Planting
& Training
Husband to a force of nature (Anji) and Dad to two amazing kids (Amy & Aiden), Ash has spent over 30 years living and serving on the front line of urban poverty and has a passion to release the unique potential of urban people and places through Jesus.
Since 2014, the Barkers have been based in Winson Green, Birmingham, UK. They founded Newbigin House which has started two new local congregations as well as numerous innovative organisations.
A strategic focus for Ash is leading Seedbeds (the new name for Newbigin School for Urban Leadership) which grows leaders and communities into God's fullness of life around the world including 'Change Makers' emerging leaders & 'School for Urban Leadership' accredited programmes. Ash and Anji are also URC Ministers of Lodge Road Community Church with Anji leading Newbigin Community Trust based in Winson Green.
An inspiring speaker & lecturer, Ash earned a PhD on the rise of urban poverty and is the author of eight books including Risky Compassion.