The Resource

20/10/2026

48 booked in, do book in soon if you plan to be with us!

Following the Call for Evidence and the stories that have been shared, join us for this online Symposium

16/10/2026

The Resource Newsletter - October 2026 - https://mailchi.mp/b0bba3557124/the-resource-may-17259552 Packed with research reports, details about the Paraklesis Research Symposium, a book recommendation (buy or borrow the new book from Frank Cottrell-Boyce) and a fresh training offer from The Resource!

12/10/2026

A ministry friend is carrying out some research for their MA - it's about Christian summer festivals for young people.

Do check out their survey below and share your thoughts if you are able - thanks so much.

07/10/2026

The final episode of series 2 of the Flourish podcast is now live! Here is a sneaky peek as Ali shares a story of how mentoring can help us to reframe our perspective of what we do and what is happening. Find it wherever you normally grab your podcasts!!
https://wonderfulmelisa.substack.com/p/the-flourish-podcast-season-2-episode-c16?r=4oi69m

06/10/2026

The final episode of season 2 of the Flourish podcast is now live!!!
The headline this week is - 'Mentoring is for life, not just for crisis!!'
Annoyingly - while that is the gist - you won't hear the phrase in the actual podcast - because I have only just thought of it now!!!!! But, I promise, there are lots of other things worth listening to!!
As always - please do like and share!
https://wonderfulmelisa.substack.com/p/the-flourish-podcast-season-2-episode-c16?r=4oi69m

28/09/2026

Yes, Episode 5 looking at Line Management is now live!

Check it out, let us know what you think :)

Episode 5 of season 2 of the Flourish Podcast is now live!
We are continuing our series on professional development in children’s and youth ministry - and in this episode we will be ‘locking in on Line Management’ ;)

This is a topic that is particularly close to Ali’s heart and is an area he has been offering training on for quite some time - so we will be mining for treasure in this as we explore some of his wisdom and experience! We’ll consider how we can bring a holistic approach to line management that manages the ‘work’ while developing the person as Ali shares with us his thoughts on how to ‘ACE’ line management.

This is a MUST for anyone involved in line management - either as a line manager or as a staff member or lead volunteer (or 'line managees' as Lisa called them!!!)

And don’t forget - please do share this with any ministry friends who may find it helpful - and If you missed last weeks episode - or any other episodes of the Flourish podcast - find them wherever you normally grab your podcasts - or on the wonderfulmelisa substack! (link in the comments!)

25/09/2026

Deadline extended and date for Symposium confirmed.

Call For Evidence : When it Goes Wrong Research.

If you have not had the chance to share a story of poor practice or a challenging work culture, the deadline has been extended until 30th September 2026. Do please get in touch with Ali ([email protected]).

The date and time for the Symposium has been confirmed, more details soon - but get the date and time in your diary - Wednesday 2nd December 2026, 2pm - 4pm.

23/09/2026

Everyone involved in children's and youth ministry should read this book.

23/09/2026

The Want of Peace - Wendell Berry.

I think this is probably my favourite poem from the philosopher, theologian, essayist, farmer and poet, Wendell Berry.

'the fisherman's silence, receiving the river's grace, the gardener's musing on rows.'

- simplicity, stillness, grace gifts to enjoy and savour.

'I lack the peace of simple things, I am never wholly in place.'

- the beautiful ache for something more, and yet at the same time something less.

So sad that he has passed away, but what a legacy of writing, thinking and profound reflection on what it is to be human.

Thanks Wendell.