What is AWANA?

[aReformedPatriot]

I see "AWANA" all over the place, what is it?

 

[caitlincares]

http://www.awana.org/

 

[Ave Maria]

A local Fundamentalist Baptist church in my area has AWANA. From what I understand, it is basically a Christian outreach ministry for children. They play sports a lot at the local church I am talking about.

 

[rural_preacher]

Approved

Workman

Are

Not

Ashamed

II Timothy 2:15, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

It is a "club" that is run by the local church that "reaches boys and girls with the gospel of Christ, and trains them to serve Him".

 

[BT]

I see "AWANA" all over the place, what is it?

Here's some information from my church webpage (which you can follow through my profile) about AWANA

In the fall of the year through the end of May, Northside people run an AWANA Children's Ministry (Click [font=Helv,Helvetica,Arial]HERE[/font] for more information). At our last awards night the count for workers revealed that more than 40 people work in this dynamic children's ministry. From the Commander to the most recent apprentice, there is a spirit of cooperation in moving this ministry ahead to greater heights and accomplishments. Some of our workers have volunteered for 14 years as steady participants in this ministry.

That link above leads to the following information:

'Can we go to AWANA again next week??'


That's the question that most kids ask their parents after their first Club meeting!

AWANA is a children's program for boys and girls from ages 3 up to Grade 6.
The name AWANA literally means
Approved
Workmen
Are
Not
Ashamed

It's taken from Scripture: II Timothy 2:15.

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.



Awana meetings are brimming with life-enriching experiences for young people. A well-qualified staff of leaders who are dedicated to Christian ideals provide consistent, positive teaching every week - training that stresses strong moral and spiritual values. Clubbers learn about the reality of God, the truth of the Bible, and are able to find peace - true peace in a world that's literally filled with violence.

As a parent you'll appreciate AWANA for many reasons. For example, you'll know that your child is being led in a structured, well-prepared program. Materials are superbly written, designed to stimulate involvement and develop an eagerness for learning. Young people are able to discover the importance of being team members, sharing thoughts and possessions, becoming more responsive to authority and learning discipline.



Every Club night consists of three segments:




1. Game Time - This is the club segment when children are introduced to fun games on the unique AWANA Game Circle. It provides an opportunity for young people to develop important social skills, such as sharing, teamwork, sportsmanship etc. while unleashing their natural energy and enthusiasm.



2. Handbook Time - Clubbers progress through handbooks written for their specific age group which emphasize the importance of God's Word for sound living. Everyone can earn a number of awards as they complete the achievement-oriented learning segments.



3. Council Time - This is a general session for everyone. It's a quality time for group Bible study and singing, followed by awards and recognition for individual handbook progress.


Check back for Group specific pages!!

 

[jesus died for ME!]

AWANA is the best out reach tool we have in our church out side of VBS. We are four weeks into our AWANA this year and our wednesday night AWANA total is almost as high as our sunday school total and we have seen about 5 people saved through it. We have kids that come and say 9-10 verse a night. And AWANA isn`t just a baptist thing. It`s all christians. It`s Awesome.

 

[BT]

For sure. My three year old daughter has already memorized 6 verses (this is her first year in). At the end of this year she will have memorized and repeated 30 verses. That's more than many adults I know can do.

 

[TwinCrier]

I usually describe it as boy/girl scouts only you earn patches for memorizing verses of the bible. My church started a new program called Master Clubs this year. http://www.masterclubs.org Now Master Clubs is more exclusive to Baptist Churches.

 

[Beoga]

i remember when i was in awanas, i had so much fun, number one in scripture memory, so i had something to brag about...because th more scripture you know, the more you can brag

 

[jesus died for ME!]

i remember when i was in awanas, i had so much fun, number one in scripture memory, so i had something to brag about...because th more scripture you know, the more you can brag

I was #1 in scripture memorizing in sparks. but after that it sorta fell a part. I memorized all 6 sparks books, I don`t know anyone in our program now that had done that.

 

[Ave Maria]

I usually describe it as boy/girl scouts only you earn patches for memorizing verses of the bible. My church started a new program called Master Clubs this year. http://www.masterclubs.org Now Master Clubs is more exclusive to Baptist Churches.

Hey that's pretty cool. I'm surprised that this local Fundamentalist Baptist church in my area doesn't use that kind of material instead of AWANA but they always call it AWANA. That seems like a pretty nice website. Thanks for sharing TwinCrier!