⏰ With our busy schedules, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed. Another item on the to-do list can seem daunting. But remember, investing in our students' spiritual growth is invaluable.
💡 Rather than comparing ourselves to others, let's focus on the unique gifts and insights we have been given. The Lord entrusted us with our students, and He has equipped us to disciple them.
Why Adventist VBS?
VBS is…
Written by a team of Seventh-day Adventist children’s ministries leaders and pastors. Lessons feature a Seventh-day Adventist point of view that will connect with kids from your church and community.
Based on the Bible and focused on the life of Jesus. Kids will meet Jesus and learn about His many miracles and the plan of salvation.
Unique! Offer your community a Vacation Bible School experience that’s different from the other churches in town.
How do we select the right course of study?
🔍 When choosing a topic, we consider their interests, age, and spiritual needs. We also seek resources that align with our values and adapt materials to suit our students' learning styles.Purpose to Attend this Year’s VBS at any of the
Seventh-day Adventist Church Near You
Making Vacation Bible School an Evangelism Opportunity (7 Ideas)
Many churches conduct Vacation Bible School during the
summer, engaging neighborhood children and families as participants. But how do
you stay connected with those families throughout the year? Too many churches
develop a pattern of connecting with their neighborhood once or twice a year,
but then return to business as usual the rest of the time.
Vacation Bible School is an evangelism opportunity for all
congregations. Here are seven ideas that congregations can try to aid in their
evangelistic effort.
1. Remember those who came last year
One reason we get into a rhythm of seeing some neighborhood
families only once or twice a year is that it’s the only time we invite them to
something. Before Vacation Bible School even starts, you should be thinking of other
opportunities to extend invitations to VBS families.
As you prepare for your Vacation Bible School, take a look at who attended last year and refamiliarize yourself with their names. Greeting returning families by name will make a real impression on them, communicating your genuine interest. The refrain of the theme song from the hit sitcom Cheers got it right: People do want to go “where everybody knows their name.
"One way to
help keep track of names from year to year is to attach names to the photos you
take of VBS — after getting proper permission for photographing the children,
off course."
2. Make new people feel welcome
This seems obvious, but it bears stating explicitly. It is
important not only to greet the new people warmly, but also to help them
connect with those who are part of the church and past participants. Finding
activities that allow new and returning people to get to know one another in
fun ways can overcome our natural tendency to feel most comfortable talking
with those we already know. All of us are more likely to return to a place
where we feel we belong. In many cases, the feeling of belonging will have more
lasting impact on people than the actual curriculum taught.
3. Get the parents involved
Sometimes we focus so much on the children that we forget to
be invitational to the parents. This does not mean signing them up to be one of
the main teachers or support staff for Vacation Bible School. It can be
something as simple as inviting parents to eat with a group of children and hear
what they learned that day or having them help with crafts or other short-term
projects. Some parents will be curious about what their child is doing, and
this is a way for them to eavesdrop without feeling like an intruder. It is
also an opportunity for congregation members to build relationships with the
parents. Not every parent will want to get involved, but some will appreciate
being asked to participate.
4. Let the Bible speak for itself
Many of us don’t like the word “evangelism” because we don’t
want to be perceived as pushing our beliefs on others or we aren’t comfortable
talking about our relationship with God. But since Vacation Bible School is
organized around a Bible story, it doesn’t feel like one is having to force
one’s beliefs on others. Talking with children or adults about God is done
within the context of the organized activities. This is the opportunity to
listen for how those not as familiar with a Bible story hear it and an
opportunity to walk alongside them and answer any queries about the story or a
relationship with God. It is easier to share the gospel when it does not feel
contrived.
5. Celebrate VBS in the worship
At the end of VBS, plan a special recognition of participants
and leaders during your divine worship service. Planning worship around the
scriptural theme of the VBS or having the children play a special part in the
worship service will help the congregation appreciate what happens during the
week and give VBS families from the neighborhood a reason to attend church.
6. Invite participants to the next event — again and again
One reason we get into a rhythm of seeing some neighborhood
families only once or twice a year is that it’s the only time we invite them to
something. Before Vacation Bible School even starts, you should be thinking of
other opportunities to extend invitations to VBS families. Then, develop an intentional strategy to extend multiple
invitations to your VBS families. Focus on deepening relationships with
families that attend events, greeting them by name, making them feel welcome,
and integrating them into the activity of the day.
7. Send birthday greetings throughout the year
Ask someone in the church, perhaps an elderly member, to
review the VBS registration forms and make a list of the children’s names,
addresses, and birthdates, and then send out birthday cards over the course of
the coming year. It’s a simple way of letting the children and their families
know the church continues to care about them and hopes to stay in
relationships.
With some good preplanning, Vacation Bible School can be more than a once or twice a year neighborhood outreach. It can be a meaningful evangelistic opportunity that connects your church with new and younger people.