The Orchard Podcast

In this episode, we are joined by Dr Kate Coleman, Kate is the founding director of Next Leadership with over 35 years of leadership experience in the church, charity, voluntary, and business sectors.As the first black woman Baptist minister in the UK and previous chair of the Evangelical Alliance Council, Kate has been a trailblazer, recognised among the 20 most influential Black Christian women in the country (2008).Rachel and Kate discuss the life and legacy of Pandita Ramabai, an Indian social reformer, educator, and evangelist whose work profoundly shaped women’s education and influenced the early Pentecostal movement.→ Stay Connected Conference Tickets – [theorchardwomen.com](http://theorchardwomen.com/)Instagram – / theorchardwomenWebsite – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

IEphesians 3: 12-19In this episode Rachel and Amy delve into questions around what it means to be 'strengthened in your inner being'. How do we become sturdy disciples un-rocked by the storms of life and how do we live as people of love? → Stay ConnectedConference Tickets – theorchardwomen.comInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

In this episode Rach and Amy wrestle with the question 'how do we become aware of God's grace? They consider what it looks like for God to work in our weakness and how ease isn't evidence of grace. → Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.comInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

In this podcast Amy and Rachel explore what it looks like to examine our life and set aside attitudes and desires before Jesus. They also explore what it means to have a revelation from God and for that to shape the way we live out our lives.→ Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.comInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

In this podcast Rachel is joined by Amy Orr- Ewing to explore the about the life and legacy of Dorothy L. Sayers, a prominent Christian author and public theologian of the 20th century. Amy and Rachel discuss Dorothy’s creativity, her commitment to truth and integrity, and her unique ability to bridge faith and culture. Asking what we can learn from her commitment to speaking about Jesus Christ and her belief that there is power in creative expression as a reflection of God's image in humanity.→ Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – [theorchardwomen.com](http://theorchardwomen.com/)Instagram – / theorchardwomenWebsite – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

Today Rachel and Amy think about what it means to be drawn near by Jesus. They explore the passage through the lens of these questions;1 - Who is separate or far away?2 - Why are they without hope?3 - What difference has Jesus' blood made?→ Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – [theorchardwomen.com](http://theorchardwomen.com/)Instagram – / theorchardwomenWebsite – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

Ephesians 8: 9-13: Brought Near Today Rachel and Amy think about what it means to be drawn near by Jesus. They explore the passage through the lens of these questions; 1 - Who is separate or far away? 2 - Why are they without hope? 3 - What difference has Jesus' blood made? → Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.com Instagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/ #women #conference #church

Ephesians 2: 6-10 - Saved by Grace! In this podcast we are unpacking God's great gift of grace through Paul's unbelievable articulation of the gospel found in Ephesians 2.  We are asking the following questions; 1 - What does it mean to be saved? 2 - How are we saved? 3 - Why does God save us? → Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.com Instagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/ #women #conference #church

Join us for a very challenging and inspiring podcast featuring Bahar, an Iranian Muslim-background believer. Bahar shares her story of coming to faith in Jesus while growing up in Iran, the cost her family paid and how she has gone on to minister to Iranian women. This podcast explores themes of persecution, faith, fear and hope and will equip you to pray for the country of Iran and the Christians living there.→ Conference 2026 - theorchardwomen.com→ Instagram – instagram.com/theorchardwomen→ Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

In the second of our Heroes of the Faith series we are so delighted to welcome Dr Jane Williams to unpack the faith, teachings and life of Julian of Norwich. Dr Williams is the McDonald Professor in Christian Theology at St Mellitus College. She is a well respected author, preacher, teacher and has a particular interest in the flourishing of women within God’s church.→ Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.comInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

Series 6 Episode 6 - Ephesians 2:1-5In this episode Rachel and Amy have a conversation about a challenging part of Ephesians. They consider what it means to be dead to sin and ask 'what are the cultural narratives we are breathing in?’.→ Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.comInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

Series 6 Episode 5 - Ephesians 1:18-23In this episode Rachel and Amy do a deep dive into why Paul prayed for the early church to 'know hope'. What is so important about hope and how can we cultivate it in our lives?→ Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.comInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

Series 6 Episode 5 - Ephesians 1:15-17As we carry on our journey through Ephesians today we are spending time thinking about wisdom, revelation and knowing Him better. Rachel and Amy pose the question ;How are you going to get in the way of revelation today?'→ Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.comInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

TRIGGER WARNING - this podcast contains description of abuse which some listeners may find upsetting.Each month, we’ll be taking a break from our regular podcast to bring you a brand-new Heroes of the Faith episode. In this series, we’ll explore the lives of key Christian women throughout history, guided by expert guests. Our hope is to find inspiration and encouragement as we reflect on how their faith shaped every area of their lives.In our first Heroes of the Faith episode, we’re joined by author Sarah Williams to explore the remarkable life of Josephine Butler—an English feminist and social reformer in the Victorian era. Driven by deep Christian conviction, Josephine fought for justice and dignity, bringing real and lasting change to the lives of some of the most marginalised women in society.→ Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.comInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

