Sharing the gospel in the heart of a busy city
OAM has been involved in open-air work in Manchester since the mid-1850s, and Manchester Week in its current format has been running for several decades. During this time, many students arrive in the city to begin university, alongside the usual sightseers, shoppers, and visitors. This outreach places us in the heart of these busy streets, providing a valuable opportunity for a team-based gospel witness.
When does it take place?
Dates: 19–25 September
Arrival and departure: Arrive on Saturday evening and depart on Friday afternoon once the outreach has finished.
What does the outreach involve?
The main outreach takes place in the city centre from 12:00–15:00, Monday to Friday. On most weekday evenings, meetings are held in churches around Manchester. You are welcome to attend these, and if you feel able, you may have opportunity to share about contacts made during the week.
We also take part in various church services on Sunday, and you are free to attend whichever service you prefer.
Team members may take part in a range of activities, including:
- A book table with a range of literature
- Giving out leaflets
- Listening to and supporting open-air preaching
- Engaging in personal conversations
- Open-air preaching
There are opportunities for all to be involved, whether observing, assisting, or taking a more active role.
Training and encouragement
On arrival on Saturday evening, we begin with a team devotional and prayer time to get acquainted and commit the week to the Lord. Each morning from Monday to Friday, there is a team devotional led by members of Chorlton Evangelical Church, followed by prayer before heading out.
There is also time for discussion over meals and at other points in the day to ask questions, reflect on conversations, and learn from one another’s experience in the open air.
Accommodation and base
The team will be based at Chorlton Evangelical Church.
- Men will stay in the church hall
- Women will be accommodated in the homes of church members
Men will need to bring camp beds and sleeping equipment (including pillows, sleeping bags, and warm bedding). Washing facilities are available on site, though there are no showers. Showers may be available on some evenings in church members’ homes.
Food and practical arrangements
A main meal will be provided each day from Saturday through to Thursday evening. On Sunday, a fellowship lunch takes place at Chorlton Evangelical Church.
Breakfast is provided each morning on a self-serve basis (cereals, bread, etc.), and sandwich materials are available for preparing lunch to take out during the outreach.
Why join this outreach?
Manchester Week is typically one of the larger team events, and the volume of people in the city provides a wide range of opportunities for meaningful contact and evangelism.
Those with experience in evangelism can take part in all aspects of the outreach under the guidance of the team leader. For those who are newer, there is plenty of scope to learn at your own pace — observing, asking questions, and gradually becoming more involved, supported by more experienced team members.
Each day also provides opportunity to reflect, ask questions, and receive encouragement after returning from the open air.
How to get involved
To join the Manchester Week outreach, please book your place in advance.
Booking deadline: Friday 4th September
If you have any questions, please get in touch using the contact details provided.