A movement of churches, autonomous but accountable, united through relationship
© Copyright 2011 Synergy Christian Churches - All Rights Reserved.
A movement of churches, autonomous but accountable, united through relationship
© Copyright 2011 Synergy Christian Churches - All Rights Reserved.
What you need to know
For some Synergy Network is more than enough and provides all that they need and desire from a relationship with us. However, we are increasingly being asked by a number of churches for ‘more’ – both in the area of covering and accountability as well as out of a desire for our apostolic input. In developing the ministry of Synergy our desire has been to provide platforms that suit each church leader who wants to relate to us as a ministry. Obviously we will not be able to cater for everyone but now by providing two options (the network, Synergy Network, and the movement, Synergy Christian Churches) we believe that we can cater for most. After much prayer and consideration we have now activated thus secondary level of relationship, Synergy Christian Churches, which is available to church leaders who want to walk with us in a closer way than the Synergy Network.
There is certainly no shortage of great church movements or denominations for a church leadership to align with and we are certainly not saying that we are ‘the one’ but rather see ourselves as a unique option. We provide covering and accountability as well as an apostolic voice into those churches that align themselves with us in Synergy Christian Churches. We celebrate and work alongside many other movements and denominations that already exist in the UK and other nations. Synergy Christian Churches will reflect the values and culture of our own organisation and adopt principles that we believe to be effective in covering church leaders and their churches. It goes without saying that we may not be everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ but to some it will be exactly what they need and desire!
Choosing to be a part of SCC carries more responsibility than being a part of the Synergy Network. Your church will remain autonomous (self-governing) but look to SCC for accountability and apostolic covering, both in the positive seasons of church life and in the less positive times. For example, as a part of SCC we would invite you to include us in conflict and disciplinary issues that can arise in church leadership and church life. We would look to hold the leader and his/her team accountable to Biblical principles in their moral character and in their leadership and decision making. We would stand in a position where both the senior and leader and the leadership team can approach us when they feel the need to do so. A desire for accountability is a matter of the heart and cannot be provided by a written contract. We will not be united by a contract, rather by a relationship of honour and respect which we believe is the Biblical way of working together.
SCC has no effect on your legal standing as an independent charity.
Synergy Network and Synergy Christian Churches sit under the spiritual and legal covering of the Council of Management of Hearts on Fire for Jesus Ltd, registered christy no. 1058285. Family Church and Synergy are working names of Hearts on Fire for Jesus Ltd.
Authority to conduct the day-to-day business of Synergy Christian Churches has been delegated by the Council of Management to a council of ministers led by Rev. Andy Elmes.
As with any other church movement or denomination, those churches that are part of SCC will make regular financial contributions to SCC to enable the ministry to function and develop in an effective way. We believe that making a financial commitment helps to maintain ‘ownership’ as well as filtering those who look upon it as a ‘good idea’ from those who genuinely want to walk in an accountable relationship with us.
Contact SCC for an information/application pack, which gives full details of the financial commitment.
SCC will ordain the ministers under its covering if this is desired by the applicant, providing the applicant can fulfil the criteria for ordination. Upon successful application a certificate of ordination will be presented along with an ordination card (for use in instances like hospital visitation). The status of the minister carrying credentials will be Ordained Minister (Probation) followed by Ordained Minister after the probation period has been fulfilled.
Ordination is primarily – and most importantly – a spiritual thing. It is about recognising the call of God on a person and then also about the individual walking worthy of that call when it comes to their character and leadership.
Ordination is a formal authority to perform all ministry functions for an indefinite period of time. These functions include Preaching the Word, Holy Communion, Weddings, Funerals, etc. Note however that there are other legal aspects involved in the officiating of weddings in the UK, so you need to contact your local government authority in regard to these.
Credentials may be revoked if there is a serious moral, sexual, financial or other misdemeanour committed by the minister, and other reparative measures do not seem sufficient.
Being part of SCC is all about relationship. We do not have any contracts as our relationship is based on desire – your desire for your life and your church to be a part of a movement that we believe can be highly successful due to the ‘synergy’ involved. If at any time you want to remove your church from being under the covering of SCC you should simply write a letter of resignation, enclosing your certificate and ordination card.
What we believe
Video blogs from Andy Elmes and other Synergy leaders
Synergy Network
A network of like-minded ministers who desire inspirational relationships and growth in their leadership, ministries and lives, independent of what type or style of church they are.
Great Big Life
The ministry site of Andy Elmes
Breakfast of Champions
The daily email devotional written by Andy Elmes – sign up here!
Family Church: Portsmouth Central, Portsmouth North, Gosport, Havant, Waterside
Outreach Community Church, Strathaven
Jacob’s Well Family Church, Gosport
Synergy Church, North Carolina, US
Awake Church, Manila, The Philippines
Makati Family Church, Manila, The Philippines