Bogard Press VBS Blog - Jesus in VBS 

Jesus in VBS 

 
Summer is quickly approaching and so is the VBS season! Vacation Bible School is an exciting time for the children and hopefully fun for the leaders and volunteers as well. The late nights brainstorming, calling volunteers, meeting with church staff, spending every extra moment making props or decorations can quickly rob the joy of ministering to children. Isn’t life busy enough? 
           

My first VBS as Children’s Pastor came with a lot of anxiety I hid behind my closed office door. I began worrying about getting everything finished on time, making sure all volunteer spots were filled, and finding myself worried our VBS wasn’t going to be exciting enough for the children. I was so consumed with the never ending “To Do” list that I seldom thought about the real reason we work late nights to prepare. I was focusing on making VBS fun and creating the “wow factor” while putting the gospel on the back burner. If you’re in the planning stages of VBS, remember these tips to keep you on track: 

1. Pray and Prep
   Prayer can be woven throughout prep time. Whether It’s meeting with volunteers, developing a curriculum, or making lesson plans, set aside time to talk to the Creator before you begin creating! He wants to help us. Remember to thank Him for the opportunity to minister to young people. Enlist a prayer team that will pray for all involved in your VBS. They can pray for all leaders, children and their families. Pray for your role in leading a child to Christ.
    
   2. Building Relationships 
   In the weeks leading up to VBS, you’ll have plenty of time to encourage other leaders and build relationships with them. Fellowship is a great thing! During VBS, leaders will have time to interact with children as they move throughout the different activities. Encourage leaders to have conversations with the children. Conversations can be focused on what it means to be a Christian or why we have VBS. Teachers and leaders should be trained in sharing the gospel with children. Be sure all leaders, including leaders for games, crafts, and snacks know how to share the gospel with an interested child. Leaders should be present during an invitation if one is given during VBS. A familiar face goes a long way in supporting a child’s decision to follow Jesus. 
    
    3.  Joy in the Work 
   What an honor and privilege it is to share the gospel with children. Watching a child’s first steps to becoming a Christian can be exciting. Look for the small wins before, during and after VBS…they are there! Each child who walks through your doors needs to experience God’s grace and forgiveness in his or her life. Remember how you felt when you first experienced it? Pray God brings back that child-like awe and wonder as you are gearing up for VBS. Pray for your role in pointing children to Christ and remember God is right alongside you every step of the way.   
    
   Mike Dunham 
   Children’s Pastor 
   East Somerset Baptist Church