I have my serious doubts as to whether or not VBS serves a useful purpose anymore. It seems to me to require a great deal of effort, energy, and resources. And yet.....I personally see very few results.

What are your thoughts?? Do you still see VBS as a valid program in the church?? If so.....what innovative ideas have you seen lately that really made a VBS stand out??

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

Answers

If presented correctly, much of the "good" from running a week-long or two-week long VBS is still valid. For instance, children will retain so much more from a day-to-day learning of the Bible rather than a week-to-week learning of the same material. They are fed the material daily, and are able to retain much more. This is a good thing.

If used to invite other children to the program, this can be good as well ... problem is, most VBS programs only involve the children who are already involved in the weekly programs of the congregation.

Yes, it will take a lot of work on the part of a lot of people, and if the members are not willing to do the work, then it can be a real headache.

When I first arrived at Palma Ceia C/C in Tampa, we had a VBS. As the youth minister, I was the director the first year, and I had an assistant director. She "took over" as director the day VBS began. She was fully trained and ready. The next summer, she was director, and she had an assistant, who took over the day VBS began ... and so on. New people were put into leadership roles within the CE department this way.

We also got some new teachers out of VBS. I would ask folks that I knew would be good teachers to take a class for VBS ... "just for the week." There were many who would teach for a week, but would not commit for a quarter of S/S or a year of Youth Group. Many of these "one-weekers" ended up seeing how they were entrusted by God with a talent for teaching, and they volunteered to work in other, more regular teaching assignments. And, we found out that some of the folks just weren't gifted of God to teach, and they would then be directed somewhere else.

Will it work for you today? A lot has to go into the planning to ensure it is a program suited for the children at your congregation. Some of the canned programs recently are so wishy-sashy (and I'm not even talking about doctrine). Children today are more sophesticated, and the program used must reflect this. The Indiana C of C writes their own material, uses well over 50% of the members in active roles during VBS (teaching, refreshments, program, etc.). That way, they are able to ensure solid doctrinal teaching.

I can remember VBS growing up, and Standard Publishing was the material used. It would always include the plan of salvation for older children, and never wavered on the immersion issue. Today, even Standard's material omits immersion, if it discusses salvation at all. They have to, in order to sell to the variety of congregations who use their material ... to compete with Gospel Light, etc.

Just my 2c worth.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

Darrell....

One interesting thing I saw done by one church this year was that they provided the evening meal for workers and attending children.

I told my wife when I saw that sign that was probably a pretty good idea if you are going to do an evening VBS.

I know the Wed. meals have always worked wonders for Wed. night attendance wherever I have done it.....so....what do you think about VBS.....would that be a good thing??

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

An outstanding idea! Not only would that help those who are giving of their time each evening (yes, most VBS programs today are done in the evening 'cause you can't get enough help for a daytime VBS), it would involve more folks in the service of the VBS program, having to cook and provide food for the workers and their families. And yes, you could include food for the children, but you would have to extend the length of the VBS. Maybe offer meals to the children who attend ... and their families, AT NO COST, and then invite the parents of the children to an adult VBS program that runs at the same time as the children's program. Good chance not only to reach out to children, but also to their parents.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

A lot of kids come to VBS who usually don't come to church or sunday school ... and those kids expose what they learn to their parents ...

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

It sure seemed to work for Walter Scott, didn't it John ... the five finger thingee. The children were taught, and they taught their parents, and many came to see what it was all about. Might be onto something here ...

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

I am the VBS coordinator at a church of Christ in New England. This is the second year that I have had this responsibility. It is true that VBS requires a great deal of time and effort. The question is what do we see as its' "useful purpose". If we are looking to immediately convert others to Christ, then it is likely that we will be dissapointed for that week or two. If we are seeking to fellowship and teach the word of God to children and parents in an way that is intensive and "fun", VBS serves the purpose well. It is also a useful tool for enlisting members to serve the body of Christ and forge new relationships within and without. As far as innovation goes why not develop our own thems rather than send out for the prepackaged curriculum which is now being used by many congregations? Early planning and involvement can add a personal touch to the program and involve many more people.

-- Anonymous, August 03, 2001

From my personal observation over the last many a years....at various places.....and from looking at various programs......the emphasis seems to be more on the "fun".....and very little on the "intensive Bible."

This is why I question the validity of VBS anymore.

-- Anonymous, August 03, 2001

Danny, "Intensive Bible" for 2 through 8 year olds? You had better make it "fun". Children are still capable of learning Bible in a fun atmosphere. Didn't you sing silly songs with meaningful messages as a child. Weren't they fun? Didn't you learn effectively? VBS like any effective learning must be based on balance. The kids can have fun and still learn.

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

Andrea.....

READ what I said. I didn't say...."cut out the fun." I said most VBS pograms I have seen in the last few years fall short on the Bible study side and emphasize "the fun."

Let's face it.....in most VBS programs the kids gets 20 to 25 minutes for their lesson. By the time you settle them down.....take Fred and Susie to the bathroom....how much time has been spent in the word???

Personally.....I think VBS is a relic.....that I really have no use for anymore.

We continue to have a generation of biblically ignorant people. But.....God bless them....they know how to use glue and glitter.

Compare the early biblical educations of Chritians and Jewish people.....and we should be ashamed.

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2001

Well, regrettably it seems as though it's just become "5 days of summer fun" at my previous church. When was the last time you saw a VBS that was called "Jesus is the only way to Heaven 2001"??? Too much emphasis on entertainment.

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001