What is Rorheim Institute?
Rorheim Institute provides adult training and advocacy that equips ministry leaders to evangelize and disciple children and youth.

Why was Rorheim Institute formed?
In response to an alarming erosion of biblical values in America. The spiritual needs among our children, families and churches are going unmet, and the trends are disturbing. Just nine percent of Christian youth believe in absolute moral truth, nearly the identical rate as non-believing teens. The likelihood of a high school student trusting Christ for salvation is just four percent. The average scores of students from Christian schools as well as evangelical families on tests that determine worldview have dropped by over 30 percent since 1988.

These results are merely a symptom of the decline in biblical worldview among today's Christian adults, many of whom are not equipped to instill this worldview in young people. (Biblical worldview is defined as living life and making decisions based on God’s truth from the Bible.) Just nine percent of all born-again adults, seven percent of Protestants and half of Protestant pastors hold a biblical worldview of life. And only one-third of born-again adults believe in absolute moral truth and the exclusivity of Christ for salvation.

The implications of this evidence are clear. More churches must begin to effectively disciple their members and empower parents and ministry workers to reach and train young people for Christ and change the culture of America before it's too late. The stakes could not be higher for our kids and the Church. We have virtually lost a generation. We cannot afford to lose another one.

What is the mission of Rorheim Institute?
Our goal is to equip churches with Awana leaders, other kids' ministry workers and parents who have cultivated a sound biblical worldview. We do this through a variety of means, including curriculum materials, the Leadership Training Center and e-Learning. Our central focus is to develop parents and leaders who possess the shepherding skills necessary to infuse this worldview into the young people in their sphere of influence.

To achieve this mission, the Institute will provide a complete training system that will increase awareness of the issues harming children's ministry and especially our children. Awana leaders as well as ministry workers and parents will gain the shepherding skills necessary to develop this worldview in their kids using individual and small group studies with life application exercises.

What does Rorheim Institute strive to accomplish?

Our goals cover four key areas:

1. Research, communicate and create awareness regarding the needs of children's ministry today in developing biblical worldview.
2. Network with individuals and churches committed to transforming children's ministry.
3. Equip the local church with training materials, systems and other resources especially designed for children's workers and parents.
4. Provide leadership training for churches and help churches develop excellent leadership to serve in many aspects of children's ministry, not Awana alone.

Where does the Institute's name come from?
Rorheim Institute's complete training system embodies the life of Awana Co-founder Art Rorheim. It also represents his unwavering commitment to scriptural truth, the gospel, lay leadership training and the shepherding and discipleship of children as seen in his 55 years of leadership at Awana, where he continues to serve at age 89.

How can I get involved in the Institute?
There are numerous ways you can participate:

• Encourage other Awana leaders to participate in institute training
• Participate in training through the Leadership Training Center (launching fall 2008)
• Financially support the Institute
• Pray for the Institute
• Contact us for more information about the Institute.

How can I reach the Institute?
For more information, e-mail rorheiminstitute@awana.org, call 866-RORHEIM (866-767-4346) or write to:
Rorheim Institute | 1 East Bode Road | Streamwood, IL 60107