“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14
It’s been a tumultuous couple of years, and we realize there might be some hesitancy to move forward with VBS. Your leadership may be asking you, “You want to get 100 kids together…plus volunteers?” We believe that events like VBS are more important than ever in helping kids process what they’ve experienced this year. Check out what child psychologist, Joseph White, has to say about the importance of VBS:
“VBS can be a critical way to reconnect with the kids and families in your church over the summer. This year’s VBS will be great, not only for kids’ spiritual growth, but also for their emotional health. It will give kids an opportunity to express their feelings about the quarantine experience and to realize how God was with them in those difficult moments.”
Here are a few ideas of how you can present VBS to your leadership team.
Establish the importance (and potential) of VBS for the entire church.
According to Barna, “one in three practicing Christians has stopped attending church during COVID-19 (https://www.barna.com/research/year-in-review-2020/). VBS could be the open door that welcomes families back to church.
“The future of the church depends on the children of today growing up with a solid foundation of faith in Jesus – and they get that at Group VBS!”
-Erin S., VBS Director“Year after year I find families who were just looking for something for their children to do for a week in the summer, that find God changes their lives through their children’s excitement.”
-Eliese M., VBS Director
VBS has a long-standing history of creating unity and excitement within the church body. After months of isolation, VBS is just the thing to unite and ignite the family of God, working towards a common goal.
“I love the excitement and energy it brings to the entire church…and VBS reaches the community in ways no other program can.”
-Holly R., VBS Director
Share your vision for VBS
Give an overview of your VBS program, outlining what kids will take away from the experience. How will VBS impact them long after your program ends? (This is where you can share your “why!”)
Show a promo video or How It Works video to help paint a picture for what VBS can look like in your church.
Present your budget and fundraising plans. (Need inspiration? Check out How to Budget for VBS!)
Outline COVID-friendly options
VBS can be done in a safe and healthy way. Share examples of how you plan to hold VBS in accordance with CDC and local guidelines. Reach out to other churches on the Group VBS Facebook page to see how other leaders have successfully hosted VBS.
Still searching for the right VBS?
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You CAN do it! And we’re here to help! Group offers a complete children’s ministry hub of resources you need…especially when it comes to VBS! Best of all, we’re always here to help. Call us with any ministry-related problem, and we’ll help you find a solution. Call our experienced and helpful support team at 1-800-447-1070.
