Kids Ministry 101 Magazine: Winter 18/19

SPECIAL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ISSUE!

KIDS MINISTRY101 Tips and Techniques for Kids Ministry Leaders

Kids

Zoom in! Focus on Jesus!

Grab your camera and buckle your seatbelt. LifeWay’s VBS 2019 takes you on a wild adventure—with elephants and egrets, polar bears and penguins, cockatoos and crocodiles. As you seek out exotic animals, you’ll also find snapshots of real-life encounters with Jesus in Scripture. Kids go from bewildered to believing as they get In the Wild™ at this summer’s VBS.

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Theme Verse:

“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31 (CSB)

Bible Content

Day 1: Encounter in the Temple–Luke 2:41-52 Day 2: Encounter at the River–Matthew 3:1-17 Day 3: Encounter on the Water–Matthew 14:22-33 Day 4: Encounter at the Tomb–John 20:1-18 Day 5: Encounter on the Road–Luke 24:13-35

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KIDS MINISTRY101 Kids Ministry 101 Magazine exists to provide leaders in kids ministry with activities, ideas, and encouragement that will aid in their day-to-day ministry efforts.

pg. 6

pg. 10

Issue 15 Winter 2018/2019 Jana Magruder Director, LifeWay Kids Chuck Peters Director of Operations, LifeWay Kids Roberta Lehman Strategist, LifeWay Kids

Is VBS Worth It?

pg. 18

An In-depth Picture of In the Wild™™ VBS

pg. 20

Cristy Wicks Content Editor, Kids Ministry 101 Magazine Stacey Means Graphic Designer, Kids Ministry 101 Magazine Marketing Designer, LifeWay Kids

Music Matters: How VBS Songs Help Kids Learn Biblical Truth

pg.26

5 Reasons Lead Pastors Should Be Involved with VBS

pg.28

Contact Us: LifeWay.com/kids Facebook: LifeWay Kids Twitter: @LifeWayKids Instagram: @LifeWay_Kids Pinterest: LifeWayKids

Enlisting, Equipping, and Encouraging VBS Workers

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Poppin’ Appreciation

Dear Reader, We’ve already traveled halfway around the sun since our last VBS, and my team and I can hardly contain our excitement for the wild encounters awaiting us in summer 2019.

INSTANT PRINT PHOTO FRAMES Provide a fun photo op with this easy-to-make oversized instant print frame. The frame can be cut out of standard white poster board, or out of something more durable such as foam core, project board, or cardboard.

(NOTE: Dimensions will vary based on the original size of the material used. Draw out everything lightly with a pencil first. Step back and make sure you are happy with the look before cutting. Make adjustments as needed.)

pg. 14

FOR POSTER BOARD (22-BY-28-INCHES):

3 in

1.

Cut the poster board down to 22-by-27-inches. Measure 8 inches up from the bottom edge and draw a straight line across.

2.

Measure 3 inches in from all other sides (left, right, and top). Draw straight lines. You should now have a rectangle inset 3 inches from 3 sides and 8 inches from the bottom.

3.

Hold the pencil-sketched frame up and test it to make sure you are happy with the height and width of the opening (once cut) and the width of the handholds (sides). Make any adjustments needed.

4.

5.

Carefully cut out the interior rectangle and discard.

6.

Invite kids to hold up the frame as you take their picture. Provide things such as VBS 2019 Animal Headbands (005809148), VBS 2019 Hand Puppet Decals (005809147), VBS 2019 Inflatable Frog (005809180), or VBS 2019 Kids Wraps (005809145) for kids to use while taking their pictures.

3 in

pg. 17

16 in 27 in

Print "In the Wild," "VBS 2019," or another label of your choosing in the space at the bottom of the frame. Decorate as desired with theme or animal stickers or stamped animal prints.

8 in

22 in

FOR FOAM BOARD OR CARDBOARD (4-BY-8-FEET): 1.

Cut the board down to 4-by-5-feet. Lay out the board so that it is 4-feet wide and 5-feet tall.

2.

Measure 18 inches up from the bottom edge and draw a

3.

Measure 6 inches in from all other sides (left, right, and top).

Draw straight lines. You should now have a rectangle inset 6 inches from three sides and 18 inches from the bottom.

4.

Hold the pencil-sketched frame up and test it to make sure you are happy with the height and width of the opening (once cut) and the width of the handholds (sides). Make any adjustments needed.

5.

6.

Carefully cut out the interior rectangle and discard.

7.

Print "In the Wild," "VBS 2019," or another label of your choosing in the space at the bottom of the frame and decorate as desired.

6 in

straight line across.

Decorating Dilemmas

Instant Print Photo Frames 6 in

36 in

60 in

Paint the entire frame white and allow to dry completely.

Make sure to paint the inside and outside edges of the frame as well.

pg.24

pg.22

18 in

48 in

DECORATING MADE EASY

Making the Pastor Connection

pg.30

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Photo Scavenger Hunt

pg.31

Some of you may already be painting egg cartons in your spare time and humming the In the Wild™ VBS theme song as you work. Or maybe you feel panic setting in as you realize you haven’t yet chosen a curriculum. Don’t worry! We’re here to help you catch up in no time.

This summer, LifeWay VBS will take your kids on a photo scavenger hunt through the wild terrain of Beluga Bay, Cockatoo Canopy, and Panoramic Point. Your kids will encounter animals of all kinds, but more importantly, they’ll encounter snapshots of Jesus throughout Scripture.

