With each new generation it seems that sin is not only more acceptable, but also praised. What once was wrong is considered right and what is good, what is true, is now wrong. Just as concerning is that many kids have unsupervised, unlimited access to social media that mold their morals and worldview. Influences that are rarely Christ-like. This is why I believe children’s ministries, like AWANAs, are more important than they ever have been.

I didn’t grow up attending church often. I didn’t even know what Vacation Bible School (VBS) or AWANAs was until I came to First Baptist Watauga. Having been a Christian now for over twenty years, I recognize how having a firm foundation in the Bible would have been valuable in my early days as a believer. It may have prevented me from making some of the poor choices that I did! So, when I had my son Damien, I knew that I wanted to establish a firm foundation for him early and be an active bricklayer in the process. It was also around that same time that God was calling me to serve again (I have a BA in Ministry & Leadership from Dallas Christian College). He placed on my heart a desire to help build up future generations in Christ. So, in 2021, I signed up to volunteer at AWANAs.

For those who are not familiar with AWANAs, it is a children’s ministry designed to help children learn and grow in their knowledge of Scripture. Each week, the children learn about the Bible, memorize scripture, compete in game time, worship in choir, and partake in large group lessons with Victoria. At first, signing up was intimidating! Did I really want to lead children who are full of energy and strong-willed? Did I want to be accountable for the discipleship of children that weren’t my own? I honestly wasn’t sure, but I could not say no to God. Now, four years in, I look forward to every Wednesday. God has an amazing way of using what is uncomfortable to help us grow the most!

Through AWANAs, I have grown in patience and grace. I have been challenged to deepen my understanding of how to answer the tough questions. Such as, “If God is all good why did Satan rebel?” and “If everything on earth has a beginning and end, how is God eternal?” And the classic, “Will there be dinosaurs in heaven?” Kids are curious, smart, and impressionable at this age. I saw quickly how not being able to answer a question can impact their spiritual development. I was convicted that I should always be equipped to answer every question (1 Peter 3:15 – “but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”). I want to always be ready at any time to answer every question. This conviction led me back to be a student of hermeneutics (the study and interpretation of the Bible) and apologetics (defense of the faith).

But AWANAs is more than teaching the kids about the Bible. Most of the kids in our ministry do not attend this church. Many of them come from a Christian background, but not all. Some have accepted Christ, but not all. Some have great home lives, but not all. But all of the kids deserve someone who is there for them when they walk through our doors. As a volunteer, I get to be a positive influence—encouraging them, laughing with them, loving on them, and sometimes helping them make better choices.

I have the opportunity to be the example of Christ they need in this world every Wednesday. We may not be the ones who lead these kids to Christ, but we are pouring the concrete for a firm foundation for those who come to Christ later in their life. By pouring into these children now, we are helping shape a generation that will stand firm in faith and carry His light into the future.