The gospel in action: the YMCA, social evangelism, and the religion of the British Army in the First World War
Keywords: First World War
religion
British Empire
YMCA
Christianity

This thesis utilises the case study of the Young Men’s Christian Association’s (YMCA) First World War work to explore the process of social evangelism and the influence it had on wartime ministry and the religion of soldiers. The YMCA is a charity dedicated to providing social service and youth development with a Christian ethos. It was founded in Britain in 1844, quickly expanding through nineteenth-century missionary networks. While already garnering international support, the First World War provided it with an unprecedented opportunity for expansion, reaching new demographics of men and enabling a new contemplation of faith, against the context of the war’s societal upheaval.
The wartime work of the YMCA primarily constituted a network of recreation huts in which their trifold mission to serve the ‘body, mind and spirit’ of soldiers could be enacted through a social space in which entertainment, education and fellowship could be cared for. These were established across the war’s active fronts, extending from Salisbury to Sinai, following the soldiers of the British Army, from across the Empire, wherever they served. This work was led by the War Emergency Committee under the leadership of General Secretary Sir Arthur Keysall Yapp, developing a highly organised international network that earnt it support from military, political and religious authorities.
The existential questions posed by war opened up a new consideration of religion among soldiers and invoked a ‘trench religion’, which sought to support men through the spiritual challenges of conflict. The YMCA was uniquely positioned to support this, as a non-denominational and non-proselytising Christian body that welcomed those of all faiths and churches, alongside those of no belief. Through its open and welcoming social support, its workers were able to share a pragmatic and inclusive presentation of Christianity that was rooted in morality, contributing to the developing conception of social evangelism and bringing together a coalition of faith backgrounds through common worship.
This thesis begins with an examination of the YMCA’s hut network, its celebration of domesticity, and ability to overcome the logistical challenges of war. It then places the YMCA within the context of early-twentieth century mission and ecumenism, demonstrating the influences that guided its warwork, and the impact the Association had on Christianity both within and beyond Britain. Of particular note is the discussion of the YMCA’s role in the development of ecumenism and inter-faith work, working through the overtones of imperialism. The thesis then moves to study the theology and liturgy of the YMCA and its presentation of a faith grounded in the face of Jesus Christ, recognisable and relatable, and comparisons to the experience of the soldiers. Finally, the post-war period will be considered; a time of challenge and introspection for the Association whose reintegration into civilian society mirrored the disjuncture felt by many returning servicemen.