Is This the Kind of Fast I Have Chosen?

In episode 4 of the podcast Sam Ward (The Message Trust) and Natalie Williams (Jubilee+) wrestle with what it means to spend ourselves on behalf of those experiencing poverty. In their conversation they argue that we must go beyond arm’s length Christianity in order to make poverty personal.

Why does God seemingly set some people free instantly, while for others there’sa long and costly journey towards freedom? During this episode, Sam Ward (The Message Trust) and Natalie Williams (Jubilee+) share personal stories of how God patiently and lovingly works in our lives and the lives of the people we serve.

The prophet Isaiah calls us to loose the chains of injustice, but how do we do this? What part do we have to play in relieving poverty and why is it so important that we recognise the image of God in the people we’re serving? Join Sam Ward (The Message Trust) and Natalie Williams (Jubilee+) as they discuss this and more in episode two of the second season of the Proximity podcast.

Season 2 of the Proximity podcast exploring Isaiah 58 kicks off with a bang. We begin our series looking at the hot topic of fasting, and how it can become a duty rather than a delight. Can the same be true of our relationship with God at times and does this lead to us not only disconnecting from him but his heart for our communities too?

Season 2 of the Proximity Podcast will soon be here! But in the meantime here's an episode of a podcast we created in partnership with The Hopeful Activists.During the episode we discover the joys and challenges of following Jesus on an urban estate.We’ll hear from Allan Finnegan from Emmanuel Baptist Church in Netherton in Liverpool, Tom Grant, also from Emmanuel Baptist Church and Head of Proximity, as well as Tal Watkins and Marie Robinson from the Netherton Community Grocery.And finally from Bishop Philip North, who tells us that there are two stories: amazing life and hope on urban estates, and also a church that has deep inequality within its structures.

In our second bonus episode, Tom Grant, Head of Proximity and Sarah Small, Head of the Eden Network, discuss teaching by Sam Ward and Ellie Gage from this year's Proximity Conference.Get your tickets for Proximity Conference 2025 here

Join Tom Grant, Head of Proximity, and Sarah Small, Head of the Eden Network for a special bonus episode of the Proximity Podcast! In this episode, Sarah and Tom reflect upon teaching from Krish Kandiah and Claud Jackson who spoke at this year's Proximity Conference.Get your tickets for Proximity Conference 2025 here

What is the benefit of being planted in our community for the long haul? And as we do life with people, how can our lives display the Lord’s splendour even in our failings? Join Sam Ward and Natalie Williams, as they finish exploring the Jesus manifesto in the final episode of season one of the Proximity podcast.

The gospel is not just good news for when life’s good but in the tough times too. In this episode, Natalie and Sam explore how in times of mourning and despair we can still know God’s joy.

Sam and Nat are back for episode 6 chatting about God’s willingness to enter into our grief, the role we have in sharing in the grief of those in our communities and how we can each find Christ in our suffering.