Awana Clubs Podcast

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 awa...

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, backu...

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...

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-...

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 courag...

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 spa...

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...

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 ta...

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 ema...

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 ev...

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 par...

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 w...

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 encourageme...

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...

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 a...

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 fam...

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 th...

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 Note...

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 Note...

In this episode, Linnea Sandvall and Mike Reed unpack Awana Basics—your go-to resource for equipping new and seasoned leaders to run a thriving Awana Club. Learn the difference between Awana Basics Online and Awana Basics Live, discover what is in each training, and find out how to access them. Whether you’re just starting out or refreshing your skills, this conversation will help you lead with vi...

In this week’s episode, Linnea Sandvall invites you to step back from the checklist and dream with God about what He might want to do in your Awana Club this year. Inspired by Ephesians 3:20, this episode encourages leaders to set bold, God-sized goals—whether that involves reaching more families, building a culture of prayer, refreshing game time, or helping kids share their faith. This epi...

Get a first look at the upcoming Awana Clubs catalog with hosts Linnea and Tim Sandvall. From redesigned bags and fresh gear to new tools like the Game Time booklet and special needs pocket guides, discover what’s new and improved to support your club’s discipleship efforts. Tune in to hear how these updates are designed with leaders, parents, and kids in mind—because everything we create helps ki...

In this episode, Linnea and Tim Sandvall introduce “Identity,” the long-awaited fourth book in the Journey curriculum. They unpack the heart behind the study—helping students find their identity in Christ—and highlight updates like integrated leader resources and large group teaching videos. Whether you’re a seasoned Journey leader or just getting started, this episode is your gu...

Growing the impact of your club begins with building relationships in your community. In this episode, Bob Bennett explores practical ways to promote your Awana club in the community—through events, service opportunities, social media, and personal invitations. Learn how to make meaningful connections that grow your club and impact families for eternity! SHOW NOTES: Learn more about Bob Bennett an...

You’ve come so far, and now it’s time to finish strong! In this episode, Kris Wood shares stories, wisdom, and encouragement to help you lean in and close out this season with purpose and heart. This episode will inspire you to finish well and step boldly into what’s next. SHOW NOTES Learn more about Kris Wood and her ministry . Find your local Awana missionary. For more Awana Clubs resources visi...