Ben Atkins - The Poetic Planter

Our understanding of Jubilee begins with recognising that everything we have is a gift from God. How are we called to steward the gifts and resources He has entrusted to us? Join Sam Ward (The Message Trust) and Natalie Williams (Jubilee+) as they explore how the principle of Jubilee can inspire us to live with joyful obedience and deeper trust in God.

Thanks for joining us for the third season of the Proximity Podcast! This season, Sam Ward (The Message Trust) and Natalie Williams (Jubilee+) explore the theme of Jubilee. How should this biblical principle of justice and mercy shape our lives today? And as Christians, what does it mean to live out the Year of Jubilee in our communities?As we begin this season, we’re exploring the theme of Jubilee in the Bible. What did it mean for the people of God then, and how should it shape the way we live as followers of Jesus today?

This is the sixth episode from our Proximity Conference series. Ben Atkins lives on an estate called White Hawk in Brighton, He tells Abi about his journey from satanism to church planting. We hear how a prayer walk led to a huge reduction in gang murders and the power of community organising efforts. Ben also reflected on the spiritual responsibility of churches towards young people and the duty to pursue justice for those facing poverty.

This is the fifth episode from our Proximity Conference series. Chris Lane, a church leader from Salford, tells Abi the joys and challenges of planting a church - including, baptisms, burnout and taking the long view! They chew over sustainable mission, friendship, and spiritual practices; especially prayer and Sabbath. Chris understands the vulnerability and fragility of urban ministry, and helps us walk in it thoughtfully and prayerfully.

This is the fourth episode from our Proximity Conference series. Harvey Kwiyani, a Malawian living in Liverpool and working for Church Mission Society, talks to Abi about cultural diversity in the UK church. 25% of the population in England and Wales are people of colour, but do we have a truly a multicultural church? Harvey reflects on the phrase "island of strangers" and calls for intentional inclusion of diverse cultures in our churches.

This is the third episode from our Proximity Conference series. Abi Thomas talks with Rachel Gardner about the joys of church, youth work, and watching hope grow in urban communities. Rachel observes how young people are often already agents of change, experiencing God’s Kingdom at work in communities long forgotten in the political realm. Discover how one church is breaking barriers, supporting young people, and creating transformative spaces of love and belonging in Blackburn.

During Proximity Conference 2025, Abi Thomas interviewed a range of contributors digging deeper into the topics they discussed in our time together.In this episode, Abi Thomas interviews Cris Rogers, an urban theologian and church leader from East London. Cris shares his approach to urban ministry, and the importance of deep community engagement. He delves into discipleship beyond social media, emphasising the need for relational, intentional faith practices and living so deeply within a community that your roots are intertwined. For Cris, theology is best understood and practiced on the street, not in the classroom.

During Proximity Conference 2025, Abi Thomas interviewed a range of contributors digging deeper into the topics they discussed in our time together.In conversation with Abi Thomas, therapist and church leader Judy Potts discusses her work integrating therapy with her faith. Noting that mental health issues often stem from feelings of inferiority, Judy tells Abi about the listening service she set up to address mental health needs and the role churches can play in providing support. Judy also suggests low-cost therapy options!

What can we do as Christians today in the face of a broken society? How do we renew proximity to one another and live out the type of community that Jesus calls us to? In this talk, recorded at Proximity Conference 2025, Head of Eden, Sarah Small, unpacks this for us...

Emerging generations are asking questions like what can I put my feet on that will hold me? Who can I trust? What will stay still in a world where everything is shifting all the time? How do we respond well to the young people in our communities? In this talk, recorded at Proximity Conference 2025, Rachel Gardner tells us more.