Oxford Presbyterian Church has two calls for its congregation: to eradicate systemic poverty and care for creation.
Pastor Lawrence Bartel and Associate Pastor Marc van Bulck say the church’s service work centers around these calls.
Bartel and van Bulck started their ministry work through different means, though both ultimately were led to Oxford.
Van Bulck was born and raised presbyterian in South Carolina. He initially studied media production and journalism in college, though his time there led him on a journey toward ministry.
“My faith is very important to me,” van Bulck said. “It’s foundational to who I am, and I wanted to make an impact.”
Bartel grew up in a small Mennonite farming community in Northeast Ohio. His love for science led him to study biology in college. At first, he considered combining his love for science with faith, but he ultimately landed in full ministry work.
“I was bargaining with God, like maybe I could be a medical missionary,” Bartel said.
The two pastors emphasize the importance of community to their roles in Oxford. They cite the church’s two congregational calls as integral in working toward community betterment.
Bartel said the church’s emphasis on eradicating poverty centers around community members regardless of if they are unhoused or on the verge of worse situations.
“How can we help those who may not be on the line of poverty or homelessness?” Bartel said.
Bartel said the church can provide assistance in many ways, whether that means something like helping people stay in their homes or aiding with childcare.
The church has a history of assisting the Oxford community. In the 1920s and 1930s, it hosted a free clinic. That clinic later became McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital.
Today, the church pairs with community partners such as TOPSS and Thread Up to involve the congregation in service activities. Members also volunteer with Matthew 25 Ministries in Blue Ash.
The church’s second congregational call to care for creation is also important to its mission work. Bartel said sustainable practices and education are paramount for the congregation.
One example of the church’s effort in this area is their practice of collecting seeds, planting them and giving them away. Congregation members accomplish this, intending to show care for their surroundings.
According to van Bulck, the church’s two congregational calls are not the only outlets for education. He said the church has Christian education programs available for all ages, from preschool to adulthood.
Van Bulck says Oxford’s status as a college town brings Miami University students to some of these programs.
“It would be difficult for any church to exist in Oxford and not have a connection with Miami University,” van Bulck said. It’s so omnipresent in our community.”
According to Bartel and van Bulck, constant community presence is key to ministry work. They say while they can never personally see every effect from their work, satisfaction comes from the effort itself.
“We offer ourselves and our gifts to the community in ways we trust are making an impact, but we’re not looking for the empirical return on investment,” Bartel said.
