The Orchard

Tim Mackie unpacks Exodus 1 and 2 in this special episode of The Orchard Podcast, recorded live at the Leadership Conference. The BibleProject co-founder asks what a few overlooked women can teach us about leadership.Pharaoh has all the power, but when he sees God's people flourishing, he feels threatened. The midwives and Pharaoh's daughter have no power at all, yet they fear God, see a crying baby rather than a threat, and take huge risks to protect life.It's a conversation full of fresh ways of seeing a familiar story, and it leaves you with a question to carry into your week: when something good happens that you didn't plan for, what's your first reaction?Honest, warm and rooted in scripture.Stay ConnectedConference Tickets: theorchardwomen.comGive to the Orchard: theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram: @theorchardwomenWebsite: theorchardwomen.com

When the pain got too bad to think, let alone pray, Renee Bridger found another way. She picked up a set of prayer beads and said, "Let my pain be my intercession."In this episode, Rachel is joined by Bishop Esther Prior, to talk about her hero, Reverend Renee Bridger. Renee and her husband Francis adopted three Black children in the 1970s, long before that was common. She was in the first group of women ordained in the Church of England in 1994. And for years, in chronic pain, she prayed nine to five, Monday to Friday, as her life's work.Bishop Esther shares what it meant to be mentored by a woman who was steeped in scripture, open to the Holy Spirit, and shaped by the church mothers and fathers, and how Renee's understanding of suffering as a gift transformed the way she thinks about pain, purpose and intercession.Honest, warm and rooted in scripture.Conference Tickets — theorchardwomen.comGive to the Orchard — theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram — /theorchardwomenWebsite — theorchardwomen.com

They called her the Mother of the Salvation Army. She also wrote its theology and drew crowds that lined up around the block just to hear her preach.In this brand-new episode of The Orchard Podcast, Rachel is joined by Danielle Strickland to explore the life of Catherine Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army, for Heroes of the Faith.Danielle shares stories that reveal a woman who was deeply loved by her nine children, who refused to marry William until he agreed to treat her as an equal, and who was never afraid to challenge the Church or disrupt the status quo. From the moment she stood up during William's preaching because she felt the Holy Spirit saying, "Tell them now," to the time she threw herself in front of a man beating a horse, her courage and conviction are hard to forget.Why does this hero still matter so much to Danielle, and what might she have to say to the Church today?Honest, warm and rooted in scripture.Follow The Orchard Podcast for more conversations like this one.

From the Archive: Fruit of the SpiritEquipping and encouraging you this summerRach and Amy wrap up our Fruits of the Spirit series with a raw, inspiring conversation on SELF-CONTROL! How can we cultivate inner strength? What gets in the way? Join in on the final conversation of this series!Honest, warm and rooted in scripture. Sign up for our free summer journalling prompts - https://wispy-band-10288.myflodesk.com/fruitConference Tickets — theorchardwomen.comGive to the Orchard — theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram — /theorchardwomenWebsite — theorchardwomen.com

From the Archive: Fruit of the SpiritEquipping and encouraging you this summerWhat does it look like to cultivate LOVE in our everyday lives? What's the Jesus way? What gets in the way? What's the way forward? Join the conversation as Amy & Rach unpack this Fruit of the Spirit together.Honest, warm and rooted in scripture. Sign up for our free summer journalling prompts - https://wispy-band-10288.myflodesk.com/fruitConference Tickets — theorchardwomen.comGive to the Orchard — theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram — /theorchardwomenWebsite — theorchardwomen.com

From the Archive: Fruit of the SpiritEquipping and encouraging you this summerHow can we cultivate KINDNESS in our everyday lives? Why is being kind so powerful? Join in on the discussion as Rach & Amy unpack the fifth Fruit of the Spirit!Honest, warm and rooted in scripture.Sign up for our free summer journalling prompts - https://wispy-band-10288.myflodesk.com/fruit Conference Tickets — theorchardwomen.comGive to the Orchard — theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram — /theorchardwomenWebsite — theorchardwomen.com

From the Archive: Fruit of the SpiritEquipping and encouraging you this summerHow do we cultivate patience in a culture than trains us in impatience? How can we be quick to listen and slow to anger? Join in as Rach and Amy have an honest discussion on all things PATIENCE! Honest, warm and rooted in scripture.Sign up for our free summer journalling prompts - https://wispy-band-10288.myflodesk.com/fruit Conference Tickets — theorchardwomen.comGive to the Orchard — theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram — /theorchardwomenWebsite — theorchardwomen.com

