Youth at the Goshen, Ind., Corps have found the best place to be on a Sunday. It’s a place where they are welcomed by leaders and their peers, encounter Jesus and know they belong.
Recently, the corps enrolled seven new junior soldiers, with more ready to participate in the next prep course this fall.
“Investing in the spiritual development of youth is one of the most important things we do,” said Lt. Aurelia Pettit, corps officer. “If we don’t disciple the next generation and meet them where they are, how will The Salvation Army’s work continue in our communities?”
Each Sunday more than 30 kids, and sometimes as many as 50, flood into the building full of boundless joy and energy, excited for the day’s activities.
Sunday school opening sets the tone for worship, bringing the focus to Christ, before they head off to Sunday school classes.
“It all comes down to having great leaders,” said Lt. Aurelia. “I really could not do this without them.”
The corps is blessed to have generational discipleship that flows from the senior members through the young adults and teens to the children, with each generation investing in the next.
Soldiers who grew up attending the corps have taken up the baton and are intentionally engaging teens, while the teens rotate assisting with the children’s church to gain confidence and experience sharing Christ and leading.
Each Sunday morning worship service is complemented by a lively children’s church. Called “Wrap,” it’s geared toward active worship for kids to engage their whole bodies in praise while also giving them a chance to expend some energy.
The afternoon is dedicated to fellowship over a hot lunch, character-building programs and relational discipleship with the support of several soldiers who volunteer as leaders or helpers.
“I believe that the youth are our future, and we need to encourage them with knowledge to be able to have a wonderful relationship with Jesus Christ,” said Erica Starner, a lifelong Salvationist who attends the corps with her four children, leads the explorers and junior soldiers, and lends a hand wherever she is needed.
“At the Goshen Corps we are teaching them about prayer, discipleship, evangelism and God’s Word. It is exciting watching the children grow and be disciples of Jesus.”
