Young Teen Invasion
William Pile
"Anybody who thinks junior highs are inhibited in their witness of Jesus Christ just doesn't know kids," says Carmelita Pile, a teacher at Highland Park Church of Christ near downtown Los Angeles. The trick is to cooperate with the herd instinct instead of bucking it. This particular class meets at 6:15 on Sunday evening, and once a month they spend their classtime doing visitation. As many as 15 young people pile into the church van. But they don't go two by two; all 15 go to the same two or three houses, thus sheltering fragile egos. The targets are either class members who have slacked off or dropped out, or occasionally a friend who's been invited but hasn't yet attended. When 15 kids and a couple of teachers show up at the front door, it's hardly an ordinary Sunday evening. The church kids do the talking all the way through the brief visit, and their enthusiasm is infectious. The young person often changes his or her plans and joins the return trip back to church for the evening service. "Parents of visited kids have been the most ecstatic of all—once they get over the initial shock," says co-teacher Dixie Johnson. "They're eager to have us all come in and visit their youngster. One parent even came along to church with us!" Pile and Johnson list three advantages of the invasion approach: • It appeals to kids. • It breaks down their inhibitions about evangelism. • It brings quick, observable results.
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
