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Off Grid Christianity

by Access Radio

Off Grid Christianity is a podcast for Christians who feel disconnected from Church...whether they attend one or not! Hosted by Martin Purnell, former 'Drivetime' presenter on the UK's first FM Christian Radio station, 'Cross Rhythms City', in Stoke-on-Trent. Martin also pioneered the legendary lunchtime discussion programme 'The Soapbox' on national Christian radio station 'UCB'. In recent years, Martin took a step back from direct involvement in broadcasting to focus on family life in his adopted home of Northern Ireland. However, throughout that time, the concept behind OGC has been developing on the 'back burner' and we're excited to bring that to fruition, through this regular podcast.

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Episodes

  1. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 187 – Scott Sotomayor

    Scott was born in the USA but until recently was a director at YWAM, Northern Ireland. Here he helped with developing and training on a seminar called The Foundations Of Christian Peacebuilding. This November, Scott will be heavily involved with a weekend conference in Belfast called The Church…

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  2. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 186 – Special Episode – Why should churches think outside the box and what is inside this box?

    With returning guest, Stuart Pascall. Stuart kicked off season five in September 2026 (episode 181). It became very apparent whilst recording, that as a former director of Spring Harvest, international speaker, Moorlands Bible College teacher and jolly good egg, Stuart should have a special...

  3. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 185 – Tim Oladipo

    Tim was born in Nigeria and now lives in South-East London. He is the pastor of King’s Chapel and as well as being an author, Tim is the founder of The Intentional Father Movement. Why did he start the Intentional Father Movement and what does it do? What was it like growing up in Nigeria? […]

  4. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 184 – David Pitts

    David has a gift in problem solving but in the business world. He has worked for large multinationals to smaller charities. He was the lead author for the world’s first full surgical curriculum published in 2005. How did David become so heavily involved in training people especially surgeons? Why...

  5. Off Grid Christianity – Episode183 – A Road Trip To Sicily Special

    with Martin Scott who is a returning guest. Martin explains why he and his wife Gayle, took 6 months out to go to Sicily via road. What did they learn about the island? What did they learn about the people and the culture? Why did they do such a road trip in the first place […]

  6. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 182 – Ricky McAddock

    Ricky is the co-founder and CEO of Street Connect. Ricky and his wife Julie launched Street Connect in 2014. It’s aim is to support people battling addiction and related issues. He is a believer to inspire faith-led action and courageous leadership. His book His Story – From The Depths Of…

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  7. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 181 – Stuart Pascall

    Stuart is known for being a Christian speaker (Spring Harvest, Saltmine Trust), trainer, pastor and bible college teacher plus working alongside various charities around the world. He also stepped away from work for 6 years to become a house husband but why? What has he learned to date about...

  8. Off Grid Christianity – Classic Final Episode For The Summer Break – Ke’Erron (proper uploaded version)

    Ke’Erron was born in Trinidad and Tobago. He is a Worship Pastor and has just released his first album Anything Can Happen- Live, on the Integrity Music label. Why did he move to Houston, Texas? What was his early childhood years like in the West Indies? What was it like to be told that he […]

  9. Off Grid Christianity – Another Classic Episode For The Summer Break – Martin Fair

    Do you need encouraging? Please listen to today’s guest. Martin discusses his church’s operation called Havilah. Why did this simple idea eventually get recognition with A Queen’s Award For Voluntary Services? How do you support people in the community with mental health issues and drug…

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  10. Off Grid Christianity – Another Classic Episode For This Summer – Christian Cryder

    Why would you want to become a minister, only to move half way across the USA to start a new Church and then buy a brewery? Yes, buy a brewery! In this absorbing podcast, Christian shares what it was like to see his parents get divorced and spend time with his Grandparents in another city […]

  11. Off Grid Christianity – Another Classic Episode For This Summer Break – Iwan Russell-Jones

    Iwan used to be a BBC producer based in Cardiff having studied Theology at Oxford University. Prior to this he was in a Christian Rock Band. He later taught at Regent College in Vancouver. In this absorbing episode, Iwan discusses what Liberation Theology is, who The Levellers were and what he...

