Get Ready. Get Set. Get Equipped.
Today’s post is written by Betsy Sentamu, Instructional Designer in our Leadership Development Department. Betsy shares some resources for commanders and leaders to help you prepare for the new club year.
If you’re anything like me, you get all ramped up for the start of the club year. You’re excited, your calendar is planned, you have a fresh order of entrance booklets and awards for the kids, and you’re anxiously awaiting the first night to arrive. As a handbook leader myself, I love the anticipation of finding out who will be in my handbook group each year.
This year, I encourage you to add one more thing to your preparations: get equipped! Training yourself and your leaders could be the most important thing you do to prepare for a new club year. It could mean the difference of a first-time visitor hearing the gospel from his or her leader or not. If your leaders aren’t equipped and prepared to share the gospel and disciple a child, chances are they won’t.
We have lots of training options for you and your leaders. Here are the top four for you and the top four to share with your leaders to start your club year strong.
For Commanders and Directors
1. Hitting the Mark is the best training to fully equip the leadership of your Awana ministry. This 2½ day training provides you with the vision for long-lasting children’s ministry and the tools to launch a strong club.
2. Commander College is specialized training for Commanders and future Commanders, proven to enrich club performance. Here you’ll learn specific skills related to the Commander role.
3. The Gospel Wheel online training is perfect for every role in the Awana ministry, but as the leader of the ministry, we pray that the gospel is the central focus of all you do. A refresher on this topic is always a good idea!
4. Reward Room webinar recording is a great training to spice things up a bit. If you want to try something new to reward your Sparkies, a reward room may be a great solution. (It’s works for T&T too.)
For Leaders
1. Getting Started class inspires and equips every leader to be the best Awana volunteer. New and veteran volunteers will benefit from the practical guidance and renewed vision for children’s and youth ministry.
2. Role Books with Pocket Guides provides leaders with specifics on how to serve in their role in club. Both are must-haves for all Awana leaders, new or veteran. Don’t miss the training videos that come with many of the role books!
3. Getting Started online track includes the same great content from the Getting Started class, but online. Every leader can easily access, view and review the essential training for their role with this online series.
4. Awana Ministry Conferences are the best opportunity to be inspired, connect with other Awana volunteers and share ideas about your ministry. Find a conference near you.
