Ministry Networks

What are Ministry Networks?

A Ministry Network is a relational connection between congregations and their leaders who ordinarily share a common geographic proximity and is called to serve its constituent congregations in their work and ministry.  The Ministry Network provides the means by which close friendships, mutual support, trust and encouragement and accountability are experienced by the leadership of the local congregations involved.  The foundation for these Ministry Networks is grounded in a shared biblical theology and the ethical demonstration of that biblical theology.  This foundation includes the mutual call to the individual, corporate and collaborative efforts in fulfilling the terms of The Great Commission, all to the greater glory of God.

Mission and Ministry Network Mobilizer

We support and encourage the building up of strong, viable ministry networks and are committed to investing the energy and resources do so.  We have recently created the position of Mission and Ministry Network Mobilizer (MMnM). The MMnM is a member of the NW EPC TP Coordinating Team and is accountable to the NW EPC Coordinating Team, reporting to the Moderator.

On February 1, 2009, Rev. James A. (Andy) Curtis enthusiastically stepped into that role.

Andy grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, was baptized in the Presbyterian Church, confirmed in the Methodist Church, and after a few years of living in the world was touched by God and responded to the Holy Spirits call on his life. 

In those years prior to his call, Andy served in the United States Navy, worked for the family business, and eventually graduated from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio with a degree in Psychology. Following graduation Andy and his bride Mary tied the knot and moved back to Cincinnati where he began his journey in ministry. While serving as a “Missioner” at the College Hill Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, Andy received and responded to God’s call to ordained ministry. Andy and Mary left Cincinnati and moved to Louisville, Kentucky where Andy studied at and received his M.Div. from The Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. Their first daughter, Kelley, was born while he attended seminary and Mary paid the bills.

Over the next 19 years Andy served three congregations in the PCUSA: Pastor, Burnt Presbyterian Church in Winchester, VA (2 years); Associate Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church in Canton, OH (6 years); and Pastor, The Forks of the Brandywine Presbyterian Church in Glenmoore, PA (11 years). Andy and Mary’s second daughter, Kendall, was born while they lived in Winchester, VA.

In 2007, Andy renounced the jurisdiction of the PCUSA and led “The Forks” into the New Wineskins Transitional Presbytery of the EPC. The Forks of the Brandywine was in the first group of three congregations to make this move. It was this experience and Andy’s participation in the New Wineskins Association of Churches that eventually led him to receive and respond to God’s call to serve as the Mission and Ministry Network Mobilizer for the NWEPC Transitional Presbytery.

Presently Mary works for Kohl’s Department Store as a supervisor. Mary and Andy enjoy gardening, taking care of their new home, and spending time with their daughters. And while Mary has put up with Andy’s antics for 25 years, she does let him enjoy his motorcycle. Their daughter Kelley works for the Camelot Paper Company as an office manager and still lives at home. Kendall, their younger daughter, graduates from high school this year and will be attending Messiah College in Grantham, PA this coming fall.