The Bible is a very, very large book; so large it's made up of other books, each one a hefty piece of literature. It takes a person four years to get a degree in divinity studies so they might start their own church, but even then they have to keep studying this tome of The Word as there is so much to absorb. With such a massive text many might think understanding can only be started at a teenaged level, but there is an organization that have started people as young as three years of age.

Awana is an organization formed in Chicago way back in 1941. The senior pastor (Lance Latham) and youth director (Art Rorheim) at North Side Gospel Centre were looking for weekly clubs that would be appealing to children of every path, and lead them towards a better understanding of Christ and scripture. A name was devised using the first letters of words taken from a passage in the Bible, "Approved Workmen [Are] Not Ashamed", and the program was so successful neighbouring churches began to inquire about the availability for their own congregations. In 1950 the two founders started a "parachurch" organization to help other churches adopt the Awana program. 1960 saw 900 churches start their own programs; 1972 was when the first international club was started.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
- 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

This program has grown in popularity, now being run 60 years later in over 17,000 churches internationally, in more than 100 countries. Awana has proven itself to be able to cross denominational boundaries, with the system being practiced by almost 100 different Christian faiths.

The program works with youth as young as two, and continues through to teens aged eighteen. This doesn't mean only kids get to learn, as it also works with parents and volunteers to help stretch people's faith, and expand the vision of both "saved" and "unsaved" people through programs and events.

The "events" include a sports-day, leadership training, and of course quizzes. The trivia portion of the program seems to be the largest part, with huge competitions staged every year for thousands of children nationwide. Typically the questions are in regards to predetermined passages selected for study, although these can be phenominally difficult for even a veteran church-goer; the Bible is a book with a thousand pages, each one of which could easily be four regular-sized pages. Imagine a contest participant (a nine year old girl) being asked to recall eight points from one small paragraph she is only given the paragraph number for. Not too easy even for a fifty year old pastor...

Thankfully the challenge results in a great many veterans of the faith, with more than one million children and youth taking part in the program each week, swelling the ranks of the millions of adult alumni. Not only does it give a core understanding of the Bible for those just finding their way in the world, it also gives guidance for outreach, discipleship, family ministry and volunteer training. For the evangelical faiths it gives those carrying their faith to others something more appealing than simply stale logic puzzles, instead offering challenges any age group can be tempted by.

Today the church is lucky to have followers willing to think new ideas and try different methods to get their message across, as well as an available program to help children and youth to know, love and serve Christ.

For more information about participating or starting your own Awana program please feel free to visit www.awana.ca in Canada, or www.awana.org in the United States of America.