Our Values

Network is shaped by Ephesians 4: we believe in 'people power' - every member equipped to live for Jesus in every area of our lives and to be carriers of God's kingdom.

What does this look like in practice? Our church of approximately 100 adults has 24 people on the speaking team, 9 people taking turns in leading Sunday worship, 6 people who can lead the service. The leadership team intentionally give room to others.

We do not put the best first, we put dreams first. How does anyone grow in their talent? They need space, opportunity, coaching. We try to give this, whether in worship, speaking, leading, or giving a word, prayer or prophesy on a Sunday.

We support people in their sphere of influence, whether it be the school gate, the boardroom, volunteering, or being a professional gardener or artist. We think what you do 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday is important, and every Sunday we give space for you to encourage others by telling your story of what God has done this week.

Our midweek small groups are the heart of Network, the building blocks, the foundation where each of the 'one another' statements by Jesus can be carried out, such as “bear with each other” (Col 3:13), "encourage one another” (Heb 10:25), and 57 others. The small groups give space to do this, as we minister to and pastor one another.

There is no one person leading the church, leadership at Network is a team of 7 people, augmented by the small group leaders. We are a church of members ministering together, learning together, growing together, with leaders supporting, encouraging and coaching.
 

What makes Network distinctive?

Here are some of the characteristics you will see in us as a church community, reflecting some of the values we are seeking to develop.

You can also download or view the following information in our Values Booklet PDF (English) or Values Booklet PDF (Chinese).

(All Bible references are from The Passion Translation.)
 

Go “Heaven’s kingdom can be compared to yeast that a woman takes and blends into three measures of flour and then waits until all the dough rises.” Matthew 13:33 We’re people looking to make an impact out in the world. It’s great when people choose to join our church community (and we hope you do!), but we’re about more than attracting people through the door, we also want to 'go' outwards to spread the kingdom of God in our daily lives.
All in “But you are God’s chosen treasure—priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvellous light, and now he claims you as his very own. He did this so that you would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world” 1 Peter 2:9 Each one of us is entrusted to play a role in transforming the world. We are all called to the work of the Kingdom, not just a special few, and we all have a contribution to make- it’s for all of us, not just a few!
Spirit led “And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Saviour, the Holy Spirit of Truth, who will be to you a friend just like me—and he will never leave you. The world won’t receive him because they can’t see him or know him. But you know him intimately because he remains with you and will live inside you.” John 14:16-17 Not only can we all play a role we are all empowered by his Spirit at work in us to live lives that bring the love, joy and peace of his kingdom. As we acknowledge his Spirit in our lives we look to follow his leading to be effective in the places where He is at work.
Open “Jesus went to Matthew’s house and made himself at home. Many other tax collectors and outcasts of society were invited to eat with Jesus and his disciples. When those known as the Pharisees saw what was happening, they were indignant, and they kept asking Jesus’ disciples, “Why would your Master dine with such lowlifes?”” Matthew 9:10-11 Jesus wasn’t fussy about who he chose to hang out with and neither are we. At Network we aspire to be a community without borders where you are free to engage no matter where you are in your spiritual journey.
Earthed “Then Jesus came close to them and served them the bread and the fish” John 21:13 We believe in a three-dimensional Jesus who is alive and engages with us in a very real way, just like he did when he lit a fire and cooked breakfast for his friends. So too we want to be real and vibrant not a place full of religious-sounding mumbo-jumbo.
Authentic “I call you my most intimate and cherished friends, for I reveal to you everything that I’ve heard from my Father” John 15:15 At Network we are seeking to build a place of authentic friendships and healthy community. We want to be real and genuine with each other, a place where we can take off our masks and find acceptance and encouragement as we share life with all it's joys and challenges.
Curious ““But you—who do you say that I am?” Jesus asked. Simon Peter spoke up and said, “You are the Anointed One, the Son of the living God!”” Matthew 16:15-16 Jesus loved to ask and answer questions, nothing fazed him! So too we love questioning minds and don’t see that as inconsistent with having deep convictions; the more we discuss, the more we grow.
Growing “We must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us.” Hebrews 12:1 We are all on a journey – some have just started out and others have been running the race a long time. But we’re all journeying together – learning from each other, growing in our faith together and supporting each other as we navigate all the challenges we face throughout life’s journey.