I was four months old when I attended my first Vacation Bible School. In case you don’t believe me, I have the certificate to prove it. Mounted right next to it in my baby book is a second certificate from exactly twelve months later when I attended my second VBS. That one even has five gold stars for a week of perfect attendance! The summers that followed were filled with all sorts of wonderful, carefree childhood adventures—and every single one of those summers included a VBS.
These memories are important. These experiences are important—not just for me but for all children. They are the foundational bricks of faith development and built upon year after year. Perhaps you had a similar experience and equally memorable memories. We’re not alone. VBS is a shared experience for a majority of Americans. In fact, a 2018 study by Lifeway Research found that six out of ten Americans attended VBS as a child.VBS isn’t just about fun and games . Its primary purpose is to lead people to experience the life-transforming power of the gospel.
I love VBS because it’s unlike anything else my church does all year. Sure there are back-to-school bashes and fall festivals and other fun events throughout the year, but nothing compares to VBS. There’s something special about coming together for several hours every single day for a week. It’s a highlight of summer and something kids will look back on and remember fondly even when they’re grown. And after a year and a half of being isolated from one another, we all are going toVBS this year.