“There are some things that only happen when the church is united.”
That spirit of unity marked the God Loves You Tour (GLYT) kick-off gathering in Manchester on 29 January 2026, as more than 300 pastors and ministry leaders from across the North West came together in prayer, worship, and shared vision ahead of the outreach this October.
Nearly a month on, conversations with church leaders reflect a deep sense of anticipation—not simply for an event, but for lasting Gospel impact across the region.
Helen, a pastor from Temple of Praise Church in Anfield, Liverpool, shared how encouraged she was by the scale of the gathering. She mentioned counting the tables in the room, estimating the number of leaders present, and being deeply moved by the sight of so many churches represented. “It was incredible,” she shared. “Huge amount of Christians from across Manchester and from Liverpool as well, from the North West.”
Her church is already preparing. She explained that they are actively encouraging personal witness and evangelism within their congregation and hope to bring a coach from Liverpool to Manchester for the outreach. Having participated in a previous God Loves You Tour event in Liverpool back in 2022, she said they are eager to continue what God has already begun in the UK.
“If we all pray and work together,” she shared, “we really will see God move—and we really, really will.”
Warren Evans, Chief Executive Sports Chaplain for the UK and Ireland and part of North Church in Leeds, reflected on the deeper significance of the tour. While he expressed appreciation for large gatherings, he emphasised that the true measure of success goes far beyond a single moment.
“It’s not just about an event,” he shared. “It’s about people and it’s about discipleship. It’s about equipping the saints.”
He spoke about the importance of long-term investment—seeing people not only respond to the Gospel, but continue walking faithfully with Christ for years to come.
“It’s only a successful event if someone’s still walking with the Lord five to seven years later,” he said.
He also highlighted the responsibility of the local church to step forward in this season, noting that what some describe as a “quiet revival” is something the Church must actively steward. For him, the partnership between the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and local congregations strengthens what God is already doing across communities.
Pastor Oladini Oyebadejo of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Chosen Generation Assembly in South Manchester, was encouraged and challenged.
He shared that the messages were “straight to the point, pungent and very challenging,” leaving him encouraged and ready to mobilise his congregation. Attending with two leaders from his church, he explained that they plan to return home and stir expectation among their members ahead of October.
“We’re trusting God to visit Manchester,” he said with conviction.
With joyful faith, he added that he would love to see the city transformed—so much so that Manchester might be known as “God Centre.” Confident in the promise of Scripture, he affirmed that the Church is moving forward and that nothing can stand against the purposes of God.
As preparations continue, churches across the North West are stepping into prayer, training, and mobilisation—believing that when the Church stands together, lives are changed and communities are transformed.
If you would like to be part of what God is doing through the God Loves You Tour in Manchester this October, we invite you to sign up and find out more at GodLovesYouTour.org.uk.