The best Commander Training ever is Commander College.  

Your take-home value from Commander College 101:

Gain ministry solutions from celebrating and problem-solving with other commanders in your region.

• Rediscover Jesus’ passion around children’s ministry.
• Clearly understand the requirements of your five roles as a commander, as specified in the Commander BT Orientation Role Book.
• Learn how to share the gospel clearly and compellingly with children and youth.
• Align yourself with your church leadership and learn how to better communicate with your pastoral staff.
• Discover how to rally your directors and leaders around a compelling vision of what God longs to do in them and through your ministry.

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@awana.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. We 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. 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. We 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. We 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. We 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. We 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. We 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. 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. We 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. 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