Off Grid Christianity
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...
Off Grid Christianity – Episode 42 – Bob Prater

I thought we would be discussing Bob’s own Podcast series A Christian And A Muslim Walk Into A Studio. We only got to Question 3 out of the 5 standard openers when the discussion went somewhere I wasn’t expecting. This is another of those episodes in which what I thought we would be discussing ends …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 41 – 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 …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 40 – Dana

It is Eurovision Song Contest Week and Dana shares her memories of the night she won in Amsterdam. But this is only a little part of an amazing podcast. Why did she enter politics? Why could she not speak or sing at times in a 5 year period? Why did she and her family move …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 39 – Kyle Rice

A USA rancher visits a UK pub and shares with a local farmer that it took 3 days to drive around all of his land. The local replies that he used to have a car like that! This joke isn’t in this podcast. However, Kyle shares about growing up on a 10,000 acre cattle ranch, …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 38 – Aaron and Grace Dunlop

This podcast was supposed to be about why Aaron and Grace went to Africa and what it was like to leave Canada with their 5 children. Instead of discussing the pros and cons of home schooling in the bush, Aaron and Grace open up about their children, 2 of which have Cystic Fibrosis. What is …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 37 – Dee Jay Doc Harrill

Doc shares how Hip-Hop has become his occupation by developing and running programs in this genre within schools. Doc also shares how he was then asked to take his Hip-Hop skills into a local Children’s hospital as part of the therapy framework. How do you cope when someone pulls a gun on you? What happened …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 36 – Easter Special

Here is another chance to listen to our Easter Podcast Special which was released last weekend and features Noel Richards and Martin Scott. Not only do they do battle in an Easter (loosely) themed quiz, but they answer topical Easter questions as well. Did Jesus have to die on the cross? Did Judas go to …
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Off Grid Christianity -Episode 36 – Easter Special

Noel Richards and Martin Scott return for another special podcast. Not only do they do battle in an Easter (loosely) themed quiz, but they answer topical Easter questions as well. Did Jesus have to die on the cross? Did Judas go to Heaven? Was the Last Supper meal like a Doner Kebab? What is a …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 35 – Paul Jones and Fiona Hendley

Paul shares more than just his time as the Manfred Mann vocalist and then as co-founder of The Blues Band. Together with his actress wife, Fiona, they discuss being in films and on the West End stage. What’s it like to go for an audition? What was it like to be an atheist and a …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 34 – St Patrick’s Day Special Part 2

Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly continue our tour of the sites associated with St Patrick around Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. What is St Patrick’s Breastplate? What is at Slieve Patrick? What can we see at Struell Wells and Down Cathedral? Where is St Patrick’s grave? I truly hope that not only will you enjoy the two …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 33 – St Patrick’s Day Part 1

Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly (see Episode 28) are qualified tour guides and offer walking tours of sites around Downpatrick, Northern Ireland that are associated with Patrick. Who was Patrick? In Part One we find out where he first came ashore as a missionary and visit the site of his first church. This episode will …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 32 – Ann Widdecombe

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 …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 31 – Sara Billups

What was it like growing up as a Christian in the 80 and 90s in the USA? Why were so many people discussing or even arguing about dispensationalism? Baggage, what baggage? Sara has just had her first book, Orphaned Believers released by a major publishing group. You may be one of those that became disillusioned …
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Off Grid Christianity -Episode 30 – Wayne Jacobsen

Wayne shares why his wife left him in April ’22. She had been given bad advice by her therapist. The trauma and forgiveness that followed is incredible. Maybe you are part of or can identify with a new movement called The Dones. who is a Done? What happened when Wayne collaborated with the author of …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 29 – Kendall Vanderslice

What is Edible Theology? What is so special about making and eating bread? How many similarities are there between bread making and being a Christian? Author of We Will Feast and By Bread Alone, Kendall answers these questions and more. If you don’t want to run out and buy and share even a pizza after …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 28 – Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly

In this full length episode, Martina Purdy (former BBC NI Political Correspondent) and Elaine Kelly (former Barrister) share what is was like to tell families, friends and work colleagues that they were leaving to join a convent. However, this podcast is much more than that. They discuss what forgiveness means to them. Lynda Gould (episode …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 27 – Ron Hutchcraft and Wes Francis

I honestly thought that this episode would be a chance to hear the wise words from legendary Christian Broadcaster Ron Hutchcraft and highlight some of his ministry past and present. Ron suggested that it would be good to have Wes Francis from the On Eagles Wings project. Want to have a laugh? Want to know …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 26 – Elaine Heath

Today’s guest grew up in poverty and was forced out of home whilst still at school aged 16 yet was still able to rise to the top of academia. What is an Abbess? Why and how would you set up a modern day monastic community in North Carolina? Her latest book, Trauma – Informed Evangelism …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 27 – Christy Wimber

Author and Speaker Christy shares how the Church has reacted to mental health issues in the past. Christy discusses being mentored by John Wimber and what he would think of her ministry now. There is also time for her thoughts on Social Media and what women should do if they want a place at the …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 25 – Andrea Van Boven

What’s it like to be caught up in an African Coup D’Etat as a missionary? What’s it like to have Malaria and also Typhoid? What is a Prayer Consultant? Andrea Van Boven answers these questions and also discusses why she wrote a book about someone that the majority of Christians have never heard of. However, …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 24 – Bill Wade

