What is Awana?

Response

Awana Clubs International is an evangelical ministry that offers Bible-based evangelism and graded discipleship resources for children and teenagers aged 2–18. The name Awana is an acronym for “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed,” derived from their key verse: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” «Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. », (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV). Awana’s objective is to “reach kids, equip leaders, and change the world” by discipling one individual at a time.

The idea for Awana was conceived by two pastors in Chicago in 1941. Lance Latham, the senior pastor of North Side Gospel Center in Chicago, collaborated with Art Rorheim, the church’s youth director. Their aim was to establish a weekly club for Christian children and unchurched youngsters. Other churches learned about the successful program at North Side and started adopting it. In 1950, Awana was formally launched as the Awana Youth Association. Presently, Awana clubs operate in over 100 countries across more than 100 different denominations, engaging with over 4 million children on a weekly basis. The program extends beyond churches, with the Awana curriculum being utilized in refugee camps, slums, prisons, and other challenging locations.

The age-appropriate Awana curriculum seeks to connect with children and families through the gospel. Awana combines a small group discipleship handbook with large group instruction. Children and teenagers are taught how to memorize God’s Word, study the Bible, and apply its teachings to their lives. They also gain insights into global missions and the importance of assisting others. As children progress through various levels in the Awana program, they earn accolades. Churches are urged to utilize the curriculum and adapt it to suit their specific needs.ible program to develop a biblical foundation for the children in their communities.

A significant aspect of the weekly gatherings of an Awana club is game time. The Awana games involve four teams playing in a circle, and the Awana curriculum provides guidelines for numerous games, races, and relays. The inaugural Awana Olympics took place in 1955, featuring a competition among clubs from four distinct churches. Today, the AwanaGames, as they are known, are conducted globally.

Another objective of the Awana program is to cultivate and equip leaders for effective ministry. Leaders undergo training on how to adeptly mentor children to become dedicated followers of Jesus Christ.

In addition to resources for the weekly clubs, Awana offers camps, local church-based soccer and basketball programs (through High Power Sports, a ministry of Base Sports), parental support, family Bible studies, leadership training conferences, competitive Bible quizzing, regional athletic competitions, and financial scholarships to numerous Bible colleges and universities.

Awana is a well-established and reliable Christian ministry. However, as with any Bible study program or ministry, we urge all participants to compare the teachings of Awana with what the Bible says (see Acts 17:10-15). If you are contemplating enrolling your children in a church’s Awana program, it is also prudent to assess that church’s statement of faith and align it with God’s Word.