With you in Spirit?

What is the difference between physical and online work with young people? Practically? Theologically? Given by Revd Dr Sam Wells, the 2021 Youthscape/St Mellitus College Annual Lecture explored the dynamics of physical and online presence, something we've all had to wrestle with this past year. What is a theological understanding of being present with a young person online and how is it different to being physically present? Do we need a different understanding of presence and incarnational ministry to work online? What is the theological framework for engaging with young people remotely?

The lecture was followed by a discussion and Q&A with hosts Dr Phoebe Hill (Youthscape) and Dr Mark Scanlan (St Mellitus), and you can catch up on the whole event with this video download, which includes a transcript of the lecture.

Revd Dr Sam Wells has been Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields since 2012. He has served as a parish priest for 20 years – 10 of those in urban priority areas. He also spent 7 years in North Carolina, where he was Dean of Duke University Chapel. Sam is also Visiting Professor of Christian Ethics at King’s College London. He is a regular contributor to Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. He has published 35 books, including works on Christian ethics, mission, ministry, scripture, liturgy, and preaching.