What is an

APCE Network?

APCE Networks are affinity groups that strengthen your ministry and Christ’s Church!

What does an APCE Network look like?

 A Network could look like the picture at the top of the page – those people are part of the current Eastern Region of APCE.
or…
A Network could look like the Retired Educators Connection.
or…
A Network could look like YOU and other people with whom you share an interest, aspect of ministry, denomination, location, or any other affinity – who wish to gather to enrich, connect, empower and sustain one another!

Here are the current APCE Networks

APCE Retired Educators Connections Network

A way to encourage APCE Retired Educators to stay connected to APCE and to connect and support one another.

This network meets quarterly on Zoom.  Email info@apcenet.org for more information.

GLAPCE - Great Lakes Association of Partners in Christian Education

GLAPCE’s exists to support and encourage church educators in the Great Lakes area.  GLAPCE holds a Fall retreat, often in central Indiana.  It is open to anyone who wishes to join them and encourages participants to invite friends from any denominations. Look for GLAPCE on Facebook or at www.glapce.org

SOAP - Christian Educators in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and Beyond

SOAP encourages and equips Christian educators in the South Atlantic area.  They offer a Spring Event – at  Aguadilla, Puerto Rico in 2026 and send quarterly emails.  You can learn more at their website, www.apcesoap.org, or look for them on Facebook or Instagram.

SCRAPCE - South Central Region of the Association of Partners in Christian Education

SCRAPCE serves those involved in faith formation through their Annual Fall event at Austin Presbyterian Theological S Seminary,  quarterly newsletters, and quarterly “Freshly Brewed” discussions online.  Look for their Facebook page, or email michele@scapc.org

Mid Atlantic Network (MAAPCE) - Encompassing North Carolina, Virginia, and surrounding areas

The Mid-Atlantic Network connects Christian educators in this geographic region through retreats, online gatherings, and social media, providing support and resources for one another.  For more information, look for them on Facebook under MidAtlantic APCE.

Association of United Church Educators (AUCE)

AUCE primarily works to offer networking opportunities, curate resources and education offerings, promote leadership in all faith formation settings, and connect faith formation practitioners with human and print resources for support in their ministries.  You can find AUCE on Facebook or at their website, www.auce-ucc.org

The APCE Book Club: Faith in Fiction

The APCE Book Club brings together APCE members and supporters from across the the US, Canada (and even the UK). This keeps people in relationship with one another through a common interest and delight in reading.  To receive information on upcoming Book Club plans, email apcebookclub@gmail.com

APCE Canada

APCE Canada’s goal is bringing Canadian Christian Educators together.  It provides a space for Christian educators in the Canadian context to be with others facing similar challenges and opportunities.  APCE Canada holds online gatherings and  invites APCE members to the Presbyterian Church in Canada monthly Christian Education Exchange webinars.  If you would like more information, email the Network at sedwards@presbyterian.ca

Here are more details about Networks...

What kinds of affinity groups can be considered as Networks?
  • Groups organized around ages and stages served
  • Groups of people who serve in similar sized congregations
  • Groups of people who serve in various geographic regions of the country
  • Groups of people who are at significant points in their careers
  • Groups of people who are volunteers in Christian formation ministries
  • Groups who are serving in the same denomination
  • Groups with common roles or passions, e.g., clergy couples; associate pastors whose primary portfolio is faith formation; neurodiverse-serving ministries; crafters; book groups; ???
  • Networks arise organically from within the APCE membership and are not created “top-down” by APCE leadership! People may join as many Networks as their interests and calendars allow.
What is required of a Network?
  • Share APCE’s mission, vision and values
  • Relate to at least one of APCE’s guiding words: Connect, Enrich, Empower, Sustain
  • Submit an application through the Connect Mission Team to become an APCE Network, via the application form available NOW!
  • Designate a liaison to the Connect Mission Team; the liaison must be a current member of APCE (the liaison does not serve on the Connect Mission Team)
  • After the application is reviewed and approved, the Network-designated liaison meets with a Connect Mission Team member twice a year to continue Network status
  • Provide an annual report to the Connect Mission Team detailing activities, membership, officers (if applicable), challenges and joys
  • Particular Networks may emerge and dissolve as needed
How will APCE support Networks, and how will funding work for Networks?
  • Each Network will have an assigned Connect Mission Team member through whom they will be kept current about what is happening with APCE, and opportunities that might benefit their Networks
  • Funding opportunities as noted above
  • Maintenance of Network member lists, which will enable updated email lists via APCE’s master list, and will also allow APCE to reach out to Networks with relevant opportunities
  • APCE will endeavor to provide a space at the APCE Annual Event for Networks to be visible and to give attendees an opportunity to affiliate with a Network if they so choose
  • Sharing of Network-sponsored events and participation opportunities, given that relevant information is shared with APCE (responsibility for sharing with APCE is the Network’s)
  • Grants will be available through the Connect Mission team by application.  Not all Networks will involve activities needing funds.