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FRESH STARTS & NEW BEGINNINGS

Fresh Starts & New Beginnings is a congregational development ministry of the Ohio Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church, comprised of the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences.  The ministry resources local churches across the state of Ohio to revitalize and/or to start new faith communities through contextual training, coaching, and funding to cultivate an environment of disciple-making.

Fresh Expressions are an effective way to build relationships, serve the people within your context and community, and revitalize your church. They are about going outside of the norm, going beyond the typical boundaries of ordinary church to build human community with and among people with whom the church has forgotten, ignored, marginalized, or dismissed.

Discover FX is a five-hour immersion into what Fresh Expressions are and how to launch your own expression of church. After the training, optional online coaching sessions will be available to walk with you through launching a fresh expression of church.

Fresh Starts Exchanges are in-person collaborative spaces where people share, explore, and generate contextual ministry solutions together.

Ignite Ohio Grants support new, innovative ministry ideas that help all Ohio Episcopal Area United Methodist churches build meaningful relationships beyond the walls of the church and within their local communities—all for the purpose of making new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

With multiple grant categories, there's an option for every United Methodist church in Ohio to take your next faithful step.

Applications will be available October 1 - October 31. Click here to apply.

Need help developing your vision? We can help you dream it through with Whiteboard Zoom Sessions.

Dates and Times for Whiteboard Zoom Sessions:

• October 9 | Noon
• October 13 | Noon
• October 15 | Noon and 7:00 p.m.
• October 20 | 7:00 p.m.
• October 23 | Noon
• October 28 | Noon and 7:00 p.m.

We are excited to walk with you as you dream new ways to reach those beyond your church walls!