b'STATE OF CHILD DISCIPLESHIP REPORT 24DEAR CHILD DISCIPLESHIP LEADER,You are among the most passionate and faithful leaders in the church. Often navigating tight budgets, limited volunteers and the occasional extra-long sermon, you consistently reveal the power of what God can accomplish through a willing heart and a determined mind set on helping kids build a deep relationship with Jesus.For75years,AwanahasbeenequippingleaderslikeyoutoreachchildrenwiththeGospel.Fromhumble beginnings in a Chicago church basement to discipling over 7 million kids weekly in 82,000 churches worldwide, our foundation remains the same: centered on the Gospel, rooted in Scripture, equipping leaders to guide children in their walk with Christ. We continue to support the local church with high-quality discipleship tools, deepening our impact by gathering data to better understand the effectiveness of child discipleship.Through our commissioned research with Barna Group in 2022, Childrens Ministry in a New Reality, we discovered a stalemate between the Church and the Home. Church leaders point to parents as the primary disciplers, offering them resources that, too often, end up crumpled on the floor of a minivan. Meanwhile, parents, overwhelmed and uncertain, look to the Church to disciple their kids.I N T RODUC T ION So, what does this mean for all of us?Further research from our State of Child Discipleship Survey, conducted in July 2024, brought clarity to this stalemate, showing us how church leaders can better support parents. (Spoiler alert: Parents are anxious and overwhelmed!) They dont need more paper resources to pile among crushed goldfish and applesauce pouches scattered on theminivanfloor.Whattheyneedaremeaningfulconversationsabouttheculturalchallengestheyfaceand encouragement to embrace everyday discipleship moments amid the chaos of family life.These conversations start with you. The State of Child Discipleship Report offers insight into parents struggles and equips you to journey alongside them as they raise their children in a world constantly pulling for their attention. Now is the time to extend a hand of partnership and walk the path of discipleship together. The insights gleaned from this report only scratch the surface of what church leaders and parents uniquely need to disciple children. We will continue to equip you with practical tools so that together we can make a lasting impact on the next generation.Discipling with you, MelanieMELANIE HESTERDirector of Discipleship Engagement4 5'