REPLACING AWANA CLUBS @ MEDWAY BAPTIST CHURCH WITH HIGHPOINT

We do not plan to continue our AWANA program this fall. We held a children’s ministry meeting to
discuss other programs benefits and drawbacks. The children’s ministry recommended the HighPoint
program. This recommendation was made and discussed in the council meeting. From there, the
decision was announced at the business meeting. However, since many of you weren’t able to attend all
of those meetings I wanted to explain our reasoning.
First, I want to say our AWANA leaders (that includes helpers, student leaders, bus drivers, and
everyone) are the best a church could ever want. Last year, many of them did double and triple duty to
keep the evenings running smooth. I am really hoping that every one of the AWANA leaders signs up for
HighPoint.
Here are some of the main reasons for the switch:
1. AWANA is very volunteering intense. For our club size, we really needed at least 12 volunteers every
club. Last year, we lost some key leaders. The remaining leaders pulled together and did double and
triple duty. We did it, but ended with some very tired volunteers. HighPoint by contrast should need
about 6 volunteers every club/evening. The vision is to recruit teams of volunteers. These teams of 6
volunteers, could rotate on a 5 week schedule. We still have to work out a detailed schedule, but that is
the general idea.
2. As a church, we are in transition. Part of this transition is to evaluate what is most effective in
ministries and focus on areas we can offer with high quality and high intensity. As I mentioned, due to
the structure of AWANA, we were spread thin. A concentrated focus on HighPoint, with refreshed
volunteers on the rotation schedule, allows us to be intense and intentional on making disciples.
3. AWANA is very club member focused. Looking at last year, we had students who only came to a few
club nights, some in the beginning of the year, some midyear, and some at the end of the year. The
AWANA material is designed for students who stay the whole year. By contrast, HighPoint is designed
around 5 week kits. Each 5 week kit is a complete lesson with the Gospel presented. Then, the next 5-
week lesson begins. This 5-week design is what allows for the volunteer rotation mentioned earlier.
4. The bottom line is HighPoint is the children’s education program we have chosen right now. That may
change in the years to come, but for now, we believe it is the right decision.
I do not like making unpopular decisions. I was the commander for 1 year and certainly did not want to
the last commander. I am confident that this is the right direction for our church at this time. Please
keep the children’s ministry in your prayers as we make this transition. Please be praying to see if you
have a role in HighPoint!
Thank you.
Former Commander Ben