Would you say, “Get organized?” Certainly, you must have things well organized to have a smooth running VBS. Yes, you and your VBS team will depend on your organizational abilities to keep things moving in the right direction.

But there is a more important focus.

Would you say, “Having the right materials?” Certainly, selection of the correct projects and age appropriate materials is very important to a successful VHS. Having enough materials is important too.

But there is a more important focus.
 

Would you say, “Dependability?” Certainly, a smooth operating VBS must have dependable volunteers, volunteers who show up when and where expected, volunteers ready to work cheerfully, and volunteers who are trained and willingly fulfill their responsibilities. All the pieces must fit together regardless of function to have a successful VBS.

But there is a more important focus.

Would you say, “Loving the children?” Certainly, we want a loving atmosphere for the children. We want an atmosphere that is safe, full of learning, love and fun. You and the team train and work hard to accomplish all that.
 

But there is a more important focus.

The focus must be on Jesus Christ, helping the children (and volunteers) to know Him better. That should be the focus of all activity.

OK, so you knew that. It’s obvious. That’s why we have a VBS. Yet, since it is so obvious, why is Christ so often overlooked? For example, most people don’t name Jesus Christ their first choice for the focus for VBS.

Here are some ways to keep the VBS Christ Centered!

1. Make the FIRST morning activity with staff and volunteers a “focus time” Take 10-15 minutes to start the day with prayer and maybe a short meditation. That’s why you’re here!

2. Try, as much as possible to have Christ the central theme that pervades the various activities. For example, attempt to make the craft tie in with the Bible lesson, and perhaps recreation too, although that is more difficult. The memory verses from the Bible lesson can be reenforced in other activities, such as praise worship.

3. Start the Bible lesson, and other activities with a short prayer or brief comments to help the children see the relationship to Christ.

Making Jesus Christ the main focus of your life is a good place to start!

4. Do some brainstorming with your team to find ways to keep Christ the focus of all VBS activities.

5. Starting training sessions with a prayer may seem a small thing but is quite significant in setting the tone for the VBS experience.

6. Help the children see that Christ is the center of VBS. Can He also be the center of their lives?

7. Make Jesus Christ the main focus of your life!