As we are rapidly approaching the summer, I want to take a moment to highlight one of my favorite things about summer … Vacation Bible School. When I was growing up, I remember looking forward to VBS at my church, and though I cannot tell you any specific theme I experienced or song I learned, I can tell you that VBS definitely played an important role for me – even as a “churched kid” in the renewal of my spirit and approach to church. It made church fun again. It allowed me to see a sillier side to the adults that taught me every Sunday. I remember my senior Pastor was dressed as a cowboy at VBS and I had never seen him in anything but a suit and tie. It softened my image of him and made him much more approachable and human to me. This man eventually baptized me and now fights back tears when I see him and tell him I’m a minister myself.
As we come to this week in June, I want to share The 3 Big Wins of VBS for us as a church body. In other words, if VBS were a three legged stool these would be our legs:
Outreach. VBS is one of the most efficient outreach tools available to the church. If marketed well, it has great potential to not only connect new children and families to the church, but also to serve as a time of renewal and fresh approach for families that attend every week. It’s a win/win because parents want their kids to have a fun and full summer, and the church wants to connect to the families and ultimately to the community. VBS makes that connection for us in a unique way.
The Gospel. The very core of Vacation Bible School is the Gospel. VBS gives us the opportunity to reach children who may not attend church on a regular basis. It also provides a fresh approach and design that is different from the week to week ministry, which is good for both kids who always attend and for those who do not. This year, the curriculum is a walkthrough of salvation. It begins in Genesis with God as Creator, and ends with how we as His creation can respond and receive Him into our lives. It will be a great week exploring the Creator of the Universe, and how He is so in love with us.
Unity. Vacation Bible School is an all – hands-on – deck event. To do it correctly requires a mighty team of volunteers that serve in many capacities. Greeters, worship leaders, Bible study teachers, recreation, crafts, snacks, security, registration…all in one day of VBS a large gamut of people are used to create a welcoming and spiritually rich environment for the children that attend. It is a unique opportunity for church members of all ages to unite to do ministry together. It truly does take a village to raise a VBS!
Our bottom line is that, we have been given an opportunity to reach children and families this summer. I ask that you join me in prayer over our VBS, that it will point every person in attendance to Jesus – and that it will be the launch pad of a great revival in the hearts of our church members, and those who are not part of us yet. Join me, as we show these kids that no matter what God created them, died for them, and desires a relationship with them. If you have not already signed up to volunteer and you feel led to it is not too late. Come and be part of something special!