Ok, I'm reading through different threads and I continually see AWANA brought up (WooHoo). So here are my questions... 1) How many others have children who participate in the AWANA ministry? 2) As parents, are you leaders too, or do are you "just" parents? (I don't take that expression lightly) 3) If you're not active in the AWANA ministry - what prevents you from getting more invovled? I'll start - Two of my boys are actively invovled in the ministry - one in Sparks, the other in T&T (the oldest one has moved on to middle school and now goes to Junior Youth but he also went to T&T). I am a leader with the Sparks level and with the Truth & Training group - have been for a couple years now. What an awesome ministry! Brenda
My children have been involved in AWANAS since Rachael was three. She was two years in Cubbies, three in Sparks, and is in her third in T&T. My others started ASAP; they even let me start Phillip in January, after he turned three in December (because it was a small class and he did very well there.) I'm "just a parent". Why? Because it's not my church, and I'm not sure how much they would accept "outside" help. It IS my parents' church, so many of the people know me, including the pastor, plus I've been around for so long, LOL! I have volunteered to help with Quizzing this year. Two years ago, I went and just sat and watched. It was interesting in a way, but lots of down-time and a bit boring. Last year, I dropped Rachael off and left. When I picked her up afterward, she looked at me, said "You didn't stay!!!" and burst into tears! So this year I'll be staying again, and asked them to please find me something to do! Yes, it's a great program. I basically consider it their Bible curriculum for school. They learn so much more there than they do in Sunday School!
My girls are both involved in AWANA. They love it. Ashley actually went to Cubbies when she was only 2 (turned 3 in November, but started the Cubbie year in August, I believe). She loved it. That was at a bigger AWANA program, and when she moved to Sparks, she hated it- said there was too many kids and too much noise. So, we quit. Just this year, we started them both at AWANA at my parents' church. Ashley is in T&T and Gracie is a Cubbie. I'm very happy with the program; but I, too, an "just a parent". I do, however, pick up two other girls on the way there, so I consider that my "ministry" where AWANA is concerned! Heidi
All seven of my children are involved in AWANA. I have worked with the Cubbies class for many yrs. It is a great ministry. I am not helping this yr and now that I am pregnant will probalby not help again next yr. If there was a need for teachers I would step up, but after talking with the leaders they are well covered so I honestly enjoy the hour or so with my husband. That is very rare when hsing seven. I dont feel that I am not involved. We use our AWANA books during the wk for our Bible class. I walk my children in every wk, show up early to watch them sing the last song, and attend every outside function. There are the occasional times that I stay as an extra helper, but not every wk.
Boy, Crystal, I sure understand that "hour"! Carl and i always joke about the AWANAS time as our date time. We both drop the kids off together, go somewhere for that hour and a half, then pick them up together. Sometimes it's Starbucks, sometimes we go grocery shopping, sometimes it's just to the library. Occasionally (rarely) we feed the kids mac and cheese, and go to a "real" restaurant for dinner. Next year will by Rachael's last year in T&T, and I don't know WHAT we're going to do!
Yes, I really look forward to Wed. nights. My oldest two are actually in the youth group and not in AWANA. I was so glad they had something great for the kids when they get older. There is one Wed. a month that my dh is working so I get time all to myself. :shock: That happened the other Wed. and after I dropped the kids off I rushed home to soak in the tub - for an hour!
I guess i was wondering because when I go to the AWANA forums one of the biggest things you'll see there is that there is such a need for more leaders (but then as home schooling Mom's I also understand the need for "me" time). And then as i was reading posts last night I kept seeing AWANA mentioned and I was getting excited (like a five year old waiting to open a Christmas present). Nothing implied in my questions I was just wondering... Brenda
Can I brag a little, please? My oldest went to Quizzing yesterday. Her AWANAS club sent 8 teams, competing in three different events. EVERY team places! In Rachael's event, her team (2 girls) took FIRST PLACE!!! She was so thrilled! Two other teams from her church tied for second in that event. We had seven children receive "Top Honors" (meaning the missed no more than two questions). Rachael was one of them. We are all so proud of her and the other kids from her club. they had a very festive time at Pizza Hut afterwards!!!
Becky! It's never too late. I absolutely love the AWANA ministry - everything I do often times revolves around the ministry (I credit it with a lot of my spiritaul growth when I was first saved). The first year I was a leader, we had 30 some clubbers finish at the end of the year. The sedcond year we had 55, this year we will have about the same. It's such an amazing ministry (did I already say that). To be able to work with a group of young children, who in some cases, have never heard the word of God and to be able to influence their lives and allow God to do the rest - there is no word for it (and it is so fun - right down to dyeing your hair for Jesus' sake). I could get carried away here. I love the ministry... Brenda
Well, we don't have AWANA at our church anymore. Plus, based on what I saw I just wouldn't trust that things were done fairly. I was a leader for at least a year before I became Director in Sparks, and there was b.s. in both positions. Even before that I was a Cubbies leader. Same stuff, different class. There are alot of strong personalities in our church, and that's why I don't help with anything now. I get sick of dealing with it.
Becky, PLEASE don't miss out just because of one church! Believe me, it's not what the program is like! I do unerstand you being hesitant. And you know as well as i do that kids can grow spiritually without AWANAS. But I agree with Brenda that it's a wonderful program. My kids have learned so much in it. When Rachael finished with T&T next year, I plan on continuing with it on my own (the church doesn't officially go beyond that!), using it as our Bible curriculum.
