How can you show the children in your ministry that you genuinely care? What does it require of you as a leader? What attitudes or actions are most appropriate? The Apostle Paul exemplifies a model of caring for others in the second chapter of 1 Thessalonians.
Be Gentle- 1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. The word "gentle" means to be kind, sensitive, not rushing. Every leader should be sensitive to each child's personality, background, intellect, emotions, and will. This sensitivity is achieved through a gentle spirit.
Be Relational- 1 Thessalonians 2:8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. "Affection" means having a deep longing for and maintaining a close intimate relationship with another person. Leaders need to have affection for the children in their ministry. If these children feel close to their leaders, they will open up and share their thoughts, prayers and struggles. They will trust them with their feelings, both good and bad.
Give of Yourself- 1 Thessalonians 2:8b we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. Leaders need to give of themselves to the children they serve. As you get to know these children better, it becomes easier to share more of your life with them. You may want to plan activities outside of club with them and their families (child protection rules apply). This takes extra time and effort, but a little extra time goes a long way for many of the kids with whom you are in contact with.
Work Lovingly- 1 Thessalonians 2:9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. In this verse, Paul is talking about how he worked to support themselves financially. He didn't want to be a burden to people, and he didn't to give anyone an opportunity to accuse him of taking advantage of them. Paul made tents, working early in the morning and late into the night...this was hard work. Awana is hard work, but what other work lasts for eternity.
Be an Example- 1 Thessalonians 2:10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. Awana leaders should be an example of what a Jesus follower should be. Children can't handle inconsistency. They want a leader who "walks the talk". When you ask your clubbers what is a disciple, rather than think of someone with a rob and a beard as they have seen in drawings, they should think of you. You should be a model of what a disciple is.
Be an Encourager and a Motivator- 1 Thessalonians 2:11b For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children. As an Awana leader, you need to be like a father. Encourage the children in your ministry to keep attending club, to pay attention during the Bible lesson, learn their verses and stay involved with the club. Maybe all it takes is for you to say, "You're a great kid, Jesus loves you, we love you...keep coming".
This is why Paul labored day and night for the Thessalonians. And that's why leaders must care for the children in their ministry. So that someday these children who God has entrusted to your care will trust Christ as their Savior and begin to grow and walk in a manner worthy and pleasing to God.
