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 Wheel printables

Video training and downloadable PDFs to equip you to share the Gospel with children, including:

• Age-Appropriate Ways to Share the Gospel
• Belong, Believe, Become in Light of the Gospel
• When a Child Says Yes to Jesus

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 Sharing the Gospel with Confidence: Practical Help for Every Leader appeared first on Child Discipleship.

(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 missionary.awana.org to contact your local missionary.

The post Three Ways to Start Your Awana Clubs Year Strong appeared first on Child Discipleship.

(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 your local missionary.

The post Lessons Learned and the Power of Building a Team appeared first on Child Discipleship.

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, valued, and loved.

Show Notes and Resources:
Brite Webinar – “Top 10 Mistakes Church Leaders Make Regarding Minor Abuse Prevention”
preventabuse.com
praesidiuminc.com
protectmyministry.com

The post Creating Safe Spaces for Kids in Our Awana Clubs appeared first on Child Discipleship.

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 Discipleship.

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 Clubs Podcast: Special Needs Ministry

The post What’s New in the 2026–2027 Awana Clubs Catalog appeared first on Child Discipleship.

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:
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 AwanaClubs.org.

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:
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 AwanaClubs.org.

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