As I dream of the stories we’ll hear after kids, parents, and volunteers engage with Scripture during VBS, I also think of the immense responsibility on our shoulders.

We, as kids ministry leaders and parents, MUST engage our kids in real relationships that point them to Jesus. We must invite our nieces, nephews, and neighbors to events where they may experience the gospel for the first time in their lives. We must provide moments that help our children place their belief in the Savior.

This year’s verse of the week, John 20:31, says, “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” I can’t think of a worthier calling than helping the kids in our communities find life in Jesus’ name.

My team and I are unendingly thankful for your commitment to love and lead the families in your neighborhood.

Throughout the pages of this magazine, you’ll find VBS-themed encouragement, volunteer appreciation ideas, a strategy for winning over your pastor’s participation, and more.

Let’s zoom in and focus on Jesus!

With joy!

Jana Magruder @jana_magruder Director of LifeWay Kids

Snacktime in a Snap

Scripture Cut-outs

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IS VBS IT?

BY LANDRY HOLMES

What is your VBS story? Are you among the 60% of adults who attended VBS while growing up? Nine out of 10 American adults who attended VBS while growing up report having positive memories of those experiences. If you attended VBS, chances are you were personally invited by your immediate family, relatives, neighbors, or friends. According to LifeWay Research, 69% of American parents will encourage their child to participate in VBS if he or she is personally invited by a friend.

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We are in a crisis of loneliness. Our kids have never known the world without the Internet or smartphones. “They are on their phones, tablets, and gaming devices,” states Jana Magruder, Director of LifeWay Kids. “They are photographing their food, their friends, themselves (hello selfies), and posting everything going on in their lives without actually living real-life experiences.

They are more concerned about followers and likes than true relationships. They text or Snapchat more than they call on the phone or see each other in person.

They watch Netflix or YouTube videos more than they participate in events and experiences, with real people and social relationships.”

How does all this time on digital devices make kids—and the adults around them—feel? Lonely. Research tells us that kids and teens who have Christian friendships at church have healthier spiritual lives as adults. VBS can provide the opportunity to meet and develop friendships through fun and real-life experiences. Similarly, kids and teens who connect with godly men and women at church have healthier spiritual lives into adulthood. God did not create us to be lonely—He made us to live in community.

The reality of individual loneliness is not a contemporary crisis. Adam was lonely in the garden of Eden. Elijah felt isolated on Mount Horeb. Jesus experienced ultimate loneliness when He cried out His last words on the cross. However, because of Jesus’ horrific moment of complete and absolute loneliness, you and I do not have to be alone, ever.

I’m convinced that the solution to loneliness is found in the gospel being taught in VBS and the community Jesus provides through the church.

VBS is worth it—all the effort, all the expense, all the hours, all the tears.

Why? Because VBS is the one week that mobilizes the entire church to reach the community with the gospel while simultaneously providing a unique discipleship experience for the individual child and volunteer.

Still, some churches are walking away from VBS. According to LifeWay Research, churches give the following reasons for abandoning VBS:

61%—TOO DIFFICULT TO RECRUIT TEACHERS AND VOLUNTEERS 42%—OTHER CHURCHES IN OUR AREA MEET THIS NEED 31%—OUR CHURCH DOESN’T HAVE ENOUGH KIDS 25%—LOW RETURN ON INVESTMENT 23%—NO LONGER SEEMED RELEVANT IN OUR CONTEXT 21%—ATTENDANCE DROPPED 19%—PROGRAMMING DOESN’T FIT DNA OF THE CHURCH 17%—COST IS TOO HIGH 16%—KIDS TOO BUSY DURING THE SUMMER Along with these claims, many churches make the decision not to host VBS based on six misconceptions and fears. We can debunk or reposition each one!

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1 2 3 4 5 6

People are just using us for free childcare. First, according to LifeWay Research, only 12 percent said they were interested in VBS as a form of free childcare. However, the good news is THEY CAME! And, they heard the gospel.

We don't have enough workers. No one volunteers. How many key leaders do you have?

Consider designing your VBS with just those leaders in position. Then, begin to incorporate less experienced leaders and teenagers as "leaders in training.” Second, how are you enlisting volunteers? Ask God to point out people to you, then talk with them one-on-one. Give them simple but clear expectations of the role and give them a specific time to think and pray before responding.

Every church in town is doing that VBS. No one will come to ours. There’s nothing wrong with planning ministries that uniquely fit the context of your church and community. Maybe the solution involves just a bit of rethinking. Kids learn best through repetition. Kids never tire of singing songs they love. Except for the sign out front, your VBS will be unique to you because the people leading it are different.

VBS is too expensive! We have to buy too much stuff. Start with the basics, as you would if shopping for groceries. Just because the items are in the store doesn’t mean you have to buy them. Choose what’s most important: quality curriculum (teaching guides and student pieces).

The content should be carefully crafted to share the gospel and help kids grow in their faith.

Next, decide what other items are most important to you, and purchase them.

The only kids who come are our church kids. What if no one comes but "our church kids?"

Aren't they worth it? The fact, however, is that about half of the participants in VBS are either unchurched or attend another church. What better way to teach your church kids and kids in the community the gospel, knowing that the gospel you teach is true?

All our kids are already Christians. Each time believers review the plan of salvation, their foundation of faith is strengthened and they are better equipped to share that message with others. During VBS, participants of all ages are tutored in using their Bibles and challenged to make Bible reading a part of their daily lives. Teaching, sharing the gospel, and helping kids know more about Jesus is true discipleship.