From the Archive: Fruit of the SpiritEquipping and encouraging you this summerJoin us for a dive back into our first series of the podcast from 2021. Rach and Amy discuss all things JOY! What challenges our capacity to choose joy? Is there a link between joy and gratitude? Join in on the conversation now!Honest, warm and rooted in scripture. Sign up for our free summer journalling prompts - https://wispy-band-10288.myflodesk.com/fruitConference Tickets — theorchardwomen.comGive to the Orchard — theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram — /theorchardwomenWebsite — theorchardwomen.com

Warm, honest, rooted in scripture, new episodes every Thursday.

From the Archive: Fruit of the SpiritEquipping and encouraging you this summerJoin us for a dive back into our first series of the podcast from 2021. In this episode Rach and Amy ask what does cultivating peace look like? How can we live free of anxiety, comparison and unforgiveness? Honest, warm and rooted in scripture. Sign up for our free summer journalling prompts - https://wispy-band-10288.myflodesk.com/fruitConference Tickets — theorchardwomen.comGive to the Orchard — theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram — /theorchardwomenWebsite — theorchardwomen.com

Praying in the Spirit: What It Is, How to Start and Why It Matters | Ephesians 6:18What does it actually mean to pray in the Spirit? In the final episode of their Ephesians series, Rachel and Amy land on Ephesians 6:18 and ask the question most of us have wondered: how do you know you're praying in the Spirit and not just saying stuff?They talk honestly and practically about the gift of tongues. What it feels like. How you start. Why it can seem strange at first and why that shouldn't put you off. Rachel shares what happened when her son was born and the room suddenly went from serene to panic, and Amy describes reaching for tongues like a machine gun every time fear comes knocking.They also explore what it looks like to shift from praying your will to praying God's will, and why letting go of your own agenda in prayer is more powerful than you'd think.Honest, warm and rooted in scripture.→ Stay ConnectedConference Tickets — theorchardwomen.comGive to the Orchard — theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram — /theorchardwomenWebsite — theorchardwomen.com

We're in the final section of Ephesians. Sit, walk, stand. This is the stand.In part 21 of their Ephesians series, Rachel and Amy work through the armour of God in Ephesians 6:10-17, asking what it actually means to put it on. Not as a metaphor to admire, but as a daily reality to live in.They talk about why the battle is never with flesh and blood, what it looks like to recognise spiritual attack in ordinary life, and why every single piece of armour points back to the same thing: not try harder, but surrender. Dependence. Letting God be God.Honest, warm and rooted in scripture.→ Stay ConnectedConference Tickets — theorchardwomen.comGive to the Orchard — theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram — /theorchardwomenWebsite — theorchardwomen.com

Episode 20

What does it actually mean to walk as children of light? Rachel and Amy unpack what it means to imitate God, not as a rulebook, but as a family resemblance.They talk honestly about goodness, righteousness, and truth: what each one looks like lived out, why goodness can feel like an offence to people stuck in darkness, and why letting God's light expose what's hidden is harder than it sounds. Rachel shares a personal moment of bringing an unfinished struggle into the light rather than pretending she'd arrived. It's a vulnerable, grounded conversation about what it costs, and what it gives back, to actually live like you belong to the light.New episodes every week. Follow so you never miss one.→ Stay Connected Conference Tickets – theorchardwomen.comGive to the Orchard - https://theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

Heroes of the Faith - Corrie Ten Boom with Rachael WooldridgeIn this episode Amy is joined by Rachael Wooldridge, the associate pastor or St Pauls' Hammersmith.Together they explore the driving faith of Corrie Ten-Boom and consider what made her so faithful in such challenging circumstances. Rachael helps us think about the impact Corrie's faith can have on our own and leaves us with the question ‘am I living in a way that only makes sense because of the power of the spirit at work in me"?'————Orchard Conference Tickets - available at www.theorchardwomen.comInstagram – @theorchardwomenGive to the work of the Orchard - www.theorchardwomen.com/give#women #conference #church

