Strategic Programme Board Meets in Bolton

As we continue to deliver our vision we are committed to ensuring that all of our governance structures support parishes, chaplaincies and schools in their ministry.

As we continue to deliver our vision, based on the four themes of Parish Renewal, Growing Younger, Church Planting and Revitalisation, and Developing Missional Leaders, we are committed to ensuring that all of our governance structures support parishes, chaplaincies and schools in their ministry.

For this reason, the Strategic Programme Board, which oversees the programmes and projects aligned with these themes, is meeting in different contexts across the diocese. The intention is to root strategic conversations in parish settings so that the work to deliver our vision continues to support local ministry, while giving the Board the opportunity to see first-hand the good work already underway.

The Board’s latest gathering was hosted by St Paul with Emmanuel in the West Bolton Team and offered an encouraging snapshot of mission, ministry, and emerging opportunities across the area.

Revd Fayaz Adman shared insights into the mission and ministry of St Paul with Emmanuel, highlighting the church’s established intercultural work. Worship and discipleship are offered in Urdu, Punjabi and Farsi, reflecting the diverse community the church serves. Fayaz described the parish as a “unique place to be doing ministry” and spoke about the opportunities and responsibilities of walking alongside people from multiple cultures and language backgrounds.

Revd Hannah Lane, Vicar of Bolton, spoke about the encouraging growth at Bolton Parish Church – both in numbers and in the diversity of the Sunday congregation. She shared updates on the Sing My Soul choral music programme, which is opening doors to potential baptisms and confirmations and supporting the development of new discipleship pathways. Hannah also highlighted the ongoing opportunities arising from The Places Project, which enables the church to partner with local schools and has become a significant blessing for mission across Bolton.

Revd Josh Openshaw, Pioneer Minister at St Peter’s Halliwell, outlined emerging plans for a Resource Church for Bolton. Although the work remains in its early stages, the team is praying, sharing their vision, and building partnerships to shape what this might look like for the town and the wider deanery.

The meeting included time for discussion before the Board joined with others for a lunchtime Eucharist. During the service, the Revd Canon Simon Cook, Area Dean for Bolton and Assistant Archdeacon for Salford and Bolton, led prayers for shared mission and ministry across Bolton, giving thanks for the leadership and partnership of parishes, clergy, chaplaincies, schools and lay leaders.