Here is one more VBS option for you to think about. It’s the Children Desiring God VBS Curriculum, published by John Piper’s church. If you have used their material, please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Vacation Bible School has sure changed a lot since I was a child; that’s right, I attended VBS in the days when we had simple snacks of juice and cookies, listened to Bible stories, memorized substantial Scripture passages and used gold spray paint to finish out our macaroni shell and dried-bean-covered paper plates. And we loved it!
But congregations still exist out there who welcome a more simple approach to VBS. I don’t think it’s impossible to attract children to a well-run and managed VBS that is put on in a low-key and undramatic fashion. Children respond to love, good stories and games and crafts just as they always have. And I love the idea of being able to focus more on, well, on the Bible in a less distracted setting.
Is Children Desiring God VBS Right For You?
It won’t be for everyone, but the VBS curriculum from Children Desiring God offers a great alternative to some of the other programs being used. The CDG VBS is also perfect for doing backyard Bible club in the neighborhoods of your city. Here are some ways to tell if this approach and this curriculum could work for you.
1. You’re looking for a VBS start-up that is relatively inexpensive.
A teacher’s kit is $60.00, and includes 5 duplicate sets of lessons, one student project book (additional ones are 5 for $9.75), a CD with PDF’s of color visuals and activity pages, and other resources. A 35-page color resource packet printed on cardstock is $20.00. In all, the total start-up cost for teaching materials for a VBS of 60 children would be around $197.00.
2. You’re looking to go a little deeper at VBS.
The folks at Children Desiring God are known for their solid and engaging children’s curriculum. Serious does not equal boring, of course, and their material is anything but that! I’ve always found children, both my own and the ones I teach at church, to be very responsive to their approach.
3. You’re willing and able to come up with your own craft ideas, games, puppet shows/skits, etc.
Those elements are left up to each church in their VBS curriculum. For some churches this wouldn’t pose a big problem; some may have to dig a bit deeper into their creative sides! You know, kids really don’t have to have the big productions we sometimes think they do. And some kids appreciate a more laid-back atmosphere. Another option: call what you’re offering a “Backyard Bible Club.” That may deflect expectations of a more slick production.
4. You want a solidly evangelistic opportunity from your VBS.
Not that other programs don’t provide that, but CDG, you’ll find, is quite intentional and winsome in their evangelical approach, both to the children in your VBS and to their parents. Lesson plans include helpful suggestions on reaching and teaching unchurched children and their parents.
If you’re interested, you can check out all four Children Desiring God’s VBS programs here. And remember, you can also use this curriculum as a Backyard Bible Study in the Fall, or even in your neighborhood. I’m happy to recommend it as a relatively low-key but very effective resource for reaching children’s and parents’ hearts for with the love and truth of Jesus.
More Children's Ministry Ideas
“ABC’s of God” Sunday School Curriculum (Children Desiring God)
Over the last few years, our church has come to love the Sunday School curriculum from Children Desiring God. We have used their God-centered...
Children Desiring God 2009 Conference Notes & Audio Links
Every other year, John Piper’s church puts on a conference for children’s ministry leaders. It’s always packed with practical help for kids ministry, but...
My 5 Favorite Books From Desiring God
Update: This was last summer, they have made no similar announcements for this summer. Sorry. Last summer (June 2007)Desiring God had a book sale...
Giveaway: All-in-One Bible Fun Curriculum for Children
Last week I wrote a quick review of the All-in-One Bible Fun Curriculum from Abingdon Press. We liked the preschool edition and have used it...
DiscipleLand Children’s Bible Curriculum
Many churches are looking at Children’s Ministry curriculum for next fall. So, I’m excited to tell you about a Bible curriculum called DiscipleLand. I...
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
YES!! This is GREAT curriculum! We used their stuff last year for VBS and will be using it this year as well. Our team of leaders had so much fun coming up with ideas to go along with this God-centered curriculum. We designed a theme around them for decorations, games, crafts, music, and this year we even wrote a skit to go along with “Things Hidden”. If anyone needs ideas to go along with “God Always Wins” or “Things Hidden” let me know. I’d love to help.
Heather,
Thanks for the feedback. In my church we’ve used some of their Sunday School Curriculum, but I could imagine using one of these for a Bible Club.
Heather- I would love to email you about your ideas to go along with God Always Wins and Things Hidden. Can you email me at LaurieGoltara@hotmail.com. Thanks so much!!