What does my relationship with God look like? Exploring discipleship with emerging adults within the Church of England using Shared Online Image Journalling

Abstract

This thesis and portfolio explore the discipleship of emerging adults (aged 18-29) in the Church of England. There have been concerns over this demographic missing from church communities and anxiety about what is causing this exile. This thesis investigates emerging adults who are part of church communities by learning what is enabling them to grow in their discipleship. This exploration begins by surveying the literature and considering how to do research effectively with emerging adults, being particularly mindful of the technology and social media presence amongst this age group. This sets a foundation for a pilot study using visual methods based on photographic methods but utilising social media. The learning from the pilot research births a new method of visual research called Shared Online Image Journalling (SOIJ) which uses smartphones and social media to develop an online visual journal. The main research project employs the method of SOIJ which revealed key themes which were present for discipleship during their emerging adult years. It was notable how these themes interlocked which was investigated through the concept of habitus leading to an Emerging Adult Discipleship Model. Concurrently, insights from the research process demonstrated a ministry practice for church leaders to work with emerging adults who want to pursue their discipleship. This thesis invites all those who are involved with ministry in this demographic to understand themes which enabled their discipleship through the church community and how they worked together. It additionally proposes a ministry practice which can be utilised by church leaders to assist in discipleship.

Date of Award	15 Jan 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	RMS UnKnown (Co Supervisor), RMS UnKnown (Main Supervisor) & RMS UnKnown (Co Supervisor)