Our History
Fresh Start Church - A Place of New Beginnings
Fresh Start Church is a vibrant community of believers who celebrate God's love and share it with others. From its very beginning, Fresh Start was envisioned as a place of new beginnings—where lives are transformed, relationships are nurtured, and service to God and others is central. Its goals have always been reaching the lost for Christ and fostering the growth of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior.
Founded in 1996 by Reverend James L. Davis, Sr. and his late wife, Sarah, Fresh Start began with a calling—to reach the lost and bring them into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. After years of prayer, reflection, and faithful service at Freeman Avenue Church of God (now Kansas City Community Church), Rev. Davis and Sarah were on their way to a church leaders’ meeting in Wichita when they received inspiration from God to start a new church. As the sun broke through a cloudy sky, they felt the presence of God giving birth to a vision: a fresh start, a new day, a new church.
Rev. James Davis and his wife, Sarah, 1990s
Their vision quickly found support. Four other couples—James and Janice Saunders, William and Pamela Taylor, James Jr. and Juanita Davis, and Ryan and Ailene Hartz—joined them in this vision. These founding leaders, along with other faithful servants, shaped the spiritual and organizational life of Fresh Start Church and laid the foundation for what has become a powerful ministry rooted in faith, fellowship, service, and fresh hope. The Church logo reflects the vision that inspired Rev. Davis and Sarah to start the Church—a beacon of light, love, and new beginnings. Lavender, a color that symbolizes royalty, hope, and love, was chosen as the church color. The foundational scripture for Fresh Start also reflects their vision of new hope and new beginnings: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17.
The Early Years
The founders and early members began to hold Bible study meetings in the Davis home at 7662 Forest Park Drive, Shawnee, Kansas. The first official worship service took place on February 1, 1996. Soon after, Fresh Start moved to Christa McAuliffe Elementary School in Lenexa, Kansas, and celebrated its grand opening on Palm Sunday 1996. Numerous guests attended the celebration, and music was provided by the Freeman Avenue Church choir.
Fresh Start Church was incorporated in 1996 as a non-denominational ministry. A Board of Elders was formed to oversee the business of the church. It originally included Rev. James L. Davis, Sr., Senior Pastor and Board President, James Saunders, Minister of Finance, and William Taylor, Treasurer. Others who have served on the Board include Ron Haith, Edwin Hill, Randal Peterson, and Darlene Saunders. The Finance Committee, composed of James Saunders, William Taylor, Hazel Byers, Ron Haith, Linda Ferguson, Gwendolyn Willingham, Willie Hodges, Helen Beteet, and Nicole Freeman, supported the Board’s stewardship efforts.
The Ministries
Fresh Start Church has been richly blessed by the dedication and willingness of its members to serve in its many ministries. For the first 14 years, it was essentially a mobile church that held services in Shawnee Mission schools. All its materials, including the sound system, Bibles, Sunday School supplies and signage, had to be picked up, transported to church site in a donated van that was lovingly referred to as “THE SPOT,” and setup. Every Sunday—rain, shine, snow--the Setup Ministry fulfilled this task, creating a worship environment that was vital to church services. We are grateful for the years of service provided by that energetic team of men: James Saunders, Louis White, James Davis Jr., John Kimbrough, Terrance Williams-Bey, Guy Howard, and Ryan Hartz.
The Music ministry began with a small praise team led by Sarah Davis, who deeply embodied the heart of worship, and evolved into a full choir. During a time of great expansion and spiritual energy, the choir was directed by gifted leaders such as Michelle Freese, Nina Kimbrough, and pianist Eurvin Williams. It benefitted greatly from the talents of Tresha Gray, NiNi Williams, and Leslie Lee. The Music Ministry continues to thrive, with Buell Saunders now directing the choir, Gwendolyn Willingham leading the praise team. Patricia Joshua continues to serve faithfully on the bongo drums, adding both depth and rhythm to the worship experience.
