VBS . . . or Not???

I have loved VBS for decades . . . it is a wonderful, and effective tool for engaging volunteers, children in the church, children in the community and families in the churches across the country and around the world! I have to say, though; the past few years I have been stunned by the number of people who posted on-line about the "death of VBS" and called for churches to stop having VBS. And, this coming year it is the truth there are fewer VBS resources available than there has been in previous years as more publishers are no longer releasing VBS material. So, with these things in mind, once again this year I want to share a couple thoughts . . . 

If VBS is a good "fit" for your ministry . . . 

• Please approach it with enthusiasm! VBS can be a wonderful "launching pad" for a summer of ministry to the children and families in your church and community!
• Please have a specific and written vision and goal for your VBS. Know what it is you want to accomplish with your VBS and keep this goal in the forefront for yourself and for everyone who serves with you!
• Please be intentional about connecting with your church kids by providing an opportunity for them to grow in their walk with Jesus and learn how to take what they learn outside the doors of the church to live it in their everyday lives every day!
• Please be intentional about really following up with children/families who come to your church because of VBS! The contact you make through your VBS could be the "launch" for an opportunity to have an impact in the lives of children and families who do not currently participate in your church!

If VBS is not a good "fit" for your ministry . . .

• Please do not assume just because it is not a good "fit" for your ministry, other ministries should no longer use it - remember grandma's advice . . . "If you do not have anything good to say; say nothing at all!"
• Please keep an open mind on the ways to utilize VBS - in the traditional format, as your Sunday Summer ministry, for Summer family events, for youth mission trips, for mid-week all year long . . . there are so many excellent opportunities to use VBS resources - look for ways they will "fit" a need you have!

VBS provides a focused opportunity for you to reach out to children and families in and out of your church . . . if it is a good "fit" for your church . . . give it your all! If it isn't . . . rejoice with those for whom it is as they have volunteers, children and families grow in their walk with Jesus!