VBS SHOP

Kids Ministry

Dedicated to helping Kids Ministry leaders in their mission of making disciples

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By: Rhonda VanCleave

For several generations, Vacation Bible School has been a favorite week for millions of kids. Countless believers share stories about the memorable VBS when they first recognized their need for a Savior and trusted in Jesus. Many teachers and leaders have found their calling to lead kids, youth, or adults because of a “temporary” assignment to teach at VBS.

Why does VBS have this profound effect? Is it the high energy? The decorations? The famous VBS snacks? How is such an impact made amid the rec relays, obstacle courses, and glue and glitter of craft time? I believe the answer lies in the concentrated effort of all the workers who share the light of Jesus with kids, youth, and families. The Holy Spirit takes those efforts, big and small, and uses them to open hearts to the gospel. VBS is truly an amazing time of gospel-focused energy!

But when the last song is sung each year and the VBS decorations come down, I often hear people ask, “How can we keep this energy going? How can we continue to impact young lives and keep kids engaged with the gospel?” After planting so many seeds during VBS, we want to do all we can to help those seeds grow. Just like Jesus’s parable of the sower, not all the seeds we toss will take root—but some will! And there are ways to cultivate those seeds and encourage growth.

First, continued communication is key. VBS guests need to feel known and wanted. They need to be told that after the sanctuary is back to normal, the same people will be there to welcome them to worship and other church activities! When we continually offer an invitation to “join with us,” we draw guests in and stay focused on keeping them connected.

Second, we need to come alongside families and encourage them to disciple their kids. One way to do this is to provide tools to help their kids stay engaged with God’s Word once VBS is over. These discipleship tools are helpful to all families, whether they are new to church or fully involved but just busy.

The Illumination Station Devotional is one such tool, offering families a way to disciple their kids and to extend the energy beyond VBS. The devotional complements the “Illumination Station” VBS experience, which challenges kids to shine a light on who Jesus really is—the Light of the world.

The book’s thirty devotions were developed to engage kids and provide opportunities for them to learn how to spend time in God’s Word. The content focuses on the truths taught during VBS:

  • Jesus is God’s promised Son
  • Jesus is God’s perfect Son
  • Jesus is the powerful Son of God
  • Jesus is the proven Son of God
  • Jesus is God’s plan for forgiveness

Each “Spotlight Devotion” includes a focus Scripture, a short message to expand on the Bible verse, and a suggested prayer thought. This starting point is a great skill for kids (and adults) to develop.

Devotions are followed by “Searchlight Verses,” a challenge activity that suggests a way to dig deeper into God’s Word with related Scriptures. Connecting related truths throughout the Bible builds familiarity with God’s Word and cements the truths found there. The challenges are simple enough for young believers but also helpful for experienced believers who can dig deeper into the biblical focus for the day.

A “Bright Idea” section offers readers a fun fact about light and light-related things or suggests an activity. Sometimes these have a direct connection to the devotion and sometimes they help create interest. Kids will enjoy sharing the “Did you know?” facts they learn.

The last section of each devotion is called “Reflections.” It provides an opportunity for kids to process what they have been learning and thinking about during that devotion. Kids can choose to journal, doodle, write prayers, or even write questions to God. A suggestion is provided, but kids are encouraged to use this space as their own.

The Illumination Station Devotional can help kids develop a practice of personal quiet time (alone or with family), a discipline that helps spiritual roots grow deeper. Readers will focus on God’s Word, dig deeper into Scripture, and ponder what they’ve learned. Long after VBS is over, kids can continue to discover that Jesus is who He says He is, and they can continue to share His light!

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