Personal profile
Research interests
My main topic is religious education, especially their religious formation.
I examine the world and context where young people live their everyday lives,
where they share and form their values and their identity.
I work on new educational programs for secondary school teachers, catechese programs in Youth Ministry
and I advise schools and care institutions dealing with their religious identity in a secular age and society.
Career
Professor of Religious Education since 2017
assistant professor at Tilburg School of Catholic Theology (1995-2017).
researcher on Religious Education and Youth Ministry since 1995.
pastoral supervisor since 2008 (experience at Fontys FHTL, Windesheim, UniversitY for Humanistic Studies, Utrecht University/theological department).
Advisor on identity of schools and care institutions.
Current courses
Click here for my courses.
External positions
Executive board (StichtingSteunfondsKatholiekOnderwijs)
1 Mar 2020 → 1 Jan 2026
Keywords
- Religion And Mental Health
- Sociology
- Religious Market
- Religion And Pastoral Sociology
- Youth And Religion
- Youth And Pastoral Care
- Religion
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 4 Quality Education
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Vertrouwen in vrouwen
van Dijk-Groeneboer, M. C. H., Jan 2026, In: Heilig spel. 4, 1, p. 8-10 3 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Popular
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Youth as bearers of Hope in the Netherlands
van Dijk-Groeneboer, M. C. H., 6 Jan 2026, (Unpublished).Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › Other research output
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A Cognitive-Semantic Engagement With a Biblical Text in Religious Education and Youth Ministry: Designing Exercises to Initiate a Narrative Dialogue
Melisse, C., Kienstra, N. & van Dijk-Groeneboer, M. C. H., 2025, In: Journal of Youth and Theology. p. 1-29Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Open Access -
Burgerschap in de volle breedte: Analyse van elf schooleigen burgerschapsvakken in het openbaar voortgezet onderwijs in het licht van de wettelijke burgerschapsopdracht
Heijstek-Hofman, A., van Dijk-Groeneboer, M. C. H. & van Amelsvoort, M., 2025, In: Religie en Samenleving. 20, 2, p. 83-108Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Open Access -
Humankind as the Image of God: A cognitive semantic application of Genesis 1:1-2:3 in the classroom
Kienstra, N., Melisse, C. & van Dijk-Groeneboer, M., 2 Oct 2025, In: British Journal of Religious Education. 47, 4, p. 422-436 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Downloads (Pure)
Activities
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PhD Committee Iris Wierstra (Event)
van Dijk-Groeneboer, M. (Chair)
11 Feb 2026Activity: Membership types › Membership of PhD committee › Scientific
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PhD defense (Event)
van Dijk-Groeneboer, M. (Chair)
27 Jan 2026Activity: Membership types › Membership of PhD committee › Scientific
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Pupils and RE in secondary schools in the Netherlands
van Deursen-Vreeburg, J. (Speaker) & van Dijk-Groeneboer, M. (Speaker)
23 Aug 2025Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation › Professional
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Faculty of Theology Ceske Budojevice (External organisation)
van Dijk-Groeneboer, M. (Chair)
2 Jan 2025 → 1 Jan 2029Activity: Membership types › Membership of council › Scientific
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Synodaliteit aan den lijve ervaren
van Dijk-Groeneboer, M. (Speaker)
26 Jun 2023Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation › Popular