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.

Parents and caregivers play a vital role in a child’s discipleship journey—and your Awana Club can help strengthen that connection. In this episode, Linnea Sandvall talks with Shawna Murlin about the brand-new Parent Welcome Booklet and how it equips churches to introduce families to Awana. From ways parents can engage with their kids’ handbooks to tools for sharing the gospel, this conversation will inspire you in your outreach to parents.

Show Notes:

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

The post Partnering with Parents: A New Resource for Your Awana Club appeared first on Child Discipleship.

Leading middle and high school students through Trek and Journey can be both rewarding and challenging. In this episode, Linnea Sandvall talks with Tim Sandvall and Melissa Solecki about practical ways leaders can connect with students to foster belonging, and keep discipleship central. From building authentic relationships to navigating reluctant students, this conversation is full of encouragement and hands-on tips for for every Trek and Journey leader.

Show Notes:

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

The post Leading Trek & Journey: Building Faith and Belonging appeared first on Child Discipleship.

Seeking fresh ideas and encouragement as a T&T leader? Join Linnea Sandvall and guests Scott and Leah Conner as they share tips for creating a thriving T&T club. Learn practical strategies for small group time, including how to build meaningful relationships and foster a sense of belonging for every child. They also discuss large group and game time, and how to cultivate a Christ-centered culture. This is a must-listen for anyone serving in T&T.

Show Notes:

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

The post T&T Leaders: Tips for Thriving Clubs and Lasting Faith appeared first on Child Discipleship.

Sparks leaders play a vital role in shaping kids’ faith during some of their most formative years. In this episode, Linnea Sandvall talks with Roxanne Berheim and Jerry Berheim about practical ways to lead small groups, large groups, and game time with Sparkies. From building relationships and setting expectations to simplifying lessons and keeping game time purposeful, you’ll find encouragement and tips for discipling Sparkies with grace and joy each week.

Show Notes:

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

The post Leading Sparkies: Practical Tips for Every Moment of Club appeared first on Child Discipleship.