I know the tendency to believe VBS is ready to be put out to pasture. I know the questions you’re asked through every recruitment pitch, volunteer meeting, and craft preparation.

• As you cut 50 pieces of construction paper, the enemy whispers, "Is it worth it?"

• After you burn yourself with hot glue, the enemy whispers, "Is it worth it?"

• When the three-year-old with authority issues punches and kicks you, the enemy whispers, "Is it worth it?"

• When the seven-year-old has a meltdown on the last day of VBS, the enemy whispers, "Is it worth it?"

• As you reassure the stressed-out preteen that she is made in God's image, the enemy whispers, "Is it worth it?"

• When the alarm goes off at five in the morning on the third day of VBS and you know what's waiting for you at the office in the afternoon, the enemy whispers, "Is it worth it?”

When I directed my first VBS as a young seminary graduate, my dad told me, “Your first VBS as a church staff member may be your best because you’ll lead it by the book.” He was correct; it was my best VBS experience. But, I definitely had my "Is it worth it?" moments that summer. My wife was six months pregnant with our first child, and I was in the middle of 49 radiation treatments for cancer. VBS couldn't have come at a worse time, yet God showed me that my first VBS 30 years ago—and every VBS I've participated in since—was worth it.

VBS is a ministry tool with a future. My prayer is that when faced with the question, "Is VBS worth it?", we'll all confidently respond, "Yes, it's worth it, because eternity is worth it.”

Landry Holmes is the Manager of LifeWay Kids Ministry Publishing in Nashville, Tennessee. A graduate of Howard Payne University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Landry served on church staffs before coming to LifeWay. He is a church leader, writer, workshop facilitator, and publisher. Landry also teaches children at his church in Middle Tennessee. He and his wife Janetta are the grandparents of three adorable grandbabies.

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It’s these moments that set a child up for lifelong discipleship. This book is filled with the facts and figures that support ministry leaders in reversing the trend of kids leaving the church, but even more so, it is filled with inspiration and encouragement for everyone involved in Vacation Bible School. Order copies of It’s Worth It today.

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An In-depth Picture of

By Melita Thomas

This summer, LifeWay’s VBS takes you up close and personal with elephants and egrets, polar bears and penguins, cockatoos and crocodiles, and so much more! That’s right, VBS is going In the Wild! Grab your favorite camera and buckle your seatbelt for a wild ride into seven animal-covered settings:

•Panora m ic P oin t •Wate r in g Hole •Cockatoo Canop y

•B ul l frog B og •Pac hyderm Path

•B eluga B ay •Grizzly Gul c h

As you experience each natural habitat, you may catch a glimpse of the tip of a tail or a flash of color racing through the terrain. While this encounter is likely to be thrilling, we hope your kids experience an even greater thrill when they encounter Jesus in Scripture!

During VBS, kids will focus on amazing, real-life encounters with Jesus. Each encounter is like a snapshot—it’s a specific moment in time captured on the pages of Scripture. And when put together, these isolated encounters reveal the most amazing truth of all—Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing we can have life in His name.

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G e t a f ir s t l o o k at t h e s nap s h ot s b elow: Day 1: En c o un t e r at t he T e m p l e

This is the story of 12-year-old Jesus staying behind at the temple after His family began their return home. Three days later, His parents found Him sitting with the teachers and asking insightful questions that amazed the teachers who had been studying the Scriptures all of their lives. Jesus asked His mother, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know I would be in my Father’s house?” Even at this young age, Jesus knew He was God’s Son.

Day 2: En c o un t e r at t he R ive r

In this snapshot, Jesus is a grown man ready to launch His earthly ministry. He walked down to the river to be baptized

by John the Baptist, and when John saw Jesus coming, he announced to the people, “This is the One I told you about!

Jesus is the One who takes away the sin of the world!”

As Jesus came up out of the water after being baptized, the heavens opened up and the Holy Spirit came down from heaven like a dove. “And a voice from heaven said: ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.’” What an amazing thing to hear God’s own voice declaring that Jesus is His Son!

Day 3 : Enco u nt e r on t h e Wat e r

At the mid-week point of VBS, your kids will learn the story of Jesus walking on top of the water toward the disciples’ boat. As soon as He climbed inside, the wind stopped and the waves were calm. The disciples witnessed that not only could Jesus walk on water, but He could also control the wind and the waves. They immediately fell to their knees and worshiped Jesus and said, “Truly, You are the Son of God!” Now that’s an incredible encounter!

Day 4: Enc o u nt e r at t h e Tom b

One of the most radical encounters in history took place at Jesus’ tomb. Three days after Jesus had been crucified and buried, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found the stone rolled away. She ran to find Peter and John, who examined the tomb and found it empty. As Mary stood alone crying, someone called her name. It was Jesus! Mary ran back to tell the disciples, “I have seen Jesus! He is alive!”

Day 5 : Enc o u nt e r on t h e Roa d

On the last day of VBS, your kids will experience the story of two men on the road to Emmaus. While walking along the road, Jesus joined them, but they didn’t recognize Him. As they walked, they told Him about the things that had happened in Jerusalem over the past few days. In His response, Jesus explained that everything that had happened was exactly what the prophets said would happen to the Messiah. Jesus went all the way back to the writings of Moses and began to explain how the Scriptures prove that Jesus is who He said He is.

Once the men finally realized that it was Jesus who had walked with them, they ran back to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples that they had seen Jesus alive with their own eyes.

