The creation of the Net Church was formally agreed by the Bishops Council on 26th November 1998. Funding for a ordained staff post was initially agreed for 3 years from January 1st 1999 but has been extended by the Council for a further 4 years.
The Church is fully part of the Diocese of Wakefield. The Mission Statement of the Church is, “ By knowing and loving God and each other we seek to enable non church people to develop a real and relevant relationship with Jesus.”
The Leadership Team shares with the Vicar in the running and oversight of the church. The Vicar of The Net is Chairman of the Team and is not elected. The rest of the team is elected by and from the members of the Net. Each elected Leadership team member is elected for a term of three years and then must seek re-election if they want to continue.
No staff member of the church, (paid or unpaid) can seek or be put forward for election to the Leadership Team.
Any church member can nominate someone for election through the Small Group Leader. The continuing Leadership Team then would make proposals of who should be elected. All church members will be then notified in writing. The new Leadership Team will then be ratified at the Annual General Meeting.
The Bishops Council agreed to the setting up of two groups to help with the oversight of the Church both Chaired by the Bishop of Pontefract.
This group to meet annually to report back to the Bishops Council on the progress of the church.
This group to meets to support and give advice to the leader of the church. The group consists both of people from and outside the diocese.
Any person shall be eligible to become a member of The Net providing they are able to indicate their support and understanding of the Vision and Values of the church and who shall sign a written consent to that effect. Such matters would need to be decided in consultation with the Leadership team.
The Net Church will appoint a Treasurer who is responsible for maintaining the financial records of the church, preparing budgets & forecasts. The treasurer will provide regular financial reports to the Leadership team & attend Leadership meetings as requested and agreed. The yearly financial records of the Church will be presented by the treasurer at the Annual General Meeting each year. The appointment of the Treasurer will be reconfirmed annually at the AGM.