1. Child Evangelism is Exponential Evangelism
Vacation Bible School is not primarily for the regular attendees of our church. Yes, our children might attend and they might enjoy the summer program but the goal of VBS is to minister to children and their families who may not attend church on a regular basis. Most VBS programs are designed to teach the message of salvation and keep the message simple to bring children to Christ. This gives the families of HFUMC the opportunity to bring visitors. Each child comes with families and the fun summer program of VBS is a much more non-threatening environment than perhaps they might feel attending a traditional Sunday morning service.
2. A short-term commitment with eternal benefits
VBS is an opportunity for busy volunteers to serve. We have so many gifted people who lead frenetic schedules but for a few hours each evening, for one week they find the joy of serving far outweighs the inconvenience or exhaustion. They connect with kids who soak up the messages and their love like sponges. They find that they are energized by the children’s enthusiasm and innocent excitement over the Gospel message. And afterwards, VBS volunteers will be physically tired but spiritually refreshed.
3. We all agree on the basics
Okay, this might be a bit controversial but believe it or not Christians can even debate about a program like VBS. We all have our beliefs on raising children and even how we raise children according to scripture. VBS is not the time to bring our theological debates into the mix. Vacation Bible School is about reaching children and families with the message of the Cross. When we bring our theological debates into the mix we turn people away and we make church uninviting. But when we stick to the basics, lives are impacted and the kingdom grows.
4. It’s a wise investment
As costly as it can be to put on a VBS program cheaper is not always better. According to Barna research, “nearly half of all Americans who accept Jesus Christ as their savior do so before reaching the age 13 (43%), and that two out of three born again Christians (64%) made that commitment to Christ before their 18th birthday.” Funding the program isn’t about the money but about teaching the gospel to the youngest members of your community. A far greater investment!
5. Church is fun
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why I have always loved VBS is because it is fun. I can laugh and be silly with children of all ages and because we can transform the walls of our church into a child’s adventure. I think it is important to show others, especially children, that loving God is fun and the message of Christ is not all about an adult’s world but it is about being a community where loving God and faith includes children.
Again this year, VBS will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., the week of June 21-25. We hope to have some of Nashville's popular Food Trucks set up shop in HFUMC's parking lot so that family, friends, and community members can grab dinner and visit while our kids head indoors to learn about Jesus' unwavering love. Thursday night, we will close the week with a special celebration for families that will include good food, music and fellowship.
Everyone - parents, grandparents, those who just like fun - is invited to participate in VBS, as volunteers. We are currently recruiting station leaders, crew leaders, individuals to help with registration, photographers, etc. We hope the later time frame allows more parents, including our working moms and dads, to experience this fun-filled week with your little ones! If you would like to volunteer, or to find out what volunteer positions are open, please email Jennifer Foran.
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Article submitted by: Becki Manni
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