Cliff College launches new research centre: Generation

About Generation

Generation will seek to generate ideas, data and theory around the church and the generations in the UK. As well as focusing on mission to YCF, it will also explore the importance of parental and other intergenerational relationships in their life and faith. Its firm evangelical basis will provide parameters that will free up conversations to be collegiate and also challenging. It will include a clear focus on the lived experience of YCF, drawing on qualitative and quantitative studies, while also engaging with scripture and theology.

Generation is directed by Ed Mackenzie and Gareth Crispin. Both Ed and Gareth are on the Cliff College faculty and have many years’ experience in writing, researching and teaching on YCF mission and ministry. Cliff College is also excited to be able to partner with Youth for Christ and Scripture Union in this initiative, and their significant expertise and experience will help guide and develop the work of Generation.

Generation forums

Generation will begin life as three forums per year, each focused on a specific area. Each forum will include informed research by presenters and participant discussion on the day. Presenters will range from leading thinkers in their field to students with emerging ideas.

The first forum is on Monday 14 June (9:15am-12:45) with the title Why do we do what we do? Reflecting theologically on youth, children and families’ mission and ministry. In addition to a paper from Gareth Crispin we are pleased to announce Graeme Thompson (Youth Director for the Presbyterian Church of Ireland) as our second presenter. The first forum will be an online event only, for which you can register using the link below.

Generation promises to be an engaging, relevant and biblically faithful environment for those interested in youth children and families’ mission and ministry. We hope to see you there!

For more information on Generation or on the upcoming forum, please contact:

Ed Mackenzie (e.mackenzie@cliffcollege.ac.uk), or

Gareth Crispin (g.crispin@cliffcollege.ac.uk)