VBS: Choices, Ideas, and Variations

It's never too early to start thinking about VBS and people are doing tons of different things these days.  You don't have to use the very same format you've used for the last many years.  Switch it up and see what might work better.  The only way to know is to try something different and see how it goes.  Just remember to evaluate sooner than later after the program and keep notes for the next year or the next coordinator.  It can be a big job and previous experience always helps.

When thinking about how you want to do your VBS this year you may want to:

• Have it at the traditional time, Monday through Thursday mornings.
• Have it over a weekend on Saturday morning with a Sunday morning celebration.  
• Have it from 6 - 8 pm for a few evenings.
• Include adults!  See my earlier posting VBS for EVERYONE!.

If you're one of those churches that has the resources to have 200-300 kids from the community participate or if you have 20-30 kids from the community, remember that children from the community have parents who need a follow-up call.  Don't make it a big push to come to church but see if they have any prayer needs or sometimes, physical needs. If they say their kids had a good time invite them to Sunday School.  Perhaps you have a mom's or dad's group or a working/single mom's group you can tell them about where they can get emotional and spiritual support.  Give them a card on the last day that they can keep handy in case they need anything and invite them to contact YOU (because they now know you) if they have any needs.  It's about being the hands and feet of Jesus. 

You can always go straight to the publisher but...

Concordia Supply has a great chart of VBS programs.  It shows the different programs, their publishers, and themes.  Many of their starter kits are at a lower price than the publisher.  Check them out here.

You can also check out the kits at Christian Book.  Many are also at a lower price than the publisher.

I LOVE VBS!