It is that time of year where Awana clubs in local churches are ending for the year. For some, they are ending Awana completely. For others, they are taking a break for the summer. Almost all are holding a closing ceremony or celebration. While many aspects of the closing ceremony are similar, some churches add other elements to make it a bigger event.
I truly enjoy seeing the pictures that people share on social media of their awards table reflecting the hard work of children hiding God’s Word in their heart, but on a personal, human, level, it can be discouraging as well.
In our world today, there is a great emphasis placed on size, and numbers. The bigger the better and so when one serves in a smaller ministry, it can make them feel insignificant.
Pictured here is our awards display for our closing ceremony this year. Yes, there are six awards. Note, I did not say “only” six awards because this represents all but two of the children we had for the entire year. If all eight of the children were present, then there would have been one more Sparks 2nd book medallion.
Some may be impressed that all but one child completed their handbook and think that is a great accomplishment for our club and many larger clubs will wish their handbook completion rate was that good. The reality is that I personally place little emphasis on completing the handbook. Yes, memorization and work are encouraged, but the emphasis to complete the book comes from the child and their parents.
If you have not come to this conclusion yet, yes, I serve in a small church with a small Awana club. That ultimately is the point of this post. While I celebrate with the larger Awana clubs as they celebrate their year, there is something special about being in a small church.
We got to present the handbook completion awards to the children during our worship service on a Sunday morning. This allowed those who have no connection to Awana, or children’s ministry, who would not attend a separate Awana closing ceremony, to get a glimpse of what God is doing in the lives of the children and how they are learning about the things of God.
If you are serving in a small church, with a small Awana club, do not be discouraged. Celebrate what God is doing and when you see the larger churches posting, celebrate with them as well!
Be faithful, and content, with who God is sending your way, whether it be 1 or 1,000.
Great words, Brother! It reminds me of a song my Dad used to sing, but one the Gaither Vocal Band did a number of years ago, “Little Is Much, When God Is In It!”