Each of these stories is an incredible, life-changing encounter with Jesus. Every snapshot of Jesus’ life provides your kids with an opportunity to respond to the gospel. At In the Wild VBS, every participant will have the opportunity to experience an up-close and personal encounter of their own with Jesus. And that, of course, will be their wildest adventure of all!

Melita Thomas serves as LifeWay’s VBS and Kids Ministry Specialist. For the past 14 years, she has also been an editor of LifeWay’s VBS resources. Melita holds a Master’s in Childhood Ministry from Dallas Baptist University. A passionate advocate for kids ministry in the local church, Melita enjoys teaching kindergartners and preteens at Nashville First Baptist Church.

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FIND A VBS THAT FITS YOUR

Invite families into your church building with In the Wild™ VBS. Transform your weekly classrooms into a wild terrain filled with animal encounters! In the Wild™ VBS, held in your regular place of worship, is designed to reach unchurched families with the gospel. With trustworthy content designed for each age group, engaging music and activities, and flexible options for every church size, In the Wild™ VBS helps you connect church members to families in the community.

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By Rhonda VanCleave

I have a cousin who is an interior designer. I am not.

She posts tons of Facebook photos of how her home changes to reflect the seasons. My home reflects the season changes based on what is dumped on the dining table or what shoes pile up by the back door. Yes, I indulge in a bit of home décor like the dollar store “Welcome” sign on the front door or an occasional what-not, but that’s about it. Is my cousin’s home better than mine? Am I a slacker? No to both questions! The truth is, we have different personalities, priorities, and preferences. Both of us have homes that are places to be with family, gather with friends, and do life. It is the same way with our churches. During the course of our marriage, my husband and I have lived in four states and been part of six different churches. And, guess what, they decorated differently for Christmas, for Thanksgiving, for Easter, and most assuredly, they decorated differently for VBS. Were any of them “wrong” or “better”? Of course not! Here’s what I’ve discovered first-hand about decorating for VBS: Decorating is as much a use of talents and gifts as any other act of service (teaching, music, etc.). When those who are gifted are allowed and encouraged to use their gifts, they blossom and grow, and the church benefits. Not only that, but it frees up those who are not so decorating-inclined to focus on that with which they feel most comfortable.

Not every church has someone who loves to go all out with decorating. Embrace that fact. If God wanted that sort of person in your church, He would have provided it. Use pre-made decorations, keep it to a minimum, and look for what God HAS provided for you. Maybe your church has an amazing snack team, or energetic recreation leaders, or really engaging Bible study leaders. Thank God for your strengths, and don’t allow the enemy to focus your attention on comparing your church with someone else’s.

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Even classrooms can vary. Some classrooms may look like Pinterest exploded. There are kids who will thrive in that environment. Other classrooms may have nothing more than items from the teaching kit. However, kids who struggle with overstimulation may find this peaceful environment perfect. Make each teacher feel appreciated and successful. And if you do notice a “beyond expectations” room, invite that person to help with your overall decorations next year!

Budgets can limit decorating options, but again, if you have people with this talent, money is not usually an issue. One of our churches had a lady who could do amazing things with cardboard appliance boxes and cans of “goof” paint from the hardware store. Others can rummage through supply closets and imagine things I totally miss.

Decorating shouldn’t consume the bulk of your budget, which may mean putting the brakes on some who are overzealous.

Kids rarely comment about the stage decorations or things they passed along the hallways. But they will often talk about the people who talked with them, who made them feel special, or who made the experience fun. Kids are usually more into what they are able to do, rather than what they see.

The bottom line is that we should look carefully at the people God has placed in our church and encourage them to serve God in their sweet spots.

My pastor often teaches that one of the best ways to discover your gifts is to pay attention to what you enjoy the most and then think about how you can serve God with those gifts. Serving God with the gifts and abilities He has given us is so rewarding. We are not in competition with the church down the street or across town. We are serving God where He planted us. Sometimes that means smoke machines and light shows, and sometimes it means cardboard and paint. But I can guarantee you this—regardless of our efforts, when a precious soul responds to the gospel, that’s when heaven rejoices.

Rhonda VanCleave serves as Publishing Team Leader for LifeWay’s VBS. Rhonda has been active in children’s ministry for more than 40 years. Her husband is a pastor and together they have served six churches in four states.

Rhonda has degrees in English and Education. Rhonda and her husband live in Columbia, Tennessee.

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Make every room picture-perfect!

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The VBS 2019 Decorating Made Easy book is filled with decorating ideas for every room in your church. No matter your skill level, this book helps you create camera-worthy set-ups for worship at Panoramic Point, Bible study at the Watering Hole, and every themed rotation.

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Find more ideas like this to help you decorate like the pros in the Decorating Made Easy book.

INSTANT PRINT PHOTO FRAMES Provide a fun photo op with this easy-to-make oversized instant print frame. The frame can be cut out of standard white poster board, or out of something more durable such as foam core, project board, or cardboard.

(NOTE: Dimensions will vary based on the original size of the material used. Draw out everything lightly with a pencil first. Step back and make sure you are happy with the look before cutting. Make adjustments as needed.)

FOR POSTER BOARD (22-BY-28-INCHES):

3 in

1.

Cut the poster board down to 22-by-27-inches. Measure 8 inches up from the bottom edge and draw a straight line across.

2.

Measure 3 inches in from all other sides (left, right, and top). Draw straight lines. You should now have a rectangle inset 3 inches from 3 sides and 8 inches from the bottom.

3.

