Designating Formal Networks


Networks are vocational associations or groups of individuals, gathered by a sense of passion, call, and giftedness for a particular ministry.  It is not unusual for the members or staff of two or more congregations to develop informal networks.  Although many such relationships already exist among congregations, now the Presbytery is designating Networks in order to support them and provide them with Presbytery resources.  Designated Networks offer the Presbytery an opportunity to focus on ministry and mission instead of structure.   

Even if you are the only member of your church interested in the work of a Network,  you can pursue your calling with others in the Presbytery.   

Eleven Networks already have been designated by the Presbytery and more are on the way.  We will inform you of their work.   We will give you opportunities to join and support Networks.  We will tell you how to begin a Network.  

For more information, to make a request for designation, or to seek financial aid for a Network, email networks@miamipresbytery.org or call Buzz Reed at 937.238.9695. 
 

Current Designated Networks of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley

Campus Ministry Network: Provides effective campus ministry at public institutions of higher education—Clark State Community College, Central State University, Miami University, and Sinclair Community College. Contacts: Barbara Battin, barbara.battin@sinclair.edu 937-512-2481.  Phillip Calland, calland63@msn.com 937-322-5216. 

Older Adults Ministry Network: Strives to share information and learning experiences with older adults to enhance spiritual growth, personal growth, discipling, and coping with issues on aging. Contacts: Marlene Acus 937-767-5026. Annette May 937-258-0014. 

Appreciative Inquiry Training Network: Provides training in Appreciative Inquiry, a process to promote healthy congregational communication through recall of positive past history to envision its future. Contact:: Ann Peters annjimpeters@sbcglobal.net . 

Educators Support Network:  Nurtures and educates those working in educational ministry in local churches. Contacts: Jeanne McIver jeanne@sminster.com  or Pat Youther pat@kirkmont.org

Red Multicultural Network: Furthers the church's mission by evangelizing immigrants with the Gospel, transforming Euro Americans through ministry, developing leaders, and communicating about resources. (Note: “Red” means “network” in Spanish and “multicultural” is the same word in both English and Spanish.) Contact:: Denise Ingram honeycreekpres@sbcglobal.net . 

Evangelism Network: Trains and encourages congregations to spread Christ’s Good News – the Good News of salvation, liberation and transformation that we have been given and have been commanded to share. Contact: Bill Reisenweaver, heypastorbill@sbcglobal.net . 

Colombian Partnership Network: Maintains and expands relationships established in the ten year-old partnership with Presbiterio de la Costa Norte de Colombia. 

Presbyterian Youth Connection (PYC) Network: Brings youth together for common worship, reflection, recreation, and support. Helps youth experience and learn spiritual values and the everyday practice of faith.

Covenant Gathering Network: A group of people across the Synod who plan, publicize and conduct the annual leadership event that used to be named "Synod School." 

Crafting for a Cause: Uses crafting to build community through service together, to reach out to infants and older adults in our community, and to fulfill God's call to care for the poor.

Kirkmont Camp Recruiters Network is individuals from congregations across the Presbytery who share knowledge and encourage each other to work within their congregation to educate campers and their families about activities at Kirkmont and assist them with registration.
 

Formal Network Application Form


Formal Networks are those that enter into a covenantal relationship with the Presbytery of the Miami Valley for one or more of the following reasons:

     1. to receive assistance in distributing information through presbytery communication channels
     2. to provide services to the presbytery
     3. to use the Presbytery’s name as an implied endorsement of the ministry
     4. to request funds from the
Presbytery of the Miami Valley or from entities beyond the presbytery
     5. To acquire the services of consultants to assist a Network’s ministry or mission.

Download the Request for Designation as a Formal Network