Presbytery of the Miami Valley Networks

It takes only two to form a network

One component of the design for Presbytery of the Miami Valley is the emergence of networks as the missional arms and legs of the presbytery. So what are networks, and how do these operate?

Presbytery networks are groups of people sharing a common purpose, interest, mission, or passion. Two or more individuals from two or more congregations can become a network.

There are two types of Networks: informal and formal networks. Informal networks are not new to the Presbytery of the Miami Valley. For decades groups of pastors, elders, and/or Christian Educators have met for study, prayer, fellowship, or to work on some venture together. Informal networks, such as these, will continue under their own leadership, and may or may not be sanctioned by presbytery. Formal  networks are those officially sanctioned by Presbytery through the Networks Support Committee.  

Why would an informal network wish to become a formal one? A number of reasons are possible. A group may desire one or more of the following: 1) to receive explicit/implicit endorsement of the presbytery; 2) to gain access to presbytery channels of communication; 3) to offer services [training, workshops, retreats, etc.] to  our presbytery; or 4) to receive funding from the presbytery for its work.

How do networks differ from committees? Networks are formed based upon the passions of those participating in them and in concert with the presbytery’s goals for ministry and mission. Networks are not filled by nominees from presbytery, but voluntarily by  persons  presenting themselves to serve. Networks are not required to maintain any particular size or composition.  Networks are not staffed by presbytery personnel and are free to emerge when a need is identified or disperse when the work is complete.

Networks help us to empower emerging ministries, allow us to become a more passion-driven, presbyter-led presbytery, and provide us with new opportunities to serve Christ together.

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.  

Interested in forming a Network?

Download the Formal Network Application Form

For more information, to make a request for designation, or to seek financial aid for a Network, e-mail Networks Support. 

Networks Designated by Presbytery of the Miami Valley

Africa Medical Mission Network  This network's mission is to glorify God and to carry out the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to those living in poverty and sickness in Africa.
Contact: Mike McIntosh, Lebanon (email) and Ruth Miller, Lebanon (email).

Appreciative Inquiry Training  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, Honey Creek (email) and Jo Hall, Faith (email).

Campus Ministry   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, PMV(email) and  Phillip Calland, Covenant Springfield (email).

Colombian Partnership  Maintains and expands relationships established in the ten year-old partnership with Presbiterio de la Costa Norte de Colombia.
Contacts: Jennifer Vicarel, Westminster Dayton (email) and Nancy Hodgkins, Westminster Dayton (email).

Covenant Gathering   A group of people across the Synod who plan, publicize and conduct the annual leadership event that used to be named "Synod School."
Contacts: David Fleming, Kirkmont Center (email) and Carla Mavis, First Presbyterian, Jackson (email).

Craft 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.
Contact: Megan Collins, Southminster (email) and David Collins, Corinth  Web site: http://craftforacause.com

Educators Support  Nurtures and educates those working in educational ministry in local churches.
Contacts: Jeanne McIver, Southminster (email) and Pat Youther, Kirkmont Beavercreek. (email).

Equipping for Ministry  Provides classes and workshops for adults, a Learning Resource Center with a catalog of resources that are available for loan, a purchasing group for educational materials, and consultations with a Certified Christian Educator about Reformed Resources and Curriculum.
Contacts: Jeanne McIver, Southminster (email) and Cindy Wagner, Central (email).

Evangelism  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: Carmen Garrigan, Kirkmont Beavercreek (email).

Health Ministries Network  Develops and grows vibrant health ministries within the churches and their surrounding communities; creates joint health programs, and helps churches create health ministry teams.
Contact: Gail Richardson, Fairmont (email).

Kirkmont Camp Recruiters  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.
Contacts: David Fleming, Kirkmont Center (email) and Bob Wade, Fairmont (email).

Older Adults Ministry  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, Fairborn (email). Annette May, Corinth (email).

Presbyterian Youth Connection (PYC)  Brings youth together for common worship, reflection, recreation, and support. Helps youth experience and learn spiritual values and the everyday practice of faith.
Contacts: Kristie Marcum, Oxford (email) and Gregg Johnson, Bellefontaine First (email).

Red Multicultural  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.)
Contacts: Denise Ingram Fairmont (email) and Francisco J. Pelaez-Diaz, College Hill (email).

Stewardship Resource Network  A team of pastors and church members, equipped to assist congregations to develop sound stewardship practice, with theological and biblical grounding, as part of a call to discipleship rather than merely fundraising.
Contacts: Julia Wharff, Sugar Creek (email) and David Judd, Wilmington (email).

Urban Ministries  Seeks to identify, secure, and provide resources for congregations desiring to address the needs of urban neighborhoods.
Contacts: Larry Brown, Sugar Creek (email) and Jim Stahler, College Hill (email).