  12. Off Grid Christianity -Another Classic Episode For this Summer Break – Ian and Pauline Bothwell

    Where were you on April 10th, 1987? This was the day I met Ian and Pauline from Crossmaglen, Northern Ireland. Why did they bring a mini-bus full of young adults to England? Over 35 years later, I am able to re-unite with this couple who had a profound effect on my life. What is Crossfire […]

  13. Off Grid Christianity – Another Classic Episode For The Summer Break – Andy Robinson

    Until 2022, Andy was the pastor at a thriving Oxford Baptist Church but then resigns to go into other areas of ministry. How do you know when God is calling you elsewhere? What’s it like to pastor a church only to tell them that you are gay but celibate? What’s the difference between same sex […]

  14. Off Grid Christianity – Another Classic Episode For The Summer Break – Ann Widdecombe. Since the extremely sad news of her death last week, the police are treating it as a murder investigation. It was a privilege to have Ann as a guest.

    In this episode, the former MP and MEP, Ann Widdecombe talks about her faith and much, much more. She discusses her late brother the vicar and evangelical Malcolm Widdecombe and what he thought of her leaving the C of E to become a Catholic. How do you deal with the press when they make up […]

  15. Off Grid Christianity – Classic Episodes For The Summer Break – Jon Woodhouse –

    The next season of OGC will commence from Friday 4th September. However, during our summer break, there will be another chance to hear classic episodes from 180 podcasts! What was it like to be a chaplain in the British Army and part of the invasion force of Iraq in 2003? Jon was promoted to the […]

  16. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 180 – Andrew Graystone

    Another podcast where we both had prior ideas but yet again, we ended up with one of the most powerful and challenging episodes. Andrew was part of the BBC development executive for 8 years. His writing skills include contributions to The Guardian and Private Eye. One of his books, Bleeding For...

  17. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 179 – Special Episode – What Does Global Slavery Look Like Today?

    What is the difference between slavery, human trafficking and human smuggling? Why do big sporting events see an increase in trafficking? Our returning guest Anna Townsend is the chair of trustees for the charity Women Without Roofs – Nepal. Anna explains why Nepal has a high rate of human...

  18. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 178 – Cameron Collington

    Originally from Scotland, Cameron is now firmly ensconced in Shepherd’s Bush, London as the vicar of St. Simon’s. How did he adapt from life north of the border to life in inner city London? What was his role at Holy Trinity, Brompton and why has it got such a glowing reputation? Why does his...

  19. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 177 – Jackie Mouradian

    Jackie is a scriptwriter and has a passion for making resources and training workshops for all. Her latest book, recently released is called Following The Son. How did her consultancy work help churches in community development? Why has she written resources on subjects such as mental heath and...

  20. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 176 – Rob Parsons

    – Rob is an author, speaker and the founder of Care For The Family. Rob was one of the main BBC news items last Christmas Day! Why did his latest book A Knock At The Door feature so heavily on BBC news? Why did Rob start Care For The Family which now has over 70 […]

  21. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 175 – Xanna Stuart

    Xanna is an accredited life coach specialising in ADHD and Autism. She knows this subjects professionally and personally as Xanna has ADHD herself. One of her two children has AUDHD (ADHD and Autism). What exactly are ADHD and Autism? What are the signs? What are the positives of having these...

  22. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 174 – Dr Shola Oladipo

    Shola is a researcher, dietician, speaker, lecturer and health advocate. She is the CEO of Food For Purpose – Eating, Living, Serving Purposefully. Shola is also a Dr in Philosophy and is a pastor herself. Shola explains in such a warm and loving way why leaders of congregations should know more...

  23. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 173 – Anna Townsend

    Anna is a published author of several books with titles such as The Oxymoronic God, Who Am I, Destination Transformation, and in 2025 saw the release of Our Sisters. This book is about Christian women facing persecution and violence in Pakistan. Why is her blog called Dislocated Christians?…

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  24. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 172 – Special Podcast – Abortion, A Guide Through The Facts.

    A returning guest from episode 156, Dr Mark Houghton was a GP in Sheffield and with 2 female co-authors wrote Pregnancy And Abortion – A Practical Guide To Making Decisions. This episode is not a ‘Bible Bashing’ exercise nor is it to pour guilt, scorn, shame etc on anyone who wants to listen and...

  25. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 171 – David Oliver

    David has just had his latest book published (over 15 titles so far) and is an inspiring and impacting speaker. He has worked for many churches and organisations including Focus On The Family, New Wine, Spring Harvest, Care For The Family and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Why did he...