Hold the pencil-sketched frame up and test it to make sure you are happy with the height and width of the opening (once cut) and the width of the handholds (sides). Make any adjustments needed.

4.

5.

Carefully cut out the interior rectangle and discard.

6.

Invite kids to hold up the frame as you take their picture. Provide things such as VBS 2019 Animal Headbands (005809148), VBS 2019 Hand Puppet Decals (005809147), VBS 2019 Inflatable Frog (005809180), or VBS 2019 Kids Wraps (005809145) for kids to use while taking their pictures.

3 in

16 in 27 in

Print "In the Wild," "VBS 2019," or another label of your choosing in the space at the bottom of the frame. Decorate as desired with theme or animal stickers or stamped animal prints.

8 in

22 in

FOR FOAM BOARD OR CARDBOARD (4-BY-8-FEET): 1.

Cut the board down to 4-by-5-feet. Lay out the board so that it is 4-feet wide and 5-feet tall.

2.

Measure 18 inches up from the bottom edge and draw a straight line across.

3.

Measure 6 inches in from all other sides (left, right, and top).

Draw straight lines. You should now have a rectangle inset 6 inches from three sides and 18 inches from the bottom.

4.

Hold the pencil-sketched frame up and test it to make sure you are happy with the height and width of the opening (once cut) and the width of the handholds (sides). Make any adjustments needed.

5.

6.

Carefully cut out the interior rectangle and discard.

7.

Print "In the Wild," "VBS 2019," or another label of your choosing in the space at the bottom of the frame and decorate as desired.

6 in

6 in

36 in

60 in

Paint the entire frame white and allow to dry completely.

Make sure to paint the inside and outside edges of the frame as well.

18 in

48 in

DECORATING MADE EASY

9

17

Music Matters: HOW VBS SONGS HELP KIDS

LEARN BIBLICAL TRUTH

By Jana Magruder

18

Most of us know that learning something accompanied by a melody will help us remember that concept. Think back to younger years and chances are, a familiar tune helped you learn the ABC’s. And if you close your eyes, you’ll remember that same little song is the tune of a familiar nursery rhyme, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”, which most anyone can remember the words of today. There are countless examples of how music has helped us learn and memorize important things in our lives—from the ABC’s to math formulas, from the “Star Spangled Banner” to that VeggieTales opening song! Whatever it may be, music helps us memorize, but more importantly, it helps make a memory.

This is precisely why our VBS team puts so much effort into making VBS songs biblically-sound, full of teaching truths, and without a doubt fun and memorable. For example, the 2018 VBS theme song “Game On” included the lyrics: “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” You may or may not know that this particular section of the song is straight up Scripture (2 Peter 1:3) and anchored the entire message for Game On!™ VBS! The millions of kids, students, and adults who learned that song now know that “gearing up for life’s big game” comes from the divine power of Jesus who has given us all we need for life. That’s a big concept, but it’s easily learned through the power of song. If you were at a Game On! VBS this summer, I bet you are singing it right now!

Crafting these songs together each year is no easy task, but it sure does help to live in Nashville, Tennessee! We are so fortunate to work with world-class songwriters, producers, and musicians who call Music City their home. In fact, LifeWay VBS regularly makes the top 20 on the Billboard charts for Kids Music. This includes ALL kids music—not just Christian music. It’s a huge honor to serve so many listeners with biblically-sound and amazingly fun songs each year.

These songs are catchy to sing and move around to, but more importantly, they are helpful tools to help kids of all ages memorize Scripture and learn about God’s love.

Each year, our team hears a testimony from a teenager or young adult who said a VBS song they learned as a child helped them recall Scripture they needed at the right time for a situation in life. Stories like these help us know that when it comes to VBS, music matters. While the songs may get stuck in your head to the point of delirium, God can use them in a powerful way to help all of us learn His Word in a fun and exciting way! Keep singing, keep learning!

Jana Magruder serves as Director of LifeWay Kids. She is a Baylor graduate and offers a wealth of experience and passion for kids ministry, education, and publishing. She is the author of Kids Ministry that Nourishes and Life Verse Creative Journal, which she co-authored with her teenage daughter. Her most recent book is Nothing Less: Engaging Kids in a Lifetime of Faith. She and her husband, Michael, along with their three children, reside in Nashville.

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5

Reasons Lead Pastors Should Be Involved with VBS

By Sam Rainer

Few church programs are as ubiquitous as VBS. Churches across all denominations prepare for the summer influx of kids. It’s fun. You actually get to dance in the sanctuary! It’s also fruitful. Kids are saturated with the gospel for a week. “I was saved at VBS” is a common testimony I hear among adults.

If you’re a lead pastor, it’s tempting to take off that week because you’re not really needed to lead VBS. Many churches have long-standing volunteers and leaders who basically run VBS every year. But the week of VBS is not the time to take a vacation. When your congregation is all-hands-on-deck, you need to be there. The lead pastor should be an active and visible part of VBS. Here’s why.

1 2 3 4 5

You get to see volunteers in action you might not otherwise see.

Most lead pastors don’t interact much with children’s ministry volunteers. They are working while you are preaching. They run programs while you lead prayer meetings or Bible studies.

VBS is a great opportunity to see some of your most important volunteers in action.

You get to see children you might not otherwise see.

As a lead pastor, I’m rarely with my own kids in their church classrooms, much less other children. At VBS I get to hang out with children in my congregation I don’t know well. The kids in your church are just as much under your shepherding as the adults. It’s easy to forget that.

You get to see a perspective you might not otherwise see.

