Anna Whitfield – Justice, Joy & Theology

Rev. Claud Jackson, author of From Guns to God, unpacks the importance of proximity in the Christian life. He explores how close relationships with God and others are central to discipleship, accountability and spiritual growth. Through stories of friendship, fellowship and community, Claud shows how meaningful connections shape a healthy, resilient and lasting faith. This episode is part of the Proximity Conference 2026 podcast series. Explore more conference talks, conversations and resources at Proximity.

Jenny Sinclair, founder of Together for the Common Good, explores what it means to be God's people during times of social and cultural change. In conversation with Abi, she discusses civic and spiritual renewal, the Church's calling to stand alongside those who are poor, abandoned and seeking refuge, and the importance of ethical leadership. Jenny reflects on what it means to be the Lord's servant and how acts of compassion reveal the character of Jesus to the world.

Debs Peake shares the vision behind Know Your Worth, a charity supporting teenage girls facing low self-esteem, self-harm, eating disorders and insecurity. Drawing on years of experience in schools and communities, she explains how empathy, connection and encouragement help young people recognise their value, make healthy choices and discover a deeper sense of identity and worth.

Author and illustrator Kate Hollamby shares how a season of chronic fatigue transformed her relationship with God, leading her to encounter Jesus through imagination, creativity and storytelling. Together, Kate and Abi explore how stories can help children and adults navigate darkness and discover hope. Drawing on themes from her book The Place of Endless Lights, Kate reflects on how joy, like light, can shine in life's hardest seasons and point us towards God's presence.

Anna Whitfield explores why theology isn't reserved for academics or church leaders but is an invitation open to every follower of Jesus. Together, Abi and Anna discuss social justice, the common good and what it means to reflect God's character in everyday life. They also reflect on finding joy in difficult seasons, discovering a joy rooted not in circumstances but in learning to see the world through God's eyes.

Arianna Walker shares how Mercy UK's journey from residential programmes to online ministry has enabled thousands more people to experience healing, freedom and transformation. She explores the vision behind The Freedom Journey and Keys to Freedom, highlighting why accessible, reader-led discipleship is proving such a valuable resource for churches across the UK. Together, Abi and Arianna discuss why breakthrough is only the beginning of the story and how lasting freedom is found in the daily walk that follows.

Amy and Ben Woodfield, leaders of New Life Church, Breightmet, unpack the beauty of raising and releasing leaders, building communities where people belong, grow as disciples and become more like Jesus. They share how church planting, mission and trauma-informed practice have shaped their vision for creating spaces where people feel at home and faith is lived out together. Exploring what it means to live a sent life, they reflect on empowering others, holding things lightly and having the courage to go when God calls.

In this keynote from the Proximity Conference 2026, Sarah Small invites us to rediscover joy as a defining mark of the Christian life. Through powerful biblical reflection, she challenges us to lift our eyes beyond our circumstances and embrace the hope, freedom and purpose found in Jesus. A passionate and uplifting message that captures the heart of the conference theme: Let There Be Joy.

In this keynote from the Proximity Conference 2026, Sam Ward explores the joy at the heart of God's plan of salvation. Reflecting on Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and the words of Hebrews 12, Sam shows how the joy set before Christ strengthened Him to endure the cross. This rich and compelling message reminds us that joy is rooted in God's redemptive purposes and invites us to join in His mission to reach the lost.

In this keynote from the Proximity Conference 2026, Andy Hawthorne reflects on the joy that fuels mission. Sharing stories from over 30 years of ministry among marginalised communities, Andy explores how God opens doors of opportunity, why joy and passion are essential for lasting mission, and how God refreshes weary leaders for the work ahead. An inspiring and faith-filled call to keep burning brightly for Jesus.