Pray first . . . keep praying . . . don’t stop praying.

Christine M.R.

Prayer is the key part and without it we will not make the best use of the blessing of this ministry. The most important outreach of every church. First, we pray!

Mary M.B.

As a church, we have to continue to pray and ask the Lord to send us the laborers because the harvest is great. Last year was our first VBS at Christ Community Church in Cleveland Heights, OH. We had a blessed time. The Lord really showed up and we had a great time. Hoping to increase our attendance this year with the Illumination Station theme “Jesus Is the Light of the World.”

Berdine M.S.

Don’t sweat the small stuff and it’s all small stuff. None of the decorations and worry will hold a candle to the message. So, pick your teachers and volunteers and focus on the big stuff—God’s Word!

Debra O.S.

Remember it’s about the gospel and training up confident disciples for the glory of God! Make it fun and memorable.

Edith G.

A heart given to Christ is the biggest achievement and gift you could get!

Karon P.S.

VBS is not only about reaching outside the church walls but unifying the workers within the walls. Our church grows closer as we are unified in the call to share the gospel together. It’s amazing to see how much He grows the ones who come and the ones who serve. #worthit

Leslie C.J.

Remember that VBS is as much for the servants as it is for the kids. Don’t be a lone ranger. Delegate and let others have ownership of their ideas and creative contributions, with a little directorial oversight.

Francine L.

Remember, VBS is a ministry just like any other outreach program!

Jenny Y.

Go with the flow! Have the Bible lessons as your foundation. Add some snacks and games. Have adults who are willing to be silly. If all parts of the curriculum do not work for you, pick and choose.

A few years back our children’s pastor got all the pastors involved in his skit he wrote for that year’s theme. They were all ’80s dudes! Before this we had no one beyond the children’s pastor involved. Now they give up being productive for the week in the morning and everyone is involved as able. The kids wanted pictures and autographs with the pastors!

Now it has grown into pastors, pastor’s wives, interns, worship team, office staff — all excited to don T-shirts or costumes to share fun with kids. We have finally figured it out for us! You do you! Also, massive construction projects require lots of “go with the flow.” (We may not have a front parking lot or green space this year! Good times.)

Janella J.

Don’t be afraid to try new things and break away from old traditions that no longer serve your community.

Christy T.

Ask God to give the VBS to the children and offer to be His hands and feet, and search for more willing hearts.

Ingrid S.

Especially when you are exhausted and wondering if you are really qualified, remember that God says you are His child and He has called you.

Dawna M.

You will never be the same after VBS. God will use you and change you as He changes children’s lives. It’s all for God’s kingdom!

Glenne W.

The time and energy you are putting into VBS is worth it, although you may not see the fruits of it until years later. I was 6 years old in this picture during Ramblin’ Road Trip and I didn’t know Jesus until I was 15. But, if it hadn’t been for those VBS volunteers in 2005 at Dalraida Baptist Church in Montgomery, AL, I might have never had those seeds planted in my life.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Cor. 15:58 CSB

Matt D.

VBS in my grandmother’s backyard was my favorite. All of the neighborhood children would come and learn about Jesus, color pictures to take home, and eat cookies and Kool-Aid. I’ll never forget those young years. My grandmother was a wonderful person and the one who introduced me to Jesus. It wasn’t until I was much older that I appreciated her and what God planted in her to accomplish here on earth.

Kerri G.