The Power of Relationships at VBS

Today’s kids are struggling.

Partially due to the indoctrination this generation faces, Gen Alpha is struggling with who they are. Their identity is not found in Christ. They feel unloved, unwanted, and like they don’t matter. They are confused and in pain, which sadly comes with attempts to make the hurt and pain go away.

In 2023, the U.S. News reported that the suicide rates for thirteen- and fourteen-year-olds have doubled. But it’s not just preteens. Kindergarteners are thinking about or attempting suicide as well.

VBS is an opportunity to build relationships with children who might be hurting.

Mentally, these kids are on the struggle bus too. The American Psychological Association found that the number of children diagnosed with anxiety more than doubled during the pandemic. Self-harm, suicide attempts, eating disorders, anxiety—these are all on the rise in record numbers, at earlier ages than ever before.

Our kids are struggling. But there is power in relationships, and VBS is an opportunity to build relationships with children who might be hurting.

Make Kids Feel Welcomed and Loved at Your VBS

Could you imagine dreading going home from school each day, knowing you’d spend the rest of the night being told what a waste of space you are? Thankfully, I can’t, but for some boys and girls who might attend your VBS, that is their reality. For a child who feels unwanted and unloved, coming to a VBS that welcomes them with open arms and shows the love of Jesus through words and actions might change their eternity.

• Pay attention to your facial expressions and body language. Does your face show that you’re happy a child is there?
• Use children’s names and look them in the eyes. This says to a child, “I see you, and you’re important.”
• If a child misses a day of VBS, comment on how excited you are that he/she is back.
• Give high fives, hugs, and lots of words to show kids you are happy they are there and loved by the Father.

Build Relationships with Children Year to Year

Do you have the same non-church kids attend your VBS from year to year? You have an opportunity to pour into them each year, making them feel loved not just by you, but by Jesus.

• Remember their names (and use them) as soon as you see them each year.
• Comment how you’re so glad that they are back this year.
• Remember details about them/their lives that they shared with you the year before.

You don’t have to see a child weekly to build a relationship with them. Pour into those VBS-only kids each year.

There Is Power in a Smiling, Caring Adult

Smiling and telling a child you’re happy they are at VBS might not seem like a big deal. But to a child, this is huge! Many studies have shown that a contributing factor to developing a child’s faith and their staying in church is having caring, loving adults involved in their lives.

Because a VBS volunteer was excited they were there . . .
Because a VBS volunteer smiled when they walked in the room . . .
Because a VBS volunteer remembered their name . . .
Because a VBS volunteer cared about them when they were lonely . . .
Because a VBS volunteer showed the love of Jesus when they felt unlovable . . .

An eternity can change.

Welcome kids to your VBS. Love on those kids. You have no way of knowing what each child is facing or feeling, or what every child’s home life is like. You do, however, have the opportunity to pour into these kids relationally. You get to be the hands and feet of Jesus to these precious kids. Don’t waste that opportunity!