The Awana program and materials are available to all Bible believing Churches who, in understanding of our doctrinal basis, will in good faith teach the doctrines of the program materials in their entirety. Registration constitutes an agreement between a Church and Awana Clubs International that enables the Church to use Awana. The Ministry Agreement, which includes registration and the Awana Doctrinal Statement, must be signed by the pastor and lodged with the Awana Missionary.

The Awana Ministry Agreement, including the Doctrinal Statement, should be examined by the pastor and the Church Board, ensuring the teachings do not conflict with those of the Church. The Ministry Agreement requires the pastor’s signature each year when the Agreement is renewed. The annual registration fee is $130 (or $120 if paid before 28th February each year). Once signed and lodged, the Awana Missionary will assist the Church in all areas of getting started, including motivating and training prospective leaders. The Awana Missionary remains available to help in any way.

It is essential that a Child Protection Policy is adopted by the Church/Club and is strictly adhered to by all workers.

Awana has been called “God’s Miracle”. God has chosen to bless the Awana Ministry in countless and amazing ways over more than fifty 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 Awana 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 SQUARE A 40 foot square is the ideal for Awana Games,

but this can be adapted when space is limited.

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

  (Outdoor: paved lines, pegged tapes, painted lines, other?)

  (Indoor: permanent/temporary tape, paint, masking tape, other?)

• Who will mark the square?

HANDBOOK 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

MUSIC is part of Large Group Time.

• Are a piano and a pianist available? If not, a CD player with auto select?
• Do you have a selection of songs for children with a sound message?
• Do you have music, CD & words?
• Do you have a blackboard/whiteboard?
• Will you use an OHP?

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. Transition time is also a time when the discipline standard can be lost. Careful organisation and planning will minimise these problems.

• Always have clubbers move in single file to the next activity.
• Award points (they’re free!) for quiet, orderly transition.
• If a room needs to be re-set (eg from games time to setting out chairs), organise drinks or activities elsewhere while assigned leaders are re-arranging the room)
• Make sure equipment is handy.

STORAGE Space to store the Awana materials will be necessary.

• A cupboard for Awana uniforms, books, awards, office gear, etc.
• Space for games equip, line markers, flags, flag stands etc.

A Club cannot operate without dedicated leaders. Elderly people should not be overlooked here. They make excellent handbook time 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)

Your Awana Missionary is 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 Basic Training. Your Awana Missionary is 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.

APPOINTMENTS An Awana Commander, Secretary, Games Director and team leaders need to be appointed/elected. If more than one Club (eg T&T and Sparks) is operating, each Club will also need a Director. These people will need extra, specialised training.

UNIFORMS Leaders need to purchase uniforms with appropriate badges. Sewers will be required to sew patches on clubbers’ uniforms.

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 Start Zones 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 RE teachers). Some schools will allow distribution of leaflets.