Introduction of Ministry
AWANA is an acronym for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed and comes from 2nd Timothy 2:15. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." The mission of AWANA is to teach boys and girls the gospel of Jesus Christ and to train them to serve him. It is also an effective vehicle for the participants to witness to other boys and girls and even their families.
AWANA is a National Organization with ministries in all 50 states and in over 110 countries. AWANA was introduced to our church in 1993 as part of the Youth Ministry, currently called the Jesus & Me (JAM) Youth Ministry. Our Commander is Sister Vickie Washington. Our present Youth Minister is Rev. Altheria Barnett.
Since AWANA's inception, we have seen numerous children accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Parents as well as their children have been actively involved in the ministry. Over 100 children participate in the ministry every year. The participants come from over 10 churches throughout the Washington Metropolitan area including our own First Baptist family. Entire families have joined First Baptist because of the AWANA ministry. Through God's blessing the First Baptist Church of Highland Park's AWANA ministry, other churches have observed and received information about the ministry and started AWANA at their own church.
The FBCHP AWANA Ministry is centered on children between the ages of 3-6th grade. The ministry is divided into groups by age and/or gender. The ministry meets September through June of every year on every Friday of the month except third Fridays from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Activities include scripture memorization, council time (an invitation to accept Jesus Christ is given at this time), game time, and snacks.
Prior to COVID, exciting field trips were scheduled throughout the year. Outings to AWANA Olympics , Bible Quizzing, roller skating, paintball, gaming places, restaurants, sleepovers, and others. We are working to reestablish some of these activities.
Staff Members
| Ministry Name | Age/Gender | Director |
|---|---|---|
| Cubbies | 3-4 years/boys/girls | Victoria Washington |
| Sparks | Kindergarten/boys/girls | Linda Sims |
| 1st/2nd grade girls | Linda Sims | |
| 1st/2nd grade boys | Vickie Gilbert, Johnny Grier | |
| Truth and Training | 3rd/6th grade girls | Christine Artemus, Teresa Weedon |
| 3rd/6th grade boys | Larry McCormick, Daron Clark | |
| Game Time | All Clubbers | Pheona Walker |
| Share Store | All Clubbers | Jane McCray |
| Administrator | All Clubbers | Nancy Clark |
AWANA Parent Handbook:
Registration
Click here to register for AWANA
Ministry Contacts
If you are interested in joining the First Baptist Church of Highland Park's AWANA Ministry, please contact the church office at
(301) 773-6655.