My authority level during VBS week is that of a volunteer. I serve under our children’s minister. It’s healthy for lead pastors to relinquish their typical authority and see the perspective of a volunteer. You’ll likely learn people in your congregation are more capable than you realize.

You get to see a multi-generational effort work beautifully.

Few ministries draw together all generations like VBS. We had four—if not five— generations serving together this year. It’s one of the most beautiful scenes in ministry.

You get to share Jesus with kids!

I saved the best reason for last. Lead pastors should model evangelism in their churches. VBS is your opportunity to share Christ with the youngest generation.

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Sam Rainer serves as lead pastor of West Bradenton Baptist Church. He is also the president of Rainer Research, and he is the co-founder/co-owner of Rainer Publishing. He has written over 150 articles on church health for numerous publications, and he is a frequent conference speaker. Before submitting to the call of ministry, Sam worked in a procurement consulting role for Fortune 1000 companies.

Reprinted from permission.

I love VBS. This past year, our children raised money for a mission partner—enough to fund the entire education of two children from another country. God saved our own as well. We had several children profess faith in Christ. And I got slimed with buckets of pudding . . . for the kids, of course.

Making the Pastor Connection

By Rhonda VanCleave

A couple of days after our wedding, my husband and I arrived at Clear Creek Bible College. Everyone on campus was pursuing some type of ministerial degree. Since then, we spent four more years in seminary and have served churches for over thirty years. Needless to say, I have gotten to know LOTS of pastors—of all types. I’ll let you in on a little secret ...

Pastors are regular people. I do believe the calling on their lives is a divine calling, but like all other spiritual leaders, they are still human.

I share this because it’s an important fact to consider when you want your pastor to be more involved in VBS. God has called men of every personality type imaginable to serve Him as the shepherd of a local congregation. Some have outgoing personalities and love interacting with the kids. They are probably already involved in VBS. If you are blessed with this scenario, just be sure to let your pastor know how much you appreciate his involvement. That and prayer are the best gifts you can give your pastor.

Maybe your pastor seems hesitant to become involved. As odd as it may seem, some pastors are just as uncomfortable volunteering as any other church member. However, a warm invitation to talk to the kids during Worship Rally or to visit a classroom is all it takes to nudge them into a stronger connection to VBS. The bonus payoff is that pastors and kids become comfortable with each other, and that blessing spills into the yearlong ministries of the church.

But what if it seems your pastor couldn’t care less about VBS? If his attitude is, “This is a perfect time for me to get away. Someone else is in charge for a week,” you may need to request a meeting with him (especially if you are the VBS director) and share with him some of the benefits of supporting VBS mentioned in Sam Rainer’s article. Pastors are usually the vision casters, but it is only natural that occasionally a vision needs to be cast for them.

The bottom line is, don’t expect your pastor to jump in with both feet to help at VBS just because “that’s his job” or because “he’s a pastor.” Invite him, encourage him, and include him as part of the team—a team that is truly carrying out the mission of the church—connecting with kids and their families, sharing the gospel, and making disciples.

Rhonda VanCleave serves as Publishing Team Leader for LifeWay’s VBS. Rhonda has been active in children’s ministry for more than 40 years. Her husband is a pastor and together they have served six churches in four states. Rhonda has degrees in English and Education.

Rhonda and her husband live in Columbia, Tennessee.

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VBS RESOURCE HELPS CHURCHES ‘GO & TELL KIDS’ WORLDWIDE

By Aaron Wilson

Packing for your next mission trip has just gotten a whole lot easier.

LifeWay Christian Resources has produced a new Vacation Bible School program called Go & Tell Kids to serve as a gospel presentation tool that’s easy to transport to the mission field and works anywhere.

“Go & Tell Kids is themeless, meaning people don’t have to drag a bunch of stuff with them halfway around the world, and it’s stripped of uniquely American cultural references,” said Melita Thomas, VBS and Kids Ministry specialist at LifeWay. “It’s relevant to kids in any culture and setting.”

The idea came from churches who were already adapting LifeWay’s VBS for the mission field.

“Churches who were taking VBS overseas were telling us they needed content that begins with the very basics of Christianity for kids with absolutely no Bible foundation,” said Thomas. “These churches are serving kids who don’t know who God is, much less that He has a Son—and that through the Son, God has a relationship with people.”

Ernestina Gonzalez, an editor for LifeWay Global, has been taking VBS resources outside the U.S. for the past four years. She remembers the impact of one early trip in particular.

“I traveled to Mexico with my two boys in 2014,” she said. “We saved up money for a year to make our dream possible.”

Gonzalez took the VBS theme “Saddle Ridge Ranch” to a rural community in Tamasopo, Mexico. The first day, only six children showed up.

“Without being discouraged, we ran it as if we had hundreds of students,” she said. “The next day, 36 students came. The children from the first day enjoyed the stories, crafts, music, games, and snacks so much, they invited everyone at their school.”

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Gonzalez was overjoyed when all 36 students made professions of faith in Christ at the end of the VBS experience.

“We couldn’t have been happier,” she recalled.

“We reached our goal of taking the gospel to those who hadn’t heard it. It was just us, God’s love for those seeking Him, and a VBS kit.”

LifeWay hopes Go & Tell Kids will capture more stories like Gonzalez’s by focusing on the basics of the gospel narrative.

Go & Tell Kids begins with the story of creation and traces God’s redemptive plan to Christ’s resurrection and the Great Commission. The content is divided into five 30-minute Bible study sessions for children and five 30-minute sessions for preschoolers. The entire program can fit inside an airport carry-on bag.

