High Fives and Smiles: The Power of Relationships in VBS

You can have all of the budget money in the world for VBS, but if there aren’t caring and loving volunteers, you are missing the mark. Expert VBS decorating teams could transform your church, but without caring, loving volunteers, it’s all for naught. The snacks, the games, the lessons—they might all be top-notch, but if leaders aren’t engaging with and loving on kids, your impact is diminished.

There is so much power in a caring, loving adult in the life of a child. VBS week should be no exception.

There is so much power in a caring, loving adult in the life of a child. VBS week should be no exception.

Generation Alpha, the generation of kids attending your vacation Bible school, is like no generation ever before. These children are struggling with myriad issues. Anxiety is at an all-time high. They have a harder time connecting with their peers. They are struggling with their identity. Lots of things set this generation apart, but the need for caring and loving adults has not changed—it has only intensified.

Boys and girls should see and feel that your church wants them there and that your church is excited to teach them the Word of God! When that child walks into your VBS, are they being met with high fives and smiles or grimaces from frustrated leaders?

High fives and welcoming smiles invite a child in. You create an atmosphere that the child wants to be in. As the love of Jesus is displayed from the leaders to a child, the child may let down their defenses and inhibitions, opening their heart to the gospel.

When a child feels welcomed by VBS leaders, the child will want to be there. If the child wants to be there, they can experience Jesus. When children feel loved by the adults serving, they, in turn, feel Jesus’ love. When the care and affection poured on a child is genuine, it can open up the heart of a child to listen to and accept Jesus’ teachings.

An eternity can change because of your open arms and warm hearts.

Life change can happen in the life of a boy or girl because there was an adult at vacation Bible school that cared that he or she was there. An eternity can change because of your open arms and warm hearts.

What is the attitude at your vacation Bible school? Are leaders genuinely excited that boys and girls are there to hear the good news of Jesus? Are high fives and smiles the standard? Jesus welcomed the children to his feet; make sure your VBS is doing the same.