River of Life and Elim Network
At the beginning of July 2024, River of Life Church officially joined the Elim Network. The Elim Network is part of the Elim Pentecostal Movement.
Elim, a Pentecostal movement for over a century, focuses on Christ's mission through the Holy Spirit, expanding its churches across the UK and Ireland. Since 1926, The Elim Network (formally ECI) evolved into a dynamic network of churches and ministries partnering for community transformation. Elim Network emphasises partnership without control, rooted in shared mission, and fosters a Spirit-empowered network built on mutual support and relationships, respecting local autonomy.
● The Benefits Of Being A Part Of The Elim Network
The relationship within the Elim Network carries with it a number of benefits for ministers, churches or ministries who might otherwise operate independently. The Elim Network offers much that will enable us as River of Life Church to grow and flourish. See the list below with some of those things that benefit us as a church.
Covering
The Elim Network is an important part of the Elim movement and those who bring leadership and covering to Elim are equally available to bring advice, teaching, input, support and consultancy to Network churches. From members of the National Leadership Team and Departmental Leaders to pastors and leaders in local Elim churches they offer access to experienced and gifted men and women who can bring much to our church as we live out our Mission.
Belonging
Elim is a family and has always sought to connect each part of the movement to the other. Not only is Elim one of the oldest Pentecostal movements in the UK, it is one of the most respected with over 500 churches (including Network Churches) and more than 700 active ministers. We will look to build meaningful relationships across the varying network that is now touching almost every part of the UK.
Networking
Elim is an international movement with over 100 partnerships in 60 nations. In recent years, it has seen Elim Global expand its influence across the nations as more and more movements, churches and ministries have begun to partner with them. These partnerships open up great opportunities to be involved in international missions projects and overseas missions trips. Here in the UK Elim hosts events that are impacting people of all generations such as, family camps, youth festivals, women’s and men’s conferences, worship and prayer events. These are all expressions of the Elim family and their commitment to make disciples, grow churches, develop leaders and reach nations.
Equipping
There are a wide range of training opportunities in Elim. Regents Theological College is their national training centre but across every region in Elim are regular opportunities at training events and conferences to grow and develop as leaders and churches.
Recognition
Their training programmes can also lead to ordained ministry with the increased opportunities that are possible with such recognition.
Resourcing
There is so much involved in ministry and church leadership today that didn’t exist a number of years ago. Advice is available to Network churches on a local and national level.
● Our Commitment
Mutual relationships involve understanding what it means to belong. Although the Elim Network does not aim to control any local agenda, focus or vision, the integrity of the network is dependent upon each constituent part engaging meaningfully. The list below outlines the expectations that the Elim Network has on River of Life’s commitment to be part of the network:
- Commitment to the same priorities and core values as outlined in Elim’s vision statement.
- The local minister’s attendance at Elim’s Annual Leadership Summit / Conference.
- Maintaining a positive relationship with the Elim Regional Leader.
- Involvement in Elim Regional events.
- Annual financial contribution *[see below].
- Ongoing legal compliance to national standards in relation to vital matters such as: safeguarding, GDPR, charity law, and health and safety.
- Creating local awareness and engagement with Elim (regionally & nationally).
- Regular statistical reporting to enable clearer understanding of the reach and impact of the network.
- Covenant Relationship.
● Financial Contributions to The Network
For churches, the minimum annual financial contribution is designed to be an appropriate amount based on the regular attendance at the church's largest gathering.
Up to 100 attendees = £45 pcm