New Year, Fresh Start: 6 Steps to Stride into 2020

“This is a new year; time for a fresh start.” That phrase sounds so cliché; after all, every day is a new day and a gift from God. Psalm 118:24 says: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

But in Awana, a new year means continuing on in the same mission: to reach kids, equip leaders and change the world so that today’s children can become tomorrow’s Christian leaders. Only we want to do it better! In that spirit, here are six suggestions to help you step off into the second half of your ministry year—on the right foot and with a renewed state of mind.

1. Prayer

Remember: as leaders, you are ministering to God’s church, and these are His children and families. So lean into the Lord and join the work He has already started. He is the way-maker, and as a leader, you are the gateway to ministering to the next generation. Pray for a fruitful second half of the ministry year. As you do, lives will be eternally impacted for future generations. Write an encouraging note to parents or leaders at your church.

2. Community Outreach

Remember the trunk-or-treat and holiday parties a couple of months ago, when you invited neighbors and others in your local community? Reach back out to those families now that the holidays are over. Use Awana postcards as a simple way to stay in touch. Invite the parents to your weekly Bible study and encourage them to have their children attend Awana during your weekly program. Time may have gotten away from you during the holiday season, but there is no better time to reach back out and invite them than now in the new year.

3. Serving Saturday

Few activities bond us together with God’s mission like serving in the community. The time and resources spent together make a lasting impact, not only on those being served but also the volunteers. The Awana Helper Pin could be a great resource worn by volunteers to identify their role in club.

While many opportunities do not allow children to be present or participate, begin with all ages in mind. You might find a community resale store that could use assistance sorting donations or a local food pantry that needs volunteers to serve. There is a great deal of focus on serving around the holidays, and we need a reminder to do so year around—ultimately showing the love of Christ.

4. Encourage Your Teams

The holidays have wrapped up. Some of us are returning to routine and regularly scheduled programming renewed and refreshed, while others are more tired than before the holidays.

Engage with your teams directly. A personal conversation is usually more effective than a handout or email. The personal conversation, especially after the busy holiday season, will go the extra step. Hold a 30-minute huddle with snacks prior to the club kickoff for encouragement and fellowship. Use this time to reassure and support your teams.

Be open to new volunteers and new ways to serve as you continue your ministry year. Maybe you have an outgoing new attendee who would like to volunteer and would serve wonderfully as a greeter to families or as a check-in assistant. Some individuals enjoy organizing; ask them to adopt a classroom to keep in order throughout the year or organize the overflowing supply room.

5. Environment

As a child, do you remember going back to school and entering a new classroom? There was anticipation and excitement. Even peeking into your old classroom to see what had changed was fun. The same is true for church classrooms. Look around your space with a fresh set of eyes. A few simple adjustments can help change it up and jump-start the season. Refresh your game time with some fun ideas from these books.

Another option is organize toys, removing the worn-out ones. Even reducing the number of toys in your space will make it look cleaner and less cluttered. Mirrors brighten a space, and kids LOVE to see themselves. If you have more time (and a talented volunteer) paint an accent wall in the prominent area. Fresh paint always refreshes a space. Get creative! You can do it!

6. Parent Communication

Relationships are at the core of any program you run. Be available to intermingle with parents. Share the lesson focus, invite them to the next event or ask them what adventure they and their children have been on lately. A text or email of encouragement will go a long way as they get back into the rhythm of the new year. Look at ways your families are already connecting digitally and meet them there.

What plans do you have to make your new year better? Tell us about it. And follow the hashtag #NewYearSameMission to learn about the many resources we’ll be sharing with you in the next few months.