VBS Equipping events set for April
Feb 27, 2017
By Sarah Kenney
How does Vacation Bible School remain an effective tool for sharing the gospel with communities across the state?
The answer, said Cheri Dempsay, state VBS director, is “training [that] helps motivate, prepare and energize church leaders to go into their communities and reach children and their families with the gospel message.”
This year’s VBS theme is “Galactic Starveyors: Searching the Visible, Discovering the Invisible.” Children will examine theme verses Colossians 1:15-16 and study the invisible God who deeply desires a personal relationship with them.
In April, two State VBS Equipping events will prepare teachers for the life-changing, gospel-based conversations they will have with the students.
“Oftentimes VBS is a training ground for teachers to continue teaching throughout the year in other areas of their church,” Dempsay said.
These trainings also allow leaders to come together and form support networks. More experienced leaders can share their wisdom and experience, while young leaders can provide new ideas. By gathering to study the material and brainstorm, the leaders are able to make modifications to the program to better serve their local communities.
The benefits of the trainings are undeniable.
“VBS has been the largest evangelistic event most churches have,” Dempsay said. “Statistics have shown that for every one person trained, there has been one salvation [through VBS].”
The State VBS Equipping will take place on April 1 at First Southern Baptist Church in Tucson. The cost is $15 per person, if you are registered before March 20. If you register before March 27, the cost is $20. All registrations at the door are $25.
In Phoenix, the training will take place on April 8 at Northern Hills Community Church. Before March 27, the cost is $15. If registered before April 3, the event costs $20. All at-the-door registrations cost $25.
To register a group, CLICK HERE.
These trainings provide important opportunities for VBS to adapt and remain relevant in communities across the state. Dempsay reminds us that “VBS is more than just cookies and punch — it’s a tool to reach kids with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The methods may change, but the message is always the same. Everyone needs Jesus, and Jesus commands us as believers to go out into our communities and share the gospel.”
That is certainly a cause worth getting behind.
For more information, contact Amy Medley, 480-945-0880 or 800-687-2431.