ServicesBookings now for the 2026 Annual Lecture on Monday May 18th - in person at St Mellitus College or online. Our speaker is Dr Helen Paynter, Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence.
Radical Hope: Young People as Hopeful Prophets for Polarised Times
Young people today face a world of inequality, conflict, and division. Many feel ignored, shut out of decisions shaping their futures, and exposed daily to violence – online, at school, at home, and in their communities. This fosters disillusionment, mistrust, and anger, while fragmented social lives make bridging divides seem impossible. In this landscape, adolescence is sharply formative: teenage brains, navigating complexity and long-term consequences, can be drawn to extreme narratives that promise clear answers, identifiable enemies, and belonging—offering hope, but often at a high cost.
This challenge is not only social, economic, or political – it is deeply personal, shaped by the stories young people experience. Their disillusionment stems from real pain: unmet emotional needs, struggles with identity, and long-standing grievances. Yet many remain curious and open to the Gospel. So the key question is: who is the Christ they encounter, and what version of the Christian story draws them? Will it connect with the reality of their lives and equip them to face the future with hope rather than despair?
This lecture explores why this moment is one of real urgency for youth ministry and the wider Church, and how young people themselves can become prophetic voices of radical hope in deeply polarised times.
Following the lecture Helen will be joined by a panel of youth ministry experts for questions and discussion including Alan Moss, Estates Youth Missional Lead for the Diocese of Chelmsford and Jeronne Rudder, theologian, pastor, and founder of Uhambo The Journey.
How to book:
The Annual Lecture 2026 is free but you must book in advance.
You can join us in person on Monday 18th May from 6pm at St Mellitus in Central London, SW5 OLX. You receive a complimentary glass of wine, a goodie bag and a free download of the audio and video of the Lecture (normally £5). If you book using the link on this page, you'll receive a ticket to gain free entry.
Or you can listen live online - but you'll also need to book in advance. You'll receive a link to the live stream ahead of the Lecture. The audio and video of the Lecture is available to purchase for £5.
This year’s speaker:
Dr Helen Paynter
Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence
Revd Dr Helen Paynter is a Baptist minister, biblical scholar, author, and teacher, best known for her work on how the Bible is interpreted in relation to violence, peace, and ethics.
About the Youthscape / St Mellitus College Annual Lecture
Youth ministry is effective when it is grounded and rooted in a rich and deep understanding of God and theology. When we are understand our story, our heritage, when we wrestle with who we understand God to be and what that says about us; we begin to outwork that in the way that we work with young people every day.
Similarly theology and academics is most effective when it is grounded with the reality of pastoring, caring and supporting young people day in and day out. Theology is never more profound and transformative than when it speaks to the heart of people, wonderful, ordinary people and their every day life. St Mellitus College and Youthscape are passionate about seeing youth workers inspired and equipped in their ministry by a deep understanding of God, and in turn to allow their ministry to keep them pursuing a thirst for theology that transforms.
In 2018 Youthscape began an exciting collaboration with St Mellitus College: an annual youth work lecture that combines practical and theological insight to equip youth workers, church leaders, and the wider church amidst an ever-evolving youth culture. For more information about St Mellitus College and the programmes they offer head to stmellitus.ac.uk.
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