Bill Wade shares how he has been able to lead and run his 'Inlet Dance Theatre' company plus other previous projects, whilst not forgetting his community in Cleveland, Ohio.
Off Grid Christianity – Episode 24 – Bill Wade

What’s it like to win a major Arts award and receive it in the White House? How do you survive in the performing arts industry when in the 1980s you are the only Christian? How do you hold on to your morals and integrity? Bill Wade shares how he has been able to lead and …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 23 – New Year’s Eve

If you haven’t already heard our Christmas Eve party special with Noel Richards and Martin Scott, please enjoy. A brand new episode of Off Grid Christianity will be available from January 7th 2023.
Off Grid Christianity – Episode 23 – Christmas Special

With people logging on to watch, here is the audio version recorded especially for OGC on December 9th. It features Martin Scott and Noel Richards who try to answer trivial and serious questions. Festive music is provided by Noel and Tricia Richards. If you are lonely over the Christmas period and need some humour plus …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 22 – Steve Cole

Steve shares how he started and then why he terminated Artisan, a support for Christians in the media throughout the world. This hard decision led him into working with a family Trust supporting and networking leaders through one to one support plus a weekly Podcast called Wonderspace. Love and Grace is all over this episode …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 21 – Lynda Gould

Lynda shares her experiences of being a youth worker during the Troubles in 1980s Belfast. Later she ran peace and reconciliation courses for churches. A life-threatening illness meant a 4 year rest before returning to work. Lynda shares how her faith was challenged during these times and how she is still involved in the community …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 20 – Randall Flinn

Yet another podcast where what was shared was not what I expected! Yes, Houston native Randall discusses his professional dance company of 30 years, Ad Deum. Yes, he explains why and how he got into ballet. However, it is when he opens up about his family and friends, that the interview goes in another direction…again.
Off Grid Christianity Christmas Party Video Promo with Noel Richards and Martin Scott

Friday 9th December. See you there!
Off Grid Christianity – Episode 19 – Paul Mirfin

One minute Paul was a train conductor and then the next he was on Songs Of Praise having been discovered playing in a coffee bar. An album and tour of the UK plus South Africa and California followed. Then Covid happened. Paul shares why he has organised an annual free arts festival and what it …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 18 – Tony Vino

What is it like to try stand up comedy only to then turn it into a profession? Tony explains how, after 20 years of hard graft, he is now the top comedian on cruise liners, playing to 1500 people whilst on their holidays in The Caribbean. Can you be employed as a Comedian and a …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 17 – Pat Allerton

Pat is the Vicar featured in the video that went viral during lockdown. His mini sermons filmed the Notting Hill streets of London went global. What negativity did he get and what did his Bishop do to help him? What is his new book A Pocketful Of Hope all about? This episode will answer all …
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CHRISTMAS LIVE RECORDING. PLEASE JOIN US.

On Friday December 9th, please join Noel Richards, Martin Scott and me for a live recording of the Off Grid Christianity Christmas podcast! You will be able to see us via noelrichards.com and Noel’s Facebook page which can be used to text us during the recording. This promo has more details. See you December 9th …
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Off Grid Christianity -Episode 16 – David Robertson

David shares how his internationally known Wee Flea website was so named after conversations with Richard Dawkins! David explains how the internet activists get results and what happens when he meets them face to face instead of answering via a keyboard.
Off Grid Christianity – Episode 15 – Brian Houston

In this special full length episode, Northern Ireland’s very popular singer/songwriter shares his journey to date. I have to state that it was so difficult to edit as we ran well over the suggested 1 hour. One of the 5 initial questions was sacrificed, however. What you will hear is Brian sharing much more than …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 14 – Rob Halligan

Rob is a respected singer/songwriter and discusses helping the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Glastonbury Festival! Rob also reflects on what he has learned from leaving the controversial, troubled Jesus Army and helping to start up a new Church. We also pay tribute to his friend and my former colleague Mike Rimmer who sadly passed …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 13 – Jackie Elton

Jackie discusses why and how she co-founded the charity Transforming Faces to help all children affected by cleft lip and palate. Jackie also explains her Single Friendly Church campaign and why she launched christianconnection.com in 2000. It is now the UK’s leading and award winning Christian dating app. For more information about Christian Connection visit their website at https://www.christianconnection.com
Off Grid Christianity – Episode 12 – Andy Smithyman

A ‘Preacher’s Kid’ who struggled with communicating, Andy found that writing stories helped him during the tough school years. In later life he became an author, ghost writer and researcher into what Revival means and the impact it has had in the wider context. He also gives insight into Quaker Capitalism, the isle of Lewis, …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 11 – Fr Isaac and Bro Benedict, Franciscan Friary

What’s it like to be a Franciscan? What is a Franciscan? Why do both support Man City when Fr Isaac is from USA? Not only will these questions be answered but they will explain why they became Franciscans. We learn what the difference is between a friar and a monk….and it has nothing to do …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 10 – Derek Cleave

Author, Broadcaster and Evangelist Derek talks about his thoughts on Evangelism today. We hear about what Hospitality Evangelism is and what can be done if you feel disillusioned with Church today. We also find out why he became the Chaplain, and what this entails, to the best football team in the world – the mighty …
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Off Grid Christianity – Episode 9 – Christ Otto

His christian name is pronounced as in wrist and on this episode US author and artist Christ joins me to discuss why he set up the Belonging House for artists. He explains why a major life crisis through addiction got him to seek help and was given the response to “Listen to the Lord and …
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