LoveBristol is a “church and a charity with a passion for caring for (local) community in creative and inspiring ways”. They are incredibly active and present, supporting multiple local initiatives and social enterprises. They have also pioneered an impressive network of 10+ Christian community houses for people of all ages in Bristol.

In this podcast, community member Sophie gives a comprehensive yet concise overview of LoveBristol, as well as providing incisive insights on community living.

This interview was recorded in a cafe with the background noise having subsequently been edited out. This has unfortunately lowered the audio quality but the wisdom shared is worth it!

Mim Skinner, amongst many any other fascinating things, is author of the book “Living Together: Searching for Community in a Fractured World”. In this book she recounts her experiences of, and insights into, a variety of different communities from Christian, Buddhist, urban, eco, tech-y and even naturist. You can find out more about her book here.

Listen to this podcast for an exploration of the current UK community scene and to glean experienced insights into a variety of community models.

In this interview, Revd Dr Al Barrett shares what inspired the creation of the Hodge Hill/Common Ground Community and how they have gone about setting up and nurturing the community over time. Listen for a wonderful and gentle insight into the setting up of community houses, and their gift and relevance to the Church and the world today and beyond.

10 years ago, the Birmingham parish of St Philip & St James lost their church building to structural damage, and in response purchased 2 local community houses which form the residential base of the Hodge Hill/Common Ground community.Over the years, these community houses have provided a special home for a diversity of people, and have been the centre of many church and local community activities.

10 years ago, the Birmingham parish of St Philip & St James lost their church building to structural damage, and in response purchased 2 local community houses which form the residential base of the Hodge Hill/Common Ground community. Over the years, these community houses have provided a special home for a diversity of people, and have been the centre of many church and local community activities.Learn more about this inspiring church-linked model of community and the people it has blessed in this recorded walk-and-talk conversation with long-term resident Genny.

Join the gentle and spirited Phil Stone, longstanding director of Scargill Movement, for a walk across the Yorkshire Dales. In this interview, Phil shares his rich experience of ministering to a variety of communities, before going into more detail about the lessons learnt through his involvement with Scargill Movement. Listen for a gentle conversation, full of stories and peppered with beautiful nuggets of wisdom.

Scargill Movement is an ecumenical Christian Community set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. As a community, they welcome guests “refreshing and equipping churches, groups and individuals, of all faiths and none”. Together they strive to build a place of hospitality, creativity, fun and food as summarised by the motto “lives shared, lives transformed, with Jesus at the centre”.In this podcast, longstanding community member Helen provides a quick overview of Scargill Movement, its membership and daily rhythms.

Madonna House is a Roman Catholic community comprised of ~200 members - lay men, lay women and priests - who take lifelong promises of poverty, chastity and obedience. Founded by Russian-born Catherine de Hueck Doherty, the community has its beginnings in Canada and North America after she fled the Russian Revolution.Madonna House has its primary community base in Combermere Canada, and sends its members out to 15+field houses in Canada, the US and beyond.In this interview, Carol Ann - long-time member of Madonna House and currently based in the Robin Hood’s Bay field house - shares an overview of the founding of the community, and how the community pray and live together.

In this conversation with Ruth (community member for 8 years) and Ian (community member for 2 years), we unpack more about the Achor Community, how it functions, how it has evolved over time, and the learnings, challenges and blessings which have revealed themselves. Listen for beautiful and wise insights into: living as a Christian witness in marginalised areas, marrying contemporary young adult life with community living, the blessings and challenges of transient membership and church affiliation, and so much more! As taken from the Achor Community website:”The Achor Community is a network of committed volunteers from the King’s Church Durham congregation who form an intentional Christian community, living and serving on the Sherburn Road estate in Gilesgate.

Achor was established in the summer of 2013 with five members and two houses. There are now over ten volunteers living across five houses praying and serving alongside one another. The aim of Achor is to contribute to Christian mission by being a positive social influence in the area, contributing towards community cohesion and building a flourishing community. By living on the ground in the Sherburn Road area, we are able to understand local needs better and so focus resources more effectively and provide greater continuity in our community engagement.

At the heart of Achor is intentional Christian community, focussing on the importance of sharing life together and sharing God’s love in practical ways with the local community.

The Achor Community have a regular rhythm of life which includes praying together regularly, sharing a weekly meal together, and serving in the local community. Members also give a proportion of their income for the costs of the community and its activities.”

This interview was conducted over Zoom, and I therefore apologise for the consequently lower audio quality. The wisdom shared more than makes up for it though!The Episcopal Service Corp (ESC) is a national network of young adult communities linked to Episcopal congregations in the US.

In this interview, Demarius Walker draws on his knowledge as an ESC board member to provide an overview of the workings of the national ESC. Additionally, having lived in 3 different ESC communities, Demarius shares his personal and diverse experience of living in ESC communities, whilst also sharing his learnings as the first and current director of the Trinity ESC, Indianapolis.

Melanie shares her PhD research on young people desiring more from Church; a fascinating conversation on modern day spiritual needs, challenges, and the role of Church and community.