You could say this isn’t my first rodeo.
Or undersea adventure.
Or space mission.
With more than 30 years’ experience creating Group’s vacation Bible school resources, I’ve explored a lot of VBS themes. And I’ve seen incredible changes in the way amazing leaders like you reach today’s kids. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is the profound impact VBS continues to have on kids’ lives.
In recent conversations with friends in ministry, I’ve heard the question, “Is VBS still relevant in today’s world?” It’s a great question to ask! Sharp leaders should always understand the why behind every ministry moment.
When it comes to summer outreach events like VBS, the answer is an unwavering yes. In fact, VBS is more important than ever. In a world where kids feel isolated, stressed, and disconnected from meaningful relationships, VBS offers a unique opportunity to foster friendships, deepen faith, and create lasting connections that reach beyond a week-long event.
Here’s why this weeklong outreach event is a lifeline for today’s children, families, and churches.
In a world where kids feel isolated, stressed, and disconnected from meaningful relationships, VBS offers a unique opportunity to foster friendships, deepen faith, and create lasting connections.
Why VBS Matters
1. Fostering Friendships
It’s no secret that today’s children are lonelier than ever before. Studies show that kids are struggling with feelings of isolation and disconnection, often intensified by the pressures of social media, academic expectations, and the pace of life. For many kids, forming genuine friendships feels impossible. Though they’re surrounded by peers, they feel friendless.
As compassionate kidmin leaders, it breaks our hearts.
That’s where VBS comes in.
While most church programs meet for an hour once a week, VBS offers a multi-day, immersive experience that allows opportunity for authentic friend-making. From small group discussions to team-building games, VBS gives kids the chance to connect with others on a deeper level.
This summer event offers a safe space to experience true community. You may find that VBS friendships often extend beyond the summer, providing kids with lasting connections and a sense of belonging. (Check out these creative ways to foster friendships throughout your ministry!)
2. Building Church Unity through VBS
VBS isn’t just an opportunity for kids to connect with one another—it’s also a powerful tool for church members to grow closer as a body. As a seasoned children’s minister, I’ve seen VBS bridge generational and relational gaps within congregations.
Church members who might not otherwise interact with one another find themselves working side by side as they lead skits, games, or Bible adventures. The shared experience of serving together deepens connections with each other as friends of God.
It’s incredible to watch seasoned adults working alongside teenagers, mentoring them as they take on leadership roles, and seeing how new members of the church family can easily plug in and feel valued. VBS helps church members find common ground, discover new gifts and talents in one another, and work toward a shared goal—investing in the next generation.
This unity is essential to church health and growth! A church where “everybody knows your name” is magnetic. VBS creates a space where that can happen, as church members from all walks of life come together to serve and grow in faith.
3. Deeper Discipleship
VBS is one of the few opportunities in a child’s life where they experience an immersive, multi-day program. Rather than one lesson on Sunday morning, a week of summer outreach is a full experience that allows kids to dive deeper into the Bible.
That means kids connect with God in ways that stick!
This event engages kids in hands-on activities, multisensory Bible adventures, active worship songs, and relationships that ground them in friendship with Jesus.
The beauty of the multi-day experience is that it provides kids with consistency and repetition. Every day, they hear and experience God’s love in a new way. Leaders get to build on the previous day’s lessons.
It’s like laying brick upon brick to build a solid foundation in kids’ lives. The intentional time and environment to grow spiritually and emotionally is unmatched.
VBS is more than just a program; it’s a life-changing experience. And that’s something that will always be relevant.
4. Serving Families
While many churches balk at being “childcare,” the truth is that VBS serves a critical need: the challenge of finding reliable and affordable childcare during the summer months. For working families, summer break is a time of logistical stress, trying to juggle childcare with work schedules. Your church can offer not only a fun, faith-filled program but also a solution for parents who need care for their kids.
For many families, VBS is a lifesaver, providing kids with a safe environment, giving parents peace of mind at work.
This is especially important for families who may not attend church regularly but are looking for a positive, Christ-centered space for their kids. VBS opens the doors of the church to these families, serving them practically and, most importantly, sharing Jesus’ love in a tangible way.
In a culture that often prioritizes convenience over community, VBS is a powerful reminder that the church can be a loving, caring presence for families in need. (Team Family is another great resources for serving families year-round!)
5. Sharing Jesus through VBS
VBS is clearly a powerful evangelistic tool. Many children who attend VBS come from families who aren’t deeply connected to the church. A focused summer event creates an open door for the gospel to be shared in a dynamic, engaging way. Eye-catching decorations grab kids’ attention.
Upbeat songs, Bible lessons, and stories of Jesus’ love come to life in ways that captivate children’s imaginations and hearts.
For many kids, VBS is their first introduction to Jesus. I’ve witnessed countless children make the decision to begin a friendship with Jesus during VBS, and the relationships they build during the event often continue to nurture their faith for years to come.
VBS not only helps kids grow spiritually but also invites them into the larger story of the Church.
A Lifeline for Kids, Families, and Churches
When you think of VBS, maybe your brain gets focused on the wild decorations and chaos of so many kids. Or the thought of rounding up volunteers for such an endeavor seems daunting.
But VBS isn’t just an event—it’s a ministry that matters now more than ever. In a world where children are struggling with loneliness, disconnectedness, and anxiety, you can offer them a chance to experience genuine relationships with others, with caring Christian adults, and, most importantly, with Jesus.
VBS is more than just a program; it’s a life-changing experience. And that’s something that will always be relevant.
Want more info on the power of VBS? Don’t miss this insightful research article!
More Articles for Summer Programming
- Group’s VBS Resources
- Creative Summer Programming in Children’s Ministry
- 6 Fun Ideas for Engaging Kids in Summer
- What Happens When We Reimagine Summer Connections with Families at the Forefront?
- VB-Yes: Why Special Events Are Still Important
- VBS Alternatives: Take Back Summer for Kids’ Ministry!
Zipped To-Gather: A Summer Programming Guide
Zipped To-Gather: A Summer Programming Guide
