No – theres no ‘application’ form as such, but we do ask you to make an enquiry using the Form on this website (look for the ‘Find Out More Here’ link), so that we can chat to you about it, get to know you, answer your questions, and discover whether it’s the right thing for you at this time.

No – you will continue in your routine of work, study or whatever you do, whilst gathering monthly to eat and be in community with others. There is one residential weekend during the year, and some other ‘optional’ opportunities to gather and learn.

There is no cost for embarking on the Youshape year itself, the monthly meetups, or the residential weekend. However, there will be a contributory cost for joining the pilgrimage, which will likely be 4-5 nights with travel. Your Convenor will give you an idea of the cost of this, and where the pilgrimage will be to, in your first couple of meetups. Your Convenor will also help you with ideas on raising funds for this as a group.

The initial commitment is for one whole year, starting in January. But at the end of your year, there is also the option to commit to another year with a new cohort.

You probably already have a ‘rule of life’ – you just don’t know it, or call it that! However, a ‘rule of life’ that is written, formed and shared by a community can help us form really healthy habits as we journey together. It’s a way of conveying the big story of who we are and where we’re going. It continually reminds us of the things that God has placed on hearts. With its basis in scripture, a ‘rule of life’ enables us to open ourselves up to all that God has for us, whether we are together or alone. It’s a framework for adventure!

One of the great things about the Christian life is knowing that God calls us all! We really are all called to something. But the first step in discovering what we are called to, is to recognise who we are called to be. To be part of the Youshape community is to simply commit to a journey of discovery, by opening ourselves up to God through listening, hearing and exploring that call, and discovering what that looks like in our daily lives. You’ll never finish what you don’t start, so come and explore your calling together with others.

Youshape is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of people of all ages. It is important to us that everyone who takes part in Youshape is able to feel safe and secure. Anyone taking a leading role in Youshape has been through a ‘Safer Recruitment’ process, received appropriate Safeguarding Training and is required to have a DBS check. These processes are in adherence to the Diocese Of Oxford’s own Safeguarding Policy.

If you need to contact someone regarding safeguarding at Youshape, please contact:
Rev. Joanna Gallant

or alternatively you may wish to contact the Oxford Diocese Safeguarding Team. During office hours call 01865 208 295 or email [email protected] for urgent safeguarding concerns Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm and Fri 9am-4.30pm.  Or follow this link for out of hours information: Oxford Diocese Safeguarding

Each Youshape cohort is peer-led, meaning the cohort make decisions themselves about when and where they meet. However, there is an appointed Convenor who facilitates the Group and is a part of it the journey.

Youshape has a Steering Group of that facilitates all the cohorts and enables it all to happen! The Steering Group includes: Rev Joanna Gallant; Rev. Pete Wheeler; James Wood (Discipleship Enabler); Rev. Quentin Chandler (DDO); Charlotte Lawson; Rev. Lydia Lee

If you want to know more and chat with someone about it, then simply fill in the Enquiry Form above, and someone will get in touch with you. If you’re part of a Church family, you’ll also want to mention it to your Church leader – usually your Vicar – who will support and help you.