Ep 45: Steven Croft Bishop of Oxford

Dave Boden stopped by to chat to Becky about Gen Alpha - who are they, what makes them distinctive and how can we as parents and leaders understand them better to support and engage them in all the best ways. Plus we talk a bit about 'the quiet revival' and the quiet or loud renewal that Dave thinks has to happen first. Using the acronym ALPHA (Anxious-minded, Leading influencers, Pandemic-impacted, Hyperconnected, and AI-shaped) to explain the challenges and experiences that have shaped them, Dave Boden talks about how we equip ourselves and our teams to disciple Gen Alpha with clarity, compassion, and confidence. So many glimmers of hope and nuggets of wisdom in this one - you do not want to miss it!

Becky is joined by Steven Croft the Bishop of Oxford to talk about his journey through ministry, his upcoming retirement, his thoughts from his role at the House of Lords on AI, digital ethics and technology, the vision of Oxford Diocese, what he's seen of the Quiet Revival, his part in Church of England's Fresh Expressions, and his advice. There is so much rich juicy conversation & nuggets of wisdom in here - you wont want to miss it.

In this episode of the YouthWork+ podcast, host Becky Lawrence speaks with Hannah Bowden, a Senior Researcher at Youthscape Centre of Research and trustee of YouthWork+. They discuss Hannah's journey into youth work, her role at Youthscape, and the importance of research in informing youth ministry practices. Hannah shares her experiences working with young people, the impact of faith on her career, and the lessons learned along the way. She shares why she did a doctorate on Young People in Care and why they remain a passion of hers. The conversation also touches on current trends in youth ministry, the significance of engaging young people in church, and opportunities for involvement with Youthscape including their National Youth Ministry Weekend, Satellites Summer Youth Camp and Research Community.

Host Becky Lawrence interviews Wayne Dixon, a dedicated worker in schools ministry through Christian Connections in Schools. Wayne shares his journey of over 40 years in youth & kids schools ministry, discussing the activities he runs in schools, the importance of building relationships, and the impact of prayer. He unpacks Hanging Around Ministry and why it works. He highlights the significance of nationwide initiatives like Open the Book, Christmas Unwrapped and Easter Cracked and the need for Christians to engage with their local schools. Wayne also reflects on the lessons learned throughout his ministry, the challenges faced, and the joy of seeing young people connect with faith. The conversation emphasises the importance of serving, listening, and being present in the lives of children and young people.  Don’t miss the part where Becky inadvertently gives Wayne a promotion - mistakenly telling listeners he runs CCIS!  oops!

Olly's our other OG host has been off starting his curacy (vicar in training) role in Chipping Norton, but he rejoins Becky for this Christmas special. Spaghetti Pictionary + church carpet . Hot chocolate spillages. M1 confusion. Complaints from parents. Young people going on mission trips, getting baptised, youth leader weekends away and more. Listen to this episode in full to find out the real stories behind all these things and more. You'll laugh, cringe but hopefully not cry!

Lewis shares his journey into youth ministry, highlighting how his early experiences as a secondary school teacher ignited his passion for working with young people. He explains how we pursued that call and started Vicar training. Host Becky Lawrence engages in a heartfelt conversation with Lewis Simonds, a curate at St. Frideswides Church in Milton Keynes. Together, they explore the vital role of children's, youth and family ministry and the transformative power of inclusivity in church communities. "We need to ask ourselves: Are we truly welcoming to families and children?"

In this episode Becky catches up with Dot, the youth worker at New Life church Milton Keynes.  Hear how Dot kept coming back to church youth work, how God has changed & empowered her along the way, and hear some fab stories of God at work in her ministry.  She tells us about being an introvert and feeling intimidated of young people, about taking 100 youth to New Day festival(!), how she welcomed a young person with autism to the youth group, why & how she makes time for prayer every week and how she saw God at work in the foster care system.  She also asks Becky what she would do with magical Thanos gloves (Avengers Endgame reference!) - if she could click her fingers and take away or add something to the world of young people - for all this and more - give this episode a listen.  Your faith will thank you for it! 

Becky catches up with Tony about his journey into ministry - becoming a Christian at 16 on a surprise trip to Spring Harvest, spending 6 months in Tanzania, studying with CYM, and more recently being called to plant a church in a new build estate. Hear amazing stories of God preparing the way and some nuggets of wisdom he learned in his years as a youth worker. Be encouraged.

Becky catches up with Dave to find out his journey into ministry and how God kept calling him back to children's ministry. Hear all about his 'many hats' including his role at Children Worldwide - hosting breakfasts and networks for kids leaders, and his role at Scripture Union equipping others to reach the 95% of kids and youth not engaged with church. Hear his top tips and find out what question he wanted to ask our host Becky.

Becky interviews Ben Jones, Founder of Missional Generation, a charity based up in Leeds that are focused on equipping young people to be influential for Jesus in every arena of life. They have several resources that use cutting edge technology to make this happen - including augmented reality, apps and coming soon a new AI tool for youth leaders to help plan sessions! Listen to Becky find out about Ben's youth work journey, and find out how Missional Gen's resources might be able to help you in your work with young people. Be inspired!