This is partially true, but is really a misconception.
Each church and club has its own culture so it is hard to be specific, so my comments are more general and may not be applicable to your situation.
Why do people think that Awana is leader intensive? There are several possible reasons:
- Small group time where a ratio of 1 leader for every five clubbers is recommended.
- The philosophy that leaders can only hold one role.
- The expectation for leaders to be there every week.
- The comparison to Sunday morning
I have consulted with Awana leaders about their clubs. One club was beginning in a small church that they were trying to rebuild. They told me that they did not have enough leaders stepping up to serve. They did not have directors for the individual clubs, no game director, or secretary. They were looking for a detailed structure. I then asked how many children they expected, and they said maybe 10. I told them that they did not need the structure that the 100 child club that they were used to had. I told them that it would be simple and they may hold many of the director roles. In their situation, they were seeking more leaders than they needed.
In other clubs, they have separated Sparks into two groups where about half of them went to large group time while the other half had small group time. This allowed one leader to have two small groups which cut in half the number of leaders they needed!
The time that requires the most volunteers is small group time. It is designed to have a small child to leader ratio so relationships can be built and discipleship can be accomplished. While a five to one ratio is recommended, if your ratios creep up to 6 to 1 or 7 to one, that is okay. Maybe you can do as the club I referenced did and divide groups. Another option is to have the same people be small group leaders for both Sparks and T&T if your rotation allows.
I have found that Awana leaders are more willing to help out every week instead of rotations often used on Sunday mornings. If you count the number of total volunteers serving any given Sunday during the year (all of those in rotations during the year), it may equal, or exceed, the number of volunteers serving in Awana any given night. Sunday mornings may have larger teacher to student ratios as they often may focus on large groups which could result in the need for less volunteers making Awana seem volunteer heavy.
I truly believe that God provides our need, and for ministry, that includes space, finances, and volunteers. Sometimes it may not be all that we want, but it is all that we need. If you wish you had more volunteers, is there a way you can restructure your club to use the volunteers that you have better? You know your situation and what may work well for your Awana ministry. Remember that flexibility is key, not just for Awana, but in life.
If you need more leaders, do you want a great way to recruit new Awana leaders? Have your current Awana leaders share with others how blessed they are teaching kids to come to know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. People want to be a part of what God is doing, and God is moving in Awana!
What are your thoughts? Is Awana volunteer intensive, and if you think so, then why?