AWANA (derived from the first letters of Approved workmen are not ashamed as taken from 2 Timothy 2:15). The mission of AWANA is to help churches and parents raise spiritually strong children to know, love and faithfully serve Jesus Christ. It is a proven approach for evangelizing and discipling kids in the church and community. Kids gather for a time of learning and fun as well as fellowship, camaraderie and team spirit.
Our AWANA Ministry staffing needs:
There are two large groups – Kindergarten thru 2nd grade (Sparkies) and 3rd thru 6th grade (T&T—Truth & Training). You can choose if you would rather work with the younger or older kiddos. There is also a younger group that, historically, we haven’t had a lot of participants—Cubbies—for 3 and 4 year olds. We are looking for a “champion” that would like to prepare for the Cubbies aged kiddos—in case we have some attend.
Listener – Wednesday nights (6:35 p.m. until 7:05 p.m.)
30 minute handbook time (small groups/divided by age)
The children hand you their book (this is done one-on-one within a classroom of other students and leaders)
Listen as children recite memory verses
You can give two helps (if they get stuck, you can give them a word or two to help jog their memories)
Help them understand the meaning of the verse (their handbook actually explains the words and phrases and what the verse is conveying) Most of all, you encourage them and praise them for their efforts
Sign off and date the page in their book

Leader – Wednesday nights (6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.)
Leaders are assigned to a specific age group and they “travel” with the kids from:
“Opening Time” all kids meet in the gym (pledges to the American flag, AWANA flag, and the Bible, as well as a short prayer and announcement time)
“Handbook Time” as described in the Listener section
“Council time” (for older T&T kids) and “Green Meadow time” (for Sparkies)—the large groups meet separately to have a life application message or object lesson to encourage and “drive home” Christian principles. Directors plan and carry out this time period—Leaders help with “crowd control”—sit with the kids and participate as needed.
“Game Time” all groups meet together in the gym and a game leader leads in organized games utilizing the AWANA game circle as well as other fun tools. Leaders help cheer for the kids (they are divided into color group teams and compete again each other)
“Snack time” then dismissal to parents

We would love to have you join us in this exciting ministry. There is nothing better in life than seeing the wonderful “light bulb” moment of a child “getting it” and ultimately choosing to follow Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact Leslee McKinney.