Hosting VBS opens up a whole world of welcoming volunteers who may not know where they fit in or haven’t quite found a place to serve yet.
VBS can unite your congregation to reach the community in ways that build lasting connections in your church and neighborhoods. As you recruit leaders that last, you’ll see that building a relational culture in your ministry will not only recruit great leaders—but retain great leaders.
Finding volunteers who are “all in” with VBS and who feel valued in their role can lead to many incredible years of service. Let’s jump in and make a plan for the when, the who, and the how of VBS recruiting.
When Should You Start Recruiting?
6-9 Months Before VBS:
– Recruit your prayer team. It’s never too early to start praying for kids, families, and leaders.
4-6 Months Before VBS:
-Begin recruiting leaders for Bible study, Worship Rally, and rotations.
-Find your VBS Promotion Team Leader to help develop a promotional plan.
3-4 Months Before VBS:
-Enlist a VBS Records Team Leader.
-Find a VBS Connection Team Leader.
-Enlist a technology team.
2-3 Months Before VBS:
-Schedule a Planning Day to give volunteers a time to meet and collaborate on their VBS lessons, schedules, and so forth.
-Recruit a VBS Hospitality Team to provide snacks and encouragement for the volunteers during VBS!
1-2 Months Before VBS:
-Begin promotion efforts to the community.
2-4 Weeks Before VBS:
-Host a VBS team day for leaders and volunteers to finalize plans, sessions, schedules, and help with prep work.
1-2 Weeks Before VBS:
-Distribute supplies to volunteers.
The Day Before VBS:
-Conduct your VBS Preparation Day. Finish decorations, distribute rotation supplies, and ensure the registration area is ready-to-go!
After VBS:
-Use “Leader Appreciation” ideas found in the Administrative Guide (this is included in your Directors Kit) or on the Lifeway Kids blog to express appreciation to all leaders.
Who Should You Be Recruiting?
Seniors: Equip senior adults for VBS roles that allow them to share their passion for the gospel as they pour into the next generation.
Roles to consider: Hospitality Team, Prayer Team, Material Prep Team, Promotional Team
Parents: With some creativity, any parent can find unique and important ways to jump into the planning and preparation work months before VBS takes place.
Roles to consider: Rotations Leader, Craft Helper, Snack Server, Registration Table
College: As local college students spend the summer months serving at camps and working summer jobs, VBS is a fun and memorable way to spend a week with friends investing in the kids of their community.
Roles to consider: Recreation Team, Worship Rally Team, Greeting Team, Rotation Leader
Teens: Students who loved going to VBS or responded to the gospel message as a child during VBS get excited to help lead others and begin to see the value of discipleship.
Roles to consider: Song Motions Leader, Welcome Team, Promotional Team, Rotations Helper
How Should You Be Recruiting?
When leaders recruit with retainment in mind, a fun culture of tradition and community is established for years to come. Finding just the right spot for volunteers to embrace their role and invest in a way that brings them joy goes a long way to building momentum and allowing volunteers to really own their assignment.
The bottom line is—recruit ALL year!
Start having fun early and raise awareness for your VBS in fresh ways.
– Include VBS roles in your kids ministry recruitment events.
– Recruit for specific roles. “Creative? We have a place for you!”
– Connect volunteers to each other early in the year.
– Invite potential volunteers to a “Getting to Know VBS” event.
– Set up a countdown to VBS to remind your church of the outreach opportunity.
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