Rev Jo Oughton joined All Saints as Curate in summer 2026. Read on to find out more about the newest member of the All Saints worship team...
Q. When did you become a Christian?
A. I’ve never really been able to pinpoint the moment when I became a Christian. My journey into faith was much more gradual. I didn’t start coming to church until I was nearly 30 and had two small children. I first found my way into church through a toddler group, followed by a preschool service. When the vicar asked if anyone would like to be confirmed, I said yes. Looking back, that was probably one of the first moments when I realised that faith was becoming something much more important in my life.
Q. How did your journey into ministry start?
A. My journey into ordained ministry has been long and complicated. I had worked in ministry in the Church for many years, but the call to ordained ministry was something I tried to ignore. When I first felt that call, my life was far from straightforward. I was a single mum of two teenagers, my marriage had ended, and I was drinking too much. I eventually reached rock bottom and was introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous. That first meeting began a journey of recovery, and I have now been sober for 14 years. It took the best part of a decade before I felt ready to answer God’s call. Every part of that journey has helped make me who I am.
Q. What do you like about the Church of England....and what frustrates you?
A. One of the things I love about the Church of England is its tradition and structure. There is something reassuring about belonging to a church with such a long history, while also knowing that we are here for everyone. We have the privilege of being present at some of the most important moments in people’s lives. That is a unique honour. I do sometimes get frustrated by the pace of change, but I believe that by being within the Church and actively campaigning for change, we can help make it a place that is easier for everyone to access.
Q. As a Christian, what are you passionate about?
A. I am passionate about the hope we have in Christ. Whatever our circumstances, we can always find refuge in him, and I want to share that hope with as many people as possible.
Q. What's your favourite Bible passage and why?
A. At the moment, my favourite Bible passage is Micah 6:8: “Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” It feels like a manifesto for life, and I wear it on a necklace as a constant reminder.
Q.Whare are your first impression of AS church?
A. I have been welcomed into All Saints with open arms and already feel part of a loving church family. I’m really looking forward to being part of the team and getting involved in the church’s vision.
Q. What's your favourite thing to do away from church?
A. Away from church, I love spending time with friends and family, although I probably spend the most time on my sofa with my dog, watching comedy, true crime documentaries and whodunits. I also love finding wheelchair-friendly ways to get out into the countryside and enjoy God’s creation first-hand.
Photo credit: Diocese of Chester