A series sharing food and conversation as we explore the connections between Jesus & Justice and what does it mean to be a good neighbour in today’s world

MAY 2025

Stories from Winson Green | Birmingham UK with Rev. Dr. Ash Barker

Husband to a force of nature (Anji) and Dad to two amazing youngpeople (Amy and Aiden), Ash has spent over 30 years living and serving on the front line of urban poverty and has a passion to releasethe 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 twonew local congregations as well as innovative organisations such as Newbigin Community Trust (NewbiginTrust.uk), Red Letter ChristiansUK (RedLetterChristians.org.uk) and Urban Shalom Society (UrbanShalomSociety.org). Ash and Anji are also United ReformedChurch Ministers of Lodge Road Community Church in Winson Greenwith Anji also leading Newbigin Community Trust.

Ash is an instigator. For over 20 years he co-founded and led Urban Neighbours of Hope (UNOH.org 1993-2014) beginning in his native Melbourne in 1993 before relocating to Bangkok’s largest slum in 2002 for 12 years. Ash led UNOH to grow 12 neighbourhood transforming teams in five cities in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand as well as developing training, conference and publishing arms. He also started and handed on leadership of Surrender Conferences (Surrender.org.au 2003-2007), Urban Shalom Society (UrbanShalomSociety.org Nov 2012-2018, formerly known as International Society for Urban Mission) and Red Letter Christians UK (RedletterChristians.org.uk 2018-20) all of which are led by others.