The purposes of this study were to compare the effectiveness of Dorothy Heathcote's informal drama methodology (referred to as ENCOUNTER) with a formal drama approach (PLAYS) in increasing self-esteem of preadolescents in a Christian education program, and to determine if positive correlation existed between self-esteem and intrinsic religious motivation. ENCOUNTER and PLAYS met three times a week for 12 weeks at varied meeting times and locations. Data were collected by giving the subjects a series of tests (Self-Esteem Inventory, Children's Self-Concept Scale, and Intrinsic Religious Motivation Scale) and computing the results. It was concluded that ENCOUNTER (informal drama) influenced self-esteem but did not affect other dimensions of self-concept. It was not determined whether PLAYS or ENCOUNTER influenced self-esteem the same or differently. Replications of the study were recommended with more teachers, additional groups, varied locations, and diversified school systems. (Author/TS)