One of the first steps in organizing a Vacation Bible School (VBS) team is to make sure everyone is:

• on the same page,

• of the same mind, and

• clear on some unifying principles.

These requirements apply to working with each other as well as working with the children.
They determine the “atmosphere” of the VBS.  You want an atmosphere that  shows:

• love of Jesus Christ

• wholesome activity

• the desire to learn

If you were to have the group list behaviors that make up that “atmosphere,” it might be called a creed,  code of conduct, list of principles or the like.

As Christians, we look to Jesus and his teachings for guidance for the kind of life Jesus would have us live.

Optimist International, a well known and respected service organization has this creed:

I like this creed because it reflects on topics that will help people in their daily lives.  It doesn’t mention God, but God has inspired the author Christian D. Larson in 1922  who was a Christian and prolific writer.

All Optimist Club members recite this creed at the beginning of each Club meeting.

However, no creed will suit the needs of VBS better than one the members develop for themselves.  That creed will have the ownership of the team and will be more useful and meaningful to each team member.

Think of the kind of VBS experience might the children have if the VBS team started every VBS day by reciting this creed beginning with, “With God’s help, I  promise …..

Amen

Next week: A VBS Disciples creed.