4 Comments

  1. As an engineer, I’m fond of saying “use the right tool for the job” — and I think that Awana (and 24/7) are excellent all-purpose tools … but I agree with you that Awana may not be the right tool for all churches — in fact, I have seen Awana programs at churches that have been mis-used and really should be shut down because it’s not the right program for them.

    “Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1)

  2. Sharon

    I also believe that at times, some churches should join together for their Awana. Awana at one, perhaps UpWards at another. It gets kids together to share their Christianity and not to feel that their church is exclusive. I am a VERY BIG fan of Awana. I have seen what it can do if the leadership is trained and working with the zeal of the Holy Spirit. The leadership can also be shared with those of like faith. I do agree that if a church is using the term Awana, it needs to BE basically an Awana program.

  3. I have to agree with you. Awana is the best program out there, but some Churches can’t do it. Sometimes, a Church is so small that for example, the games that are designed for 4 teams don’t work. I also agree that having multiple Churches work together to do Awana is very effective – I’ve seen it done at two of the 4 clubs I’ve been involved in since I was a kid. I agree with your statement that saying Awana is non-negotiable is basically saying that God isn’t big enough to reach children any other way. As someone who teaches in a Christian school and who’s husband is in Christian camping I’d like to think that both of these “non-Awana” things are reaching kids for Christ.

  4. Bill,

    One of the things I like and admire about you is that, even though you are so closely identified with Awana, you are willing to say it isn’t for everyone.

    We do Awana at my church, and I love it! I love running the games and interacting with the kids. I love the counsel times and the scripture memorization. I love most aspects of it as a parent and as a participant. That said, there is only one perfect thing in life, and we worship Him. To think that something is infallible or non-negotiable is tantamount to idolatry. We have to remember that the message is eternal and the method is temporal. Churches were teaching kids about Christ long before Awana started, and in all likelihood, will be doing the same long after it is gone. Let’s get passionate about the message and not the method.

    Thanks again for your honesty and transparency.

    Take care!

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