Faith Forum: What role does Vacation Bible School play in ministry?

VBS future of church

The Rev. Kara Eidson, associate pastor, First United Methodist Church, 946 Vt. and 867 Highway 40:

At First United Methodist Church, Vacation Bible School is one of the highlights of our children’s ministry during the summer. The week of VBS is an excellent way for children to express their faith and share in the worship experience in services that are entirely focused on meeting them where they are. The children get to experience a different Bible story each day through music, story time, games, arts and crafts; even the snacks at snack-time help tell the story of the day. Held at our congregation’s West Campus, we take advantage of both indoor and outdoor space for the week of activities.

For the greater body of the church, especially for those without school-aged children, VBS is an opportunity to witness the future of the church — to recapture the vision of who we are called to be and who we are called to serve. VBS also serves as an outreach to children of the community, as many of the children who attend are not from families who are church members. As such, we have opportunities to introduce these children to the church as a fun and welcoming place, where they can both play and learn. Our hope is that they also find a place where they can ask questions about God, faith and the world around them.

Our fourth through sixth graders, or “tweens,” participate in a full day of VBS, (preschoolers through third graders come to one morning or evening session each day). They serve each other lunch, and have additional activities such as: community service, time for reflecting on faith, a bake sale to raise money for a ministry or organization, and one afternoon set aside for a fun activity.

— Send e-mail to Kara Eidson at kara@fumclawrence.org.

VBS is own ministry

Rod Hinkle, pastor, North Lawrence Christian Church, 647 Elm St.:

Vacation Bible School is ministry in several powerful and effective ways.

God values children. Jesus said, “Their angels constantly behold the face of God.” Adults are urged by the Lord to “become like a child,” open, trusting, curious, teachable, trainable. So VBS is direct ministry to God for his glory and praise.

Vacation Bible school is evangelistic. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get the great, good news of Jesus out of the church and into the community. Children are the most effective evangelists the Lord has. The Bible says, “A little child shall lead them,” and they do.

VBS is life-changing. The eternal word of God flies off the written page and into the lives and hearts of enthusiastic children and adults during VBS, remaining for years. Many adults can still remember lessons learned and Scripture memorized in VBS. Children and adults become more mature, loving, compassionate and less self-centered by means of an intensive week in God’s word.

Vacation Bible school gives children and adults special opportunities to give of their treasure and time to others in need. Our VBS has contributed to the Leo Center, international disaster needs, children’s homes and others. Children find delight in helping others.

Vacation Bible school is a short-term mission for youths and adults to their own neighborhood. Adults can and should set aside other pursuits for this ministry. A variety of skills is needed so that anyone can serve.

It is unifying. Many churches use the same Bible curriculum, teaching the same Scripture lessons and joining the whole community in this positive and helpful ministry.

Vacation Bible school doesn’t just contribute to the churches’ ministries; it is ministry.

— Send e-mail to Rod Hinkle at Preachrod45@aol.com.