By: Melita Thomas
Between family, work, church, and community responsibilities, the weeks leading up to VBS can feel hectic. In fact, it can sometimes feel downright overwhelming to find time to squeeze VBS prep into our already crowded schedules. Frazzled. Overwhelmed. Drowning. Those are words I sometimes hear and often feel in the days leading up to VBS. It’s a key indication that I’ve not set aside the time to really prepare for VBS. I’m not talking about collecting supplies and cutting out pack items. Those things always get done somehow. I’m talking about the REAL preparation for VBS—the one we sometimes forget to do. The one that is key to ensuring VBS isn’t just one more thing crammed into summer. So how do we prepare our hearts and our spirits for VBS?
Be in the Word. One of the best gifts you can give your VBS kids is to be growing spiritually. Study the daily Scripture passages for your Bible study sessions well in advance and pray that God will speak to you through His word. Apply God’s words to your life. Ask God to help you know Him. Pray for God to prepare the hearts of the children you will teach and the other VBS leaders as well.
Leader Devotions for each day of VBS can be found in the following places:
- Bible Study Leader Guides: For teachers of 3-year-olds and up, the first page of each day’s teaching plan includes a devotion for teachers. For Babies–2s teachers, download leader devotions HERE.
- Administrative Guide: If you’re the VBS Director, follow the instructions at the front of the Administrative Guide to access the digital downloads. Print off (or email) the leader devotions to every person who has volunteered for VBS.
Spend time with kids. Play with your own, babysit, or volunteer, but use this time to rekindle deep love for kids. Ask God to show you how He loves them and to help you love them that way. Truly listen to what kids say. What do they care about? What do they fear? If you know them and love them, your ministry will go beyond a to-do list.
Ask your director how you can help. And pray while you help. If you work on name tags, pray for the child that will touch each name tag. If you collect craft supplies, pray that God will help tactile learners embrace truth during crafts, etc.
Make good use of time. Prepare ahead for what you’ll be doing so when the time comes you’ll be calm and ready to spend time with kids. I’m guessing if you asked for your materials early, your director would jump for joy! Pray for God’s inspiration and presence in your corner of VBS.
Spend some time with God about the things you are afraid of, and specific VBS worries. Confess them and ask Him to use your fears and weaknesses to minister to children.
Pray for God’s boldness as you speak to each of the kids you encounter at VBS.
Pray for teachers. Hold other teachers up in prayer. Pray for their energy, courage, and spiritual preparation.
Notice a theme? When we spend time with God in prayer and in His Word, we will be ready to teach out of the overflow of what He is teaching us. We will be empowered to serve not in or own strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit giving us exactly what we need exactly when we need it. Only when we’re read up and prayed up will be ready to do the important kingdom work of VBS. And not coincidently, that’s when it stops feeling like work and starts feeling like purpose!