Thursday, November 1, 2018

IS VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL STILL WORTH THE EFFORT?


More church staffs are asking the above question, either verbally or, at least, in their minds. Challenges are increasing that confront churches from providing this summer tradition that has been around since 1894. Difficult scheduling, dwindling volunteerism, and declining budgets all force churches to decide whether VBS is still an effective ministry. 

As your staff contemplates this question consider these statistics that were discovered through a research project at LifeWay, plus the results from this year’s Vacation Bible Schools around the country:

Statistics from a research project surveying 1200 American adults: 

  • 36% attended every summer or almost every summer
  • 88% of those that attended VBS had a positive experience and helped them understand the Bible better
  • 47% of today’s parents have taken their children to VBS because of the spiritual impact it can have.
  • 60% of parents who never attended VBS are open to allowing their children attend a VBS if invited.

Plus look at what was accomplished this past summer:

  • 2.5 Million In attendance, experiencing 15 hours of intense discipleship
  • 7 months of ministry demonstrated in one week
  • 70,135 salvation decisions
  • 1,383 responded to God’s call to ministry or missions
  • 155,344 prospects discovered
  • $6.5 million given to missions through VBS offerings

So what do you think, is providing a Vacation Bible School still worth the effort?   

Just ask those 70, 135!
 
Get a jumpstart on next summer by ordering the kit today!  Click Here!


THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….

Resources to help develop your church’s stewardship generosity - https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/generosity

FOR CHURCH LEADERS:  FREE shipping on all books, Bibles, and church supplies (over $50) from your friendly LifeWay store? Check it out! https://buff.ly/2vlPn3I

FOR CHURCH LEADERS: 12 ways to begin a conversation about generous giving - https://buff.ly/2mrsQej

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Ministry Grid - https://buff.ly/2IoJuER

FOR LEADER TRAINING: Digital Bundle of Ministry Grid, smallgroup.com, and WordSearch - https://buff.ly/2xWTxh1

FOR BIBLE STUDY LEADERS: Adult Group Box for starting new groups - https://www.lifeway.com/en/bible-studies-for-life/adults/group-box

FOR CHURCH LEADERS:  Reconnect - Use this simple but effective way to reconnect with those members who have dropped out or are not connected to a Bible study group. https://buff.ly/2LMD0AD

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: The Balanced Discipleship Plan: A Catalog of Studies to Develop Disciples - https://buff.ly/2Gv3CY6

FOR DISCIPLESHIP:  Disciples Path: an intentional plan of disciple making - https://buff.ly/2CYS6Ts

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Gospel Foundations - https://buff.ly/2MXGCow

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Psalm 23 by Jennifer Rothschild - https://buff.ly/2SrLKAt

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Ministry to Women Handbook - https://buff.ly/2q5Grd3

FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRY:  What Matters Most by Karen Ehman - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/what-matters-most-leader-kit-P005802633

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Sign up for the LifeWay Men’s Newsletter - https://www.lifeway.com/en/shop/ministries/men

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:  Making Space by Jeff Vanderstelt -  https://buff.ly/2MCJjrR

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Unstuck by James McDonald - https://buff.ly/2vxsLty

FOR MEN’S MINISTRY: Kingdom Disciples by Tony Evans - https://buff.ly/2GlN9SW

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Gospel Foundations for Students - https://buff.ly/2MXGCow

FOR STUDENT MINISTRY: Resources for True Love Waits - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/true-love-waits

FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: Reaching the Next Generation - https://buff.ly/2AMJ8se

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: 2019 CentriKid Camps - https://buff.ly/2CWQQjG

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: What does it Mean to be a Christian - Here's a brand new resource to help children understand what it means to be a Christian. https://buff.ly/2NVCqBN

FOR KIDS MINISTRY: Kid Event Pro – An online Kids Ministry Event Planning system - https://buff.ly/2PaMurS

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