Thank You, Parents, for Your Commitment to Child Discipleship

Can you believe it? It feels like mere days ago you were dropping your kids off for the first club night of fall, and just moments ago that we moved into January, kids still aglow from Christmas and ready for the winter months. Just like that, it’s almost over. We’re in the home stretch, looking the end of the club year right in the eyes.

As we head into this final leg, we’re struck by one thing in particular: what an honor it is to partner with you. We know the hour or two each week we plant gospel seeds into your children is made possible by your commitment and sacrifice—the car-pools you drive, the scheduling-gymnastics you perform to get them here week after week. And we know those seeds only germinate and thrive in your precious children because you are watering them and nurturing them, week after week, month after month. Our efforts are multiplied because we work together; our weekly lessons playing out in your homes, kitchen tables, bedtime stories, and car trips.

Before we know it, this ministry year will come to a close—with a bang of awards and candy, or a blur of children running down the basement halls and right into the summer. But before it does, we want to take a moment to say thank you for your commitment to child discipleship. Here’s why:

It’s Time. We’re grateful for the hours each week you allow us to invest in your children. That time pales in comparison to the time they spend at school, in sports, on screens, at home. We make the most of every minute we have, but the bulk of their time is with you. That’s why we’re grateful for your partnership—one opportunity each week at club is not enough to form a child for life!

It’s You. Kids won’t remember the lessons as much as they’ll remember the people. As you look back on your own formative years, is there a particular sermon or book that stands out to you? Perhaps. But is there a person whose spiritual or relational investment made a difference in your life? We’re almost sure there is. We care deeply about good programming and teaching for your child, but Awana handbooks do no good on the shelf. It’s all about the relationship, the person who leads them to truth. The most formative relationship in these young lives right now is you.

It’s Jesus. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14), and He still calls children to Himself. We pray our games and theme nights open your children’s hearts and communicate how much we care; we pray our lessons and teaching will carry the words of truth into their minds. But it is God’s Spirit who does the life-changing work. Parents, churches, leaders, and Jesus. What an incredible team to be part of!

As we head into the home stretch, let us say it again: we’re grateful to work alongside you! We can’t wait to see what happens next.