It's time for another Hot Topic!
A little while back, I debated with myself over the merit of using reward stores in children's ministry. You can read about it here. But now it's time to tackle another tough topic--VBS.
For some churches, VBS is a sacred cow. For others, it's an old horse that's been put out to pasture. Regardless of where you land on the topic, though, I think a healthy debate like this helps you better understand and communicate what you think and why you think it.
And who knows...maybe one of me will even change your mind!
Here's Why You Should Say YES to VBS...
I think it’s fair to say we would all LOVE to see kids come to Jesus and grow in their faith. So what’s wrong with using one of the most time-tested, high-energy, and effective outreach events in children’s ministry to do that? Here’s what…
NOTHING!
Do we question why amusement parks use roller coasters to attract visitors? No! (Not if you're normal!) What matters is that kids show up, have fun, and experience something they’ll never forget. If Vacation Bible School (VBS) is bringing kids into your church, immersing them in God’s Word, and creating lasting spiritual impact, that’s all that matters!
In short, VBS is an effective way to reach kids for Christ. Here are 4 reasons why…
1. It’s a Huge Outreach Opportunity
VBS is like a wide-open front door to the church. Kids who might never step inside on a Sunday morning will gladly show up for the games, snacks, and excitement of VBS. And when they do, they hear the Gospel in a fun, engaging way.
2. It Builds Connections with Families
Parents love VBS because it gives their kids a safe, fun environment for a few days in the summer. But here’s the kicker—many families who bring their kids to VBS end up sticking around, coming back for Sunday services, and even getting plugged into the church community.
3. It Immerses Kids in God’s Word
VBS isn’t just fun and games. It’s packed with Bible lessons, worship, memory verses, and interactive experiences that help kids engage with Scripture in ways they’ll remember for years.
4. It Energizes Your Volunteers
A great VBS doesn’t just impact kids—it brings your church together! Volunteers get fired up about serving, building relationships, and using their gifts in children’s ministry. VBS is a great way to strengthen your ministry team for the long haul.
Does every kid who attends VBS have a spiritual breakthrough? No, but the seeds get planted nonetheless. Especially if you use an incredible VBS program like NORB-E by GO! Curriculum (shameless plug 😆). And if we do our job watering them, and the Holy Spirit moves in their lives, those seeds will grow as well as any other.
Here's Why You Should Say NO to VBS...
First of all, have you ever been to a theme park in the middle of July? It’s crowded, chaotic, and exhausting. Sure, it’s fun in the moment, but by the time you leave, you’re sunburned, broke, and wondering why you ever thought standing in line for hours on end was a good idea.
That’s VBS in a nutshell. While it seems like a great ministry tool, there are some major downsides. Here are 4 reasons why you might want to skip it…
1. It’s a Massive Time and Resource Drain
VBS takes months of planning, a huge budget, and an army of volunteers. Is it really the best use of your time and resources? What if that same effort was spent building a long-term, discipleship-focused ministry instead?
2. The Impact Is Often Short-Lived
Yes, kids hear the Gospel at VBS, but how many of them keep coming back once the decorations come down? If you actually tracked the data, I think you would be terribly disappointed. Especially when you consider how many parents use a rotation of area VBS’s for free (or cheap) summer daycare. VBS often gives a short burst of excitement but doesn’t always translate into lasting attendance or faith development.
3. It Can Burn Out Your Volunteers
VBS asks a lot from volunteers. It’s fun, but it’s also exhausting. By the time it’s over, some of your best leaders might be ready to take a break—or quit altogether.
4. There Are More Effective Ways to Engage Kids
Rather than putting all your eggs in the VBS basket, what if you focused on events and strategies that build long-term relationships—like summer family nights, kids’ small groups, or ongoing outreach efforts that keep kids engaged beyond just one week?
I recently talked to a girl who decided to ditch VBS. By saying "no" to VBS, it allowed her to think creatively about what she would do instead. And what she and her team came up with was awesome! In short, they held a Lego hunting and building event at a local shopping mall. To the kids and their families, it was new and exciting, and they came out in droves. In fact, more than a thousand people attended! WAY more than they had ever reached with a VBS.
And she's not the only one rethinking VBS.
My friend, Dwayne Riner, told me at the conference how they stopped doing a single week of VBS and are now doing what they call "Summer to the Max." For 8 consecutive Sundays in the summer, they have big VBS-sized services for kids. Along with the message, each week features games, music, and something fun like a snow cone machine, petting zoo, or a ninja warrior course. Whereas most churches see a drop in attendance during the summer, they see a rise. The first year, they had 444 first time kid visitors. This past summer, they had far more than that!
Is it possible that VBS can make an impact? Of course! But I wouldn’t build my entire outreach strategy around it.
Here’s a better idea—before you plan a huge event, think about your long-term goals. Instead of one big week, what if you focused on creating consistent, meaningful engagement with kids and families all year long?
When it comes to ministry strategy, sustainability matters!
So who do you think is right...me or me? 😂 Go to our Facebook page, then let us know in the comments.
And if you haven't done so already, join me for a GO! Curriculum demo and find out how GO! lessons bring fun and Biblical depth together.
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