When leaders go missing and every kid still shows up, it can feel overwhelming — but you’re not alone. In this episode, Linnea Sandvall shares both encouragement and practical strategies for navigating short-staffed club nights with confidence. You’ll be reminded that your club belongs to God and nothing catches Him off guard, while also learning how clear expectations, strong communication, backup plans, and flexibility can turn chaotic evenings into meaningful discipleship moments. Whether your leader roster is full or running thin, this conversation will equip you to stay calm, get creative, and trust God to provide exactly what you need.

Show Notes:

The post When Leaders Go Missing appeared first on Child Discipleship.

In this episode of the Awana Clubs Podcast, Shanna Hand—wife, mom, teacher, and a children’s ministry leader with 25 years of experience serving kids and families—shares practical insight for serving kids with special needs. This conversation offers practical, ready-to-use tools and strategies to help you better support and include kids with special needs in your Awana Club. You’ll walk away with practical ideas that you can implement right away to create a Club environment where every child feels known, valued, and able to grow in Christ.

Show Notes:

The post Special Needs & Your Awana Club appeared first on Child Discipleship.

In this episode, Linnea Sandvall talks with Awana Ministry Director Aubrie Hendee about how clubs can support kids and families with prayer, grace and practical care—while consistently pointing kids to Jesus. You’ll hear real-life examples and encouragement to lead with relationship, flexibility, and a long-term view of discipleship.

Show Notes:

The post How Your Awana Club Can Support Hurting Families appeared first on Child Discipleship.

Kids may bring big emotions into church—fear, uncertainty, questions, and stress from the world around them. In this episode, Linnea Sandvall encourages Awana Club leaders to make their Awana Club a steady, safe place where kids are consistently pointed to God’s faithfulness. You’ll hear practical ways to model God’s peace, point kids to His character and promises, share stories of biblical courage, and listen with empathy. When leaders trust God, kids learn they can too.

Show Notes:

Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email [email protected].

The post Pointing Kids to Jesus When Life Feels Unsteady appeared first on Child Discipleship.

Whether you’re new to Awana or a seasoned volunteer, this episode will rekindle your passion for small group discipleship. In this episode, Linnea Sandvall and Kris Wood explore why small group time is the heartbeat of every Awana Club. Through inspiring stories and practical insight, you’ll discover how small groups help kids belong, believe, and become more like Jesus. Hear how creating safe spaces, showing up consistently, and sharing the gospel in simple ways can lead to lasting transformation—for both kids and leaders alike.

Show Notes:

Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email [email protected].

Click here to see the small group resources in the Awana online store.

The post Belong, Believe, Become: The Power of Small Group appeared first on Child Discipleship.

In this episode, Linnea Sandvall sits down with Shawna Murlin, Awana’s Lead Developer for Awana Clubs, to talk about how small group time can move beyond structure and routine into real discipleship. Hear stories, strategies, and encouragement to help every small group leader create spaces where kids feel known, ask meaningful questions, and experience God’s love in personal ways.

Show Notes:

Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email [email protected].

Click here to see the small group resources in the Awana online store.

The post Small Group, Big Impact: Creating Space for Discipleship appeared first on Child Discipleship.

Small group time is where discipleship thrives, relationships grow, and kids learn to belong, believe, and become more like Jesus. In this episode, Linnea Sandvall shares practical tips and ideas to help you make small group time the highlight of club. Discover how to build meaningful connections, guide kids through Scripture, ask great questions, and create a safe, joyful space where faith can take root and grow.

Show Notes:

Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email [email protected].

Click here to see the small group resources in the Awana online store.

The post Practical Tips for Leading Small Groups with Purpose and Impact appeared first on Child Discipleship.

Looking for practical ways to engage parents in your Awana ministry? In this episode, Linnea Sandvall shares practical ways to partner with parents in your Awana Club—from building relationships and communicating well to creative ideas like parent nights and weekly faith questions. Equip families to grow in faith together.

Show Notes:

Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email [email protected].

The post Practical Ways to Build Stronger Relationships with Parents appeared first on Child Discipleship.

In this episode, Linnea Sandvall talks with Mike Crouse, Awana Ministry Director and Grand Prix Commissioner at First Baptist Kettering in Dayton, Ohio. Together, they share how the Awana Grand Prix can be more than just a race—it’s a fun, hands-on way to bring families together, strengthen your club community, and share the gospel. You’ll hear practical ideas for organizing your event, helping every child participate, and keeping the focus on what matters most—connection, creativity, and Christ.

Show Notes:

To learn more about hosting a Grand Prix in your church, visit AwanaClubs.org/Grand-Prix.

To see what is available in our online store, click here.

If you would like to purchase a track for your church, check out BestTrack.com.

You can explore the race management tool that Michael refers to if you go to DerbyNet.org.

The post Hosting a Grand Prix That Reaches Families and Builds Community appeared first on Child Discipleship.

In this episode, Linnea Sandvall talks with Awana leader Jamie Bazil about the power of outreach in children’s ministry. Jamie shares creative ways her club connects with their community—from “Give Back Month” and blessing boxes to Operation Christmas Child and family Grand Prix events. They explore how outreach through Awana naturally reaches entire families, the importance of partnering with parents, and how a simple invitation from a child can open the door for lifelong discipleship. Whether you’re looking for new ideas or fresh encouragement, this conversation will inspire you to see your Awana Club as a hub for reaching your community for Jesus.

Show Notes:

Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email [email protected].

Click here to learn about holding a verse-a-thon in your church. To learn more about having a Grand Prix, visit AwanaClubs.org/Grand-Prix.

The post Outreach That Grows Faith—and Your Club appeared first on Child Discipleship.