Vacation Bible School

This week, our little church is involved in a phenomenon called Vacation Bible School, or “VBS”. For one week, we pull double and sometimes triple duty by working our regular jobs during the day, rushing to get ready afterward, and to present Bible lessons, games, songs and snacks to a rowdy bunch of children, many of which are totally unaccustomed to the culture of church. We transform our churches into castles, farms, carnivals, jungles or any number of things to make the theme interesting and engaging in a world where children frequently suffer from sensory and information overload.

Why do we do it? I think about mid-week, many of us ask ourselves that very question. As we walk battle weary to our car, it is easy to lose focus. So, I thought I’d take a moment and examine the advantages, both to the children and the church.

It demonstrates the love of the church to the families of your community. The fact that you sacrifice hundreds of hours in preparation and a week of your summer for these children should show the families that participate that you love them. That is no small impact in the lives of struggling parents and children hungry for a spiritual foundation.

It demonstrates adult cooperation and responsibility. Many of these children may come from very dysfunctional homes. They need the example of how adults can come together and act cooperatively and responsibly on behalf of others.

It creates a bonding experience for the church. The synergy and urgency that come from what can almost seem like a traumatic experience for VBS workers actually bond them together in ways that can’t be described. New alliances are formed, friendships are strengthened…and tested.

It provides a tutorial to the church on outreach. It teaches us how to give, adapt and relate the message of Christ’s gospel to the communities we serve. It pulls us out of our comfort zone and exercises our faith, skills and talents.

It’s about Jesus. He should always be the focus of where we are. Our lessons should teach His truth, our actions should demonstrate His love. If you aren’t sensitive to reflecting Jesus for these children, you aren’t adequately equipped. We must have the patience, strength and love to be kind, gentle and giving to these children. To them, we are the body of Christ; We are Jesus.