Looking forward together
Our church is led by a number of people and teams who help ensure we are governed wisely, steward resources faithfully, and comply with our legal and Anglican responsibilities. This page explains how our governance works and provides information about our Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Our 2026 AGM was held on Monday, 20 April 2026. Â
Leading our church well
Healthy churches need healthy governance. Throughout the year, elected leaders, staff and volunteers work together to steward our church well. One important part of that is our Annual General Meeting (AGM), where members gather annually to review resources God has entrusted to us, give thanks for his work among us and look forward to what he has called us to do in the future.
We want our Annual General Meeting to accomplish a few things:
- We want to celebrate together what God is doing amongst us.Â
- We want our church to be informed.
- We want our church to feel heard.
- We want to look forward together, with the knowledge that God is good and He is always faithful.Â
At the meeting will elect members to four roles: Parish Council, Wardens, Nominators and Synod Representatives. We’re thankful for those who have faithfully contributed in these roles and for those who will lead our church through the next term.
Our AGM was held on:Â Monday, 20 April at 7pmÂ
Governance Roles at Church
Parish Council
This is the broader governing body of our church – the elected representatives are joined by the wardens and lead pastor.
Wardens
We elect two wardens who manage the finances and property of the church. A third warden can be chosen by the lead pastor.
Nominators
In the event of the resignation of the lead pastor, the nominators form a team and work with the diocese to find a replacement. Nominators are rarely called on, but it is a important role should we need it.
Synod Rep
Representatives from all the Anglican churches in Sydney gather annually to decide on the future and running of the diocese. Each church sends two people and the lead pastor to vote.Â
2026 Governance Team
We’re thankful to those that have serve our church throughout the year in these roles.Â
Jaques Ostrowski
Warden
Kathy Stewart
Warden + Nominator
Bec Williams
Warden
Chris Choi
Parish Council
Peter Gill
Synod Representitive*
Aron Ivarsson
Synod Representitive*
Dave Ehrhardt-Smith
Nominator
Vianna Kim
Nominator
Kirsty Scarfe
Nominator
*Nominated for election at General Meeting Sunday, 16 August 2026, during the 9.15am service
Affiliation and governance
Vine Church started in 2011 as a new Anglican church in the city helping people who wouldn’t normally go to church understand the relevance of Jesus to their lives. In August 2015 our Lead Pastor, Toby Neal, was invited by the Archbishop of the Sydney Anglican Diocese to become the Lead Pastor of St Michael’s Anglican Church, the oldest church in Surry Hills. Toby accepted this position because he could see the enormous opportunities of bringing together all the people and resources of both churches under one mission to reach the city.
The financial management of Vine Church is overseen by Wardens and a Parish Council. These groups are chaired by the Lead Pastor (Toby Neal), and made up of two wardens and three parish councillors. These groups ensure the property and finances of the church are well managed and that any governance matters are dealt with in an ethical way. Members of the church are invited and should get in contact with one of the wardens if they would like to discuss any matters pertaining to the governance of the church.
The spiritual leadership of Vine Church is conducted by three groups: staff, ministry team leaders and community group leaders. Both these groups meet regularly during the year to plan how we will achieve our mission and care for those in our church. These groups are a mix of men and women who love Jesus and committed to the vision of Vine Church.
Who can vote at an AGM?
You can vote if
- Vine Church is your home church
- You have attended for 3 months of the last 12 months
- You have been baptised
- You are over 18
- You declare yourself to be a member of the Anglican Church of Australia
How can I nominate at the AGM?
If you would like to nominate someone, please speak to the lead pastor (Toby Neal) or one of the parish council members to gauge the candidates suitability.Â
Please make your nomination below seven days prior to the AGM. Candidates who are nominated need to complete the Office Holder Declaration below before the AGM.
Join us for our Annual General Meeting
Our AGM is usually held in March or April. For a copy of the minutes, please contact us by clicking the link below.
