Hybrid christian youth ministry: a study of closed-group social media

The youth ministry field has been slow to respond to the rise of social media use among young people, due to concerns that are both practical and theological. Scholars have studied the use of digital forms in Christian ministry and have often formed opposing dystopian/utopian views. Now, the impact of the pandemic has made this topic a major concern and increased experimentation.
There is little evidence of scholars examining the use of group messaging apps as a distinct form of closed-group social media. However, the Wave youth group have been pioneering the adoption of social media into their youth ministry and practice since 2016. This thesis examines two cohorts from the Wave, the first using Facebook Messenger and the second on Instagram. A practical theology methodology is used to explore empirical data drawn from social media feeds and focus groups with youth leaders, relating them to the wider field of youth ministry.
Two areas are discussed: firstly, concerning community. As leaders accompany the group on social media, this enables improvisation and reflection with young people; ‘doing’ and ‘being’ together. It extends incarnational youth ministry, drawing attention to dynamics of absence and presence. Secondly, discipleship considers the strategic potential of social media and its ability to provide quick response to circumstances, as seen during the pandemic. Models to assess engagement identify levels of interaction which range from phatic communication through to expressions of Christian practices, raising expectations regarding discipleship.
This thesis draws out key learning from the Wave group leaders and argues for a hybrid ministry as a best of both worlds approach, enabling a flow of interactivity between real and virtual spaces. This is of profound significance with implications not just for the future of youth ministry but for the whole church.