The Awana Clubs Podcast is the audio home for all things Awana Clubs. Each week we will equip, engage, and inspire local leaders and parents who are committed to resilient child discipleship. New episodes every Tuesday!
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SHOW NOTES To learn more about Brite Curriculum visit britecurriculum.com The post Preschool: Teaching Littles About The Burning Bush From Exodus 3 (September 20) appeared first on Child Discipleship.
How do you explain the gospel to a child? In this episode, Dr. Ed Gossien shares practical, biblical guidance for communicating the good news with clarity and confidence. Learn how to use Scripture as your guide, avoid confusing “Christianese,” answer difficult questions, and help children understand that salvation is a free gift through faith in Jesus—not something they earn. Whether you’re a new leader or have served for years, this conversation will encourage you to trust God with the results while faithfully sharing His truth. Show Notes: YouTube Video: How to use the Gospel Wheel Gospel W
(This episode originally aired on 8/26/25) This week, continuing a conversation with Carol Hadjiandreou, Linnea and Carol discuss why being strategic from the start matters. Carol unpacks three key steps that every Awana Ministry Director should take at the beginning of the year: setting a calendar, training leaders, and building healthy rhythms and systems. Carol’s experience and wisdom will inspire and encourage you as you begin your Club Year. Show Notes: Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email PartnerCare@awana.org. For questions or local training, visit missionar
(This episode originally aired on 8/19/25) In today’s episode, Carol Hadjiandreou joins us to share the wisdom that only comes with experience. She discusses what she wishes she had known when she first stepped into leadership and emphasizes the importance of building a strong team. From recruiting volunteers to encouraging them for the long haul, Carol offers honest, practical guidance for anyone serving in Awana ministry. Show Notes: Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email PartnerCare@awana.org. For questions or local training, visit missionary.awana.org to contact
How can churches create safe spaces where kids can truly thrive? In this episode, Linnea Sandvall sits down with Curt Hale to talk about the importance of minor abuse prevention in churches and children’s ministries. Together, they discuss practical onboarding steps for leaders and student volunteers, digital safety considerations, and how healthy policies protect kids, leaders, families, and churches alike. Whether your church has a fully developed policy or is just beginning the conversation, this episode offers practical guidance and encouragement for building a culture where kids feel safe
Parents play a vital role in their child’s spiritual growth, and Awana wants to come alongside them. In this episode, Shawna Murlin introduces AwanaClubsParents.com, a new resource hub designed to help parents disciple their kids at home by providing easy access to handbook resources, Scripture memory tools, parent guides, and more—all in one place! Show Notes: Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email PartnerCare@awana.org. Check out AwanaClubsParents.com to see the resource hub for yourself! The post Introducing AwanaClubsParents.com appeared first on Child Disciplesh
As you prepare for a new Awana club year, discover the latest resources available in the 2026–2027 Awana Clubs Catalog. Linnea Sandvall and Steph Bradac highlight new products, returning favorites, and practical tools—including Game Time resources, special needs ministry materials, Grand Prix updates, leader apparel, and more—to help your club thrive. Show Notes: Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email PartnerCare@awana.org. Resources Mentioned: Shop Awana Clubs Products 2026–2027 Awana Clubs Catalog Awana Affiliated Apparel Site New 2026-2027 Product Webinar Awana Cl
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
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: Help is an email or phone call away! Call
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: Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email PartnerCare@awana.org. For questions or local training, visit missionary.awana.org to contact your local missionary. To find training and resources, visit AwanaBasics.Awana.org and Awana
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 PartnerCare@awana.org. For questions or local
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-
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 PartnerCare@awana.org. For questions or local training, visit missionary.awana.org to contact your local missionary. Click here to see the
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 PartnerCare@awana.org. For questions or local training, visit missionary.awana.org to contact your local
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 PartnerCare@awana.org. For questions or local training, visit missionary.awana.org to contact your local missionary. The post Practical Ways to Build Stronger Relationships with Parents appeared fi
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: Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email PartnerCare@awana.or
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
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 PartnerCare@awana.org. For questions or local training, visit missionary.awan
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 PartnerCare@awana.org. For questions or local training, visit
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 PartnerCare@awana.org. For questions or local training, visit missionary
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 PartnerCare@awana.org. For questions or local training, visi
In this episode, Linnea Sandvall, Rachelle Kimmes and Brenda Cole dive into the world of Cubbies. They discuss valuable tips and practical advice for building meaningful relationships with young clubbers, and creating a fun, engaging environment that helps kids learn about God’s love. From memorable puppet time to crafting meaningful moments, discover how to support both the children and their families through this important ministry. Show Notes: Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email PartnerCare@awana.org. For questions or local training, visit missionary.awana.org
Game Time is more than high-energy, friendly competition—it’s a powerful tool for discipleship. In this episode, Ed Gossien unpacks the new Games Booklet and shares how leaders can utilize Game Time to foster connections, reinforce biblical truth, and cultivate a sense of belonging. You’ll also pick up practical tips for organizing, leading, and adapting games so every child can participate and thrive. Give us 12 weeks and you’ll see a difference in your Game Time! Show Notes: Click Here to find the “12-Week Game Time Challenge Booklet” at Awana.org/Store. Help is an email or phone call away!
This week, in a continuation of a conversation with Carol Hadjiandreou, Linnea and Carol discuss why being strategic from the start matters. Carol unpacks three key steps that every Awana Ministry Director should take at the beginning of the year: setting a calendar, training leaders, and building healthy rhythms and systems. Carol’s experience and wisdom will inspire and encourage you as you begin your Club Year. Show Notes: Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email PartnerCare@awana.org. For questions or local training, visit missionary.awana.org to contact your local
In today’s episode, Carol Hadjiandreou joins us to share the wisdom that only comes with experience. She discusses what she wishes she had known when she first stepped into leadership and emphasizes the importance of building a strong team. From recruiting volunteers to encouraging them for the long haul, Carol offers honest, practical guidance for anyone serving in Awana ministry. Show Notes: Help is an email or phone call away! Call (866) 292-6227 or email PartnerCare@awana.org. For questions or local training, visit missionary.awana.org to contact your local missionary. The post Lessons Lea