The Go & Tell Kids kit comes with group visuals and teaching plans preloaded on a flash drive that also contains more than 100 game ideas, crafts, coloring pages, director’s helps, and large group presentation ideas and skits. It comes packaged in a backpack with extra room for transporting supplies to the mission field. Go & Tell Kids can also be purchased as a purely digital resource from LifeWay.com.

“We tried to create a resource to really fit the mission trip context,” Thomas said. “You can take Go & Tell Kids to Africa and into the rainforest or to a Backyard Bible Club. It’s the core of the gospel that fits neatly into a suitcase. It doesn’t get any more basic than this.”

Your Travel-size VBS Go & Tell Kids will help you pack your bags to go and tell kids about Jesus. This easy-to-use, transportable VBS is designed to help you host a VBS anywhere in the world. Simple visuals, 100+ recreation games, and five sessions of gospel-centered content help you explain the good news to kids on mission trips and in unconventional church settings.

This travel-size VBS includes: • Flip chart with a self-easel and 10 pages containing teaching pictures, posters, and Bible stories

Designed for mission trips!

• Flash drive containing leader guide printables • Card that serves as a digital pass to access the same files as the flash drive for online back-up • Backpack that makes everything easy to transport

Digital • $39.99 Print • $44.99

Order your Mission Trip VBS today.

Kids

lifeway.com/goandtellkids • 800.458.2772 • LifeWay Christian Stores 23

Photo Scavenger Hunt

By Candace Powell

Gather friends and families for this fun photo scavenger hunt! See who can complete the challenge first, or set a time limit and see which team has the most photos before the clock stops. Make it a “selfie” scavenger hunt by requiring team members to be in the photo with the objects you find. Remember to have fun and say, “Cheese!”

o

Someone Making a Silly Fac e

o

A Sha d ow

o

Something Round

o

Som e thin g to E at

o

Something Shiny

o

Som e thin g T hat Mov e s

o

Something Strip ed

o

Som e thin g He av y

o

Something You Can Sit In

o

Som e thin g N o is y

o

Two Things that Have Nam e s t hat Rhyme

o

Som e thin g Yo u Us e to Pl ay Spo rt s

o

Som e on e Dan c in g

o

Something With Wheels

o

An An im a l

o

Something Yellow

o

Som e thin g T hat F l ie s

o

A Sign

o

Som e thin g R e d

o

Something With a Date

o

Som e thin g Stin ky

o

Something Colorful

o

o

Something Square

Som e thin g T hat L o o k s L i k e the L e tte r “C”

Candace Powell is a content editor for LifeWay VBS. She has a Master of Children’s Ministry from Dallas Baptist University which she uses each week as she teaches Sunday School in her local church.

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Enlisting, Equipping, and Encouraging VBS Workers

By Bill Emeott

I hear the same concerns in church after church: “We don’t have enough workers!” In some cases, I’ve heard of churches that have cancelled Vacation Bible School because they couldn’t find workers to serve. So, what is the answer?

I wish I had a magic pill that when placed in a glass of water, a ready, willing, and trained worker would pop up. Unfortunately, I don’t, but what I do offer are some principles that I think will help with your enlistment and even promote retention year after year.

ENLIST

1. .

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

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Know that God is in Control. As much as you want to have a successful VBS, much more so the Lord Jesus Christ wants that for you, your church, and the kiddos who will be attending. Pray for workers. Pray that God will lead your path to intersect with those He’s preparing to serve. Pray for people who need to be attentive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in regards to VBS. Pray, pray, PRAY! Recruit with a Vision. Everyone wants to be a part of something that’s important, and VBS IS IMPORTANT. Start with the vision, the mission, and the goal. Start with the why of VBS. In most churches, VBS is the most focused evangelistic opportunity of the year. Lead with the dream of seeing boys and girls and their families come to know Jesus. That compelling mission is something for which folks will get on board.

Be Organized. No one wants to be a part of a hot mess. Get organized and present an organized front. Know what your needs are and when asked, be ready to clearly present those needs. Organization makes a difference.

Be Enthusiastic. You should be the most excited person in your church when it comes to VBS. Excitement is contagious. People get excited about what you’re excited about. Be the catalyst for enthusiasm when it comes to VBS. Share the Joy. You don’t have to do all the enlisting alone. Start by recruiting leaders of various areas within your VBS and empower them to enlist those who will be working with them. Enlist a VBS Preschool Director who enlists lead preschool teachers who will then enlist the teachers who will work directly with them. The same goes for every major department within your VBS. Use a Ministry Description. I’m not talking about a three-page document that has to be read with an attorney. I’m talking about a half page, bullet-pointed list of what it is you are asking someone to do. People don’t live up to our expectations because they don’t know what we expect. It’s a lot easier to say yes when you know what you’re being asked to do.

Don’t forget the men. Kids need to see men serving. Don’t assume they won’t. Guys make great VBS volunteers. Keep in mind that they want to know their role is important. They’re not interested in serving in the middle of a hot mess, and they want to know what it is you’re asking them to do.

Consider the Buddy System. Often, friends are more apt to agree to work together than if you ask them to serve alone. Consider best friends serving together or even sharing larger, more demanding roles. I’ve been surprised at the difference in response when I ask good friends to serve together.

EQUIP

Don’t just enlist and leave them hanging. Equip and empower recruits for success.

