Youth Work and Faith: Debates, Delights and Dilemmas

by Mark K. Smith (Editor), Naomi Stanton, Tom Wylie

In the UK, following the recent decline in statutory youth work provisions, alongside growth in the faith-based sectors, thinking about youth work and faith is crucial, both to those working in faith-based settings and those working with them as partners or funders. This unique book draws on the debates, delights, and dilemmas of the relationship between youth work and faith in the UK. It is informed by a range of perspectives, from specific faith traditions, as well as cross-cutting issues, and it will enhance both practice and study. The book approaches the debates around youth work and faith in a way that is relevant to the youth work field as a whole, and covers a range of pertinent topics, including: Jewish, Christian, and Muslim youth work; talking about sex and sexuality with young people of faith; youth work around death and dying; using spirituality as a youth work tool; the place of doubt; the issue of indoctrination in faith-based provisions; and finding a middle way between faith-based and secular youth/community work courses. [Subject: Social Work, Youth Studies, Religious Studies]

174 pages, Paperback

Published April 6, 2015

About the author

Mark K. Smith teaches at the YMCA George Williams College, London (which is linked to Coventry University) and edits infed.org. He also develops programmes, learning resources and virtual learning environments.

Previously, Mark was the Rank Research Fellow and Tutor at the College and a visiting professor in community education at the University of Strathclyde.

Among his books are Creators not Consumers (1980, 1982), Organise! (1981), Developing Youth Work (1988), Local Education (1994), Informal Education (1996, 1999, 2005, 2018 with Tony Jeffs), The Art of Helping Others (2008, with Heather Smith), Youth Work Practice (2010, edited with Tony Jeffs), Journeying Together (2011, edited with Alan Rogers) and Youth Work and Faith (2015, edited with Naomi Stanton and Tom Wylie). He is currently working on a book exploring working with young people in difficult times.

Mark K Smith was educated at the Cavendish School, Hemel Hempstead, the University of Lancaster, and undertook his doctorate at the University of London. He has worked in careers advice, youth and community work, and in projects. Mark has also chaired a tenants cooperative that ran two tower blocks, and been a foundation governor for a secondary school. He is is currently a Resident Friend in a Quaker meeting house.