Awana Leaders/Speakers

Linda Weddle

Linda’s story
At a young age, Linda Weddle told family and friends that she planned to be a writer, a pastor’s wife and a graduate of Moody Bible Institute. She’s accomplished all three—and more.

The daughter of a pastor, Linda’s parents modeled for her the importance of a vibrant faith. She began a personal relationship with Christ as a young girl.

“My parents didn’t practice pseudo-spirituality but lived out in real life their relationship with Christ,” Linda explains. “They challenged both my brother and me to think – to know and understand what we believe and why we can confidently believe it. They didn’t give us clichéd answers but guided us through the process of getting the answers for ourselves from God’s Word.

“The message I received at church was the same message I received at home.”

Growing up with parents who were excited about their faith taught Linda important values that she has carried with her throughout life. She, in turn, incorporated Christian values into her own family. Her faith heritage fueled her passion to encourage children, parents and children’s ministry leaders to avidly live out their faith in daily life.

Linda’s 30-plus years in kids’ ministry
Linda’s vast and varied experience as a teacher, curriculum writer and ministry leader makes her an important voice on ministry to children, youth and families.

“I’m passionate about getting kids excited about the Bible and helping them understand what the Bible says,” Linda notes. “I want to show kids the joy they can have in Christ.”

Linda is the senior designer of U.S. programs for Awana. She develops and writes curriculum as well as evangelism and discipleship strategies for church programming serving ages 2 to 18.

Linda has been involved in nearly every aspect of Awana over the course of her life. In addition to her current staff position, she participated in Awana as a child from grade school through high school and earned the ministry’s highest award. She has also volunteered in local-church Awana programs for over 25 years.

Linda is also a prolific author. Most recently she wrote How to Raise a Modern-Day Joseph: A Practical Guide to Raising Great Kids (David C. Cook, 2009). The book is a follow-up to Raising a Modern-Day Joseph by Larry Fowler that was released in 2008. How to Raise a Modern-Day Joseph is a hands-on companion piece to the overarching spiritual development strategy offered in Raising a Modern-Day Joseph. It debuted June 1.

Based on Joseph of the Old Testament, How to Raise a Modern-Day Joseph is unique among spiritual parenting books. Instead of focusing on one narrow age range, the book describes a biblical plan for developing both children and youth into Christ-following adults. Parents learn specific truths to teach each age segment from age 2 through high school. They are also challenged to set spiritual goals for their family.

The book additionally speaks to church pastors and volunteers. It specifically reveals how churches can support parents in laying a lasting spiritual foundation for their children.

Linda’s new book is just the latest project in her extensive writing career. She has written 12 books and numerous magazine articles, stories, devotionals and radio scripts. Linda also writes two parenting-focused blogs for Awana and has spoken and taught at conferences and churches around the U.S. for 20 years.

Writing to reach kids and parents
Linda’s latest book, How to Raise a Modern-Day Joseph, offers a biblical plan and practical suggestions for incorporating spiritual training into home life.

“This book is really my heart,” Linda reveals. “Let’s wake up and be excited about Christianity and show our kids that we’re excited about our faith.”

Besides books, Linda has written more than 2,500 articles, stories, devotionals and radio scripts. Some of her publishers include Scripture Press, Focus on the Family, Back to the Bible, Woman’s Day, Children’s Bible Hour, Moody, David C. Cook, Back to God Hour, Regular Baptist Press and Southern Baptist.

Designing kids’ programs that make an eternal impact
Linda’s fingerprint is evident on all Awana programs. She has written and designed curriculum for programs serving the entire span of childhood, including materials for inner-city children.

Linda’s curriculum philosophy is to faithfully teach God’s Word through new and creative methods. Most recently Linda used an innovative twist on curriculum development in building the new Sparks program for kindergarten through second grade. She solicited questions from children across the U.S. about what they wanted to know about God and the Bible. Her research laid the groundwork for a fun and original teaching approach for Sparks.

Teaching others to know and follow Christ
Linda speaks at churches and conferences about issues facing today’s families and the important role faith can play in family life. She also teaches youth and children’s ministry volunteers how to more effectively and creatively impact the lives of kids and their families.

Linda’s most important teaching came at home. She has two grown children who also participated in Awana. Like Linda, they both earned the Citation Award, the highest achievement in Awana, for completing 10 years of curriculum. Linda’s six grandchildren all attend Awana, and she served as kindergarten to second-grade director while her granddaughter Chloe was in the club. Linda lives in suburban Chicago.

Reaching out to those hurting and grieving
As a pastor’s wife, Linda regularly served in various church leadership roles and taught Sunday school for 20 years. She founded and directed a state-licensed preschool for 12 years at her church. Teaching at summer camps was an annual highlight for Linda and her husband, Ken. Ken died of cancer in 2005, only three months after his diagnosis. Linda desires to be an encouragement to others experiencing a similar loss.

“I see a lot of sad Christians and people struggling in life,” Linda says. “They don’t seem to understand what Christianity is all about. It’s about a relationship with Christ that will encourage and sustain you and fill you with joy no matter what circumstances you face. Obviously we all struggle. I want to show kids the joy they can have in Christ but that sometimes hard things do happen in life.”

How to contact Linda
To schedule an interview, contact David Bunker at 630.540.4695 or e-mail mediarelations@awana.org.