ZD: Correct. Nobody wants to take the responsibility of allowing 17 year olds to face questions they can’t answer, and end up sewing seeds of doubt in their own minds. The reason he “allowed” me to continue was because he saw I was comfortable in answering and discussing, and I apparently held my own enough to allay his fears.
But it wasn’t only with teenagers doing Kiruv; many organizations pride themselves on being mekarev through learning Gemara beIyun, not through Hashkafah. I am wondering if it’s actually more effective when you aren’t a trained professional.
@LU: I think you may be right with that theory. Everyone is saying that the teenagers of today – specifically in the secular world – have a shorter concentration span, lesser intellect, and certainly less motivation or drive to be thinking for themselves. You would probably do a lot better Kiruv with a PowerPoint presentation or movie than through live conversation!