VBS with a good bowl of G.R.I.T.S.

I love most everything inherently southern. Whether it is sweet tea, my Grandmother’s yeast rolls, a Southeast Conference football rivalry, wading across a creek, or a Saturday night gospel singing. Mention one of those things and you automatically have my attention.

I love VBS too. Summer memories from childhood always bring back vivid recollections of the church bus ride to VBS, mission stories told by our pastor, aerobic exercise while singing “Hallelu, Halleu” and who can forget those decoupage roosters made from seeds?

VBS has changed a lot these days. Cassette music tapes have been replaced by DVD’s, peanut butter crackers have been morphed into theme-related snacks, and every good children’s Bible teacher is breathing a sigh of relief that now they can rotate to a room and someone else can do crafts with their kids.

But some things about VBS have not changed and that’s what I love the most about VBS.

G-God centered

The core of VBS is the Bible content found in each lesson. Bible stories, Memory verses, and the content for the day all relate to the overall motto and theme of VBS. Children playing a game in recreation, crafts done with children (and even adults), preschool music, snacks, and even the mission stories all relate back to God and the Biblical content.

R-Relevant

VBS is relevant to today’s society. Think kids need to learn about courage? Check our 2007 Artic Edge, Where Adventure meets Courage. What about youth who need to be reminded of what makes a real hero? How about VBS 2008 Game Day Central, Where Heroes are Made? Each year the VBS content is carefully chosen to make sure that the content is relevant to the world in which the pupil lives.

Good Bible teaching always leads people to apply the Bible to their life and make it relevant. Countless activities and instruction gives teachers ample opportunity to lead their pupils to apply the timeless truths of God’s word to their lives.

I-Innovative

In addition to the annual themes, tremendous strides have been made in the rotation schedules, mission stories, DVD’s, and theme-related music. Learner guides, leader packs, teaching guides, visual packs, and decorations offer some of the best teaching resources to be found. Graphics, computerized games, online tools, email invitations, and follow-up resources change yearly to reflect advancement made in these areas.

T-Teacher Friendly

Gone are the days when a teacher prepares for the VBS day or evening in its entirety. Rotation schedules allow for teachers to serve in the area of their passion whether it is telling a Bible story, leading out in a mission project, playing a game, or making a craft.

Teacher tips in the margin of the books, planning and schedule guides, and enhanced CD’s make it easy for the busy adult to plan an exciting VBS lesson. Oh, and don’t forget, online resources like e-invitations, the VBS online community, and online training helps.

S-Salvation focus

Usually on the third or fourth day of VBS, a specific salvation lesson is included in the teaching materials. Pupils are given an opportunity to express their faith and follow Christ in an ongoing relationship. Over 25% of all salvations recorded by Southern Baptists are made during VBS.

Last year alone 94,980 salvation decisions were recorded in addition to the 3,022 who decided to follow Christ into full time service. This makes VBS the most effective evangelistic opportunity for Southern Baptists. VBS continues to make great strides into the unchurched community as churches reach out to those who do not go to church and invite them to VBS.

God-centered, relevant, innovative, teacher-friendly and salvation focus … that’s VBS! Oh, yeah, did I mention I like grits too!

Kim Harris is director of Church Leadership Development at Bartow Baptist Association in Cartersville and is part-time leadership strategist at West Cobb Baptist Church in Marietta.