3 Comments

  1. Traci

    I’d like to have input on something I’ve been mulling over and praying about. Would you say that Awana is an outgrowth of a healthy children’s ministry? If families are leaving or visiting and not staying because the core components of children’s ministry are not effectively helping parents in discipling their children, Awana is affected, too. I’m afraid the branch (Awana) will die because the tree (CM) is diseased. Do I continue to invest my time and resources in Awana or do I suggest setting Awana aside for now to focus on rebuilding CM? I may encounter that same stance – “Awana is a non-negotiable.”

    • Traci,

      Here is my perspective….

      Would you say that Awana is an outgrowth of a healthy children’s ministry?

      I would say that it could be an outgrowth, but not necessarily. One ministry component in the church can be healthy and vibrant while others are stagnant, or not healthy.

      Do I continue to invest my time and resources in Awana or do I suggest setting Awana aside for now to focus on rebuilding CM?

      I think the thing to do is to evaluate and identify the “problem”. It is seldom “the program” used, but rather the vision and passion people have for reaching others.

      If Awana is effective, and other aspects of CM are not, then to discontinue Awana would be an error and possibly perceived as being ineffective. Cutting off the one branch that is bearing fruit.

      One book I would recommend reading is entitled, The Return of a Mighty Church by Jack Eggar

      If Awana is running effectively, then it could revitalize the entire church.

      If the problems are rooted deep, then a hiatus might be in order to refocus on the mission of the church.

      One final question I would ask from your original comment, is Awana a core component of children’s ministry? If you answer yes, and the core components of children’s ministry are not effectively helping parents in discipling their children, then why is Awana not effective? Is it time to re-train and re-focus leaders?

      I’ll be praying for you as you ponder these questions and discover what needs to be done within your church. It only takes one spark to start a fire, that spark may be you. Revival often begins with children and youth.

      Get the book I referenced and see if that offers you any insight. It is a small, quick read and well worth the time.

      • Traci

        Thanks, Bill, for your comments. They are very helpful and encouraging to me and give me much to think on. I have read the book you suggested, but maybe it is time to reread it now that I have a year “under my belt” as commander. You’ve helped me see two things I’d lost focus of: 1) That Awana IS running effectively and COULD be the spark the church needs to reignite its passion to reach the lost in our community, and 2) Awana is a core component of our children’s ministry! How could I have lost sight of that?!?! I’ve printed your response and will be doing much praying over these things. Thanks for taking the time to offer your insights.

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