Southern Wisconsin Awana

Is it just one of many church programs? Is it what the kids do during choir practice? Is it its own ministry separate from the rest of the church? Is it the driving force behind all children and youth ministry decisions? I hope you answered, No to each of these questions. One of the things that makes Awana unique is that it offers your church fully integrated programs that train kids ages 2 to 18 to know, love and serve Christ. But what is meant by - fully integrated? First of all, Awana should be a vital piece of the ministry to children in your church and children ministry should be a vital piece of the overall ministries in your church. Awana is not separate from the church, for it cannot operate without it. Nor should the whole church revolve around Awana. And it is not just an activity to keep kids busy while the important work of ministering to adults is done. Secondly, it is not the responsibility of church to conform to Awana. In fact, it is the responsibility of Awana to both fit and resemble the culture of local church. Just as every church is unique in its composition, personalities, and goals, each club should also be unique. While there are certainly things, like uniforms and handbooks that make them look alike, no two clubs will ever be exactly the same. Lastly, Awana like every other ministry in the church is subject to the leadership with the church. Awana does not operate in a silo. Awana comes alongside every other ministry in the church to accomplish the Great Commission to preach the Gospel and make disciples. Awana is not more important than Sunday school, nor (in my opinion) less important. They both have their place and often reach a different cross section of the community. The pastor and church leadership determines the who, what, when, and where each ministry fits into the overall makeup of the church. It is the job of each Awana leader to work within these parameters. Awana has changed over the years. It has too. The children and the culture around changes faster than any of us can keep up with. We can longer run any of our miniseries the same way we did in 1980, or even 1990. We must be ready, willing, and able to minister to the 21st century family.

A few weeks ago, Sherry and I attended an Awana year-end awards ceremony and noticed that each child that attended Awana this year was called up in front of the group and received a certificate of something. Of course those who received book awards were acknowledged; but even those who started attending late in the year were as well. Some received a certificate of Sportsmanship, some a certificate of Enthusiasm, others were recognized for helping, attendance, athleticism, the list went on and on. Why would I comment on this? We have all worked with children that were a challenge. But how can we say that we love them, if we cannot find something positive to say to them and about them, especially to their parents? When working with children, even the challenging ones, let them know that you really love and care about them with words of encouragement and share some of their positive characteristics with their parents. Thank you Northwest Baptist for the invitation.

Recently, Sherry and I visited one of our Awana churches that meets in a high school. As we pulled into the school parking lot we saw them setting up chairs outside. The school had moved them from the auditorium to the lunch room on this Sunday, but when they arrived they found the temperature in the lunch room near 90 degrees and climbing, so they decided to just have church outside. One group started setting up chairs, another was working on the sound system, someone else printed out the worship songs on paper (no PowerPoint outside). Everyone worked together to make the best of a difficult situation and church started on-time. I heard no complaints. Not one. The only comments were, "Today, everyone living near the school is going to hear people praising and worshiping the Lord." and "Check for ticks". I had to take time and reflect. How many times have I let an unexpected situation get the best of me? How many times have I let being a few minutes late leaving, rob me of God's blessings? Let us all take note of James 1:19&20, "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." Thank-you Real Hope Community Church for a great day and a great lesson.

Welcome to our new blog. From time to time I will post: Stories from the Field; Observations; Ideas, and more. Feel free to comment. Be the one of the first 10 to email me with "I found your blog" in the subject field and win a 60th Anniversary Awana key chain.