Bishop Jung has tasked the Office of Fresh Starts and New Beginnings with helping launch 100 new faith communities by 2030 to strengthen and expand the United Methodist presence across Ohio. To accomplish this vision, a structure has been established that invites laity, clergy, congregations, and district leaders to participate in discerning where God is already at work and where new opportunities for ministry may emerge. Recognizing that those closest to a community are often best positioned to understand its strengths, needs, and possibilities, District Strategy Teams (DSTs) were created to provide local insight, prayerful discernment, and strategic guidance within each district.

The purpose of the District Strategy Team (DST) is to work in collaboration with the District Superintendent and the Office of Fresh Starts and New Beginnings by prayerfully discerning God’s vision for the district, asking thoughtful and strategic questions, and identifying key areas of growth as potential locations for new faith communities, adoptions, mergers, and new models in alignment with conference processes. The team also seeks to identify existing congregations with potential for refocus and redevelopment toward greater vitality, to pray consistently for pastors, to provide systematic support that connects planters with existing congregations, and to effectively utilize the resources and systems available within East and West Ohio (Ohio Episcopal Area) to advance the Kingdom.

Each DST is comprised of clergy and laity. If you have a question or would like to talk to the DST for your district, please reach out to the chairperson listed below.

For 2026, District Strategy Teams used a Traffic Light Assessment tool to identify areas where there may be opportunities to expand the reach of the Church and connect with people in new ways. Green light areas are places where possibilities exist for new expressions of ministry, either through an existing congregation, a partnership of churches, or a newly formed faith community. Rather than prescribing a specific approach, this designation simply begins a season of prayerful discernment and conversation with local leaders, the District Superintendent, and the Fresh Starts & New Beginnings Office about what could be possible together. You can view the 2026 map below and descriptions below it.