A New Role for Commander Bill

After being scheduled to lead workshops at Awana Ministry Conferences for six consecutive weekends in three different states, this seventh weekend I am doing something that may seem unusual to many.

I am attending an Awana Ministry Conference as an attendee, not as staff.

Why would I do that?

The answer is simple. Even as a seasoned Awana leader, there are still things that I can learn from others. It gives me a glimpse into how other people run their Awana ministry that may be beneficial to mine. It gives me a chance to be surrounded by like minded people seeking to reach boys and girls with the Gospel of Christ so they may come to know, love, and serve, the Lord Jesus Christ. After pouring into others to help them in their ministries, I need to take time and have people pour into me.

I often hear Awana Ministry Directors lament how they cannot get their leaders to attend conferences or training. Let me ask this…. if you were not leading, or participating in, the training, would you attend?

We lead by example, and if your actions indicate that you do not need to learn more, then why should those serving under you seek to learn?

I am truly looking forward to this conference. A time when I can walk in and not be “Commander Bill” (although if someone realizes that I am there it is okay), but just another Awana leader seeking to connect, learn, and refresh.

I truly hope that you have taken time this year to do that as well. We all need to take time to learn, to improve our skills, so we can be more effective in our ministries reaching children and leading others.