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In this conversation, Christine Sine interviews Ash Barker about his journey with Urban Neighbours of Hope, exploring themes of community development, cultural transitions, and the importance of empowering local talent. They discuss the challenges and rewards of working in diverse environments, the impact of family dynamics on community work, and the significance of participatory church models. Ash shares inspiring stories, including that of Poo, a local chef who transformed her life through community support. The conversation also touches on the role of spiritual practices, the challenges of chronic illness, and the power of storytelling in reimagining communities. Ultimately, Ash emphasizes the importance of Jesus' model of empowerment and the need for humor and community in ministry.
Takeaways
- Cultural transitions can shape community development approaches.
- Empowering local talent leads to sustainable change.
- Family dynamics play a crucial role in community work.
- Leadership transitions can open new opportunities for growth.
- The seedbed vision emphasizes cultivating local leaders.
- Participatory church models foster community engagement.
- Spiritual practices help in paying attention to community needs.
- Chronic illness can impact community work but also provide insights.
- Storytelling is vital in reimagining communities.
Husband to a force of nature (Anji) and Dad to two amazing young people (Amy and Aiden), Ash has spent over 30 years living and serving on the front line of urban poverty and has a passion to release the unique potential of urban people and places. Since 2014, the Barkers have been based in Winson Green, inner city Birmingham, UK. They founded Newbigin House which started two new local congregations as well as innovative organisations such as Newbigin Community Trust (NewbiginTrust.uk), Red Letter Christians UK (RedLetterChristians.org.uk) and Urban Shalom Society (UrbanShalomSociety.org). Ash and Anji are also United Reformed Church Ministers of Lodge Road Community Church in Winson Green with Anji also leading Newbigin Community Trust. A strategic focus for Ash is leading Seedbeds (the public name for Newbigin School for Urban Leadership). Through responsive, practical and innovative programmes, Seedbeds grows local leaders and communities into fullness of life, believing that every local community can flourish, but few neighbourhoods realise their unique potential. Seedbeds equips local people and places to discover, connect and release their unique potential together from the inside out.
More information about Ash Barker can be found at
Find out more about Christine Sine on
Walking In Wonder on Substack
and on her website Godspacelight
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