Gorton, Manchester
A hundred years ago Gorton, situated on Manchester’s Eastside was a thriving industrial district, densely populated but with plenty of work available.
It was known for its community spirit and strong families. however, the post- war depression hit Gorton hard and the local industry was decimated. The area’s current neighbourhood profile reveals that Gorton suffers with poor health, struggling schools, low income levels and endemic crime.
Whilst these indicators of layered deprivation do sound depressing we wish to pursue this project as top priority. We believe that God has given us a mandate to ‘strike the rock’ – to go to the hardest places with the Gospel. Gorton has a high population of youth and children and there is very little existing youth provision. In addition the local government has commenced a regeneration plan in the area which will create new community facilities, new and improved housing and massive investment into local schools.
Over the last few years The Message Trust has undertaken short-term mission activities in the area and in 2009 they started talking to local churches and activists about Eden. The existing local churches were very supportive of the idea of a new work commencing in the area with youth as its primary focus.
Eden in Gorton was established in 2010, when we (Steve and Liana Roast) moved to Gorton, working in partnership with Christ Church Manchester. It is a Newfrontiers church which has made Gorton the next in a wave of church plants across Greater Manchester. Christ Church currently run The Oasis Centre, Gorton’s most established Christian community project and have both a deep understanding of and love for the people of Gorton. The new church plant will build on the work of the Oasis Centre, and Eden will complement their vision with our emphasis on young people.
Currently we have moved to become a part of this new plant which meets monthly in Gorton. We have been building relationships with young people locally and gaining an understanding of their needs.
Our Vision is to reach young people with the love of Christ bringing them to a saving knowledge of Him; and to grow this new missional community as a nurturing and equipping environment for them, their families and friends.
Our aim is for an Eden team of 12 to be living locally and working with us to impact Gorton’s young people together sharing faith in word and action. Could it be you?
Steve & Lianna Roast, Eden Team Leaders www.ccm.org.uk