Ephesians 1:11-14 - Spiritual Blessings pt2In this episode Rachel and Amy explore what it means to be marked by the Holy Spirit and to have an inheritance that's guaranteed. They share with us the joyful way the Holy Spirit has radically transformed their own walks with Jesus and help us consider what it means to live in light of a future hope.→ Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.comInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

Ephesians 1:4-10 - Spiritual Blessings pt1In this episode Rachel and Amy unpack what the 'truest things about us are'. What are the realities we now live in as recipients of the spiritual blessings of adoption and redemption? And how to we walk into the freedom Jesus has won for us?→ Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.comInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

Welcome to a brand new series of The Orchard Podcast! We are excited to be releasing new episode every week and we’d love you to join us and some special guests throughout the year.In series 6 Rachel and Amy Hughes will be journeying through the book of Ephesians, beginning today with the question ‘how do we live ‘in Christ’.→ Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.comInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

How do we walk in the reality of having a Good Father?This panel session from The Orchard 2025 dives into questions around how we can engage with this part of God’s character.The amazing panel share their expert advice and personal stories in this encouraging and challenging session.→ Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.comInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

Rachel Hughes brings The Orchard Women's Conference 2025 to an end by leaving us with the challenge to step into all our Heavenly Father has called us to, whatever the season of life we find ourselves in. Rachel unpacks how God wants to work through our limitations and remove the lids that would prevent us from stepping fully into freedom and God's call on our lives. → Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.com Instagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/ #women #conference #church

Amy Hughes kicks off The Orchard Women's Conference 2025 by introducing our theme of Good Father. She leaves us with a challenge to come to God as Father and allow Him to speak purpose into our lives from that place of intimacy and love. → Stay Connected Conference 2026 Tickets – theorchardwomen.com Instagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/

Join us live at Focus 2025 with Amy Orr-Ewing.In this podcast Amy unpacks the stories of the female disciples from Luke 8 and explores what it looks like to step into our calling as women. This wide ranging conversations encourages us to find and use and amplify our voice, to consider our friendships and asks how we can support each other as women in the workplace and church.You won’t want to miss it!Stay Connected Conference 2025Tickets – theorchardwomen.com/2025Instagram –   / theorchardwomen  Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains conversation around sexual violence and abuse.In this hard hitting episode Rachel and Amy unpack the difficult story of the unnamed concubine found in Judges 19. They are joined by Bekah Legg. Bekah is the CEO of Restored, a charity working to change the story for survivors of domestic abuse.Bekah explores the, sometimes misunderstood, context of this passage and the situation which unfolded for this women. We then think through the way we, as followers of Jesus, can approach issues around consent, abuse and gender-based violence and what it looks like to walk in freedom and to have God’s view of sex and relationships.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains conversation around sexual violence and abuse.- Tickets available at www.theorchardwomen.com

We are in Episode 9 of our Unnamed Women season and in today's podcast we consider the Wailing Women of Jeremiah 9.Rachel and Amy unpack the role of emotion in the church, the involvement of women in revivals of the past and what it looks like to carry the heart of intercession.- Tickets available at www.theorchardwomen.com

In Episode 8 of the podcast we are diving into Exodus 38 and Psalm 68 as we consider the unnamed Warrior Women. Rachel and Amy look at how often this passage is overlooked and misunderstood and consider what it means to be equipped to be an army of women for God’s purposes and plans. How do we stand boldly and claim the role and position He is giving us? - Tickets available at www.theorchardwomen.com

Episode 7 is a really special one! Rachel and Amy are joined by their husbands Tim and Jonny along with special guests Priscilla and Jerry Shirer at Leadership Conference 2025 in the Royal Albert Hall. In this conversation the panel unpack how Leadership and Parenting have worked in their context and what God has taught them as they've navigated both (at the same time!).- Tickets available at www.theorchardwomen.com

We're back with Episode 6 of the podcast! Rachel and Amy chat about singleness and what prophecy looks like in practice as we consider Philip's four unmarried daughters mentioned in Acts 21.- Tickets available at www.theorchardwomen.com

In this episode we are exploring the characters of Lois and Eunice (Timothy's Mother and Grandmother). Rachel and Amy explore what these women's lives can teach us about raising up the next generation and what can we learn about the value God puts on mothers.Rachel and Amy are back with a brand new episode to celebrate Mother’s Day! 

In this special collaboration with Open Doors, Rachel and Amy sit down with Eti, an incredible women from Bangladesh. Eti shares with us her own story of persecution, how she (and other women) are staying strong in their faith and which woman from the Bible inspires her the most.Open Doors have recently launched their 'See Change' campaign to see persecuted women valued and raised up, find out more here - https://www.opendoorsuk.org/act/see-change/ WARNING - this podcast contains content around gender based violence and persecution.Stay Connected Conference 2025Tickets – theorchardwomen.com/2025Instagram –   / theorchardwomen  Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/

We’re back with Season 5 of the Orchard Podcast! This year we are going to be exploring ‘the Unnamed Women’ throughout the Bible. Rachel and Amy kick off the series with the widow from 2 Kings 4. We ask ‘what does obedience and trust look like especially when we don’t feel like we have anything to offer Jesus?’.→ Stay Connected Conference 2025Tickets – theorchardwomen.com/2025Instagram –   / theorchardwomen  Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/

