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Commander Connection
Here is a
challenge for Awana Commanders.
First print the
“ten Standards” and I would like you to evaluate your club on
each of the ten Bold print standards.
When finished you need to look at your top rated standards,
consider sharing them via email to royk@awan.org (I will keep them confidential). The goal is sharing how you achieve
in that area, and together maybe we can all have high scores in
different areas, thus helping others.
You may take note of areas where you are low, and look for others
that score high in that area. click here for
Microsoft Word version.
Ten Standards of Excellence for Awana
Children’s Clubs
Score 1 – 10 ten being the highest.
These are the ten standards of a successful
Awana children’s club. The characteristics beneath each standard
illustrate a well-run club and can serve as the pattern for a
church’s orientation and evaluation. These standards are based on
Awana training materials.
1. oWe reach boys and girls with the gospel
of Christ and train them to serve Him.
Our hope at Awana is that all children and
youth throughout the world will come to know, love and serve the Lord
Jesus Christ. To realize this hope, leadership of each Awana club must
share the gospel with clarity and urgency, and model a godly life.
Clubs exhibit this standard by ensuring that:
A.
All leaders are ready to present the gospel
and know the steps to lead a child to Christ according to the standards
set in the training materials.
B.
Unsaved clubbers regularly have the
opportunity to trust Christ as Savior.
C.
In Council Time, there is clear,
age-appropriate teaching on the plan of salvation.
D.
Leaders are prepared to
use the Awana handbooks and verses to help clubbers understand the plan
of salvation.
E.
Directors organize special promotional
efforts to bring unsaved children into club.
F.
Clubbers and their parents hear a clear
presentation of the gospel at special activities.
G. Directors set high standards
and goals for leaders to establish and maintain relationships with
clubbers through home visits and other contacts. These steps are always
taken with parental knowledge and according to the guidelines of the
church.
H.
Leaders strive to reflect Christ-like character
in their lives.
I.
Leaders know each child and help those with
special needs.
J.
Club leadership provides opportunities for
children to put their faith into action.
2. o We recruit, train and motivate leaders
to serve the local church.
The effective operation of an Awana club will not only enhance a
church’s outward ministry to its community, but also introduce and
promote the opportunity for individuals to serve the church through
leadership in Awana and other ministries.
Serving in Awana fosters a strong commitment to God, church,
leaders and clubbers.
Clubs exhibit this standard by ensuring that:
A.  Basic
training is organized and all leaders pass the basic training test.
B. Leaders
are encouraged and motivated to participate in leadership conferences.
C. Leaders
continue to develop through advanced training.
D. At
least once a month, club leadership meets to pray, plan and assign tasks.
E. Leaders
are frequently challenged regarding the goals of Awana and the particular
objectives of their club.
F. Everyone
is motivated to set an example of punctuality and responsibility.
G. Directors
recognize success, correct problems and encourage continual improvement.
H. Club
leadership supports the activities of the local church as active members.
I. The
commander or program director meets with the pastor regularly for
reporting, planning and evaluating the development of the club.
J. The
pastor participates formally in a club activity at least once a year.
K. At
least once a year, the entire club makes a presentation to the church
celebrating what God has done through the club.
L. Leaders
and others who work with the club are recognized and honored to encourage
their continued participation.
M. Leaders are screened during
the recruiting process according to the church’s child protection
policies.
N. Leaders are trained in the
child protection policies and practices of the church and actively
implement those policies and practices.
3. oWe use positive discipline and maintain
order throughout the entire club
meeting.
God is a God of order and we seek to reflect this part of His
nature in Awana club meetings. A fun and exciting, yet orderly,
atmosphere is the means to maximum impact in the life of a child, and
also serves as a strong testimony to parents, neighbors and other
community members.
Clubs exhibit this standard by ensuring that:
A. Clear
and positive standards of behavior are established, communicated and
applied.
B. A
set schedule is established that provides an environment for positive
behavior.
