Who are Emmanuel Network Church?

Emmanuel Network Church is a "fresh expression" of church in the church of England. It was launched by the Rt Revd Peter Wheatley the Bishop of Edmonton in September 2006. (Photos from the launch can be seen here).  Simon Kirby was licensed as the minister in charge. The church started with a group of 25 friends who wanted to try and build a new community that was seeking to imitate Jesus through words and actions, as they live and work in 21st century North London.


The group originated from St Barnabas Church, Woodside Park, a large Anglican church where Simon had been on the staff as youthworker and then as the curate (a trainee vicar type post).  It was here that the initial members of ENC became friends and began to share a vision for being part of a different sort of Church which meets in a variety of places and hoped to become known for making a positive difference through their networks.  If you want to understand more about what a network Church is read the article here.

In the few months since the launch members of the church have got involved with a number of projects including local charities such as Hope House and Besom in Barnet, clearing gardens, organising community events and social activities. They hope to continue to grow as a community and make a positive difference as they engage with the world they inhabit.