Thankfully, in recent weeks we have passed the initial shock and adjustments to the Covid-19 pandemic. We now have more ability to move forward to normal. Depending on where you live, restrictions on summer activities will look and feel different. As we move forward together, be encouraged!
VBS may look different but it does not have to be destroyed. VBS may be delayed but gospel presentations will not be denied. Now, more than ever children and families need the hope of the gospel. This could be the best summer ever!
Here are 10 tips to help you navigate VBS Planning this year…
1. Plan for a Late Summer VBS
This gives you time to figure things out. Our normal VBS planning schedule was interrupted this spring, but now we can get back on track. For now, it’s good to set the date and ask volunteers to put the date on their calendars.
2. Pull Together Your Team Leaders
You have a great group of people you’ve worked with in previous years. Invite them back on a conference call and seek their suggestions about who else can help this year.
3. Pursue New People to Help
With more adults, college students, and teens not able to work this summer there might be an abundance of extra volunteers available who will welcome the opportunity to use their time in meaningful ways.
4. Position Your VBS for Online and At-Home
VBS publishers have made adaptations and given practical instructions for how you can do this. It is possible and easier than you think! Find out here: Planning for VBS During Covid-19
5. Pick Young People to Help
If you need help figuring out how to be successful over social media and digital events, invite a responsible college student or young adult to help. Ask their advice, input, and ideas and trust them to help the church connect with families and children through VBS.
6. Partner with Other Churches
Smaller-size churches may benefit by combining in the Spirit of unity for the purpose of the mission. Use the ‘multiplier’ effect of partnership to stretch budgets, engage more volunteers, and brainstorm creative ideas.
7. Preserve the Mission
Our mission remains the same while the method of delivery might change. We are on a mission to love children, point them to Jesus, and help them grow to be life-long disciples of Christ. Keep the relational aspect of VBS in the front of your planning.
8. Purpose to Have Fun
VBS can be summarized in three words: faith, fun and friends (family of believers). Build in some fun surprises in your video presentations just like you would do in a regular large group VBS assembly. Connect kids with their favorite group leaders and friends in video conferences.
9. Photograph the Moment
We are living in a historical moment! Take lots of pictures and document this season so that generations to come can remember all God did
10. Pray, Believe God, & Persist with Eternity in Mind
Remember that God is still working in our different circumstances and His Word will not return void. Our current circumstances are no surprise to God. They are not a setback, but rather present new opportunities last year did not offer us. More people are attending church online and this means more families may attend VBS online. Persist forward with joy and with eternity in mind.
God’s strength, wisdom, peace and creativity be with you,
Maryl
Former VBS Director
Senior Editor, Christianbook.com
