Pray each day
Each month, you’re invited to pray for church and all that is happening with our monthly Prayer Calendar.. You can view and download the calendar below as a PDF.
1 Thessalonians Series
Kingdom Living in A Hostile World
In our Sunday evening services this June we are exploring the book of 1 Thessalonians, which is probably the earliest New Testament document we have and speaks to encourage new believers living in the context of opposition and persecution.
It is timelessly helpful as we reflect on what it means to live counter cultural lives yet lives that are appealing to the secular world.
This book also deals with Christian hope and the context of the return of Jesus, an issue which pre-occupies many in our own generation as we see societal instability and global challenges.
Watch this short animation from the Bible Project to get an overview of the book
Our evening talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
Faith in a Pressured Environment - 7th June
Global Partners Weekend - 14th June
Counter Cultural Living - 21st June
Hope in the Return of Christ - 28th June
Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week.
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!
Jonah - Spring Bible School with Catherine Penn, Tim Dobson and Phoebe Smith
Tonight we are looking at the book of Jonah, and Phoebe will be leading us through a mediation from Amos
The Jesus Manifesto
The Jesus Manifesto
This series explores Jesus declaration in Luke 4 that he was the fulfilment of an ancient Jewish prophecy outlined in Isaiah 61. Often described as a statement of intent at the launch of Jesus’ kingdom mission, John Wimber referred to it as Jesus’ “Messianic Manifesto.” When Jesus enters the synagogue in Capernaum it is a provocative beginning to his ministry. The moment ultimately leads to him being driven out of town, as the local people and religious leaders react with anger.
Jesus announces that He has come to bring good news to the poor, freedom to captives, healing to the broken, and restoration to all. This marks a turning point in the biblical story: God’s Kingdom is no longer distant, but present and active through Him. The manifesto is not just about Jesus - it becomes the calling of His followers. Christians are invited to both receive and carry this transforming work of the Holy Spirit into the world.
Our morning talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
Kingdom Now - 7th June
The Spirit for All - 14th June (Global Partners Weekend)
Freedom Carriers - 21st June
Sent to Restore - 28th June
Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week.
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!
Spring Bible School - Haggai and Zechariah with Tim Dobson and Rebekah Holden
This week Tim and Rebekah highlight the difference between two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah. Both prophesied at the same time in the same place, but they had very different styles.
May Prayer Calendar
Pray each day
Each month, you’re invited to pray for church and all that is happening with our monthly Prayer Calendar. You can view and download the calendar below as a PDF.
The Living Presence
The Living Presence
In May we will be preaching on the Holy Spirit. Our conviction is that we need a deeper work of the Holy Spirit in our lives together. We too often reduce the role and scope of the Holy Spirit to church gatherings only. We want to look at the work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament and how this still has relevance in our lives today. Join us as we pray ‘Come Holy Spirit’.
Our evening talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
The Creating Spirit - 10th May
The Empowering Spirit - 17th May
The Anointing Spirit - 24th
The Prophetic Spirit - 31st May
Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week.
The Living Presence - Discussion Notes
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!
Pentecost Power
Pentecost Power
It's impossible to overstate the importance of Pentecost and the work of the Spirit. Jesus is introduced in all four gospels as the one who will 'baptise in the Holy Spirit' and his promise to the disciples before his ascension in Acts 1 is that in a few days they will be baptised with the Holy Spirit. The work of the Spirit is essential in all Christian life and ministry and in the imitation of Christ in character and conduct. We can do nothing on our own. This mini-series looks at preparing for power, the experience of empowering and living an empowered life.
Our Evening talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
Preparing for Power - 17th May
Pentecost Power - 24th May
Transforming Power - 31st May
Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week.
Pentecost Power - Discussion Notes
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!
Finance Manager Vacancy
Join our Finance Team!
The Woodlands Church Family (WCF) is a vibrant, growing family of churches with eight sites located across the city of Bristol. Our vision is to transform Bristol through the love and power of God as we create spirit-filled, visible communities of faith in neighbourhoods across the city.
Each congregation is distinct in their style, but we all share the same vision, mission and values to be communities which are welcoming of everyone, authentic in our faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit and expectant of all that God will do in us and through us.
We have an exciting opportunity and are looking to appoint a Finance Manager to join our WCF Finance Team.
You will be working with our WCF Finance Committee to provide high quality financial information and support to the Senior Leadership Team, Trustees and Finance Committee of Woodlands Church Family.
The Role
Candidates should be highly motivated, enthusiastic, able to take initiative, work well in a team and be committed to see the church community grow in their faith and reach the city for Jesus.
