V. B. & S.
Let me begin by stating clearly: I think VBS is a good thing. This is not a “bash VBS” article. However, it is meant to be a “let’s rethink some things about VBS” article.
One thing I am grateful for at Central is that we have changed how we view VBS. Often, congregations have a big event like this, draw in a bunch of people, and then nothing changes. We have made serious efforts at Central this year to follow up with guests (in the immediate days afterward and it is still ongoing), and we continue to believe we will have prospects for Bible studies from VBS. It is far more than just the usual closing announcement of “Oh, and we have classes on Sunday, too!” We see it as evangelistic and an opportunity to grow our list of people to continue to reach out to.
But that is where this article comes from. What if you have a guest who comes back? What will they see?
They have come to something that is VBS, “Vacation Bible School.”
But if we are being honest, what they might experience if they come back is “VB&S,” a Veritable Bait & Switch.
Think about it: does your “regular” Bible class program look much like your VBS? Now, of course, we all understand that events like VBS are meant to be somewhat different. That’s part of the point, and that is part of what draws excitement.
Some of the differences, though, are really somewhat embarrassing. For example, how many of us will spend days decorating a room for a four-day VBS to impress kids who might not come to our church, but won’t so much as change out a bulletin board in the classroom of our own regular Bible class attendees?
Bait & Switch.
It has been observed many times that “what draws them is what keeps them.” As I grow older, I am amazed at how rarely that concept is applied to VBS. It is applied to youth outings. It is applied to congregations that will change God’s plan for worship. But VBS? Oh, no. We’d better not go there.
Maybe we should. And here’s the thing: I am not advocating for making VBS some staid, stoic event. I think the excitement is just sort of baked into the cake. Instead, what I am saying is that we need to step up our “regular” Bible classes to match the effort we will put into something that is over in just a handful of days.
Decorate those rooms! Why not decorate the hallways while you’re at it (after all, you did for VBS)! Think of a craft for your lesson! Teach with energy and passion!
Do not bait and switch on these precious children–or their families.
Make VBS stand for Very Best Situation and just see if there is not a renewed passion for every Sunday’s Bible school, and not just an energy for the one-week Vacation Bible School.
AUTHOR: Adam Faughn