  26. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 170 – Alan West

    You know that old saying, ‘Never meet your heroes’? Alan is one of them and, yet again for me, completely kicks the old saying out of the stadium! For several years, I have been hoping to meet Alan let alone interview him. Why? Well, when I was a young teenager, I would regularly go and […]

  27. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 169 – Colin Saunders

    Colin has been at the forefront of some very important UK Christian ministries. He has a printing background, which included the legendary Buzz magazine and was with Peter Meadows when launching Spring Harvest. Colin has been on the board for Luis Palau, Spurgeon’s College and was secretary at...

  28. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 168 – Easter Special Week Two – Psalm 23 And Its Relevance To Easter

    With Jeannie Kendall. A mini podcast episode delving into Psalm23 and why so many Christians read this Psalm over Easter but why? What can we learn from it? What was the writer trying to convey? What was the context? What about sheep, shepherding, lying down in pastures and walking through…

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  29. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 167 – Easter Special Week One- Preston Sharpe

    As it is Easter, I am repeating last year’s special podcast as it is so good! Preston is the founder and curator of The Art Of Preaching website and The Resurrection People podcast. He is the rector at Sacrament Church, Nashville. Preston has an amazing gift in explaining by sharing in a down to...

  30. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 166 – David McCauley

    Today’s guest wrote a recently published book with the great title You Don’t Know Sheep: An Unconventional Field Guide For Today’s Faith Leaders. Why did David write this book and what did he learn from studying sheep? Where did he study the sheep? The answer might well surprise you! If the book...

  31. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 165 – Sam Ward

    Sam is the UK CEO of The Message Trust. He was previously their Director of Ministry for 6 years. As you will hear, Sam is passionate about urban mission. How do you go about this in daily life? What is The Message Trust? Sam was also the Eden network director. What is Eden Network? Why […]

  32. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 164 – Helen Fernandes

    Helen started her adult working life in the east end of London as a youth work intern in 2009. Helen then went to university and eventually became a maths teacher. She taught at an Oasis Academy in London. Eventually Helen became pastor at Royal Docks church as well as being the CEO of West...

  33. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 163 – David and Jill Hines

    David and Jill are pioneer mission leaders in South Belfast, Northern Ireland. The husband and wife team have been commissioned by the Methodist church to pioneer a culturally relevant mission. Their base is a Methodist church that has plenty of history but without a congregation. The church...

  34. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 162 – Special Podcast – Forgiveness And How To Forgive.

    With Sara Hall. Sara diagnoses and treats mental health disorders and is based in a Christian counselling centre in Oklahoma, USA. In episode 149, Sara discussed the sexual abuse she suffered, when aged 13, by an adult woman. Then there was the subsequent aftermath for her from the unsupportive...

  35. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 161 – Chip Kendall

    Chip is more than just a singer, songwriter, communicator and evangelist. Originally from USA, he is now firmly based in Manchester, UK. I first met our guest in the last century! Chip was in the Bandwithnoname. A great name and a very hard working one as well. Chip then became a presenter for…

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  36. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 160 – Dave Pope

    Today’s special guest has been such a big influence on me, so you can blame him! Dave founded the Saltmine Trust and later Flame Trust. He also helped found Spring Harvest. Together with a couple of other pioneers, Ian Coffey and Doug Barnett, they launched the very influential Dirty Hands tour…

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  37. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 159 – The Tribute to Peter Meadows

    Peter sadly passed away in January 2026 aged 84. Peter is rightly held in high esteem within the UK Christian media having founded or co-founded Buzz (later Premier Christianity Magazine), Spring Harvest and Premier Radio. He has also mentored and helped countless number of people when in his...

  38. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 158 – Andy Kind

    Wow! Comedian or should I say Promedian (preacher and Comedian) Andy shares all about his life to date. Andy is so honest. Do not expect a laugh a minute podcast as we go so deep, deeper than many previous guests have done about his thoughts on evangelicism today. He is also very honest, I know […]

  39. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 157 – Special Podcast. Faith And What That Means To You = RISK

    With Anji Barker If you have listened to many previous OGC podcasts, you would have picked up on me spelling faith as RISK. But what does this actually mean? Why is faith a risk? What does it mean for an individual to risk something as a Christian? Why? What examples are there in the Bible? […]

  40. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 156 – Dr Mark Houghton

    Until 2014, Mark was a GP in Sheffield, UK. He is a published author and his latest is about the true story of a Royal Navy surgeon in WW2 who saved the lives of 2 Admirals. It is meticulously researched and must have been a labour of love considering the subject was his dad. How […]

  41. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 155 – Nathan Driscoll

    Nathan is a published author of 5 books. A recently retired social worker and teacher, our guest is also a philosopher. His recently released boo is called Viviana – A Story Of Faith, Peril And Triumph. Why did he write this book based in the early 4th century? Why did Nathan want to include the […]

  42. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 154 – Rev Steve Chalke

    He is the author of several books, a national TV and radio presenter and a Guinness World Record holder. He can be called an activist and has pioneered a model of community development. He has set up housing projects to accommodate homeless young people and has gained many plaudits for his Oasis...

