4 Comments

  1. Christina Ruud

    I have seen many of these same issues when I took over as commander. Because our church firmly believes it’s not just about completing the book we made some changes. We have a theme that covers the entire year to which we then correspond a once a month theme night (is crazy hair or black out night). Last year we did the 10 commandments over the course of 10 weeks and then took the rest of the time to explain how they do not save us, Jesus does and then went on to teach about what the Christian life looks like, sin, repentance, serving, witnessing, communion and even a baptism for a lesson. I love Awana and would love this book to use as a resource to further encourage my leaders, and families,to help us continue to evaluate what we are doing and more importantly, why.

  2. This is something I’ve been pondering for two years now: We Need a Program That Can Meet Digital Natives Where They Are. I am finding that as I age, new technology is becoming more challenging for me. Flannelgraph figures would be a hard sell compared to what our Awana kids are used to experiencing. In preparing “Council time” lessons, I’ve often thought of clips of movies that would be a good reinforcement or neat things I find on the internet that offer a great visualization or animation of something we’re looking at. I simply don’t know how to incorporate technology into our club, and I feel stronger every year that it is something I need to do! Many of the other findings intrigue me as it is obvious children’s ministry has changed a lot while the church has not kept pace. I feel I am letting my parents down as I watch them floundering in today’s culture. There has to be more to this.

  3. Theresa Gottshall

    All of the findings resonated with me but the one that struck me the most was #5 – It really does take a village:Discipleship is relational and engages the family. While we all know this – I think many times we feel alone in this quest and that the family has given the “right of discipleship” to the church and children’s and youth ministry workers. I know many of our Awana leaders and directors feel frustrated at the lack of parental participation both at home, reviewing the lessons and helping their child(ren)learn their verses and understand what they really mean and taking the time to speak with their child’s leader and/or director. I know as a leader, director and now Commander – I feel a great responsibility to reach the parents and partner with them but often feel that all our efforts are often fruitless. I now pray that God will open doors for us to reach the parents and that we are willing to put in the effort and not feel frustrated but rather joyful when we reach if only one family!

  4. Christina Ruud

    The description indicates that there would be resources and ideas to engage kids, and their parents, to help disciple kids. It lays out the study process extremely well. In addition it clarifies the big issues in children’s ministry. However, other than some questions at the end of each section there were no helps except for a “commercial” for a new Awana curriculum, that isn’t available until spring of 2016! Fall is generally the time of implementing new programs and materials at a church. I am very curious to know how this material will better engage the parents/families than any other material or the Awana club material. Overall, I cannot say this book was helpful in planning our ministry.

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