What do we need math for asks the average student… similarly those in our ministries may be asking why do we need to know the Bible?
I remember going through my public school years taking various math courses, all the while not knowing what I was going to be doing as a “career”, but it was supposed to be good to take all of these math courses. But why did I need all of these courses? Would I really use them if I didn’t enter a field that required that knowledge? After all, don’t most people just use the basic math skills in life? Do they really need to know trigonometry and calculus unless they are entering that field? And only occasionally do people use geometry (which was my worst math course).
In comparison, many children, youth and adults are asking, why do we need to know the Bible? Do we really need to know what propitiation, eschatology, and those other big theological terms mean?
With the introduction of T&T a number of years ago, the T&T Awana handbooks changed to have more theological topics. Basic questions of theology that people ask with answers and scripture to back them up. But too often, Awana leaders don’t emphasize the connection of the verses being learned to the why of why they are doing it. Consequently, as children rech 5th and 6th grades, they begin to question…. why do I need to learn these verses, do they really matter? Will I need to know this when I’m older?
So as leaders in children’s ministry, do we know the “Why” of why we do it? Do we think it is important to learn more about the Bible and our faith? If we don’t, then neither will the children.
As Awana T&T leaders, do we know the questions and answers that the children are studying? Do you care or are you just looking at the passage of scripture they are reciting and moving on, oblivious to why that passage is important to learn?
I encourage you to take the time and learn the questions and answers to the T&T handbooks. As well as learning the verses that back them up. After all, if you don;t think it is important, why should the children?
I want to leave you with the verse that Awana is based upon and ask the question…does this describe you?
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