C. Both
leaders and clubbers are encouraged and motivated to wear their uniforms.
D. Clubbers
are supervised before and after club.
E. The
opening ceremony begins on time, the club schedule is followed, and club
finishes on time.
F. Each
club meeting or activity is planned in advance.
G. Changes
are announced ahead of time and leaders follow through on their promises.
H. A
system of positive points and special awards is established to motivate
good behavior.
I. The
“five-count” is used consistently to control group attention.
J. The
“three-count” is used with prudence and firmness for cases of
individual rebellion.
K. Leaders
are examples of good behavior and attitude (sportsmanship) during Game
Time.
L. Clubbers
are trained to win and lose graciously.
4. oWe attract children with games and
activities.
Ask children what they like about Awana, and
chances are you’ll hear one answer: “The games!”
There’s a reason for that. Awana games are as fun as they are
unique, and – along with creative theme-based activities –
they keep children coming back to hear the gospel and learn Scripture.
Clubs exhibit this standard by ensuring that:
A.
The club year includes a variety of creative,
well-planned activities.
B.
Club leadership promotes special activities
in advance to build anticipation.
C.
An exciting and fun point system motivates
clubbers.
D.
Game Time is exciting and beneficial for all
clubbers.
E.
The game leader uses a variety of games,
directs the flow of each game, and enforces discipline consistently.
F.
Team leaders are familiar with the games,
help to keep order, encourage clubbers and assist the game leader.
G.
Clubbers are motivated and encouraged by team
spirit.
5. oWe encourage memorization,
understanding and application of Scripture.
Scripture memory is a distinctive of the Awana ministry. Children
memorize God’s Word in Awana, learn to understand and apply it, and
see the benefits of Scripture memory firsthand. Our focus on memorization, set in a
positive and encouraging context, also plants the seeds of this essential
discipline that many carry forward into adulthood.
Clubs exhibit this standard by ensuring that:
A. Club
leaders always have their Bibles with them and try to see that every
clubber has one.
B. Bibles
are used in Handbook Time and Council Time.
C. Leaders
help clubbers establish personal goals in order to complete their
handbooks.
D. Clubbers
display an understanding of the verses and biblical truths they have
learned.
E. Leaders
encourage clubbers to apply what they have learned in club to their
lives.
F. There
are enough leaders and listeners to attend to all clubbers.
G. Leaders
spend time with all clubbers as they work in their handbooks.
H. Awards
and the point system are used to give special emphasis to the sections
completed each week.
I. Additional
Scripture challenges are provided for highly motivated clubbers.
J. Leaders are encouraged and motivated to set an example by
completing the handbooks.
6. oWe use the elements of Council Time
effectively.
While Awana is well known for games and a focus on Scripture
memory, it also provides a unique opportunity to lead children in worship
and instruct them in biblical truth. This may be the only such experience
some children have each week! These precious times of “rightly
dividing the word of truth” are amazing opportunities that should
motivate Awana leadership to plan and prepare diligently.
Clubs exhibit this standard by ensuring that:
A. Directors
carefully plan Council Time activities and delegate assignments to
leaders.
B. Leaders
sit with their clubbers during Council Time and encourage them to
participate appropriately.
C. A
continual and systematic plan of Council Time teaching is designed and
applied, with messages clearly based on Scripture passages.
D. The
Council Time teaching is appropriate for the age of the clubbers, both in
content and in length.
E. The
message is presented in a creative and varied manner that speaks to both
the unsaved clubber and the young Christian.
F. Worship
through songs, personal testimony and group prayer is taught and
practiced.
G. Announcements
inform clubbers and motivate them to participate in upcoming club
activities and church events.
H. Club
leadership stimulates a missionary vision through Council Time activities
and presentations.
I. Following the church’s
supervision policies, time is allowed for personal counseling with the
children before club is dismissed.
7. oWe motivate children through
incentives.
