Awana has been called “God’s Miracle”. God has chosen to bless the Awana Ministry in countless and amazing ways over more than sixty years. You can expect great blessings from a great God, but this is HIS work. No amount of human effort alone will bring boys and girls and their families to a relationship with God through Christ. We are very conscious that God works, and has chosen to bless His people in answer to their prayers.

We strongly recommend that a prayer group is formed and is kept acquainted with all aspects of the preparations for the ministry. Many decisions will need to be made and God’s wisdom and direction are needed. A weekly prayer list of needs and considerations would be of great benefit, especially for those not involved in the actual ministry. This group would continue after commencement, praying for individual clubbers, leaders, etc.

The set-up costs vary from Church to Church, depending on the equipment already in use. Many Churches already have much suitable equipment, including balls and games equipment, bins, boxes, etc. Uniforms and books are charged to clubbers at cost or above. Most Clubs charge clubbers $2.00 per week (any fee can be set). This more than covers expenses once the club is running, and most Clubs find they are making a profit within a short time.

• Prepare “Start-up Costs” sheets
• Determine what is needed for games, storage etc
• Determine what can be used from Church supplies or purchased from discount stores etc
• Determine amount of weekly dues
• Determine price to be charged for uniforms and books

The Church facilities should be examined in regard to conducting a weekly program. Ideally, three separate areas are used, but many Churches conduct all segments in one or two areas. If only one area is available, a careful plan will need to be implemented for transition between segments.

GAMES AREA

• Will you have an indoor or outdoor activities, or both?
• If you mainly use an outdoor, what alternative plan will you have for rainy weather?

SMALL GROUP TIME Ideally, small groups (two – five, with a leader) are spaced around the room, with the leaders facing the centre of the room and the clubbers facing the corner or the wall. If individual rooms or cubicles are to be used, note the requirements of the Child Protection Policy held by the Church.

LARGE GROUP TIME
Is there satisfactory space to seat everyone.  What equipment is needed for the worship and teaching time?

TRANSITION TIME (movement between segments) A lot of time can be lost in transition time, especially if two consecutive segments are held in the one place.  Careful organisation and planning will minimise these problems.

STORAGE Is there space to store the necessary Awana materials?

A Club cannot operate without dedicated leaders. Elderly people should not be overlooked here. They make excellent small group leaders, are readily welcomed by the clubbers and there is no physical activity involved. Christian teens make excellent team leaders and leaders in the younger clubs. (A young Christian involved in ministry is less likely to be drawn away from the Church)

Awana staff are happy to address the Church, outlining the aims and mission of Awana and motivating people to serve in this capacity.

• Encourage people to attend the leadership training sessions.
• Encourage Christian young people to train as team leaders.
• Encourage people with special talents to prayerfully consider the roles of Commander, Director, Secretary, Games Director, etc.

BASIC TRAINING All leaders are required to complete the Awana Orientation Training. Awana staff are happy to conduct this for you or to arrange for a qualified instructor to lead you.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY Full training in requirements to adhere to the Child Protection Policy should be given to all workers.

It is recommended that a “test run” be conducted two weeks before the due commencement date. Use people in the Church who are not involved in the Awana program and Church kids, to act as the clubbers. Every leader should attend the practice meeting.

Set a starting date.
Ensure all paper work is ready. (explained in Secretary training)
Order supplies. (You probably placed a previous order for enough supplies to allow for training and familiarisation of materials). Make sure you have enough starting booklets for the expected numbers at commencement and sufficient supplies of other necessities.

IN THE CHURCH   Mount a display in the Church premises, showing the uniforms, books, awards etc. Awana posters are available. Enthusiastically announce details and progress with preparations. If possible, secure an Awana notice board and keep it up to date with photos etc.

IN THE COMMUNITY Give everyone in the Church leaflets to letter-box (or visit) in their community. Arrange a letter-box (or visit) of the area surrounding the Church premises. Place notices in shopping centres, corner stores, libraries etc. Check with school policies (especially if you supply Scripture teachers). Some schools will allow distribution of leaflets.