The VBS team at LifeWay has just announced their 2011 Vacation Bible School theme as “Big Apple Adventure.” Their official website is up and running, complete with daily overviews and music samples.
I was surprised in a good way when I saw the destination for LifeWay’s VBS would be New York City. They have kept with their location based themes. This is the second year in a row for a destination in the United States. Church planting in urban mega-cities is a big theme right now for Southern Baptists and I will be excited if this emphasis comes out in the material. One church plant in NYC is even willing to parter with your kids for a missions offering, click here to learn more
The theme song is rockin’ as usual and fits well with the theme. I can hear the how the sounds of city life have influenced the music. I especially like the rap-chant section and can already image the energy when kids join in. After one listen I’m already mumbling along with the chorus – also a good surprise.
VBS Tagline: Where Faith and Life Connect
VBS Scripture: So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ. Romans 10:17 (HCSB)
VBS Motto: Hear it! Believe it! Connect it!
For more information checkout their preview website or blog. Here is the final of 3 clue videos where the theme was announced.
Looking for more Vacation Bible School 2011 themes? Check out our coverage of all the major themes for VBS 2011. You can also find tips for planning your Bible School.
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
I have worked with Jeff Slaughter before at camp and his heart is for God!! The VBS this year has been great! I have seen all of my students in the 6th grade learn and MEMORIZE the scripture this year! Great Job Lifeway!
We are on day 2 of VBS & the kids love the music. Wonderful dance moves and words to worship the Lord. I teach 2′s & 3′s, they learn best in song and activities. I think this year is just as GREAT as the last. Keep up the good work Lifeway!
Congrats Jeff Slaughter! the way to win kids is to speak the language they will listen to! when Jesus said we’d be fishers of men, He probably thought we would use bait the fish LIKED! Our kids are loving the energitic music, and we have several older elementary boys helping with the rap sections, and really excited about it. ( don’t always see THAT) ALL the kids are really engaging with the Big Apple music, and the clear strong message of the ABCs of salvation in Jesus. This is better than ultra-sweet too easy cutesy songs aimed at the very youngest.
music is a powerful tool. style IS an evangelistic issue. this is GREAT!! Keep going on in the power of the Lord. All glory to Him!
I am very disappointed in some of the song choices for this years Vbs theme. It seems that we keep letting the world infiltrate the church. We have forgotten that the bible tells us to nit be equally yolked with the world! Where do we as Christians draw the line anymore?!?
The message has not changed. Have you even listened to the Words in them??
Yeah, I am not understanding what you mean either. The message in the songs is wonderful and the unique sounds are what reach out to the youth of today. I am 30 years old and I really like the music. Our VBS is in 2 weeks and the Big Apple Adventure was our choice. I am really looking forward to it.
Honestly, the more urban sound is a big appeal to me about this music. It’s not overdone and goes very well with the NYC theme. I think the kids are going to connect very well, especially the older boys in your Vacation Bible School.
The bible says make a joyful noise unto the lord.
If this music will excite the kids in a positive way, and cause praises to exit their mouths, then that means that they have heard about God. The bible also says that hearing is believing. So if they have heard about our heavenly father, we have done big. my personal opinion is that we should be willing to bend over backward to spread the word about, and the love of Jesus Christ. If we have to put our hair in dreads and rap our faces off to reach one child, then we should do it with love and compassion and a smile and after the day is done, we should fall on our face and thank God for allowing us the privelidge of doing something for him. we need to remember that the the ONLY reason for vbs at all is to teach the kids about their heavenly father and show them how much he loves them by the way we show our love for them.
“”"in all that you do, do it as you were doing it for the Lord.”"”
I am disappointed in some of this year’s music – especially the theme song. I think Jeff Slaughter has a heart for the Lord, but much of this (including some of the pre-school music) is for teenagers, not grade schoolers. Thes messages are always great, but i’s almost become more about the actions (more and more dancing) and less about the SINGING. I love lots of different styles, but. . . I have a problem teaching young children how to sing like thugs. Still praying aobut how to make the best of it.
Maybe the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you to turn away from this year’s program. Use your discretion and discernment to refuse to take part in exposing very young children to the culture of number 2 sin city of New York. What will you do when they come up with VBS Las Vegas? VBS Gomorrah? Do you even still hear the still, small voice?
I understand your concerns, but I’ve looked through this material and it is faithful to the Gospel and mainly about how God’s love can transform us (and our cities) no matter how sinful. Just my thoughts here, but I wouldn’t jump to judgement based on 20 second of a music style that you don’t enjoy.
I would be careful equating “rap” with “thug” music, especially when the lyrics are definitely glorifying to God.
Amen my brother, we must use every tool God has provided. If we don’t use rap music with lyrics that honor God, then satan will contunie to destory the minds of our children.
I completely agree. I wonder these days why most Christians are so quick to judge. I think the music is great and it’s a good way to reach out to youth and still get the message of the Gospel out there.
I have reviewed the music section for the VBS Big Apple Adventure for 3s-Kindergarten Pack. I note that the music scores and words to the songs: 2 – 3 – 7 – & 10 are missing. I realize there are no words to # 7, but there should be for the others. I have been able to write down the words to 2 and 3 by listening to the CD. However, I have listened to the theme song, “Big Apple Adventure” many times on the CD, but can not decipher the words. Could you please email me a copy of the words to the song, “Big Apple Adventure?” Thank you.
Please send us the words to the theme song. We just can’t get them from the CD.
Thanks
Tony,
My wife and I are church planters in NYC and would be so honored if your readers considered us for their 2011 VBS Missions Offering. God is at work in amazing ways in the Big Apple! To read our story or connect with us, please see http://nycmission.com
Thanks for allowing me to make this shameless plug in the comments. Love the work you guys are doing!
Freddy T. Wyatt