Research Articles

Dr Sarah Holmes

Written by Dr Sarah Holmes
on 9th July 2024

Is there a place for young children in the modern-day UK church? Investigating approaches to faith nurture in the early years

We’re excited to tell you that a new paper has been published investigating whether there is a place for young children in the modern-day UK church. This was co-written by Sarah Holmes, Emma Olorenshaw and Ann Casson.

Here are the key findings:

  • It was very clear that families with young children do wish to engage with their local church and wider Christian community, but often find existing approaches unsupportive and unhelpful.
  • Significant adjustments are therefore required by churches to adjust the ethos and approaches to faith nurture to better serve the needs of young children.
  • We recommend more flexibility and inclusivity within the church environment, enhanced partnership with parents, and greater church focus on co-constructing faith nurturing pathways within the home and church context to align more with relationships within the child’s microsystem.

Read the paper in full if you want to think about this more in-depth and see some of the data collected as part of this project.

Read more...

Initial Research Findings

Initial Research Findings

The initial findings of our Taking the Pulse research have been featured in the Church Times. Click here to read the article 'Young are left out of decision making in churches'.

Dr Sarah Holmes - Director of Research

24th May 2024

Online Conference: Celebrating Contemporary Research of UK Ministry with Children & Families

Online Conference: Celebrating Contemporary Research of UK Ministry with Children & Families

This inaugural online research conference, held on 5th July 2024 and hosted by CYM, was for children and family practitioners; ministry leaders; parents/carers; students and researchers. Click here to gain access to the recordings and ppt's.

Dr Sarah Holmes - Director of Research

25th March 2024

Our Current Research Project: Taking the Pulse of Ministry

Our Current Research Project: Taking the Pulse of Ministry

As part of our launch of the CYM Research Centre, we will be conducting a significant piece of research commencing Monday 8th April, click here to find out more.

Dr Sarah Holmes - Director of Research

24th March 2024