Living Out Podcast

Join Anne Whitton, a Christian communicator and wild swimming enthusiast, along with Andy Robinson, training director at Living Out, as they explore our relationship with creation. They discuss how intimacy with nature affects our connection with God and ourselves. Expect insights on overcoming barriers to enjoying creation, practical tips like photography and using apps, and the spiritual significance of gratitude. They also touch on the biblical basis for embracing the natural world and the consequences of losing this intimacy.

Jez Field, a pastor and father from Seaford, teams up with Jo Arkell, an engagement lead at Living Out, to delve into the nuances of intimacy in friendships. They explore what makes a good friend and the common barriers like shame and busyness that hinder deeper connections. The conversation also touches on how vulnerability and regular commitments can spark intimacy. Plus, they discuss the distinct needs of men and women in forming friendships, highlighting a growing loneliness among men.

Andrew Bunt, the Emerging Generations director for Living Out, and Jeanette Howard, a storyteller and author, delve into the concept of intimacy with oneself. They explore how self-knowledge can foster deeper connections with God and others while addressing the misconceptions around self-intimacy being narcissistic. The duo shares personal insights on their strengths, the importance of Scripture, and the communal aspects that enhance self-awareness. They discuss practical steps for nurturing this intimacy within communities, emphasizing that it ultimately glorifies God.

Join Andrew Nicholls, a pastoral care director with a medical background, and Adam Curtis, an Anglican vicar, as they explore the rich theme of intimacy with God. They discuss favorite biblical images like the Father and Shepherd, reflecting on emotional and communal moments. Blockers such as pride and current events hinder intimacy, while catalysts include daily practices and genuine connections with others. They emphasize how understanding the Trinity enhances our relationship with God, offering profound insights and personal touches to deepen faith.

Ed Shaw, an author and speaker focused on faith and sexuality, dives into the concept of the 'intimacy deficit' and its broad implications beyond just sexual relationships. He shares insights on the four categories of intimacy: with God, self, others, and creation, and how they interconnect. Ed candidly discusses his personal struggles with intimacy and the impact of busyness. The conversation also touches on practical steps to restore intimacy and enhance spiritual connections, including the beauty of nature as a pathway to deeper prayer.

Ed's recent book, The Intimacy Deficit, helps us to think about our connection with God, ourselves, others, and creation. In this series we want to expand on the ideas in Ed’s book, involving more voices in the conversation, and hopefully helping all of us to deepen our experiences of intimacy.

Katherine Brown, a representative of the Evangelical Alliance with a personal journey from the LGBT community, and Ben Thomas from OCCA, who shares his conversion story, dive into important questions on evangelism. They affirm the possibility of reaching out to the LGBT community, stressing the importance of listening and understanding individuals. The conversation covers how to support friends in same-sex marriages and navigates the complexities of gay couples with children coming to faith, highlighting grace, discipleship, and hope.

In this engaging discussion, guests Robin Barfield and Jennifer Kvamme share their expertise on parenting teens. Robin, a seasoned family and youth minister, along with Jennifer, a student ministry leader and author, dive into vital topics like how to foster a relationship with Jesus and discuss the gift of singleness. They also explore loving same-sex attracted teens while maintaining biblical truths. Their insights on creative parenting and practical resources empower parents to navigate the complexities of adolescence with grace.

This week, Rachel Gilson, an author and CRU leader, shares her insights from her book, Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT Affirming World. She discusses effective ways to introduce conversations about sex and sexuality with young children. Rachel emphasizes the importance of framing moral tensions through Jesus' teachings and offers practical scripts to guide these discussions. The impact of the internet and social media on children's understanding of sexuality is also examined, along with the roles of parents and churches in education.

In this enlightening conversation, Andrew Bunt, an author and ethicist known for his work on polyamory, dives into the nuances of consensual non-monogamy. He defines these relationships and discusses their increasing visibility and social acceptance. Andrew explores cultural shifts driving interest in polyamory and urges Christians to engage thoughtfully with this trend. He also addresses the relevance of Old Testament polygamy and emphasizes the importance of pastoral care in navigating these modern dynamics.