I’m end-of-VBS tired.
If you’ve ever done Vacation Bible School, you know what I mean.
Every year, the Group team gathers real kids to try out the activities in our upcoming three VBS programs. Yes, programs plural. So if you’re end-of-VBS tired, multiply that by three! Not only do we create the activities for each program, our small-but-mighty team decorates classrooms, shops for supplies, and leads the activities.
“But wouldn’t it be easier just to use AI to generate some fun games and Bible lessons, give them an edit, and send them to the printer?”
While I’m all for saving time and leaning on the creativity of others, three decades of ministry has shown me that we learn by doing. This truth applies to kids and adults. That’s why our team gets inky fingers, wipes runny noses, chases energetic kids, rounds up shopping carts overflowing with supplies, and wears out our step-counters every year in the name of VBS. Here’s why every Group VBS is created by—and tested with—humans.
We learn by doing. This truth applies to kids and adults.
1. The Holy Spirit Has a Say
Let’s just say it: AI is clever. It can give you a decent outline. But here’s what it can’t do:
- Pray for your kids.
- Discern the heart of a child.
- Know what’s age appropriate, culturally sensitive, or spiritually sound.
- Spot a safety issue before an activity goes sideways.
- Prayerfully seek what God might have in store.
We don’t just brainstorm themes—we pray through them. We don’t just plan games—we ask what God might reveal as kids play. Chat GPT doesn’t guide our Bible focus, we invite the Holy Spirit to lead the way. You might say we make room for divine detours. Sometimes, God gives inspiration as we worship, read Scripture, or talk with kids during VBS activities. Those ideas aren’t automated … and that’s a good thing.
2. Content and Ministry Aren’t the Same
AI can spit out a clever theme or catchy Bible lesson in seconds—that’s content. But AI can’t know the spiritual needs of specific kids. It doesn’t factor in kids who just lost a grandparent, or the child who’s never heard “Jesus loves you” in a way that feels real. AI may not identify “churchy” language that doesn’t make sense to kids. That’s ministry. And ministry comes from people.
Human-created content shines because it accounts for real, nitty-gritty, in-the-trenches reality. If you work with kids, you know that an AI engine can’t anticipate all the “creative” ways a kid can take an activity! (Many of our team members grew up as VBS kids … and their experiences continue to shape new programs!)
3. Testing Saves the Day
Our team has learned the hard way that if we don’t test an activity, there’s a good chance something’s going to fizzle … or explode. And not in the good way.
Testing lets you see:
- What confuses kids
- What doesn’t hold their interest
- What questions spark great discussion—and what doesn’t
- What needs more supplies or a time tweak
- What might not be safe for all kids or consider kids’ allergies
- What could totally backfire in a room of 50 excited kids
- When supplies should be handed out—or not
Plus, testing gives you a sneak peek at how meaningful a moment might be. Sometimes I’ve tested a simple object lesson and found myself tearing up—seeing how powerfully it lands with kids.
Our goal is to set leaders up for success and maximize every second kids spend at VBS. We make the mistakes so leaders don’t have to! (Check out these tips for making any VBS easier!)
End-of-VBS tired is a great thing!
4. Our Friends in Ministry Matter
We consider children’s ministry leaders as our friends in ministry. You’re our partners and teammates and we’re cheering you on every step of the way! So those exhausting field tests help us keep you in mind—your goals, creativity, challenges, and the kids you serve. That’s a heartfelt perspective that an AI engine can’t provide.
As we lead Bible adventures, we’re thinking of you and your kids. How will Jesus show up in this moment for you?
When we wipe runny noses, we remember your servant’s heart. What can we create that makes this moment meaningful for you?
During worship, we hear your voices raised in praise. Are we making room in this moment for the Holy Spirit?
We want to give you the very best. We want to give you something we stand by, have tried, and are excited to see in your church. So, we’ll keep doing the hard work to make sure you get the very best.
End-of-VBS tired is a great thing!
12 Awesome Bible Games for Kids of All Ages
12 Awesome Bible Games for Kids of All Ages
