Upcoming Vacation Bible School Training Opportunities

Sunday School: Jean Edwards
Thursday, March 1, 2007

Although the cold and snow of winter are still evident around us, many churches utilize these early months of the year to begin planning, recruiting, and promoting their premier summer event for children - Vacation Bible School. Not only is VBS the major church activity for many children, but churches also depend heavily on the evangelistic impact which VBS provides for their congregations. Jerry Wooley, Lifeway's VBS ministry specialist, points out that as much as 28% of all Southern Baptist baptisms are a direct result of Vacation Bible School.

For many children, the "game is on" and excitement is in the air for the summer of 2007 with Lifeway's "Game Day Central: Where Heroes Are Made." This curriculum will get kids in the game and help them learn how to become heroes both on and off the field by focusing on Jesus and following God's plan for their lives. During Game Day Central VBS, kids will have an all-access pass for everything from the Worship Rally Arena to the Crafts Fan Zone. The scripture focus for Game Day Central is, "Run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

For churches that need a little more flexibility with their VBS curriculum, Lifeway's second offering: "Club VBS - Jungle Jaunt" is a great option. This program will take kids on a trek through the depths of the Amazon Jungle as they discover the One True God with VBS teachers as their river guides. The curriculum focuses on Psalms 145:1-2 as its theme. "I exalt You, my God the King, and praise Your name forever and ever. I will praise You every day; I will honor Your name forever and ever." So, if you're looking for an anytime Vacation Bible School that's jam-packed with fun, the Jungle Jaunt is on - jump in!

As your church begins to consider Vacation Bible School options for the summer of 2007, you are invited to participate in one of two VBS training opportunities. The first is coming up quickly at First Southern Baptist Church in Salina, where the KNCSB will hold their annual "VBS Jumpstart." This event will be held on Saturday, March 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. With a number of core conferences in the morning and enrichment options in the afternoon, this training will provide learning opportunities related to both "Game Day Central" and "Club VBS - Jungle Jaunt." There is a registration fee of $10 per person which includes conference fee and a box lunch. Contact the Kansas/Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists Office for further information.

The second training option will be closer to home for most in the HOKSBA, with an associational training to be conducted on Thursday, April 12th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Sharon Baptist Church in Wichita. This event will provide training for VBS directors, preschool and children's teachers, and leaders in the areas of crafts and music. Additional information on this event will be forwarded to churches of the HOKSBA in mid-March. Begin recruiting your coaches, drafting your players (children), and preparing your church for an exciting experience in Vacation Bible School 2007!