In this episode Rachel and Amy sit with two questions from Ephesians 4:25–32: how do we stop giving the enemy a foothold, and what does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit?They start with anger. Why does Paul go there first? What is a foothold, and why does anger open the door more than most emotions? They explore the deeper needs that anger can mask and what it looks like to process it honestly rather than shove it down. They also touch on taking responsibility, guarding your words, and getting rid of bitterness and malice.And they close with the question people are often afraid to ask: can you grieve the Holy Spirit, and what does that actually look like?→ Stay ConnectedConference Tickets – [theorchardwomen.com](http://theorchardwomen.com/)Give to the Orchard - https://theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram – / theorchardwomenWebsite – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:34 Reading Ephesians 4:17–24 01:39 Light Banter and Focus 02:41 Big Question: Old vs New Self 04:38 Mind as Battlefield 07:54 Renewing Thought Patterns 10:54 Culture, Lies, and the Enemy 15:34 Taking Thoughts Captive 20:08 Heart Desires and Guarding the Heart 25:20 Wrap Up and the Landlord Story

00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:34 Reading Ephesians 4:14–16 02:00 What Does Christian Maturity Look Like? 03:00 Not Being Tossed by the Waves 07:00 The Trees Without Wind: Roots Need Resistance 09:00 Maturity and How We Respond to Suffering 11:00 Discernment Against False Teaching 13:00 Ideology Masquerading as Theology 15:00 Women in the Church: A Current Conversation 17:00 Speaking the Truth in Love 18:00 How to Know You've Done It Well 19:00 Real Stories: Amy on Giving 21:00 Real Stories: Rachel on Dating and Lateness 23:00 Receiving Correction With Humility 25:00 The Body of Christ Flourishing Together

Heroes of the Faith - Revival Women with David Thomas In this episode we are joined by David Thomas, leader of the Awakening Project in the USA.David has a deep passion for revivals and specifically the role of women in the great awakenings.Rachel and David explore the stories of amazing women such as Susanna Wesley and Sarah Edwards and ask what the unique contributions of women were in revivals of the past.————Orchard Conference Tickets - available at [www.theorchardwomen.com](http://www.theorchardwomen.com/)Instagram – @theorchardwomenGive to the work of the Orchard - [www.theorchardwomen.com/give](http://www.theorchardwomen.com/give)David's work - [www.awakeningproj.com](http://www.awakeningproj.com/)#women #conference #church

Ephesians 4:4-13In this podcast we begin by asking 'why does Paul mention 'one' so much?' before turning our attention to the 'five fold ministries' and what the shadow side is of each of these gifts.→ Stay Connected Conference Tickets – theorchardwomen.comGive to the Orchard - https://theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

Ephesians 4:1-3As we begin chapter 4 of Ephesians we consider what it looks like to walk out our discipleship. Rachel and Amy share lots of practical examples of what it's means for us to walk in patience and gentleness.→ Stay Connected Conference Tickets – theorchardwomen.comGive to the Orchard - https://theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

Ephesians 3:20-22In today's episode Rachel and Amy wrestle with the question 'what does Paul mean by 'immeasurably more'? They explore what it means to trust God to know better than we do about what we need and how His 'more' can look very different to ours.→ Stay ConnectedConference Tickets – [theorchardwomen.com](http://theorchardwomen.com/)Give to the Orchard - https://theorchardwomen.com/giveInstagram – / theorchardwomenWebsite – https://theorchardwomen.com/#women #conference #church

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

Recently we asked our Instagram followers to send Amy and Rach their questions on life, leadership, motherhood and faith. We received so many great ones that we decided to do a bonus Q&A podcast episode answering a selection. Enjoy!Stay Connected Conference 2025Tickets – theorchardwomen.com/2025Instagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/

In this podcast Rachel and Amy continue in 2 Kings 4 and look at the story of Elisha and the Shunammite Woman. They ask the question 'how to we make room for the Holy Man of God (Jesus)?'. Using John Wesley's 20 questions we will explore together what is looks like to 'Host Holiness' in our lives today. Authors mentioned- John Tyson- Joyce Meyer- Daryll Johnson - Tyler StatonStay Connected Conference 2025Tickets – theorchardwomen.com/2025Instagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/

In this podcast Rachel and Amy continue in 2 Kings 4 and look at the story of Elisha and the Shunammite Woman. They ask the question 'how to we make room for the Holy Man of God (Jesus)?'. Using John Wesley's 20 questions we will explore together what is looks like to 'Host Holiness' in our lives today. Authors mentioned- John Tyson- Joyce Meyer- Daryll Johnson - Tyler StatonStay Connected Conference 2025Tickets – theorchardwomen.com/2025Instagram – / theorchardwomen Website – https://theorchardwomen.com/