Key areas of work for the position of Finance Manager include:
Management reporting
Budget and Reconciliation of income and expenses for Conferences, Weekends Away and other events
Controls and Procedures
Restricted Funds
Audit and Year End
Payroll
Giving and Gift Aid
Investments
Budgets
Line management of Finance Administrator
Governance support
When undertaking this role there may be times when you come across confidential information, therefore it is imperative that you are highly discreet and maintain confidentiality.
Find out more about this role:
View the Job Description (PDF)
Reporting and Line management
Accountable to the WCF Finance Committee and line managed by a member of that committee
Occupational Requirement
As a church family we want to make disciples who make disciples. We therefore seek to create a culture and environment in our churches where every team member and volunteer is able to encourage and inspire one another and the many people who pass through the doors each day, to pursue that vision.
As a member of the staff team, you will be joining a faith community that meets to worship and pray together every week, and we share prayer and worship moments throughout the day. Around the building, you’ll often come across teams or individuals praying over their work and really speaking the language of faith.
Therefore, the role has an occupational requirement that the post holder be a follower of Jesus and a worshipping member of a local church to ensure protection of our strong Christian ethos and values, and our charitable objective of advancing the Christian faith. We also want to ensure all team members thrive and flourish in this environment.
Benefits
Health and wellbeing programme
Team events
In-house training and support of personal and professional development
Relocation
If relocating to Bristol, Woodlands Church Family will reimburse reasonable relocation expenses.
Terms
This is a permanent, contracted part-time position for 4 days/30 hours per week. This role follows a hybrid model, which offers the flexibility to work from home as needed, with core in-office hours for team working, collaborating with colleagues and meetings. Core in-office hours are negotiable and can be discussed at interview.
The salary band for this role is £35k - £40k, depending on experience. The annual holiday entitlement is 25 days pro rata plus 8 days bank holiday pro rata.
Travel between the different sites will be required.
The detailed terms and conditions will be contained in the post-holders Contract of Employment and the staff handbook.
There will be a six-month probationary period with a review point after 8 weeks. An appraisal will take place to confirm completion of the probationary period and appraisals will take place annually thereafter.
The post is subject to satisfactory references.
We have a legal responsibility to ensure that all our employees have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Therefore, please only apply if you are eligible to work in the UK as we will have to verify this before you can start work.
How to apply
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 14th June 2026. However, this vacancy will close once we have sufficient applications.
If you would like an informal conversation to discuss questions about the role please contact the Lead Recruiter, Ed Marsh at ed.marsh@woodlandschurch.net.
If shortlisted, the first interviews will take place week commencing Monday 15th of June 2026.
Please download and complete the Woodlands Church Family application form.
Please send your completed application to our HR Team at hr@woodlandschurch.net.
Spring Bible School - Hosea with Meg Nurcombe and Evy Quin
Meg takes us through the book of Hosea as we see the loving-kindness of God declared through words, and acted out by the prophet Hosea. The study is followed by a devotional reflection led by Evy Quin
Community Life Conference 9th May
The Community Life Conference explores and celebrates the challenges and joys of community life both in shared living contexts but also in our wider community life as church. Liz Oldfield author of the popular “The Sacred Podcast” shares about community as the vital context for growing as disciples of Jesus through love, accountability, and everyday faithfulness. Open to anyone.
The Book of Judges - a Tragedy
The Book of Judges contains some very grim stories and ends with two accounts of idolatory and sexual immorality. What has this book got to teach us?
Spring Bible School - Habakkuk reflection with Meg Nurcombe
Here is a short reflection on the Minor Prophet Habakkuk as part of Spring Bible School
Spring Bible School - Introduction to the Minor Prophets with Tim Dobson
This Spring Bible School we will be studying the Minor Prophets and how to read them well. Here is the introduction to the Minor Prophets including historical background and common themes.
Children's Minister Vacancy
Join our Children’s Ministry Team!
The Woodlands Church Family (WCF) is a vibrant, growing family of churches with eight sites located across the city of Bristol. Our vision is to transform Bristol through the love and power of God as we create spirit-filled, visible communities of faith in neighbourhoods across the city.
Each congregation is distinct in their style, but we all share the same vision, mission and values to be communities which are welcoming of everyone, authentic in our faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit and expectant of all that God will do in us and through us.
Children are a priority for us at Woodlands Central, and we want to see them finding a place of belonging in church and in God’s kingdom as well as being equipped to be mini ministers wherever they go. It’s a growing and creative area of our church life, with huge potential for more, to both support families as they disciple their children but also to explore what role we have in reaching the many children in our city who have no connection to church. Our vision is to see children building strong foundations in their faith and to grow to be ‘Confident, Connected and Equipped’.
