Explore every episode of the podcast Proximity Podcast

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.
 

In this keynote from the Proximity Conference 2026, Amy Orr-Ewing explores the relationship between joy, leadership and our identity in Christ. Drawing on Philippians and insights from attachment theory, she reflects on how our deepest security is found in belonging to Jesus, enabling us to lead from a place of confidence, resilience and joy. A powerful message for leaders serving in challenging contexts.

In this keynote from the Proximity Conference 2026, Amy Orr-Ewing explores how Christians can experience joy in the midst of suffering. Drawing from Philippians, Amy unpacks how hardship need not define us, how God is present with us in our pain, and how the gospel gives suffering meaning and hope. This is an honest, thoughtful and deeply encouraging message for anyone facing challenges, disappointment or uncertainty.

In the final episode of this season of the Proximity Podcast, Sam Ward (The Message Trust) and Natalie Williams (Jubilee+) get practical, exploring how we can put the principles of Jubilee into action. They reflect on rest, the redistribution of resources, the reconciliation of relationships, and the restoration of our communities.

In the fifth episode of the Proximity Podcast, Sam Ward (The Message Trust) and Natalie Williams (Jubilee+) explore the release that the biblical principle of Jubilee brings—from both poverty and from relying on ourselves instead of God.

In this episode, Sam Ward (The Message Trust) and Natalie Williams (Jubilee+) dive into the freedom the Year of Jubilee brought to those who were enslaved—and explore how we can help remove the barriers that stop people from experiencing that same freedom today.

Jesus said, ‘Give to everyone who asks of you.’ But what does that really mean for us today? How should repentance shape not just our own lives, but the communities around us? In this episode of the Proximity Podcast, Sam Ward (The Message Trust) and Natalie Williams (Jubilee+) dive into these questions and more.

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.

How close are we to Jesus? Are we yoked to our ministries or yoked to Christ? In this talk, recorded at Proximity Conference 2025, Andy encourages us press into intimacy with Jesus and in doing so catch God’s heart for our communities.

How can we see our communities transformed? What part do we have to play in being salt and light in our estates? In this talk, recorded at Proximity Conference 2025, Cris Rogers shares how we can bring transformation to our communities simply by living in close proximity to those people God has called us to serve.

Join us for the final episode of season 2 of the Proximity podcast! Sam Ward (The Message Trust) and Natalie Williams (Jubilee+) round off their journey through Isaiah 58 by discussing the role that the people of God have collectively in serving the people of the communities in which we live.

Has the church looked for prosperity in areas of our lives that God has not called us to prosper in? In this episode of the Proximity podcast Sam Ward (The Message Trust) and Natalie Williams (Jubilee+) explore the connection between serving those experiencing brokenness in our communities and the blessing of God.

In episode 4 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 musteachgo beyond arm’s length Christianityto make poverty personalfor us.

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.

Jesus came to declare the year of the Lord’s favour but what does that mean for us? How can we play our part in rolling back the darkness in our estates? And why should we be glad that God gets angry? Join Natalie Williams (Jubilee+) and Sam Ward (The Message Trust) as they explore these questions in the latest episode of the Proximity podcast.

Where might we as Christians be complicit with oppression and how can we challenge injustice in our communities? Join Sam Ward (The Message Trust) and Natalie Williams (Jubilee+) as they explore these themes and more in episode four of the Proximity podcast.

We’re back with episode 3 of the Proximity podcast! Sam and Nat continue their series looking at Luke 4 and Jesus’ manifesto. This time, they’re chatting about what blinds us from seeing the goodness of God and how making issues of poverty personal can help us remove our blind spots.

What does true freedom look like in our communities? In the second episode, Sam Ward (Message Trust) and Natalie Williams (Message Trust) are looking at how we can bring Christ's freedom to the lives of our neighbours and why it’s so important to celebrate the small changes we see in people’s lives.

Welcome to the brand-new Proximity podcast hosted by Sam Ward from The Message Trust and Natalie Williams of Jubilee+. In our first season, we’ll be exploring Jesus’ manifesto for his ministry found in Luke 4. We begin by looking at the language we use when talking about poverty, how we can eradicate it and what it means to be ‘good news to the poor.’

For our first season, Sam Ward from The Message Trust and Natalie Williams of Jubilee+ are going to be unpacking Jesus’ manifesto for his ministry that we find in Luke 4, asking the question, how can Christians be good news to those who are experiencing poverty?