1. Making the Most of Council Time Keith Palmer Associate Pastor, Grace Bible Church, Granbury

2. What is Council Time? Council Time is one of three stations of an AWANA club. Whereas Game Time is primarily about games and Handbook Time is primarily about working through the clubber books, Council Time is primarily about the teaching of biblical truth to clubbers.

3. What should be the primary focus and objective? Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart

4. What should be the primary focus and objective? 2 Tim. 3:16-17 - All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work 2 Peter 1:2-3 - Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence

5. What should be the primary focus and objective? Conclusion: The primary focus and objective of Council Time should be the teaching of Scripture to children

6. What are some goals in teaching children Scripture? Teach them about God (Theology) Increase their view of God Help them to understand themselves Open their eyes to the work of Jesus Christ in salvation Give them a clear gospel presentation Expose them to the Bible Help them develop a biblical worldview Teach them biblical words

7. Other Thoughts: Major on teaching verse-by-verse through a Bible book Get the children to interact with you in the text of Scripture Help them to learn Observation, Interpretation, Application. Train them how to interpret and apply the Bible on their own Don't water down the content

8. What are some secondary objectives?

9. Testimonies Let them hear how God has worked to bring transformation in the lives of others Expose them to others who have taking the gospel to other countries

10. Music Teach them how to meditate on the words, not just sing Help them see the connection between singing and walking with the Lord

11. Question & Answer Times It gives you a chance to find out what the children are thinking about It allows children an opportunity to have their questions answered It indirectly trains them to see how the Bible is able to answer their questions. They will learn to turn to it first when they have a question or problem

12. Training Do a session on how to listen to a sermon Encourage the kids (T&T) to take notes Help them develop the habit of bringing their Bible and opening it up and following along Train them to pay attention and not tune out Help them to see the value and importance of teaching Open their eyes to the perspective of hearing from God's Word

13. What is the profile of an ideal Council Time teacher? Gifted teacher Mature in faith Competent in Bible knowledge & understanding

14. Some practical suggestions Make Council Time an exciting time Be Strategic & intentional Offer a follow up time (perhaps during handbook time or after club) for children to talk to a leader one-on-one about their spiritual condition

15. Some practical suggestions Emphasize to children the link between their heart and their behavior – between their theology and their life Maintain order and build an environment that promotes learning