Restoring Hearts

Young people can invite their friends
into participation, not only attendance.

By Carmen Acosta de Montenegro, Pastor and Faith Avenue Champion
Barranquilla, Colombia

One place we have seen ministries create easy on-ramps for young people to invite other youth is through events that youth already want to talk about and share. At CGI Barranquilla, Colombia, we try to make the invitation feel simple: “Come watch us perform.” These are natural invitations young people can offer without feeling pressured to explain everything about church first.

A specific example is our annual “Family for Jesus” event, held under the motto “Restoring Hearts.” Children and youth from Rivera International School, led by Director Pastor Sonia Orozco, prepare music, theater, dance, and artistic sports presentations. Because youth are already practicing, performing, and participating with their peers, they have a natural reason to invite classmates, friends, cousins, and neighbors to come see what they have prepared.

This on-ramp works because the first invitation is not simply, “Come to church.” Instead, it may be, “Come see our dance,” “Come hear the music,” “Come watch the play,” or “Come support our team.” These invitations are concrete, relational, and easy for young people to extend. The ministry helps by creating spaces where youth participation itself becomes the bridge for youth invitation.

In 2025, 330 people attended “Family for Jesus,” including parents, guardians, students, and family members. Many came because a child or young person had a simple reason to invite them. This shows how congregations can help youth invite others by connecting the invitation to something visible, joyful, and shared. Youth can invite through school relationships, family networks, friendships, and community connections.

Another way we make invitations easier is by allowing youth to invite others into participation, not only attendance. Some youth help prepare songs, dances, dramatic presentations, or sports demonstrations. Others invite friends to come with their families and experience the event together. When young people are given a role, they are more confident inviting others because they are sharing something personal and meaningful.

Biblical teaching through theater is also an easy on-ramp. When children portray stories such as the Good Shepherd, friends and relatives come to support them, and young guests hear the gospel in a setting that feels welcoming and familiar. The invitation begins with relationship and support, and then opens the door for families and youth to encounter Jesus:

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” John 14:6 NRSVA

These examples have taught us that congregations can help young people invite other young people by removing barriers and giving them clear, joyful reasons to extend an invitation. Creative presentations, school connections, family celebrations, peer participation, and youth-led moments all become on-ramps. Through them, young people can say, “Come with me,” and others can experience the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ.