New hub to support 'those working tirelessly in estates and inner-city communities' 

Proximity, a brand-new, free resource hub for churches, leaders and anyone working in urban ministry and mission, has launched

Proximity is a Message Trust project featuring videos, advice, teaching, podcasts and more covering different areas of mission for 'those working tirelessly in estates and inner-city communities,' a press release stated.
 
All the resources have been created by urban missionaries, 'people on the ground who know what it’s like - who can help equip and empower you as you step out in the mission God’s called you to.'
 
Baptist minister Tom Grant is the head of Proximity. Tom leads Emmanuel, a Baptist church in Bootle, and has lived there for the last decade with his wife Emma, and three children.
 
He said, 'Being a Baptist minister on an estate in North Liverpool has been both incredibly rewarding, seeing all God is doing in my community, and at times incredibly lonely. 

'It can be difficult to find both support from other people working in similar contexts and resources that will work in my community. 

'That’s why I’m really excited that Proximity has now launched and can be a blessing to those who are ministering on estates and in urban contexts across the UK.'

Proximity exists to resource urban mission, the website states, by:

• Calling the church into proximity with those experiencing urban poverty - by raising awareness of the disconnect between the church and those living in low-income communities Proximity will call the church to focus its missional efforts towards those on the edges of society.
• Walking in proximity with those on the frontlines of urban mission - through our online hub and in person community, Proximity will resource and support Christians living and ministering in urban contexts.
• Pointing to the proximity of Christ in our urban communities - by sharing the stories of those involved in urban ministry we will highlight best practice and share key learning, celebrating how God is moving in estates.

Proximity launched at the Proximity Conference on the 14-15 June where 300 Christians living and ministering on estates and in low-income communities gathered for two days of equipping and encouragement. Krish Kandiah and Andy Hawthorne were two of the keynote speakers.

As well as the resource hub, Proximity is going to create community online and onsite through regular gatherings across the UK.
 

Find out more and sign up for regular updates at proximityhub.org