You amaze us. Really you do. You have stepped up to handle the task to lead Vacation Bible School this summer, which may well be the largest evangelistic event your church hosts all year. That’s impressive!
As a VBS volunteer, you have a dream to see people come to faith in Christ at an early age. You are committed to seeing God’s Word rooted in the lives of children so that their faith withstands tests of time. You build community between the church and families, fulfilling Jesus’ commandment to spread the gospel and make disciples.
Here are a few things to bear in mind if you need reminding of the important role you are playing.
You are part of history
Christian groups started offering summer educational programs to children as early as the 1870’s near Lake Chautauqua, NY. The precursor to VBS as we know it today is often traced to Mrs. Walker Aylette Hawes in New York City in the late 1890’s. She rented the only space available to her – a saloon – to run a six week long summer Bible school for children that included Bible stories, music, Scripture memorization, games, crafts, and skill development such as cooking. Over a century later, Vacation Bible School remains an essential means of reaching the next generation with the love of Christ.
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You have a tremendous influence on your community
You are building the Kingdom of God. VBS is not only important to reaching the “4/14 Window” of children between the ages of 4 and 14, but it also ministers to the larger community. VBS draws families to the church and gives you opportunities for establishing relationships with unbelieving parents of kids in your program. It also draws the entire congregation together to use their gifts and talent. Young and old, male and female, extrovert and introvert – there’s a place for everyone to serve during VBS.
You are part of a global movement
Millions of children across the country and millions more around the world attend a Vacation Bible School even every summer. Just let this sink in for a minute… God is working through every VBS director and volunteer with global impact. So, if the attendance at your particular VBS feels small, please remember that each and every child you reach is important, and that you are part of something immeasurably more than we could ever think or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20)
You have eternal impact
VBS changes lives. Children hear the gospel message for the first time and make decisions to follow Jesus. Teens in the church who question if God will work through them, find a place to serve and deepen connections with other youth. New families in the church meet other adults, establish friendships, and keep returning. Long-standing church-goers experience the joy of watching new believers come to salvations and grow in their walk of faith.
