A project to plant new churches is taking place under a Bishop's Mission Order. A network of small churches is called The Antioch Network. The location of the churches is based on existing relationships in the current churches and opportunities that arise in suitable locations elsewhere. Usually, our churches are within the most deprived 20% of parishes. We’re committed to planting, not just in the city of Manchester, but also in the towns around Manchester, including Rochdale and Bolton. The below video explains more:
Explore the church plants
Use the links below to explore detailed information about each church plant, including venues, service times, and upcoming events:
- Encounter Church, Manchester
- Hope Church, Longsight
- Oldhams Church, Bolton
- Good News Community Church, Rochdale
- New Life Church, Breightmet
- Emmanuel Community Church, Radcliffe
- Grace Church, Brooklands
- City Life Church, Manchester
- New Life Community Church, Salford
- Connect Church, Oldham
Church Planting, Manchester Style
This is not about buildings - a church is a community of people centred upon Jesus Christ. We establish new churches in areas where the diocese is struggling to connect with the local community, often in some of our most deprived neighbourhoods.
Small plants are based on church models where the numbers remain small, the church is highly attuned to issues of poverty, and where relationships are strong. When these church plants grow to about 50 people, the idea is to plant another church rather than adding to the existing congregation, and so the ministry expands into different areas.
How can we get involved?
If you are interested in receiving a church plant, or planting one in your own area, please contact the leaders of the Antioch Network: Revd Ben Woodfield or Revd John Brett.