5 Ways to Get the Gospel Home

At its core, the ministry of Awana is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible calls out the chasm of sin that exists between God and people – a gap that is humanly impossible to bridge. Romans 6:23 is clear: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Awana’s programming is committed to weaving the truth of God’s grace throughout its materials.

The opportunity for kids to receive forgiveness of sin and salvation is presented weekly. Unfortunately, despite the Gospel’s prominence in the handbooks, this message doesn’t always make it home to families. But, with intentionality and a bit of creativity, you can overcome this hurdle. Here are five ways you can get the Gospel home and into the lives of families.

1. Start with a family kick-off meeting.

It’s never too late to hold a meeting for parents or caregivers to discover what Awana is about and what’s expected of everyone involved. Invite moms and dads, or whoever brings children to your club, to find out the heartbeat of the ministry. You’ll be surprised how many families find their child’s weekly experience exciting but still don’t really understand Awana’s Gospel core. Take the opportunity to explain what happens each week, what’s motivates your heart for ministry, how your leaders are equipped, and ultimately why the Gospel is so important to you. Awana also provides Parent Welcome Booklets in packs of 10 that provide an overview of the ministry and a monthly newsletter called Parent Stuff to encourage and equip them (Pass this link along! http://parentstuff.awana.org).

2. Provide handbook time helps.

You can support families by pointing out ways to help their kids work through the Awana materials at home. Each age-specific program aids children in reading and studying God’s Word, as well as memorizing and reciting Scripture passages. Looking for Scripture memory tips to pass along? Here are fifteen fresh ideas to put into practice. Be bold. Encourage families to discuss what kids are exploring and learning. You’ll notice a rise in Bible and relational engagement as parents and grandparents catch the vision to spend time with their child in his or her handbook. Families who commit to working together through the Awana materials encounter a regular dose of God’s Word and a clear Gospel presentation.

3. Host an Awana verse-a-thon.

Did you know that your Awana ministry has the potential to change the destinies of kids all around the world? Hosting a verse-a-thon is an incredible way to widen the Gospel vision of children, families, and leaders. They may not realize that Awana is reaching millions of kids and families with the good news of Jesus Christ in over 100 countries. By doing a verse-a-thon, the Gospel gets home as children recite passages and making a global difference for eternity. Click here to learn more about hosting a verse-a-thon in your Awana club.

4. Schedule special events and theme nights.

You can help get the Gospel home by including families in all kinds of fun gatherings. Invite parents to participate in your Awana club’s special events and theme nights. Pull together a family-friendly movie night and go play Awana circle games in the park. Welcome as many moms, dads, and extended family members as possible to your Grand Prix or Awana games. Challenge parents and grandparents to join in the fun by dressing up for crazy hair night or backwards dress day. There’s no shortage of theme night ideas out there! Whether they come as spectators or participants, families will hear the Gospel through your presentation and the relationships they encounter.

5. Equip leaders to serve families.

Most trainings for leaders focus on Awana club logistics, but you don’t have to stop there. Yes, volunteers do need to know the program and schedule. They also need to know what kids need to succeed, how to lead through distractions, and so on. In addition to being present with kids, encourage your leaders to invest in families too. Coach them in how to ask caring questions when parents and caregivers drop off and pick up kids. Supply them with ideas for reaching out to families throughout the year that align with your child-protection guidelines. Empower them to become more relationally rooted. The Gospel will be demonstrated in word and deed as leaders deepen relationships with kid-influencers who bring children to Awana.