Damilola Makinde wraps up The Orchard Conference 2024 by bringing a stirring word about what it looks like to be God's agents in the world and the specific call on women to bring new life into every area of culture, community and life. → Stay Connected Conference 2025Tickets – theorchardwomen.com/2025Instagram –   / theorchardwomen  Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/

In this episode Rachel Hughes and Amy Hughes sit down with Dr Paula Gooder to explore the character of Lydia. Dr Paula Gooder is a writer and lecturer in Biblical Studies and her research areas focus on the writings of Paul the Apostle. She brings so much depth of understanding to this wide ranging conversation about following the call of God, what it looks like to wield power and the role of women in the first century and now.

Rachel Hughes reminds us that a great exchange happens at the cross. Sharing stories of women who have experienced freedom in exchange for their shame, Rachel encourages us to partner with Jesus in every area of our lives. TRIGGER WARNING – this talk contains discussion around infertility, baby loss, eating disorders and mental health.

Amy Hughes kicks off The Orchard Women's Conference 2024 by unpacking Isaiah 61 and asking us 'what it looks like to be anointed where we are?'. She leaves us with a challenge to follow the Spirit's leading wholeheartedly into the unknown and the adventure!

Join us in this episode to delve into the story of Tamar recorded live at Wildfires in summer 2024. What can we learn through the life of this vulnerable, widowed and desperate teenager about God's faithfulness despite challenging circumstances.

Join us in this episode to delve into the Proverbs 31 women live at HTB Focus. Amy is joined by Rachael Wooldridge and Lauren Simpson as we explore a passage that we all have struggled with! We look at how countercultural the Proverbs women was, what it means to be 'clothed' differently and how we can grab all that Jesus is offering us and live radical and passionate lives wherever and whatever He calls us to.

Join us in this episode to delve into the story of Priscilla found in the New Testament. Priscilla’s journey highlights themes of partnership, leadership, and hospitality. Her story emphasises the importance of teamwork, the value of women's contributions to ministry, and the power of hospitality in building Christian communities.

In this episode, we're joined by special guest Darrell Johnson to delve into the story of Hagar found in Genesis. Hagar’s journey highlights deep themes of struggle, compassion, and hope, offering rich insights into God's care for us. Join us as we explore the powerful lessons we can learn from Hagar and understand her lasting impact on faith and understanding.

In this episode, we are joined by special guest Dr. Paula Gooder to explore the story of Phoebe, the first deaconess mentioned in the book of Romans. Together, we discover her pivotal role in the early church, uncover her profound legacy, and learn from her leadership.

Join us on this episode as we delve into the powerful narrative of Leah, a figure often overlooked but profoundly significant in the Bible. Leah's journey illuminates themes of worth, identity, and the pitfalls of chasing earthly validation. Through Leah's story, we are reminded of the importance of turning away from false idols and fixing our gaze on the one true source of worth and identity—our Creator.

In this episode we delve deeper into the remarkable story of Miriam and shed light on the transformative power of courage and resilience exemplified by her story. We invite you to join us as we journey through her story, in hopes of learning more about God, Miriam & Ourselves. 

We're kicking off 2024 with More Women Of The Story! Join us as we continue to look at the lives of key women in the scriptures. How does the story of these women’s lives illustrate God’s overarching desire to renew all things?

Join Rachel Hughes as she interviews Clare Jackson, Louise Jones, Rebecca Stewart & Elaine Simpson on ways to live a life which bears fruit.

Jo Saxton wraps up The Orchard Conference 2023 by imploring us to step confidently into all that God has called us to be and to do.

Speaking at The Orchard Conference 2023, Rachel Hughes reminds us that the purpose of God’s pruning is always greater fruitfulness.

Amy Hughes kicks off The Orchard Conference 2023 by unpacking John 15. She gives us a compelling vision of what a life connected to Jesus might look like.

Join us as we take a trip down under! We had the privilege of recording our last episode in our 'Women Of The Story' series in Surfers Paradise, looking at the courageous life of Abigail.

Join us live at HTB Focus where we consider the life and role of Deborah in the book of Judges. We discuss 3 main questions; what do we learn about Deborah? what do we learn about God and what do we learn for ourselves? Ultimately we witness, once again, the faithfulness of God as He works through Deborah’s leadership.

Tune in as we go on tour to Wildfires Festival for the latest episode of The Orchard Podcast! We’re joined by psychotherapist Marg Bristow and explore the story of the Daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27. We encounter their courageous conviction as they humbly confront injustice and change the course of history.

In this month’s podcast we are joined by special guest Danielle Strickland. Together we explore the story of Rahab and how this courageous woman risked her life to make a choice that would impact a thousand generations and grant her a place in the genealogy of Jesus.

In this month's episode we look at the powerful story of Esther. Before we enter into Esther’s life we meet Queen Vashti, who’s bold decision points towards the redemptive and restorative work of God. Join us as we once again stand in awe of God’s great story and His beautiful empowerment of women.