Train Them: A lot of people won’t volunteer because they don’t think they are “teacher” material. However, most everyone can be taught, and part of your role as VBS leader is to train recruits for the tasks at hand.

• Provide information and encourage workers to attend area training events. Conventions and associations of churches often pool their resources to provide training. Seek those opportunities and share them with your leaders.

• Consider hosting a training/kick-off party at your church.

Provide a themed snack or meal, share needed details regarding your upcoming VBS, and enlist your team leaders to lead their teams in training.

• One-on-one training around a cup of coffee might be your best bet. Meet at a local coffee shop with those in which you need to invest.

• Online training is an option. Simple hand-held or propped-up smart phone videos texted or emailed to your team can be an effective way to get information and training out to your folks.

Be creative.

Equip Them: Not only do folks need training; they need equipping.

Equip your leaders with the resources they need.

• Curriculum. It’s been said that curriculum is only as good as the teacher teaching it, but I’ve found that many teachers (especially new teachers) are only as good as the curriculum that’s been provided. Make sure you’re choosing curriculum that is Bible-based, age-appropriate, and child-centered.

• Resources. Provide the resources and equipment your folks will need. If your church has a supply closet, make sure it’s fully stocked. Let your volunteers know they can access those resources. If there are unique resource needs, agree to assist in providing necessary items. Budgets are limited, both at church and at home. Don’t let VBS be a financial burden to your leaders. Work to find a solution.

ENCOURAGE:

Providing support and appreciation goes a long way toward a happy recruit. Don’t enlist them and leave them. Be there for your team. Encourage them with Scripture, pats on the back, emails, handwritten notes, and other fun ways to express appreciation.

Remind VBS workers that what they’re doing is truly making a difference—an eternal difference.

Cheer your leaders on to victory and success.

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches third grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Poppin’

Appreciation Let your VBS volunteers know how much you appreciate all their time and hard work with this small snapshot of thanks!

Supplies

• Cardstock • Theme-related ribbon • Bags of microwave popcorn

Instructions

1. Use the cardstock to make copies of the snapshot for each volunteer.

Just POPPIN’ in to say thanks for all

you do!

2. Attach a snapshot to a bag of microwave popcorn with the ribbon. Or attach snack-sized bags of ready-made popcorn found in the snack aisle of your local grocery store.

3. Distribute the thank you notes to your volunteers during the week of VBS to let them know how much you appreciate their service.

Make copies of the tag below or download them at kidsministry101.com.

ADD A TWIST!

Make your own kettle corn using the recipe below.

Ingredients

· ¼ cup coconut oil · ¼ cup sugar

· ½ cup popcorn kernels · ½ tsp. salt

Directions

1. Lay out parchment paper to pour popcorn on when it is finished popping.

2. Heat the oil and three kernels of popcorn in a pot over medium-high heat.

3. When the kernels pop, add the remaining kernels and sugar. Stir vigorously.

Just POPPIN’ in you do to say thanks for all

!

Carol Tomlinson is a content editor for LifeWay VBS. She enjoys serving students in her church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

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4. Place a lid on the pot and shake the pot back and forth over the eye. Use an oven mitt to hold the lid in place and protect your hands.

5. Once the pot is full and the kernels have slowed down to only one or two popping, pour the popcorn out onto the parchment paper.

6. Sprinkle the popcorn with the salt and let cool.

7. Fill plastic snack bags with popcorn and attach each bag to a snapshot.

MAKE PLANNING EASY WITH

KIDEVENT PRO! Keep up with all event plans including groups, schedules, emergency contacts, allergy information, and more! After VBS, use the data you store to plan follow-up events and keep the connection with unchurched families.

PURCHASE YOUR ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY! KIDEVENTPRO.COM 29

SNACKTIME

IN A SNAP

Make volunteers feel wildly special by creating a snack table filled with animals galore!

Start crafting your table by laying green, white, brown and/or blue cloths. Add levels and texture to your table with cake stands, wooden crates, plants (real and faux), and for fun, throw in some stuffed or plastic animals.

I added a world globe and binoculars to give a wink to the theme. If you have an instant camera and some candid photos of your leaders, that would add a fun flair as well.

Remember, your snacks don’t have to be intricately hard to make! The lion was fashioned from cut red, yellow, and orange peppers, store-bought hummus, and pretzels.

I baked the muffins and the cupcakes from mixes, but those could be purchased already made from your grocery store.

The cute giraffes? Well, those are mozzarella sticks and pretzels—but I’m going to let you know that I had a hard time getting them to stand. That’s why you see only one! So, I suggest that you make just one, set the bowl of cheese sticks and pretzels next to it, and encourage leaders to have fun making their own!

These were all fun to make. But remember, you don’t have to come up with them on your own. You’ll find lots more snack ideas in the VBS 2019 Snack Rotation Cards.

GO WILD AND HAVE FUN! Klista Storts serves as an Editor for LifeWay Kids.

Before coming to LifeWay, she served as the Weekday and Preschool Specialist at the Tennessee Baptist Convention and as Director of Preschool Ministries at churches in Oklahoma and Tennessee. Klista has a passion for equipping leaders to share the love of Christ and lay foundations for conversion in the lives of kids.

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Scripture ANIMAL Cut-outs Cut the solid lines around the animals below. Fold where the lines are dotted to create a 3 dimensional animal to keep on your desk as a Scripture reminder. Also available at kidsministry101.com to download.

“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.�

GLUE HERE

John 20:31 (CSB)

GLUE HERE

GLUE HERE

For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. john 6:38

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