workshop that best meets their needs.
Initial Parish Workshop: Hello’s & Goodbyes—Getting Ready for a New Rector
OR Back to the Future: Telling Your Parish Story
Main
Workshop |
Understanding Transition & Managing Change |
How Congregations Work: A look at Systems Theory |
Life in the Fishbowl: The Importance of Family & Friends |
Goal Setting |
Optional
Workshops |
Profile Profile:
A Reality Check
Types of Leadership |
How Church Size Matters
Understanding Church Type |
Care & Support of Church Leaders
Understanding Stress & Burnout |
Decision Making Styles
Back to the Future: Telling Your Parish Story |
Main
Workshop |
Finding God When There is No Priest—or even when there is! |
Clarifying Roles |
Power: Leadership & Authority in the Church |
The Healthy Side of Conflict |
Optional
Workshops |
Understanding Transition & Managing Change
Finding Personal Balance |
The Bishop Comes to Town
Listening |
Types of Leadership
Reinventing Leadership: A Non-Anxious Presence |
Care & Support of Church Leaders
Listening |
Final Workshop: Mutual Ministry Review—Evaluating how we do ministry together
FRESH START brings together a small group of clergy who are all in a new parish to discuss:
- Workshop topics as described above
- Critical Incidents to reflect on their ministry during this time of change
The diocese will provide trained volunteer facilitators who use these workshops as a launching pad for conversation. The workshop outlines include a biblical/theological base, a teaching component and ample opportunity for discussion and sharing ideas.
My name is Jackie Pidduck and I am helping to coordinate the Fresh Start program in Nova Scotia and PEI. I have a background in youth ministry and community development and currently I am working as a Social Worker at the IWK Health Sciences Centre in Halifax.