At the end of my first year, there was an end of the year meeting that I went to - they wanted all the leaders there so I went (not many others were there though). Anyway, at the time, we had vacant spots to be filled (Commander, directors for each age group, etc) and that was a topic of discussion. I wanted so much to be more involved than what I was, but one person came out and said that the positions should be filled by someone who had more time with the ministry (nothing was said directly to me, but I took it as a hint that I wasn't to be in a "position" because I had only served with the ministry for one year - I will admit that I was devastated and offended). We didn't have a director for Family ministry (outreach) and I so wanted to step up to the plate and offer to do that, but I didn't dare say a word. To this day, my main role is that of a leader, but I have made suggestions to our commander that she has gone with (including dyeing my hair for the clubbers - the "upity up" ones looked down on it because it wasn't something they would do, but it's something) - I've gone out of my way to learn more about the ministry - I see it as being a crucial ministry within our church. Becky, the bs you mention and the strong personalities you talk about - I think they're in all churches. In our case, the comment was made by one who comes from a "money" home, has been at the church for years and years and who is in a "clicky" group - if your not "in" with the group then you're out. This same group of people dominate many things within the church and step on toes in doing so (it was suggested before Christmas that if you're singing voice is off even a smidgen, you shouldn't be singing because other's might not like it being off tone - when I heard that comment (made by the "clicks") I thought I was going to die and my comment was where does God it into this??? We get so cauht up in what feels good to us, that we forget the entire reasoning why we're even doing things - for God's glory. As for ministry, no matter what it is, I believe that everyone of us is called to serve HIM in some way - whether it's serving tea and coffee on Sunday morning between Sunday school and worship service, or decorating, welcome committee, children's ministry, etc. I believe to the core of my sole that this is what He wants us to do. He has a plan for us and will use everything to further His Kingdom. It's so sad that there are those who think they know who should and shouldn't be doing something because they don't think they would be the right person for the "job". If it's God's calling for your life to be inovled in ministry who is anyone else to say you shouldn't be?
It might not be their place to say who does what, but they do. It's also very true that if you're not one of the incrowd you're out. Thankfully we don't have so much of that now. It's interesting to note that the director of Sparks that I was a leader under was a 'big giver' and came off like Super Christian. To me, they were showy Pharisees. I could be wrong. I've posted some of the crap I tolerated under them, but I forget which thread.
I've only skimmed the other replies. I was the T&T Director for 2 years before my church got a new pastor and he told me I couldn't teach at all anymore because I believe in "free will". We found a different church but my dd continues to be in Sparks at the old church because it is closer to our (former) house. I am "allowed" to listen to sections there and help with crowd control--which now we have almost as many leaders as kids due to a poorly run program. I have been heaping coals on heads, I think :wink: . I quit taking ds to T&T because it is complete chaos. There are a couple boys who lash out and kick and hit and the Commander doesn nothing--literally. So now that we are moved we'll be finding another AWANA program. There are several local churches who have very reputable, longstanding AWANA clubs. We are very anxious to find a new club!
Becky (or anyone else who can answer), I think I read that when you were invovled int he AWANA ministry, you served as a Director? Can you (or someone) please explain to me what is expected of that role? We have a "Desperate" need for director's with our Sparks and T&T group (our Commander has been filling the roles with groups as well as the commander role and finds it overwhelming to do it all). I have offered to be that person for the T&T group, but the book I have right now gives a vague description of what they do. This all came out tonight at the Chirstian Ed meeting and I almost jumped out of my chair when she spoke of that need. It's soemthing I have wanted to do (be more involved) since the day I started with the ministry - I spoke of that in an earlier post. (I will admit the name Director sounds kind of intimidating though) She also said that she does have someone in mind for one of the two ministries but she didn't name names. I eat, sleep and breathe for this ministry and want to do more for it and with it. I pray that this is where God wants me to be too. Brenda
Brenda, my role as T&T Director involved leadership of the whole T&T Club. I delegated duties to Leaders as needed, gave the lesson (Council Time), kept records for the club, gave awards, etc. It was such a blessing in my life! When you step up in a Director role like that it really is the best tool for you to grow spiritually. By leading you MUST be sure of what you believe and be able to convey that to your group of people, kids and grown-ups alike. You have to pray for the Spirit's leading when you teach, too. I can think of a few times where I had a lesson planned at it took an entirely different route because of a child's spiritual need. You must be willing to make Awana a priority (which I know you do!). I cannot tell you what happens to groups whose Directors take a "whatever" attitude about being at club consistently. You must be willing to keep records and speak in front of a large group (not just teaching but for awards, etc.). You must also be willing to lead your Leaders....and at the same time follow your Commander. I'd suggest reviewing the Biblical approach to resolving issues with your brothers and sisters in Christ, too. I can't count how many times it was put into practice to resolve personal issues with other adults in the club. I hope that helped some. Feel free to e-mail me, too. I'm planning on getting involved on a Director level again in the new club if it were to be offered to me at some point.
Something I forgot to mention and noticed as I reread my post.....you must also be willing to admit when you don't know something and that you are still growing and learning with the kids . Some of our best lessons were born out of research to kids' questions that I didn't quite have the answer for on-the-spot.
