1. AWANA, Pastor & Steroids Keith Palmer Associate Pastor, Grace Bible Church, Granbury ?

2. A Confession & a Qualification

3. AWANA is a tool What you do with it, to some extent, is up to you

4. Don’t let AWANA be an independent, disconnected “program” This is a temptation, especially in smaller churches But we will be more biblical and effective if we do otherwise

5. Make AWANA an intentional part of your church’s broader philosophy of ministry Assumption: A philosophy of ministry is important and all churches should have one

6. Make AWANA an intentional part of your church’s broader philosophy of ministry What is a Philosophy of Ministry? It is a statement, based on Scripture, that answers questions like these: As a church… What are we trying to do? How will we do it? What is the goal? How will we know when we have reached the goal?

7. Make AWANA an intentional part of your church’s broader philosophy of ministry What is a Philosophy of Ministry? For example, Colossians 1:28-29 A commitment to the right Person A commitment to the right Method A commitment to the right Goal A commitment to the right Drive A commitment to the right Might

8. Make AWANA an intentional part of your church’s broader philosophy of ministry Philosophy of Children’s Ministry Ministry is about God. Jesus Christ should be the sole focus of ministry (Col. 1:18, 28-29) Recognize that parents are to be the primary spiritual influence to their children (Deut. 6:4-9, Ps. 78:2-8, Eph 6:1-4, Col. 3:20-21). The Church is the supplemental spiritual influence. Parents must be encouraged and equipped (Eph. 4:11-13) Theology is relevant and a child's greatest need is for biblical teaching (Heb. 4:12, 2 Tim. 3:16-17)

9. Make AWANA an intentional part of your church’s broader philosophy of ministry Philosophy of Children’s Ministry Children are by nature sinners (Rom. 3:23, Ps. 51:5, 58:3) Children need the gospel of Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:1ff, Col. 1:28-29) The goal of children's ministry is to see each child develop a maturing and growing walk with Jesus Christ (Col. 1:28-29, Eph. 4:13-15) Children's ministry should be connected to the overall purpose of the local church (Eph. 3:9-10, Matt. 16:18)

10. Make AWANA an intentional part of your church’s broader philosophy of ministry Philosophy of Adult Ministry How can we disciple, shepherd and come alongside parents? How can we disciple, shepherd and come alongside children’s ministry workers? Are the Adult & Children’s ministries seen in the church as disconnected ministries and programs?

11. What can AWANA be used to do? Evangelize unbelieving children Disciple believing children and young adults Test professing children and teenagers Evangelize unbelieving parents and families Disciple AWANA leaders Train and disciple believing teenagers

12. Action items: Have a biblical philosophy of ministry Strategically incorporate AWANA as part of the broader philosophy of ministry

13. Action items: Personally disciple and shepherd the AWANA Commander or other key AWANA leaders. If possible, meet with all of your AWANA leaders for the purpose of training and encouragement Train them as to what the church is and what a church does Show how AWANA relates to the broader purposes and goals of the church Train them how to pastor, shepherd and disciple children.

14. Action items: Don’t use steroids. Instead, depend upon “his power which mightily works within [you]” (Col. 1:29)

15. Suggested Resources: