Guest post by Katie Mason, Children’s Pastor at Abundant Life Church in Maryland.

In September of 2019, the staff at Abundant Life Church in Glen Burnie, MD gathered together to plan the year 2020. Little did we know all those plans would evaporate faster than water on the hot summer concrete. Like most of you, ALC Kids has had to adapt, change, and rewrite plans last minute to try to minister to kids in a helpful way during the chaos of coronavirus and quarantine. And then of course, there was the looming question of VBS. Do we cancel VBS? Try to have it in person? Do we move it online?

At first, we began to plan for an all virtual VBS, but no one was in love with the idea. Screen fatigue was real, and our kids were less engaged with our video calls each week. As the cases in Maryland went down, we thought about trying to have a modified in-person VBS, but none of us felt comfortable with the risk factors involved with the kids, volunteers, and older members of the congregation. And then a foghorn sounded across the misty cloud of 2020; what if we did both? We’d have the large group portion online in the morning. Then kids could meet in their small groups of ten or fewer outside at different times during the day. And so the hybrid of a virtual and in-person VBS was born.

By moving our large group worship services for preschool and elementary online, we are able to limit the amount of exposure our kids would have to others and limit their ability to spread Covid-19 to others should they unknowingly be carriers. Our kids are used to online worship services as we moved all of our ALC Kids worship services online in March to help limit the spread of the virus. Thanks to the digital age, we were able to worship and learn about the Bible together safely from a distance. Still, we knew our kids were desperate for some safe in-person interaction.

We knew that if we could manage to do at least part of our VBS in-person, we’d have greater interest from our kids as well as the kids in our area who didn’t have a church home. Yet, we knew that whatever we did had to be safe for everyone, which is why our small groups will be meeting outside in groups of ten or fewer in a tiered system that allows no more than two small groups on church grounds at a time. Additionally, we are offering an online small group option for children who are high-risk or live with people who are high-risk. Kids who choose this option will be able to pick up a box of supplies for their crafts and games. We want everyone to feel included.

According to the CDC, the main way the virus spreads is through prolonged person to person contact. By limiting the amount of people on church property at a given time, we vastly limit the ability for the virus to spread, but we are also able to provide kids a time to enjoy being with one another and their small group leaders. There is no way to eliminate all the risk, but we are doing our best to be wise and give kids hope and joy during this difficult time.

Throughout the entire planning process, my team and I have asked one question: How do we give kids hope this summer? It has often been a difficult question to answer, but it is one that we come back to time and time again. We believe that VBS provides a time of fun, joy, and learning that kids can take with them as they grow and learn. This year, our goal is to remind our kids that God is still good, and there is still hope and joy to be found, even in 2020.

Guest post by Katie Mason, Children’s Pastor at Abundant Life Church in Maryland.

Follow at @alclivemd on Instagram

The post Creative Solutions for VBS 2020 appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

As we navigate our way through the challenges of VBS 2020, let’s take a look at the long and successful history of VBS for a little inspiration…

1866

The first origins of Christian Bible education to children (that eventually grew into vacation Bible school) is traced back to Boston just after the Civil War by Wheaton University education Professor C.B. Eavey. (1)

1873

Early roots of VBS date to the 1870s, when the Methodist Episcopal Church offered summer Sunday school institutes to the general public near Lake Chautauqua, New York. In 1873, Bishop John H. Vincent proposed the movement should include educational and cultural programs, and soon other Christian groups across the country followed suit with their own summer retreats, many of them offering services for children. (2)

1877

Other reports indicate beginnings of a summertime Bible program for children took place in Montreal, Canada. (3)

1894

D.T. Miles, a public school teacher and wife of a Methodist minister, wanted more time to teach the Bible to students, thinking the school system failed to provide enough time. In response, she started a daily Bible school to teach children during the summer. She enrolled forty students and it lasted four weeks in duration. Children paid one dollar to attend and the American Bible Society provided Scriptures to those who did not have a copy. (4)

1898

Virginia Sinclair Hawes (often identified as “Mrs. Walker Aylett Hawes”), director of the children’s ministry at Epiphany Baptist Church in New York City began an “Everyday Bible School” for immigrant children. Her first location was a rented beer garden behind a saloon during the mornings (324 East 71st Street, NY, NY) and it lasted six weeks. (5)

Professor C. B. Eavy described the early days of VBS like this:

“The vacation church school was started to gather idle children into unused churches where unoccupied teachers might keep them busy in a wholesome way in a wholesome environment.” (6)

“These summer programs in the eastern part of the country reportedly lasted five weeks and included not only Bible    content but also worship, music, open-air games, “expressional activities” like sewing, weaving, basketry and hammock-making, plus talks on patriotism and hygiene.” (7)

1900

Howard R. Vaughan, a Congregationalist pastor in Elk Mound, Wisconsin began a shorter summer program for children in the western U.S. that was shorter in duration and focused primarily on Bible teaching. (8)

1901

Dr. Robert Boville of the Baptist Mission Society, became aware of Mrs. Hawes’ summer program and recommended it to other Baptist churches. Boville established a handful of summer schools which were taught by students at the Union Theological Seminary (NYC). During one summer, one thousand students were enrolled in five different schools. (9)

1907

After the program spread to other cities, including Philadelphia and Chicago, Boville established a national committee. (10)

1912

While not under the title of Vacation Bible School, Dr. Abraham L. Latham of the Third Presbyterian Church in Chester, Pennsylvania initiated a five-week, four hour per day summer Bible school in 1912 which at its peak had 650–700 students. This has been claimed to be the world’s first summer bible school. (11)

1920s

Vaughan’s approach inspired a 1920 teacher’s manual published by Abingdon Press, The Vacation Religious Day School. (12)

1922

Nationally, 5,000 summer Bible schools were established and most lasted five weeks long. Dr. Boville founded the World Association of Daily Vacation Bible School.

1923

Standard Publishing produced the very first printed VBS curriculum. Enough material was provided for a five-week course for three age levels (kindergarten, primary, and junior). (13)

1950’s

An estimated 60,000 vacation Bible schools existed, teaching approximately 5 million students, and including 500,000 volunteers. (14)

1997

Estimated 80% of churches offer Vacation Bible School in the contemporary format (According to a Barna group report in 2013)(15)

2013

An estimated 67% of churches offer Vacation Bible School (16)

2017

According to one VBS publisher alone:

■ 21,376 churches reported a VBS

■ 2,494,059 people enrolled in VBS

■ 65,301 salvation decisions from VBS

■ 835 decisions made for vocational ministry at VBS

■ 160,926 prospects discovered through VBS

■ $7,012,010 given to missions during VBS

■ 78% of churches use VBS as their largest outreach to unchurched kids in a given year (17)

2020

Another year of lives changed for life and eternity! For about 140 years, God has worked through VBS to impact the eternal destination of children all over the world. Much has changed. Much more remains the same.

References:

1. “A Brief History of Vacation Bible School”, Chris Gehrtz, June 20, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2020. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/anxiousbench/2017/06/vbs-brief-history/
2. “From Beer to Bibles to VBS”, Steven Gertz, June 2, 2003. Retrieved May 21, 2020. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2003/juneweb-only/6-30-43.0.html
3. Gerhtz
4. Gerhtz
5. Gerhtz – also http://www.nycago.org/Organs/NYC/html/EpiphanyBapt.html Retrieved May 21, 2020.
6. “In the beginning: The connection between a 19th century beer garden, VBS”, Jennifer Cohron. July 21, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2020. http://mountaineagle.com/stories/in-the-beginning-the-connection-between-a-19th-century-beer-garden-vbs,12315
7. Gerhtz
8. Gerhtz
9. https://happytoknowhim.wordpress.com/2007/08/18/the-history-of-vacation-bible-school/ Retrieved May 26, 2020
10. Gerhtz
11. http://www.oldchesterpa.com/churches/thirdpres_bible_school.htm Retrieved May 26, 2020
12. https://happytoknowhim.wordpress.com/2007/08/18/the-history-of-vacation-bible-school/ Retrieved May 26, 2020
13. “The Legend of VBS” by Mike. January 13, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2020. https://lookoutmag.com/2013/the-legend-of-vbs/
14. Gerhtz
15. “Why Fewer Churches Offer Vacation Bible School”, Abby Stocker. July 21, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2020. https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2013/july/barna-why-fewer-churches-offer-vacation-bible-school-vbs.html
16. “The State of Vacation Bible School” Research Releases in Family & Kids, July 9, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2020 https://www.barna.com/research/the-state-of-vacation-bible-school/
17. “It’s Worth It Presentation Outline” Lifeway Publishing, adapted from It’s Worth It: Uncovering How One week Can Transform Your Church, Landry Homes, Lifeway Publishing, 2019.

The post History of VBS: Summers with Jesus appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

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

The post 10 Easy “P”s of Planning VBS 2020 appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

As VBS volunteers we know there is nothing more valuable than advice from a seasoned VBS expert! That’s why we asked two VBS Directors – one from Missouri and one from Arizona – a few questions about VBS.

Read on below to hear their thoughts on everything from top decorating tips to how they recruit men to assist in running a stellar program!

Erika Solidum
Director of KidLife Ministries at LifePoint Church in Ozark, Missouri

Q: What VBS could you never get out of your head?

A: Sin Messed Everything Up in a LifeWay Kids VBS a few years ago. The rap style and catchy lyrics have us singing it and using it year after year as an example. I only have to start the phrase, “but a sneaky little snake in a sneaky little way…” and everyone can finish it.

Q: What is your top decorating tip?

A: Let your church members use their giftings! If you can, put together a team and give them their budget. Let them get creative and you can help resource them. Delegating and letting others lead different areas of your VBS not only helps you, but it allows them to serve and lead. God uses this to grow them in discipleship and it serves the mission of VBS.

Q: What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned directing VBS?

A: Don’t compare. We live in an area where countless churches might even host the same VBS theme and curriculum. Do what you do well and let God use it how He has planned. He has gifted your people to lead at your church and He will bring exactly who He wants to hear about His love through your ministry.

Q: Should I charge an admission fee for VBS? Why or why not?

A: We do not charge admission. We build the cost of VBS in our budget and I am a firm believer in this. Yes, you will have families who hop from VBS to VBS because it is free ‘childcare.’ But, as with any missional outreach event, we want children to come and we want them to hear about Jesus. This may mean that you get creative to save money in areas to meet budget, but to love people in this way is worth it.

Q: What are the benefits of running an evening VBS?

A: Our church (even before my time as director) has always run an evening VBS. In the beginning, it was because of size and the number of servants needed. Now, it is because we want everyone to have an opportunity to serve. Men come straight from work, throw on their VBS t-shirt, and lead kids. Empty nester couples who still work are able to jump in and serve. Yes, there will be evening conflicts during the summer months. But, overall, parents can bring children without leaving work and more individuals in our church can serve. We love having our evenings together!

Q: How do you get men involved?

A: A couple of years ago, we started doing an elective type activity station model. This means that instead of the traditional recreation and craft time, we allow kids to pick an activity they are interested in for during that time. Men who would have never led a recreation game will come and teach kids about archery or survival skills (used during a safari theme week). It is always a blessing to see these guys love on kids using whatever they are passionate about while they teach them about Jesus along the way.

Q: How do you build up your volunteer team?

A: After directing VBS for a few years and seeing God grow our church, we decided to do a VBS leadership team. This team meets from the beginning and each person is leading a different area of the week. We build up this team by our focused time together, food, and fellowship. They in turn build teams of servants who fulfill the roles in each of their areas to make the week a success (snack team, Bible teaching team, crew leader team, etc). They carry this on and encourage their teams through little notes, candy bars, and treats during the week itself. We love our servant volunteers and we love seeing some of them become VBS leaders after a couple years!

Giselle Ryan
Children’s Pastor at Radiant Church in Surprise, Arizona

Q: What is your secret weapon for surviving VBS?

A: Laughter! You have to have a good laugh every now and then. It helps to put things into perspective.

Q: What is your top decorating tip?

A: Start early. You can never start too early when it comes to decorations.

Q: What is your best marketing strategy to date?

A: Make a cool video explaining how great this event is and play it on Sunday mornings in the adult service leading up to it. It will get the word out in your congregation so they can invite people and it will get you volunteers to serve!

What is your top tip for VBS directors? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

The post VBS Advice from Two Experts appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

How do I build a fantastic budget for my Vacation Bible School? If you’re leading a VBS, you can really start planning until you know what funds will be available to you.

You can check out our post on planning VBS on a budget here. Raising funds for many is challenging.

How do I ask? Who do I ask? I’ve seen many a people get shy when it comes to asking. Here are 8 tips to help you with the ‘how’…

Believe in What You’re Asking For

Do you believe in kid’s ministry? Do you believe it is important? Do you believe Vacation Bible School will change the lives of kids and families? I hope the answer is a resounding, YES! If you wholeheartedly believe in the cause you are asking for, that passion will shine through when you are asking for help. Write out all the reasons why VBS is important, why you believe in it, the impact the program has had, and why you are excited to be a part of it. Your belief in the program will be felt by those you are talking to.

Join our community of KidMin volunteers over on our Facebook Group ‘Everything KidMin’! 

When Possible, Ask Out Of Relationship

Many good things flow out of relationships. We don’t build relationships so we can get things – but a perk to already being in a relationship with an individual or business is that you have established credibility and rapport with them. Network throughout the year with people and businesses in your community because you care. As you care about others, usually they care about your.

Ask for Partners Not Just Money

When you ask people to financially invest in your ministry, appeal to them as partners. ‘We are asking you to partner with us… because you give, you are part of the success of this program… with your partnership we can feed XX kids breakfast before VBS etc’. Connect the donor to your why and allow them to share in the success of what you are building.

Set a Goal and Share Your Goal

This is a big one! Set a goal and share your goal. How much do you need to raise? Don’t be afraid to share that number with your team and your potential partners. Sometimes people shy away from sharing a goal because, what is we don’t meet it? Don’t ket fear keep you from sharing your goal. Something powerful happens when we put words to our vision and openly share it – you never know who will catch your vision and partner with you.

Be Direct

Once your share your vision, your goals and desire to become partners, be direct in ‘the ask’. Don’t beat around the bush and hint at your request. Come out and directly ask for what you need. ‘We need to raise $250, would you partner with us by giving to the ministry of Church?‘. Or if you’re looking for product donation, ‘We would like to feed breakfast to 50 kids Monday through Friday, could you supply us with 100 doughnuts one day of the week?’

Assume Good… But Be Prepared For a ‘No’

Assume that people and businesses want to work with you. Assume they want to partner and want to give. That assumption will influence your demeanor when you make your presentation. Assume good, but be prepared for no. Don’t take rejection personally. Practice how you’ll respond if no is the answer you receive. You can say something like, ‘I understand. Thank you so much for being generous with your time and hearing me today. I look forward to continuing our relationship in the weeks/months to come.’

Thank You. Gracias. Obrigado. Je Vous Remercie.

Say ‘thank you’ many different ways. Thank you’s matter. A thank you builds on the relationship beyond the gift given. Mail a thank you note right away and then also follow up after your event with a thank you. Because you are working on a partnership, connect your partners to the success of the program. Give them stories and stats they can be proud of. Use phrases like, ‘because you gave, we accomplished…’ or ‘your generosity meant 75 kids ate breakfast each morning…’ or ‘little Jonny was thrilled each day to take his craft home to his family. Your giving made this possible’. 

Will Your Partner Donations Be A Tax Deduction?

Know the answer to this question before it is asked by a potential giver.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Use our FREE resources to help you build your budget. We have sample budget pages, sample fundraising request letters and sample fundraising thank you letters.

Now that you are a bit more confident in how you will ask, what about who? Who should you ask if you’re looking for donations for your VBS? Pray about who to ask and then start with who you know. As stated earlier, many good things flow from relationships, personal and professional. Many businesses want to give a certain dollar amount each year to non-profits or charitable organizations.

If you’re looking for product donation, obviously you need to look for businesses that have the product you want. I’ve heard of local grocery stores giving gift cards to their grocery store, bakeries donating day old baked goods, and craft stores donating inventory they haven’t sold and they are getting ready to pitch. Are there individuals in your community that believe in the next generation that would be thrilled to give back with a monetary contribution?

Good luck and don’t forget, Philippians 4:19 – God gives everything we need. Pray about the need. Ask for help. Work hard. And trust that God is supplying for what you need this season. 

The post How to Ask for VBS Donations appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Guest Post by Giselle Ryan, Children’s Pastor at Radiant Church – Surprise, Arizona

There’s nothing like a couple of kids and a week of VBS. Something magical happens when time is set aside to creatively engage kids of all ages, pointing them to the story of Jesus. I’ve seen nothing but good things come out of doing VBS. Not only are kids impacted but parents see the effects. Conversations are sparked in the home centered on Jesus. Curiosity is created in kids to ask questions regarding faith and how it relates to themselves. The wonderful volunteers that help to run the show are as well impacted by being a part. They get to be in the discussions and work to form relationships with the kids. It is so satisfying for volunteers to teach kids about their Creator and have a blast while doing it.

When I first helped to direct a VBS I was rather overwhelmed. There is so much work involved in accomplishing a big feat such as VBS. From creating the coolest games that engage kids to preparing the snacks for each day to coordinating with every volunteer making sure they know what they’re doing, VBS is quite the task to take on. Amid getting everything accomplished it’s easy to get lost in the details and the deadlines and forget the reason why you started it all in the first place. The countless hours put in at the church and with the help of many volunteers, we were able to complete it all in time.

Need help selecting your VBS? Click here to discover FREE resources and helpful guides!

Once the first day started, I quickly remembered all the hard work was for a purpose. The excitement in the kids mixed with all the activities we plan for them and the incredible truth we get to teach is magnetic. By the last day I was filled with a mixture of exhaustion and utter fulfillment giving all I had to this special week. To hear the feedback from volunteers on how impactful this one week had on them was rewarding. The volunteers made special connections with kids, other leaders, and saw the importance of investing in the next generation.

At our church we call VBS Kids Week and we look at it almost like a summer camp experience without having the kids overnight. We get the kids for the first half of the day and by noon they are ready to be picked up. We have different themes for each day so everyone can dress up like crazy hair day. The last day is always water day, a day everyone looks forward to. We play all the games outside and the kids get soaked. It’s a day full of sunscreen, snow cones, and laughter.

I love to create exciting moments for kids and then tie it all back to Jesus. When you love on kids, they’ll listen to what you have to say. It’s through relationship where transformation takes place. And that’s why I love VBS because it helps to create genuine relationships for kids. Most importantly their relationship with God is better understood and then they make connections with others which gives them someone to further their growth in faith with.

I can’t wait to see what this year’s VBS has in store.

Guest Post by Giselle Ryan, Children’s Pastor at Radiant Church – Surprise, Arizona

The post Why I love directing VBS appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Guest post by Erika Solidum, Director of KidLife Ministries, Lifepoint Church – Ozark, MO

VBS PLANNING CHECKLIST

September – January: pick and purchase the curriculum. Check.

February – March: weed through the details to decide your plan of action. Check.

April and on – enlist the servants. Long pause…

Wait, what? Enlist servants?! 

Although the theme, decorations, and set-up change year-to-year, one thing remains—Vacation Bible School always begins long before the hot summer months and children arrive. It doesn’t happen without months of preparation…or a large servant base. Before all of this preparation begins each year, our team always asks the question: Why? Why put the blood, sweat, and tears into four to five nights? Why do this if we may only get a handful of visitors? What if the weather changes our plans? How will we ever get enough people to sign up to serve? And we arrive back again at our checklist.

For some of us (okay, maybe all of us) in children’s ministry, the mention of recruiting servant volunteers causes our blood pressure to spike. It is one of those never-ending, always necessary parts of leading. Recruiting and filling servant roles is a constant battle, no matter the size of your ministry. However, it is also vital. Without the people that God provides to do His work, we don’t get to see what all He has planned. And watching servants grow in both their placement roles at our church and in their relationships with the Lord makes it all worth it. We know that God is faithful to grow and mature us through serving Him! But is it worth it to spend our time recruiting for a single summer event? And do we really need eight people to help with snacks?

Need help selecting your VBS? Click here to discover FREE resources and helpful guides!

Each year, our team faces these questions and checks them off with determination. This isn’t because we always see more and more visitors or countless kids accept Christ (But we are SO thankful when we do!) Or because we have all our serving roles filled six months ahead of time. VBS is a staple event on our church calendar because every year it is proven worth it. God uses VBS to mobilize His people to fulfill the Great Commission.

In our church we set out to recruit over one hundred people to serve during the week of VBS. And many times this means there are countless messages and phone calls made asking members of our church family to step up and give their time. Without fail, every year, we have seen God provide through His people.

What other time during your ministry year do you see countless members of your church step up and serve kids? For us, this is one of the reasons we set aside funds in the budget and put in the time to plan. VBS unites our church body to serve with one single mission in mind. Members from every age range jump in and take on varying roles to see kids introduced to and taught the gospel. Some teach the Bible story for the week. Others lead small groups of kids and build relationships with them. And then there are some who prepare the snacks and make sure bellies are full so kids can keep up with the evening’s activities.

Without these servants the week would not happen, nor would it be successful. We strategically plan our VBS to happen in the evenings. This means that more people can sign up and serve without work conflicts. In a time when we need men serving in children’s ministry like never before, this gives them that opportunity. This is the one week a year where well over half of our church body is engaged and involved. They are serving to see kids grow to know and love Jesus. It is a tangible picture of the church moving on mission.

Join our VBS Community over an our Facebook Group – Everything Kidmin!

Each year God uses this week of serving with children as a catalyst for our children’s ministry. Almost every single year, someone has stepped in to serve during the week of VBS with little to no experience within our ministry. But God uses it to draw them into His church and exposes them to the giftings He has given them. We have seen couples who were small group leaders become Sunday classroom teachers, teens step into regular serving roles because their confidence grew in their ability to serve, and men who might not have answered the desperate plea for Sunday or Wednesday children’s ministry servant roles jump in to serving with excitement. Some have even braved the stage and found that kids love their goofy attempts at each skit.

Just this last summer, I met a new family. They had just moved from out-of-state and were anxious to get to know people, so they strategically signed up to serve at VBS. Now, this entire family is actively serving at our church with three of its members serving in our children’s ministry. Each year at VBS, God shows us how He established His church to operate through the giftings and roles He has given us as a body. Each one being built up into the Head, Christ (Eph 4:11-16).

Whether you are hosting a VBS for five or five hundred, the mission is the same—to see kids exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ and come to know and love Him. We know this takes willing servants who will be obedient to love and lead for the week. While this can be a stressor for many of us because recruiting feels daunting, the rewards far outweigh the cost. What better way to engage your church in fulfilling the Great Commission than spending a week serving side-by-side while kids come into your space each day to hear about Jesus? And what better reward than seeing kids come to know Jesus?

Guest post by Erika Solidum,
Director of KidLife Ministries, Lifepoint Church – Ozark, MO

The post A Fresh Perspective on VBS Volunteers appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Happy New Year! Can you believe we are entering a new decade? We pray that regardless of what 2019 brought your way personally and professionally, that you finished the year knowing Jesus in a more intimate way. He is indeed the Good Shepherd, working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

As you begin 2020 with a fresh calendar and a newly sharpened pencil in hand, we wanted to make you aware of a few FREE resources we have to help you plan your 2020 Vacation Bible School. “VBS, VBS VBS all the way. Oh what fun, it is to plan Vacation Bible School, oh!” (sing to the tune of Jingle Bells) Ok ok, too much cheesiness for your day. I get it.

Here are the freebies!

First, we have two resources to help you select which curriculum to use. We have a brief comparison chart, giving you a side by side glance of each VBS theme available. We also have a longer VBS Guide, giving you more details for each program but still all in one place. Decide early on your curriculum so you can shop the sales after New Years, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter!

Second, we have some budget planning tools: a top level budget sheet – guiding you in planning big picture ideas and a detailed budget – guiding you in breaking down the nitty gritty details.

Third, we have a Donations Listing chart. This is just a simple guide to help you think through what donations to seek out and to help you keep track of them.

Join our community Everything Kidmin with Christianbook over on Facebook! 

Fourth, we have a Planning Calendar. The planning calendar is a great tool to utilize starting as soon as 9 months in advance. Advance planning is a key component in pulling off a great VBS! We hope you find this helpful.

Fifth, our website is full of information for each curriculum. After you peruse the comparison chart and guide – you may still have questions. Head to christianbook.com/page/vbs for more information to help you make your selection. Here you’ll be able to read more details, see samples, listen to music, watch promo videos and more!

Sixth, call our Customer Service Experts at 1-800-CHRISTIAN. If you still have questions, we have an incredible team at Christianbook ready to answer any questions you have. We even have Vacation Bible School experts! Woo hoo!

Lastly, stay connected through Facebook and our blog! Over the next few months we’ll be posting several articles, free downloads, and tools to help you with EVERYTHING KIDMIN.

Again, Happy New Year from your EVERYTHING KIDMIN team!

The post Free VBS 2020 Resources appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Simply click to download and then print out these sheets as many times as you need!

[[ CLICK TO DOWNLOAD ROAR VBS DAY ONE ]]

[[ CLICK TO DOWNLOAD ROAR VBS DAY 2 ]]

[[ CLICK TO DOWNLOAD ROAR VBS DAY 3 ]]

[[ CLICK TO DOWNLOAD ROAR VBS DAY 4 ]]

[[ CLICK TO DOWNLOAD ROAR VBS DAY 5 ]]

For more Roar VBS 2019 resources, click here!

The post FREE // Roar VBS 2019 Coloring Sheets appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

But what if we said you can find a use for all of those old VBS t-shirts? Whether that use be practical, sentimental, or fashionable, there are plenty of options for you to reuse and recycle those tees! Here are some of our favorite ideas…

T-Shirt Quilt

This crafty idea may take a little extra time and effort, but what a great memento of all those VBS years gone by! It’s something you can gift to your child so they can revisit all those wonderful memories for years to come. We found a great tutorial over at Diary of a Crafty Lady.

No-Sew Infinity Scarf

This is a super easy craft idea that will make a great spring accessory for your wardrobe! It requires only a few tools – some scissors and a little tape. It can even be decorated to your liking – use a foam plunger like Sugar & Cloth to create a polka dot pattern!

T-Shirt Tassels

Perfect for decorating all those birthday gifts – or maybe even using to tie up your curtains with! Again, this one is very easy and only requires some scissors and a little bit of time. We love this tutorial for t-shirt tassels by My Poppet!

No-Sew Turban Headband

Another item that will be perfect for your spring-summer wardrobe – a turban headband! Very on trend at the moment, and very simple to make with an old tee at home. Again, all that is needed are a pair of scissors and, if you want to make like blogger See Kate Sew, add some fabric paint to decorate! Find a great tutorial here! 

T-Shirt Produce Bag

Get enviro-friendly with this easy DIY to turn your t-shirt into a reusable produce bag. This is perhaps one of our favorite ways to recycle these tees because it’s good for the environment… and you can never have too many bags! Next time you’re at the checkout, you can skip the plastic bag thanks to this tutorial by Delia Creates!

Dog Toy

Is there a furry friend in your household? This DIY is the perfect treat for them! Dog toys can be expensive – and often, they don’t tend to last all that long. But this simple tutorial by The Everyday Dog Mom will show you how to turn those old tees into something fun for your pooch!

Still in need of some VBS 2019 Supplies? Check out our store by clicking here! 

The post 6 Ways to Upcycle Old VBS T-Shirts appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.