  43. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 153 – Mini Episode!

    This episode could also be called a deleted scene from our Christmas podcast! Please listen to the introduction for context. As a wise man from Orkney once said, “Just be who you are with integrity.” You might agree or disagree but what is shared is well worth a listen. A brand new podcast will…

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  44. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 152 – It’s Our Annual Christmas Podcast 2025!

    It’s back! Enjoy our annual Christmas podcast with Noel Richards and Martin Scott. There’s the alternative Christmas quiz followed by questions for discussion. Expect humour, challenges, thought provoking answers and more. Carols are sung by guitarists Noel and Tricia Richards. No reindeer were...

  45. OffGrid Christianity – Episode 151 – Dr Graham Daniels

    Graham was a professional footballer in the mid 1980’s. Having become a Christian, he completed his theology degree in 1989 and his PHD just a few years ago. He is now the General Director of Christians In Sport and still maintains his football links as a boardroom director with Cambridge United....

  46. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 150 – A Special Celebratory Episode!

    We celebrated our 100th episode, musically based. To celebrate this our 150th episode, we are going with the written word. To represent this art form are two well known Christian authors and who are previous guests. One is a 2025 award winner, the other is Andy Chamberlain! Andy and Ruth Leigh...

  47. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 149 – Sara Hall

    Sara is based in Oklahoma and is a Pastoral Counsellor, trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders for an individual or couple and family systems. Sara is based in a Christian counselling centre. In 2020 she had her first book published Tasting Dirt: When You’re Disappointed With God.…

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  48. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 148 – Malcolm Down plus a feature on the Grace Font for Dyslexics with Sarah Grace

    Malcolm is the founder of Malcolm Down Publishing. Why did he want to start his own publishing company in 2015? In this honest and open podcast, Malcolm shares the emotions of losing his wife to cancer 15 years ago. How did he get involved with Sarah Grace publishing and the new dyslexic font? At...

  49. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 147 – Howard Satterthwaite

    Howard was a Barrister and then the leader at Westminster Chapel for seven years before stepping away from this role mainly due to exhaustion. Why did his poem go viral? He is a published author of Hold On To Hope. Why did he go to Kansas on a placement and deal in laws regarding the […]

  50. Off Grid Christianity – Episode 146 – Shane Claiborne

    Shane is an author, founder of Red Letter Christians and the press like to label him as an activist! Shane studied Sociology at Eastern University in the mid 90’s. He also worked in Calcutta for several weeks in Calcutta with Mother Teresa. Shane worked with the Iraq Peace Team in Baghdad for 3...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Off Grid Christianity is a podcast for Christians who feel disconnected from Church...whether they attend one or not! Hosted by Martin Purnell, former 'Drivetime' presenter on the UK's first FM Christian Radio station, 'Cross Rhythms City', in Stoke-on-Trent. Martin also pioneered the legendary lunchtime discussion programme 'The Soapbox' on national Christian radio station 'UCB'. In recent years, Martin took a step back from direct involvement in broadcasting to focus on family life in his adopted home of Northern Ireland. However, throughout that time, the concept behind OGC has been developing on the 'back burner' and we're excited to bring that to fruition, through this regular podcast.

HOSTED BY

Access Radio

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Off Grid Christianity have?

Off Grid Christianity currently has 195 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Off Grid Christianity about?

Off Grid Christianity is a podcast for Christians who feel disconnected from Church...whether they attend one or not! Hosted by Martin Purnell, former 'Drivetime' presenter on the UK's first FM Christian Radio station, 'Cross Rhythms City', in Stoke-on-Trent. Martin also pioneered the legendary...

How often does Off Grid Christianity release new episodes?

Off Grid Christianity publishes regularly with 195 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Off Grid Christianity?

You can listen to Off Grid Christianity on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Off Grid Christianity?

Off Grid Christianity is created and hosted by Access Radio.
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