2021 is Coming. We Can Help You Prepare

Regardless of your perspective on 2020, there is one thing we can all agree on: it’s been an unimaginable year—for us individually and for our Awana clubs. Yet, despite the challenges to lead and disciple the kids and youth in your care, you have adapted, tried new things and embraced 2020 with grace. We congratulate you. The year 2021 is coming, and your kids will still need you. With some reflection, a little preparation and the following resources, we can help you and your Awana club prepare to finish well in the year ahead. 

Consider what does and does not work.

How have your leaders and kids responded to the changes in your club? Is there anything you can do differently? Do your volunteers know what is expected of them in 2021? Spend some time before the end of the year to evaluate all aspects of your club and identify areas of growth. Above all, don’t let the to-dos get you down; approach this time with a perspective on how you can disciple more with less. Invite God to join you during this time.

• Look through the lessons you’ll be teaching the rest of the year and send your leaders any information they need so they can also prepare.
• Are there supplies you could purchase now or crafts you could prepare over the holidays?
• Perhaps your Awana store needs a few more supplies—at a sale price.
• Thank your leaders for what they’ve done so far, remind them of the eternal impact they are having and encourage them through the rest of the year.
• If you’re running four years of Journey, using the classic Bible studies, purchase your second books early and send them to your students to get them excited about the coming months.

Are you looking for something new to do? Just beginning Awana Clubs in 2021?

Energize your kids and volunteers by changing things up. The new year is a perfect time to introduce something new to your Awana club.    

• First things first: Put this blog aside for a few minutes and register right now for our next online event: New Year, New Start. You’ll hear from leaders and get inspired to start 2021 laser focused on child discipleship. There are two sessions on Thursday Nov. 19 to accommodate your schedule.
• Join us on social media—Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest—and stay connected to other clubs who have gone before you. If you’re an Awana Director, there’s a Facebook group for you.
• Take a look at AwanaClubs+, your go-to site for free resources and ideas culled from leaders across the country and our own webinars and training. Do you have a resource of your own? Add it!
• Read any Awana blogs you missed. There are many that address how to start the year; how to run a club in-person, virtually or a hybrid of the two; tips for meeting online, game ideas and more.
• Listen to our Resilient podcasts and watch our webinars on our YouTube channel to learn from the experts about running a club during the pandemic.
• Partner with another Awana club in your area to share tasks, exchange ideas and ease some of the burden. Our Partner Care team can help you find that club.
• If you’re not sure your church can run Awana Clubs this year, there are other options that still deliver the same quality of content you’ve come to expect from Awana. Take a look at Brite, our new digital weekend curriculum, and Brite Families, which puts tools into the hands of parents to facilitate teachable moments they can have with their kids.

Events are still possible in the new reality.

What spring events does your club traditionally take part in? Do you usually run Awana Grand Prix, celebrate Awana Missions Month or Easter? Do you set aside time to recognize and appreciate leaders and kids? 

• It’s not too early to purchase the supplies and products you’ll need, whether they are gifts or awards.
• Our past blogs – and those to come – can help you plan ahead.
• Even theme nights are possible during the pandemic. We have 100 of them you can try!

Carve out time to grow as a leader.

When your last club meeting of the year has ended, be good to yourself. You did an amazing job and deserve the time off. If in your time of rest and reflection you identify any areas to grow in, make it a priority to do so. Do you want to learn more about serving children with special needs or how to prepare kids to lead the church of 2050? We can help you. 

What about the rest of 2020?

Daily we pray as a staff for you, steadfastly working to provide you with the resources and materials you need to disciple the kids in your care for the future of the church. In the coming weeks, we invite you to read our blogs and social media posts, and engage with our Advent devotionals, letting them spiritually guide you and your families during the holidays.

Join us Thursday Nov. 19 for New Year, New Start; take advantage of our holiday sales and shop early to avoid delays. With online shopping at an all-time high, delivery times are expected to be longer than usual this holiday season. If you have questions, please contact us. Everyone is here to help you and cheer you on. 

As the year comes to a close, we pray the resources mentioned will help you reflect on 2020, prepare for the months ahead and experience a fruitful finish to a challenging ministry year.

May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans. (Psalm 20:4)