Awana has developed a system of simple, yet
effective, incentives to motivate and encourage children in Scripture
memory and handbook achievement. These external motivators help children
grow to a place where their own spiritual maturity motivates them to
learn and memorize.
Clubs exhibit this standard by ensuring that:
A. Clear
and precise goals and priorities are set for clubbers.
B. Progress
toward club goals is evaluated and communicated regularly.
C. Team
awards are planned in advance.
D. Earned
awards are presented as soon as possible and displayed correctly.
E. Efforts
and achievements are recognized with enthusiasm and praise in a public,
personal and sincere manner.
F.
Clubbers are recognized for regular
attendance at club and church.
G.
All clubbers are recognized for their
participation in club each week.
8.o We manage God’s resources with
faithfulness and integrity.
The resources entrusted to the leaders of an
Awana ministry are precious in God’s sight. Club leadership has a
responsibility to plan and organize in such a way that people, their
time, money and other resources are utilized to maximum benefit. Through
these efforts, club leadership heeds God’s call to be good
stewards, and presents a testimony above reproach to those inside and
outside the church.
Clubs exhibit this standard by ensuring that:
A.
The Pastor and Commander annually renew the
Awana Ministry Agreement and the registration fee before the specified
date.
B.
A determination is made of what resources are
needed and available.
C.
A yearly budget, work plan and activity
schedule are designed at the beginning of the year.
D.
The materials inventory is kept up-to-date
and future needs are anticipated.
E.
The secretary is encouraged to keep an
up-to-date record of awards, inventory and attendance.
F.
Everyone recognizes the value and impact of
the Awana ministry and helps raise resources for the clubs.
G. Club
leadership encourages all volunteers to make full use of their God-given
talents and abilities and seeks to match them to the correct position.
H.
Club leadership plans for the future, seeking
to develop and train someone to take his or her place in the ministry.
I.
Proper planning occurs before all meetings to
make the best use of everyone’s time.
J.
Children are physically and emotionally safe in the club
environment.
9. oWe minister to parents and family
members.
Awana is always about reaching children with
the gospel, but it must be about more than reaching children. In
fact, focusing on families of the unchurched children who attend can be a
church’s most effective outreach! When family members observe how
excited a child is about Awana, they notice and often want to know more.
Club leaders must be not only prepared, but purposeful, about
connecting with families and sharing the truth that motivates the
ministry.
Clubs exhibit this standard by ensuring that:
A. Immediate
follow-up takes place with clubbers who make decisions for Christ,
reaching out to families when appropriate.
B. When appropriate, club
leadership contacts the parents or guardians of all clubbers, including
absentees and newcomers.
C. Special
activities are used to attract parents and relatives.
D. Parents
are integrated into the teaching and learning process of their children
when appropriate.
E. Time
before and after the club is used to relate to clubbers and parents
informally.
F. Parents
or family members who are involved with or help the club are recognized.
G. Family
members are attracted to the ministry through people showing genuine
concern and love for their children.
H. The
church experiences growth from the attendance of clubbers and their
families.
10.o We magnify the impact of our
church’s ministry through cooperation with the national Awana
ministry.
The
immediate impact of the Awana ministry is on the local church, but our
hope is for a far greater impact.
By developing a strong relationship and good communication with
the national Awana ministry, churches enhance their effectiveness in
reaching the world for Christ.
Ministry efforts are strengthened when talents, wisdom, blessings,
and even struggles are shared with others.
Clubs exhibit this standard by ensuring that:
A.
Club leadership participates in Awana
activities organized at the local, regional and national level.
B.
Club leadership tries, as much as possible,
to encourage their church and club to financially support their
country’s Awana ministry.
C. Club
leadership cooperates in the growth and development of other clubs, both locally
and internationally.
D. Club
leadership communicates with the missionary or national office on major
progress or problems.
You can also view these standards at the following
web site address:
www.awana.org/standards
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