The Intimacy Deficit

We're more connected than ever, yet many of us feel deeply alone.

Despite endless messages about love and belonging, we're facing a widespread crisis of connection - both inside and outside the church. We were created for meaningful, life-giving relationships, but the intimacy we long for often feels just out of reach.

In The Intimacy Deficit, pastor and bestselling author Ed Shaw explores why this disconnect exists - and how the gospel offers a better way. Drawing on years of pastoral ministry, theological reflection, and personal experience, Shaw helps us rediscover the kind of deep, biblical intimacy we were made for: connection with God, with ourselves, with others, and with God's creation. A trusted voice on Christian identity and relationships, Shaw is also the author of The Plausibility Problem and Purposeful Sexuality, two bestselling books that have helped reshape how the church approaches discipleship in today's world.

Shaw challenges the cultural narrative that intimacy is found only in sex or romance, offering instead a richer, Christ-centred vision of connection. With clarity, compassion, and biblical insight, he shows how gospel-shaped intimacy can meet our deepest relational needs. Whether you're single or married, isolated or emotionally exhausted, The Intimacy Deficit offers hope for those longing for meaningful connection - and a renewed vision of the church as a place of true belonging.

Grounded in Scripture and rich in insight, Shaw reshapes how we think about intimacy - and where it's truly found.

About the Author

Ed Shaw is Pastor of Emmanuel City Centre Church, Bristol, UK and Ministry Director at www.livingout.org. He has written widely, authoring numerous blogs and articles as well as the bestselling books, The Plausibility Problem and Purposeful Sexuality. Ed loves family and friends, church and city, gin and tonic, music and books.