awana program

[Crimson Rose]

Does your awana program work?

From what i know there should be 30 min of lesson time, 30 min of reciting time, and 30 min of game time

our awana had an hour of reciting and 30 min of game time; the kids were never told how to become a christian, the scripture was never explained to the children, and my sparks group went so fast and we only got through one book while other spark groups got though 2 books

i dont see how the awana program reaches out to children, does yours?

 

[mesue]

My church doesn't use awana, we use a different curriculum.
The church I serve in ministry does (yes, God has blessed me with two churches to serve in, but that's another story.) And from what I have seen, it seemed to work for them. The kids not only knew scripture, they knew how to apply it. A couple of kids accepted Jesus as their personal Savior the night I sat in on it. I also seen leaders do one on one with the kids that needed extra help. I know they broke the kids up into 3 groups. It may have been for lessons, reciting and games. I know they played games, and I sat in on the lessons.

 

[lsrichey]

In our AWANA program the 30 minutes of lesson time is suppose to teach them about salvation and other issues. We actually had a child saved during council time. Also the verses memorized have the salvation message in them. The program is also designed to have kids want to learn more about God.

 

[rural_preacher]

Praise God, we had a great AWANA year this year (we just had our closing program last Wednesday night). Three children trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior this year!

If your AWANA leaders are not explaining the verses and making the Gospel clear, then they are neglecting the very purpose of the program..."To reach boys and girls with the gospel of Christ and train them to serve Him."

AWANA can be a very effective program for evangelism and discipleship, but it is up to the church - specifically the AWANA leaders - to do it right.


--

 

[Lenora56]

I'd say that our Awana program is successful. We see lots of children who otherwise would not be in church at all. Sometimes, our 3rd grade girls would try to speed through the verses, and fudge a tiny bit, but I'd make my group slow down and do it right. I'd also encourage them to practice the verses at home.

Our council time leader was really good. He's a military guy and when the children (3rd - 5th grades) would start talking or acting up, he'd immediately say, "Stop talking," or whatever. It sounds gruff but he did it all with love, and the kids just kept coming. He was very good at talking to them, and sometimes they would start asking him deep questions, and he'd pause and answer some of their questions.

I think that a combination of firmness, flexibility, and of course, spiritual groundedness (any such word?) is very important.

 

[Gwenyfur]

My daughter has been in AWANA's since she was 4 years old. She is great at memorizing Scriptures and I have no doubt that knowing those scriptures is what created such a hunger in her for things of the Lord.

She was 6 when she started pestering me, her dad, our Pastor, her Sunday school teacher, anyone of us who would talk with her about Jesus...to help her know Jesus! It was amazing.

Last year during our program, we had 6 children saved, and 17 new enrollees. We live in a small town and we have a small church, but that's 6 more souls for Jesus' kingdom...

Might I suggest that it may not be the program itself...but instead perhaps the people running it? If your children aren't given the opportunity to act on the Gospel they were given...an integral part is missing. Maybe a chat with your Pastor with your concerns...

 

[Lenora56]

So rereading your post, I see that you didn't have a council time at all. Am I right? Council time is so important, and it needs to be done by someone with a strong faith and a good knowledge of the Bible. It's where the leader looks them in the eyes and pretty much delivers the gospel.

Another point about council time is that is helps to repeat some of the things that they're learning during reciting time. That helps to make a stronger imprint in their minds. Putting reacreation between the two is a good way of breaking it up, and it doesn't become monotonous. One hour of recitation is too much like school, in my opinion.

Does your awana program work?

From what i know there should be 30 min of lesson time, 30 min of reciting time, and 30 min of game time

our awana had an hour of reciting and 30 min of game time; the kids were never told how to become a christian, the scripture was never explained to the children, and my sparks group went so fast and we only got through one book while other spark groups got though 2 books

i dont see how the awana program reaches out to children, does yours?

 

[TwinCrier]

This past year our church switched from AWANA to MASTER CLUBS. I think this new program focuses more intensely on the meaning of scripture beyond just memorizing it for one day.

 

[novcncy]

This past year our church switched from AWANA to MASTER CLUBS. I think this new program focuses more intensely on the meaning of scripture beyond just memorizing it for one day.

A lot of conservative Baptists are migrating from Awana to Master Clubs. I'm not too sure of the doctrinal schism, so perhaps I should take the opportunity to get educated on the topic.

 

[RED that's ME]

I went through AWANA as a clubber and now work as a leader. Actually each 3 parts-Council Time, Game Time, Handbook time is suppose to be 40 minutes each but some churches cut it down.

The Council time is suppose to explain better and share the gospel as well as other topics.
Handbook time clubbers shouldn't only be quoting the memorize verses but also be able to explain what it means. You need to start doing this if you are not already. It is sorta silly IMO to learn verses when you have no idea what it means.
If you don't have enough workers to do this then I suggest you recruit more. Each club should be split up in at least 4 color groups and each leader listening to verses shouldn't have more than 5 clubbers in their mini groups to listen/help. YOu might recruit listeners also that serves as helpers in each club that only come in to handbook time to listen.

AWANA also does have it's own forum online split up into clubs that has a lot of good ideas to help make your club better. http://www.awana.org

I bet you can also get your state AWANA missionary to come to your church to teach classes and also observe and offer ideas how to make it better. I've met several AWANA missionaries who do that. Going to AWANA Leadership Conferences also is a good idea where you can pick up ideas on improving your program.
IMO AWANA is one of the top children's ministry there is. AWANA has help me in many areas of my spiritual life. There's been clubbers become christians through my church AWANA program and also we've had their parents come also to church that were not church attenders.

 

[Lenora56]

Yes they definitely do need to know the meanings behind the verses. That's why I don't let them speed through, and they will if you let them. I'll have to check out awana.org...never been there.