62. The Religious Lives of Australian Youth (Graham Stanton)

Researchers have conducted a study on the religious lives of Australian youth, and there's much to be learned that translates across cultural boundaries. In this episode, Mike talks with Dr. Graham Stanton about this research and what it can mean for fruitful youth discipleship. 

• How would you describe the spiritual landscape of Australia, in general… and how is that shaping teenagers and youth ministry? 
• Could you provide a basic snapshot of the research survey that’s the topic of our discussion? 
• Can you provide a little background about the religious nature of schools in Australia, because that’s quite different from what we have here in the States. 
• What are some positive findings that surprised you? 
• What are some of the warning bells going off that the church absolutely needs to pay attention to? 
• As you discuss this survey with youth workers, how are they responding? What are some practical applications that you’d like to see take place over the next few years? 

Dr. Graham Stanton is the Director of the Centre for Children’s and Youth Ministry and Lecturer in Practical Theology at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. He is also an ordained Anglican minister and has been serving in youth ministry at some capacity for over three decades. 

Recommendations in this episode:

• Book: AntiFragile: Things That Gain From Disorder, by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
• Episode 21: Top Down & Bottom Up Ministry (Gareth Crispin and Robin Barfield)
• Episode 25: Faith, Doubt, and Everything (Matt Bellefeuille)

Follow Dr. Stanton on Twitter/X: @GDStanton

Learn more about Ridley College

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YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.