The spiritual growth of children has always been central to Fresh Start’s mission. Early leaders like Sarah Davis and Pamela Taylor built a strong foundation for that growth through Children’s Church, Vacation Bible School, and seasonal programs. Juanita Davis served as Assistant Children’s Ministry Leader. We appreciate those who taught our children over the years, including Edwin Hill, Cynthia Newsome, Kathy Thompson, Denise Adams, Tasha Howard, Gladys Groves and Ariana Swinton.
Fresh Start Church has several ministries that offer its members opportunities for fellowship, spiritual growth, and service. We are grateful for the leadership of Randal Peterson and Julie Jones in facilitating Fresh Wind, our adult Sunday School Class. Sarah Davis, Janice Saunders and Cathy Davis faithfully led the Women’s Ministry, and leaders of the Men’s Ministry have included Harry Casey III, George Byers, Willie Hodges, and Marlon Willingham. Marriages have been strengthened through our Couples Fellowship, led by Edwin and Shirley Hill and Sam and Diann West.
We also owe a debt of gratitude to those who have served as greeters and ushers, including Mildred Watson, Rosemary Kearney, Windy Peterson, Roger Stevenson, Margie Stevenson, Jennifer Adams, Patience Okwuone, Patricia Joshua, and Denise Adams. Our church originated as the digital age was transforming lives and the way we interact and communicate. We thank the members of our Media and Technology Ministry--James Davis, Jr., Ryan Hartz, Eliza Scott, Raven Hodges and Ian Freeman –for their work operating the sound system, developing the website, and making our services and meetings available via Facebook and Zoom.
Finally, Fresh Start is dedicated to making God’s love visible locally and globally. Our outreach activities include Black History Month programs, annual church picnics, and Harvest Day celebrations. We thank members of the Benevolence Ministry LaVon Reed, Nicole Freeman, Araina Swinton and Darlene Saunders for their services in back-to-school drives and providing Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to those in need. A special thanks to Buell Saunders for heading our Christmas in October program and Carol Hodges for organizing church picnics. Fresh Start Church is also in partnership with Shelter KC, KVC Niles Home For Children, Unite KC, World Services Ministry, and through Evangelist Sylvia McDaniels, Light to the Nations.
A Church Home
In 2010, Fresh Start was blessed to purchase its first permanent facility at 8305 Lewis Drive, Lenexa, KS. Our mortgage-free building includes a sanctuary, kitchen, fellowship hall, office, and children’s playground. Renovations include a stairlift, paved parking lot, updated landscaping, and expanded space.
The Legacy Continues
After 29 years, Rev. James L. Davis, Sr. retired in January 2025. A Pastoral Search Committee selected Rev. Elisha Akins as the new Senior Pastor. He and his wife, Mikki, have brought a new vision and passion for outreach and discipleship.
In Memory of Sarah Davis
Sarah Davis, the late wife of Rev. James Davis and co-founder of Fresh Start, passed in 2000. Sarah was a gifted teacher, devoted woman of God, and faithful prayer warrior. She had a passion for Christ, for touching the lives of the lost, for spreading the gospel, and for helping people. As head of the Women’s Ministry, she worked diligently to teach, support, and help women grow spiritually. Sarah opened her home for Bible Study on two Wednesdays of each month. Sarah also led the development of the Morning Glory Women’s Conferences, which featured powerful guest speakers and provided opportunities for women to grow in faith, fellowship, and leadership. Through prayer, worship, and deep study of the Bible, Sarah made the Word relevant and life-changing for every woman who attended. Sarah was known for her devotion, love, generosity, and humor. She has had a lasting impact on Fresh Start Church and influenced the lives of all who knew her.
Conclusion
From founding members to newcomers, Fresh Start Church has grown through the faithful prayers, sacrificial service, and generous giving of its people—from founders to newcomers. We are, and always will be, God’s people, caring for people.
Submitted by the Rev. James L. Davis, Sr. Rev. Davis and his wife, Cathy, are the parents of five children: Rochelle Harris, James Davis, Jr., Theresa Davis, Xavier Adams, and Russell Adams.
