In the most recent episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana Magruder sits down with Melita Thomas, Lifeway’s VBS specialist, to kick off a four-week series on Vacation Bible School (VBS). The conversation centers on key considerations when choosing the right VBS for your church.
Jana asks Melita if there’s a moment she looks back on that connects her to what she does now. Melita shares that over the holidays she was looking through her old belongings and found printed paper certificates from her first and second times at VBS. She remembers getting the opportunity to hold the Bible, presenting it as the attendees gave the pledge. She told her mother, “I got to hold the most important one.”
The first major point discussed is the importance of biblical saturation, emphasizing that while themes are fun, they shouldn’t be the primary decision-maker. Instead, the focus should be on the depth and quality of biblical content, ensuring that it is integrated across all VBS activities and not just the Bible study sessions. Melita stresses that VBS should be a time of intentional discipleship, with the gospel infused in every aspect, from games to crafts to snacks.
The second point is flexibility. A VBS curriculum should offer options that allow everyone in the church, from children to adults, to get involved. This includes resources for various age groups and roles, ensuring that no one is left out. The episode highlights the importance of choosing a VBS program that accommodates the unique needs of your congregation while still offering meaningful opportunities for all to contribute.
Next, it’s important for the curriculum to be deeply rooted in Scripture, ensuring the Bible is central throughout. It should also be flexible. The curriculum should be adaptable to fit various church contexts, budgets, and formats, allowing for customization based on the specific needs of the church and its community. Finally, it should be crafted with excellence. Look for a curriculum that is well-designed and trustworthy. It should be tested for both biblical accuracy and age-appropriate learning, ensuring it’s effective for kids’ spiritual and educational development. This includes high-quality media, music, and content that aligns with the church’s theology.
Jana emphasizes that while writing Bible studies might seem simple, VBS involves much more, including music, media, partnerships, and follow-up resources. The right curriculum should help make this complex process manageable while ensuring a quality experience for the kids, community, and church.
Ultimately, the goal is to choose a VBS that supports not just fun and creativity, but deep, gospel-centered discipleship that involves the whole church. Tune into the podcast to hear from Jana and Melita in their own words!
The 7 Distinctives of Lifeway’s VBS
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