At our Woodlands Central congregation, we have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our Children and Families team as a Children’s Minister.
Role
Candidates should be highly motivated, enthusiastic, able to take initiative, work well in a team and be committed to see the church community grow in their faith and reach the city for Jesus.
Key areas of work for the position include:
Planning and leading groups working with children aged 0-11. With the option to focus on a specific age group.
Helping to support and equip a team of volunteers, and resource the different Sunday morning groups.
Working with the children's team to review and develop processes to ensure the ministry continues to grow.
Exploring opportunities to work with children outside our church and develop meaningful partnerships with local/connected schools.
Helping lead and resource special events for children and families.
Previous experience in children's work or ministry would be ideal, and relevant qualifications will be considered.
For full details of the role, please see the Job Description.
Terms
This is a permanent, part-time contract at 2.5 days/18h 45m per week with a requirement for Sunday hours.
The salary band for this role is £26,000 - £28,000 pro rata, depending on experience.
The annual holiday entitlement is 25 days pro rata plus 8 days bank holiday pro rata.
The role will be based at Woodlands Central in Clifton.
For full details, please see the Role Summary and Terms.
Occupational Requirement
The role has an occupational requirement that the post holder be a follower of Jesus and to be a worshipping member of the Woodlands Church Family, Woodlands Central (if not already) to ensure protection of our strong Christian ethos and values, and our charitable objective of advancing the Christian faith. We also want to ensure all team members thrive and flourish in this environment.
Right to Work in the UK
We have a legal responsibility to ensure that all our employees have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Therefore, please only apply if you are eligible to work in the UK as we will have to verify this before you can start work.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please download and complete the Woodlands Church Family Application Form.
Please send your completed application to our HR Team at hr@woodlandschurch.net
If you would like an informal conversation to discuss questions about the role please contact the Lead Recruiter, Lorna Savage at lorna.savage@woodlandschurch.net.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 31st May 2026. This vacancy will close once sufficient applications are received.
If shortlisted, interviews will take place on Wednesday 10th June 2026.
April Prayer Calendar
Pray each day
Each month, you’re invited to pray for church and all that is happening with our monthly Prayer Calendar. You can view and download the calendar below as a PDF.
Small is Beautiful
Small is Beautiful
Followers of Jesus are called to make disciples. Discipleship happens therefore in the context of relationship. Christians meet in varied sized groups, but the truth is the larger the context the poorer it is at making disciples. Large gatherings are great for lots of things and play their part in the discipleship process, but the most effective mediums for discipleship are small.
Our evening talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
Mentoring, Elijah & Elisha - 19th April
Mentoring, Paul & Timothy - 26th April
The Power of a Small Group for discipleship - 3rd May
Small is Church too - 10th May
Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week.
Small is Beautiful - Discussion Notes
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!
Resurrection Life
Resurrection Life
Having celebrated the risen Jesus on Easter Sunday, we want to explore the reality of a resurrected Jesus. What does that mean for us today to know Jesus as our risen Lord? We’re going to look at 3 encounters Jesus had and how his resurrection life changed the lives of those he met. Our prayer is that the same resurrected Jesus will meet us and change us today.
Our morning talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
Living Faith - 12th April
Living Hope - 19th April
Living Mission - 26th April
Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week.
Resurrection Life - Discussion Notes
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!
March Bible School with Dr Freddy Hedley (WTC) - OT Covenants and the Last Supper
Here is the audio recording of Dr Freddy Hedley as he takes us through the Old Testament covenants and how they inform Jesus’ words at the Last Supper about a “New Covenant”
Self Sacrificial Love
Self Sacrificial Love
The Way of The Cross
At the heart of Jesus’ ministry is His self-sacrificial love exemplified by the way of the cross that He chose. The challenge to His disciples is to follow the way of self-sacrificial love ourselves. In this Lenten season our Sunday evening series will be exploring what it means to put that into practice. Jesus told his followers to take up their cross daily, and Paul writes ‘offer your bodies to God as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of worship’. These are hard words but paradoxically point to the pathway of life and freedom.’
Self sacrificial Love is at the heart of the ministry of Jesus and the example he sets us to follow. It is the grounding principle of this sermon series. It points the way to Easter.
Our evening talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
Sacrifice and Discipleship - 1st March
Sacrifice and Leadership - 8th March
Sacrifice and Worship - 15th March
Sacrifice and Resources - 22nd March
Sacrifice and Salvation - 29th March
Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week.
Self Sacrificial Love - Discussion Notes
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!