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ResearchHere at Youthscape, we seek to bridge the often disconnected worlds of academic theology, research and on-the-ground youth ministry.
Theology, research, and youth ministry belong together. We are committed to rigorous theological reflection of our own practice, and, through wider research projects, the practice of youth ministry up and down the country.
This has two main purposes. Firstly, we want to communicate all of the riches of academic theology to those who are putting it into practice every day in their work with young people. Secondly, we want to bring the wealth of experience of youth work practitioners to bear on theological thinking.
To achieve this, we have four main objectives:
CREATE. We will carry out pieces of theological research to further thinking in youth ministry in the UK.
SUPPORT. We will support the wider Youthscape team in promoting theological exploration of practice.
CURATE. We will continue to reflect on and develop our existing research.
SHARE. We will share and disseminate our thinking and research in an accessible format to practitioners and academics.
Why Theology? A fresh vision for Research
Head of Theology Phoebe Hill explains her new role that’s shaping Youthscape’s dynamic, reflective, and theological approach to research.
Theology of Innovation
Innovation is theological: a vital improvisation in the midst of a divine drama. Youth work needs this theology so it can be inventive, reflective, and kept free from despair.
The ongoing conversation
Theology is a conversation. In the the blog exchange below Phoebe Hill and David Bailey explored the idea of 'theological shorthand' and its relevance to youth ministry today.
Fragments of faith: Theological shorthand and youth ministry
What is ‘theological shorthand’ and how does it operate in youth ministry? David Bailey explores how theology in youth work often takes a unique form that offers both opportunity and room for critique.
Why Christian theology needs youth ministry (a response to David Bailey)
Phoebe Hill responds to David Bailey’s work on ‘theological shorthand’, exploring why a ‘thick’ theology is important for youth work, and how a ‘thin’ one could be problematic.
It takes a village: a final word on youth work and theology (for now)
Everyone is doing theology, but do they know it? David Bailey gives some final thoughts in a conversation about theological shorthand and youth ministry.
