What is the Rorheim Institute?
A new leader development network from Awana

Why was the Institute formed?
In response to an alarming erosion of biblical values in America. The spiritual needs among our children, families and churches are going unmet, and the trends are disturbing. Just nine percent of Christian youth believe in absolute moral truth, nearly the identical rate as non-believing teens. The likelihood of a high school student trusting Christ for salvation is just four percent. The average scores of students from Christian schools as well as evangelical families on tests that determine worldview have dropped by over 30 percent since 1988.

These results are merely a symptom of the decline in biblical worldview among today’s Christian adults, many of whom are not equipped to instill this worldview in young people. (Biblical worldview is defined as living life and making decisions based on God’s truth from the Bible.) Just nine percent of all born-again adults, seven percent of Protestants and half of Protestant pastors hold a biblical worldview of life. And only one-third of born-again adults believe in absolute moral truth and the exclusivity of Christ for salvation.

The implications of this evidence are clear. More churches must begin to effectively disciple their members and empower parents and ministry workers to reach and train young people for Christ and change the culture of America – before it’s too late. The stakes could not be higher for our kids and the Church. We have virtually lost a generation. We cannot afford to lose another one.

What is the mission of the Institute?
Our goal is to equip churches with Awana leaders, other kids’ ministry workers and parents who have cultivated a sound biblical worldview – with the additional benefit of college accreditation – and possess the shepherding skills to infuse this worldview into the young people in their sphere of influence.

To achieve this mission, the Institute will provide a complete training system that will increase awareness of the issues harming children’s ministry – and especially our children. Awana leaders as well as ministry workers and parents will gain the shepherding skills necessary to develop this worldview in their kids using a variety of study vehicles, including Internet testing, individual and small group studies, life application exercises, conferences and seminars.

What will the Institute strive to accomplish?

Our goals cover four key areas:

  1. Research, communicate and create awareness regarding the needs of children’s ministry today in developing biblical worldview.
  2. Network with individuals and churches committed to transforming children’s ministry.
  3. Equip the local church with training materials, systems and other resources especially designed for children’s workers and parents.
  4. Provide leadership training for churches and help churches develop excellent leadership to serve in many aspects of children’s ministry, not Awana alone.

Where does the Institute’s name come from?
The Rorheim Institute’s complete training system embodies the life of Awana Co-founder Art Rorheim. It also represents his unwavering commitment to scriptural truth, the gospel, lay leadership training and the shepherding and discipleship of children as seen in his 54 years of leadership at Awana, where he continues to serve at age 86.

Who runs the Institute?
Dr. Gregory Carlson is director of the Institute. A graduate of Grace University, Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, he served as a youth pastor, associate pastor and pastor before coming to Grace University in 1987. After occupying the office of the dean of the graduate school and continuing education school, Dr. Carlson joined Grace’s Christian education department, most recently as chairman, before joining the Rorheim Institute in 2004.

Dr. Carlson has also served as an associate instructor with Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, chairman of the board at Evangelical Teaching Association, a board member with Omaha Youth for Christ and executive director of the Heartland Christian Ministries Conference in Omaha. He is author of Understanding Teaching: Effective Biblical Teaching for the 21st Century and has written articles and chapters for such publications as The Evangelical Theological Dictionary of Christian Education and Teaching Techniques: Revitalizing Methodology.

Serving alongside him is Bob Stacy. Over the last 27 years, Mr. Stacy has served Awana in nearly every conceivable capacity.

Mr. Stacy was introduced to Awana as a pastor in 1977. After serving as pastor-commander of his church’s Awana program, he answered God’s call to become a full-time Awana missionary to Illinois and eastern Missouri.

After seven years on the mission field, Mr. Stacy joined Awana headquarters in 1980 as associate director of U.S. Missions, which included the role of national director of AwanaGames™ and Bible Quizzing. He later served as director of Creative Services and director of Ministry Services before returning to the associate U.S. Missions director post in 1999. He is also in charge of all doctrinal review of materials produced by Awana and doctrinal screening of missionary applicants and churches.

How can I get involved in the Institute?

There are numerous ways you can participate:

  • Attend a Rorheim Institute National Vision Conference
  • Encourage other Awana leaders to participate in institute training
  • Participate in training through the Institute
  • Financially support the Institute
  • Pray for the Institute
  • Contact us for more information about the Institute

How can I reach the Institute?
For more information, e-mail us at rorheiminstitute@awana.org, call 866-RORHEIM (866-767-4346) or mail us at:
Rorheim Institute | 1 East Bode Road | Streamwood, IL 60107