A long time ago when my children were still quite young, it was our custom to take a family drive after Sunday dinner. When I said, “Let’s go!” everyone hopped up and with squeals of joy headed for the car. Every one, that is, except Russ. He looked at me inquiringly and said, “Where are we going?” I have to admit, I had a secret destination, but I said, “We are just going to drive around.” Then came his zinger, “But how will we know when we get there?”

If we don’t know where we are going, how will we know when we arrive?

This is not an uncommon situation. A group of people all excited and anxious, ready to go, with each person having his/her own concept of the destination in mind.

Let’s look at Vacation Bible School (VBS), for example.

VBS leaders often make the same mistake. They are all charged up, full of enthusiasm, ready to go and “head for the car.” But no one follows. Don’t forget:

 1. To involve the “team” in the decision to travel to a certain destination (goal).

This involves an open discussion of the “needs” of the organization in a specific area. From discussing the needs, the “why” of getting to that goal will evolve.

2. To clearly define the goal in simple, easily communicated terms.

It is important to define the goal in specific, easily definable terms, be it writing a Bible study lesson series, identifying possible VBS locations, or establishing a VBS budget, for example.

It also needs intermediate checkpoints and deadlines along the way. You not only need to know where you are going but when you will arrive. I know that sounds like I’m complicating things. To the contrary, the more you can define your way, the easier the trip.

The more you can define the route, the easier the trip.

3. To emphasize the common benefit for everyone’s participation

To achieve the goal each team member must fulfill his/her obligation along the way. To do that the person must know what is expected of him/her. All the parts must fit together smoothly to avoid those “crunch times” necessary to meet the goal.

4. To identify the desired outcome of the joint endeavor.

What’s the pay off? It might be specific recognition for each member of the team from the church leader(s). It might also mean seeing the results of the team effort in action, the children experiencing the joy and love of Jesus.

There is a time when I just want to “drive around.” That is “team building” time.

Spending relaxed time with the team is an important balance to the intense VBS team effort.

Oh, my secret destination of the after dinner drive was the favorite family ice cream parlor. Yummmy!

Coming Soon! When people say they can’t help with  Vacation Bible School, refer them to the suggestions in next Tuesday’s blog.