Last weekend I directed our church’s weekend vacation Bible school. We have only a few children who regularly attend our church right now, but that was the point. We needed something to generate more interest and enthusiasm in our children and their parents, as well as the children’s ministry in general.
The publisher designed the VBS curriculum to be held over two days with a two-and-a-half-hour session each day and a celebration worship service on Sunday. However, we chose to do both sessions on Saturday, making it a full-day event. Our celebration service was well attended and afterwards we had a petting zoo in the church courtyard for kids to enjoy. It was a huge hit with the kids, though the adults enjoyed it almost as much.
We accomplished all I hoped to with this event. We reconnected with some parents and children we hadn’t seen in a while and our regular attendees were thrilled to have such a fun event for their kids. We anticipate an even better attendance when we hold our summer VBS, and we’re hopeful that the connections made might also translate into increased Easter attendance as well.
The other thing I hope we accomplished over the weekend is to show the kids in our church their value. Even though there were only a handful of children, seven to be exact, this event impacted them in their spiritual journey. I saw their enthusiasm. I heard their thoughtful answers. They sang their hearts out. I know they experienced God’s Word in new ways. I pray they’ll know what a valuable asset they are to our church, not just in the future, but right now. They are loved and an important part of the body of Christ even at their young ages!
Bottom line, kids provide pure and enthusiastic faith to any church family. Their simple trust is an example to us all, which I imagine is one of the reasons Jesus said we must become like them to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:3).
What is your church doing to nurture its children’s faith? Have you ever had a special event to build momentum in children’s ministry? Sound off in the comments below.
