Research
CYM's Research Centre
The CYM Research Centre launched in March 2024, with the aim of drawing together people who are interested and active in research amongst children, family and youth ministries. We are keen to ensure that the work we do strengthens the church, specifically these ministry areas, so that ministry practice is research informed.
Sarah Holmes is available to speak at conferences, training events or workshops on a range of topics, including these Taking the Pulse findings.
If you have any queries, please email Dr Sarah Holmes, sarah.holmes@cym.ac.uk, our Director of Research.
Ways to get involved
We have some current projects seeking your input - please click here to to find out how you can get involved.
Free webinar launch event – Expanding hybrid mission - 24th Feb, 2-3pm or Thurs 27th Feb, 7.30-8.30pm (event repeated, so come whenever you are available!). Please book here.
Current Research Projects
We are currently engaged in the following research projects and collaborations:
- Taking the Pulse of Ministry Across the UK: A large scale collaborative project aimed at 'Taking the Pulse' of ministry across the UK with adults, youth and children. Phase 1 of this project was completed in Spring 2024, surveying over 2000 church volunteers, ministers, workers and parents; and young people. The research report from phase 1 was published 1st October 2024. This project is funded entirely by CYM and is now rolling out to phase 2, launching a huge Ministry Pulse community, integrating a short monthly poll. Find out more here. Once set up, we will be publishing short insights and reports on a monthly basis. Sign up to our Research Network to receive these updates.
- Research-informed Ministry Training: A collaborative project with Trinity College and Cliff College, funded by Durham University Common Awards Seedcorn grant. We are exploring whether theoretical and theological models of children’s and young people’s faith formation in ministry training are fit for the contemporary context? The research report and recommendations to be published in July 2025.
- Grandparenting For Faith: In collaboration with Parenting for Faith, we are developing and researching the impact of courses for Christian grandparents and churches to enhance support and equipping for grandparenting for faith. We hope to launch the resource in May 2025, provide an interim research report in August 2025 and a more developed research report planned for 2026. Contributions to funding from the Benefact Trust.
- Chaplaincy in Further Education: A collaborative project with St Peter's Saltley Trust designed to better understanding the field of Chaplaincy in Further Education and to support the development of good practice in the West Midlands region. An interim report on research will be published in August 2025 with the production of a resource planned for 2026.
- Researching Racial Diversity in Youth and Children’s Ministry: We’re exploring how to enhance racial diversity amongst leadership of youth and children’s ministry. Do you have a story to tell? Any insights or experiences you’d like to share? Please tell us here. Funded in partnership with Westhill Endowment Trust and Liverpool Hope University.
- Exploring the Ethics of Religious Conversations in Primary Schools: Funded by Culham St Gabriel’s Trust, this three-year project commenced in January 2025 to explore the context and create resources to improve clarity about the ethics of religious conversations in primary schools. Interim reports planned for summer 2025.