Church Wigan has been making significant strides in mission, taking bold steps to connect with local communities in innovative ways. By addressing both practical and spiritual needs, its outreach is creating spaces where lives are being transformed, and faith is becoming accessible to all.
JEDS Pantry: More Than a Food Bank
At the heart of Church Wigan’s mission is JEDS Pantry, an initiative that exemplifies how meeting practical needs can lead to deeper community and faith connections. Originally launched to combat food insecurity, the pantry has become a vibrant hub for over 2,000 members. While shoppers save thousands of pounds collectively each week, they’re also discovering companionship, support, and opportunities to explore faith.
Espresso Worship, a short and accessible service, has emerged from the pantry’s work, as have Journey Groups, offering people a chance to learn more about prayer and discipleship in a welcoming setting. Stories like that of “Tom”, whose sense of isolation was alleviated by joining the pantry community, highlight the profound personal impact of this mission.
Growing Hope: Worship in the Outdoors
The Growing Hope outdoor worship community is another shining example of how Church Wigan is reimagining mission. Meeting in a local garden, the group combines environmental care with faith exploration. Over the past 18 months, participants have sown seeds, shared meals, and built friendships—all while connecting with Jesus’ teachings and the natural world.
This initiative shows how mission can flourish outside traditional church settings. By creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, Growing Hope invites people of all ages to experience faith in a way that feels fresh and relevant.
Reaching Marginalised and Underrepresented Groups
Church Wigan is also focused on serving those who might feel excluded from traditional worship. The Farsi Worship Community provides asylum seekers with a space to worship in their own language, fostering a sense of belonging while offering practical support. Similarly, The Shed offers men a chance to gather over breakfast for open conversations about life and faith in a pressure-free environment.
Family-focused initiatives like Wellspring bring parents, carers, and children together through shared meals, activities, and reflection. These efforts demonstrate Church Wigan’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring everyone has a place to explore faith in a way that resonates with them.
Strong Leadership Underpinning Mission
The success of these initiatives is underpinned by Church Wigan’s focus on strong governance and leadership. By strengthening financial practices, rebuilding trust, and empowering new leaders, the church has created a solid foundation that supports its mission activities. This collaborative approach ensures that its work remains sustainable and impactful.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Inclusive Mission
Church Wigan’s approach to mission is a powerful model for how faith can transform communities. By listening to local needs and responding with compassion and creativity, it has opened doors to discipleship for many who might never have engaged with the Church otherwise.
From providing affordable groceries and warm welcomes at JEDS Pantry to creating space for reflection and growth at Growing Hope, Church Wigan’s message is clear: faith is about action, inclusion, and love. As these initiatives continue to develop, they offer a blueprint for how the Church can remain relevant, compassionate, and transformative in today’s world.
