Marking the end of Josh Barker’s internship and the beginning of a new chapter
Two years ago, Josh joined Fresh Expressions as an intern – stepping into the movement not with a fixed role, but with a posture of curiosity and a willingness to listen.
Now, as that internship draws to a close at the end of July, we’re sharing a short reflection on the journey so far – and what lies ahead.
Josh’s time with us has been shaped less by headlines and more by gentle presence. Rather than arriving with a project to deliver, his role was designed to offer space – space to observe, learn, connect with the heart of the movement, and see where his gifts might quietly serve what was already growing.
Across the past two years, he’s participated in many areas of fx life – attending gatherings, writing reflections, co-holding spaces like the Leadership Community and Partners Learning Community, and simply listening. Through it all, he’s sought to understand how rhythms of rest, reflection and relationship might support those discerning new ways of being Christian community.
Making Space: Growing with God
One of the things that slowly began to emerge from Josh’s listening was a desire to create space – not just for conversation or collaboration, but for deep rest and spiritual reflection. A space where people could come not to perform or produce, but to breathe, listen, and notice how God might be at work in and around them.
This became Growing with God – a journey made up of three simple but spacious movements:
- Space – creating room to pause and dwell in God’s presence.
- Explore – opening ourselves to curiosity, creativity, and the unexpected nudges of the Spirit.
- Practise – not striving for perfection, but asking “What’s the next faithful step I can take from here?”
It’s not a course or a resource pack – it’s more of an experience. One that invites people to slow down and reflect on how they’re being shaped, led, and renewed by God.
Over time, Growing with God has been offered through online taster sessions, in-person retreats, and reflective gatherings. The sessions have drawn together pioneers, practitioners, ministers, and people simply curious about what it means to live with God in a more attentive, sustainable way.
While rooted in the fx journey, Growing with God isn’t just for those starting something new. It’s for those wanting to tend to what already is. For those wanting to lead from a deeper place. And for those simply longing for space to listen.
What Comes Next: A Curious Follower
As Josh’s internship comes to an end, Growing with God will continue – not within Fresh Expressions, but as part of a new venture called A Curious Follower.
A Curious Follower will be a home for Josh’s writing, reflections, and future work – shaped by the same values that have guided his time with FX: curiosity, simplicity, rest, and spiritual attentiveness.
It will also become the new home for Growing with God, offering regular online taster sessions, occasional retreats, and new resources for those seeking to live more rhythmically and reflectively with God.
If you’d like to stay connected or find out more, you can visit: acuriousfollower.com or reach out to Josh directly at: josh@acuriousfollower.com
A Season of Listening
Josh often describes his time with fx as a season of listening. Listening to stories. Listening to people. Listening for what God might be doing beneath the surface.
His approach hasn’t been about building something brand new, but about gently accompanying what’s already in motion. About holding space for others to reflect. And about asking questions rather than giving quick answers.
While this chapter is coming to a close, it doesn’t feel like an ending – just the next step in a longer journey.
Throughout this season, Josh has also challenged us – gently but persistently – to reflect more deeply on who we are and how we live out our calling. Acting as a kind of holy disruptor, he’s asked the questions that needed to be asked, never afraid to prompt hard conversations or shine light on places we might overlook. For that, and so much more, we are deeply grateful.
We’re looking forward to seeing what unfolds in the next season – grateful not just for the quiet faithfulness with which Josh has walked this one, but for the way he’s stirred us to listen more deeply, question more honestly, and stay open to where God might be at work. What might happen if we kept that posture of curiosity a little longer?
