I have been talking to different VBS leaders, wondering if VBS should have a missions component. If not, why? And if so, how can we get our children involved in the work of the Kingdom, and how can we make it meaningful?
Should VBS programs have a missions component?
(11 posts) (7 voices)-
TonyKummer
offlineNinja Warrior
Score: 192Sara,
Great question. I think it depends on the purpose and context of your VBS. Many churches think of their Bible school as an outreach event and most publishers market their curriculum that way. If that is the case, then the missions component would seem out of place if you were trying to be missional to unchurched kids.But if your VBS is mainly for christian kids from your church and others then having a missions aspect makes a lot of sense.
At our church we limit our missions component to a special offering for an ongoing mission project with poor children in Haiti. That way it's a connection for the kids and gets the children thinking outside their own wants.
Posted 10 months ago # -
bjpaternostro
offlineBeginner
Score: 1We did our own VBS two years ago called The Most Amazing Race (inspired by the race around the world concept of the TV reality show)The theme verse was Hebrews 12:1-2.
Kids went from North America to South America to Africa, Asia and Europe. A different continent each day. We had missionary speakers from different organizations come do a short presentation to the kids during their snack time. Monday featured 2 volunteers from Fellowship of Christian Athletes (this was the Olympic year 2008)Tuesday we discovered that right in our own congregation was a guy who was born in Ecuador and he and his wife told the story of the 5 missionaries who dropped the gifts from their plane
Wednesday our youth pastor whose parents are missionaries in Africa shared some exciting adventures as a boy there. Thursday we had a Chinese speaker from Overseas Missionary Fellowship and Friday a woman from Open Doors, who brought a lifesize cut out of Brother Andrew for the kids to take photos with.
These people were thrilled to have the opportunity to share with the children and were prepared to speak to children at their level, including games and prizes. They were willing to speak on a volunteer basis.
We took an offering for the week to provide water filters to a village in Africa through Samaritans Purse, displaying a container filled with the kind of nasty water children there are used to.
This was really impactful for the kids to learn about God's love for the whole world. And like someone posted elsewhere - we were really surprised to discover how many people in our own congregation (about 250) had things to offer and ideas for decorating.
We do charge for VBS - I think it was $35, but we broke even.Posted 8 months ago # -
stocksohio
offlineNinja Master
Moderator
Score: 248I don't know if I think it is absolutely necessary, but I can see where a missions component would be worthwhile regardless of your audience. One of the things God tells us to do is to be his light to the world. Whether saved or unsaved, if kids see us living out the love of God by helping others around the world, I think that helps to spread the gospel message.
Posted 7 months ago # -
baxleydavis
offlineBeginner
Score: 4We use Group for our VBS. We do not use the suggested mission project. Each year we start collecting shoeboxes and/or items for Operation Christmas Child through Samaritans Purse. I like the missions project to be something tangible that the kids can see.
Posted 5 months ago # -
stocksohio
offlineNinja Master
Moderator
Score: 248Baxleydavis,
I think tangible is critical. It's one thing to tell kids (or adults for that matter) what they should do. It's quite another to demonstrate it. Programs like Operation Christmas Child are great for kids as they get to help out people their own age. I think things like World Vision and similar programs are also great because the kids get to see a picture of who they are helping.
Posted 5 months ago # -
Commander Bill
onlineDistinguished
Moderator
Score: 77I'm considering using Skype, or having missionaries that we would be supporting make a DVD that could be played, or something on the different days so those attending VBS will be able to put a "face" with a "name".
Again, trying to give it that "personal" feel.
Posted 5 months ago # -
stocksohio
offlineNinja Master
Moderator
Score: 248I love the idea of Skype. It's free and would let the kids interact with a "real live" missionary from their mission field. I think ideas like that really help the kids to connect to the idea of missions.
Posted 5 months ago # -
LinPearson
offlineDistinguished
Moderator
Score: 88While aspects of foreign missionary work are interesting and important, and humanitarian work is very praise-worthy and great to get kids involved with, there is another aspect of "mission" not yet touched on in this thread.
Sara asked: "how can we get our children involved in the work of the Kingdom?" Catherine and I loved to help kids see that they can not only help and pray for missionaries overseas, but THEY THEMSELVES can be missionaries - right in their own homes, schools and neighbourhoods. Like Sara said, we want to get THEM involved in the Lord's work.
So our mission component in a VBS, camp or children's mission would cover things like how to become a witness for Christ (telling what you know from first-hand experience). That means first explaining how to become a Christian.
Then we would talk about how to witness through a life that is changed (moral and behavioral issues discussed).
How to cope with people of opposite views to us. Eg.Teachers who believe in evolution; how to speak respectfully and thoughtfully when sharing your views.
How to pray for those you want to trust Christ... and those sorts of things.I think it is important that we don't inadvertently give kids the impression that missionaries always go to another country. Our own lands need Christians to evangelize them!
Also, it is vital that they know that missionaries are not only grown-ups who have a special job. Christ called us all to take his message of love and salvation. The Great Commission is for all of us. "Go ye into all the world" includes our own neighbourhood. And even our kids can fulfil that call.Posted 5 months ago # -
Commander Bill
onlineDistinguished
Moderator
Score: 77Excellent points Lin, but that is where one needs to define the purpose of the VBS before it begins and a mission component is selected. Is it an outreach to the community? If so, then by nature the children should be taught to be missionaries beforehand, inviting their friends and others and then following up with them.
If it is discipleship mainly for church children (which it often is), then the mission focus for the week can be more on what can the children be doing now.
So as a mission component is selected, it should follow the purpose of the VBS. Generally in Children's Church and Awana I am emphasizing that they can be missionaries NOW.
Posted 5 months ago # -
LinPearson
offlineDistinguished
Moderator
Score: 88Commander Bill is right on the button again!
"Is it an outreach to the community? If so, then by nature the children should be taught to be missionaries beforehand, inviting their friends and others and then following up with them."Posted 5 months ago #
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