LOUISVILLE–Mission networks have proved to be a valuable component of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s international mission work and their importance will grow, declared a PC(USA) mission leader after a gathering of mission network leaders here July 13-14.
“The network experiment has been successful beyond expectations,” said Will Browne, associate director for Ecumenical Partnerships, in an interview. “Networks are here to stay to help the whole of the PC(USA) engage in international mission. They are generating a growing energy across our church.”
Leaders of 20 of the denomination’s 26 mission networks came together for the consultation. Mission networks are groups of Presbyterians who share a common interest in a country, people group, or programmatic emphasis. An outgrowth of mission partnerships developed by synods, presbyteries and congregations, networks provide a venue for partnership participants to relate to international partners, connect with PC(USA) international mission staff and mission personnel, think about common strategies, coordinate efforts and share best practices.
The number of mission networks has grown rapidly. Until four years ago there were only a handful of networks and similar organizations. Among the earliest were groups devoted to mission in Sudan, Northern Ireland, Cuba, and the Czech Republic.
The former Ecumenical and Mission Partnership Team was formed in 2002 to facilitate the growth and work of networks, and now networks are enabled by the PC(USA)’s Louisville-based area coordinators and field-based regional liaisons.
Browne expects the number of networks and their work to continue to expand under the new staffing arrangement. He sees regional liaisons playing a larger role with mission networks.
“Thanks to the wonders of modern communication, a mission worker serving as a regional liaison is often more able to provide timely and helpful information for groups traveling to a region and for mission involvements in a region than can area coordinators based in Louisville,” Browne said. “We are delighted by this growing partnership.”
The Outreach Foundation (TOF), Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship (PFF) and the Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF) will also provide support for Mission Networks, Browne said, adding he considers the staff of these validated mission support groups “adjunct staff for mission networks.” The executive directors of two of these two groups, Rob Weingartner of TOF and Bill Young of PFF, attended the consultation.
During the meeting mission network leaders began discussing the possibility of forming a formal association. “They see a need to work together on the common issues facing mission networks,” Browne said.
Browne predicts the number of mission networks will grow. “I think we could have as many as 40 networks in the next few years,” he said.
PATRICK COLE is communication associate, World Ministries Division, PC(USA).
