Barriers to Planning the Awana Club Year

Fall is nearly here, but it feels so much different this year, doesn’t it? Our typical excitement and business is now mixed with confusion as we figure out how to start our ministries in the midst of a pandemic.

There’s some comfort in knowing we’re all going through this uncertainty together, but that’s also the challenge. It would be simple if we could just turn to a veteran Awana leader on our team and draw from their experience, but we can’t; none of us has experienced anything like this before.

That realization can bring us to a standstill. Like being lost in a city, we’re looking around for familiar signs to give us clarity, but even the foundations we’re used to, like school schedules and how we gather and socialize as a church,look vastly different than “normal.”

If we’re in this together, then let’s gather together! This Wednesday, August 12 at noon CT, Awana is hosting a free live webinar called “No Matter What… Our Call To Child Discipleship Still Stands.” We will be walking through four ways to run club this fall, and we’d love to have you join us!

But before we gather, we wanted to hear from you! So, we asked this question on our social channels: “What are the barriers that are keeping you from finalizing your ministry plans?” Here are a few of the challenges that leaders like you shared with us!

Uncertain State Regulations
“Waiting on guidance from our safety team on what we can do. As well as what we will be allowed to do by state regulations.” Tawnya

“By now, I usually have the year’s calendar all planned out and the list of clubbers divided up between leaders! Now? Not even started!” Linda

“With all the confusion going on in state mandates and schools not knowing what to do, I’m not sure how I can proceed. I also lost my worship leader and a few key teachers. Right now, considering not starting till October.” Noel

Volunteers
“Leaders, many have left for other programs and because of uncertainty with meeting in person. We really need prayers. We are expecting to start in September with masks, more handwashing and distancing with a virtual back-up plan. But we need the volunteers.” Roxie

“My leaders are in the high-risk group due to age, health conditions or living with an at-risk person.” Susanne

“I also lost over half of my teachers because they are overwhelmed with either work and schooling their kids or they don’t feel they are good enough with technology.” Highland Park Baptist

Building Relationships through Virtual Interactions
“Keeping momentum going for a longer period of time is going to be the biggest challenge.” Tami

“How to keep kids engaged and working on books while also growing relationships and focusing on discipleship, all while meeting online.” Melissa

“How do we have fun and socialize online? Really starving for game ideas! If it’s not fun and engaging, they won’t stick with it. We are in a pretty closed state.” Melissa

Empowering Parents
“We’ve planned on using a virtual model for now. Our biggest barrier is sign ups. Hard for parents having to do six hours of virtual school and then opt in for virtual Awana.” Elizabeth

“We are not doing virtual. Many kids doing virtual school this term and parents in the spring did not want to add more screen time. I work full time, as do all of our volunteers. Some of them have their own kids. We offered this in the spring when the shutdown happened. We gave the parents the option of signing off sections and sadly only three students finished their books or checked in.” Keith

We wish we could fast forward through the confusion to the victories and answered prayers. But we can’t skip ahead. It’s our job to walk in faith, together, as God reveals each step. Thank you for your willingness to serve during what is sure to be a life-changing, faith-strengthening, and unforgettable ministry year.