Fresh Start is a diocesan-led program that seeks to foster healthy relationships among clergy, their congregations and their dioceses during critical periods of transition in clergy leadership. Encouraging open and honest discussion of transitional issues affecting both clergy and congregations, the program’s goal is to build a culture in which the mutual ministry of the clergy and congregation starts off on the right foot, enabling their new relationship to begin with a “Fresh Start”.
The Diocese of Michigan has been participating in the Fresh Start program for over five years and during that time has worked with clergy entering the diocese or new positions to support and provide resources for healthy transitions. The program is facilitated by Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. Lisa Gray along with other facilitators from throughout the diocese in order to share the wisdom and experience of clergy in our midst.
The Fresh Start group meets once a month during the program year and rotates the meeting location to allow clergy the opportunity to host a meeting and to introduce colleagues to various churches around the diocese.