Time To Get On The Bus!

We are gearing up for VBS 2011 at WABC! Now I know that everyone has different views on whether VBS is still relevant today and for some its become not much more then a babysitting service. As a former VBS and Youth Director I get it where people are going with the arguments against it. But I also understand the importance of engaging youth in some type of activity over the summer. Many youth don't have the same opportunities that many parents take for granted. Marc and I were never in a position to send our kids away to camp and in most cases we could not even afford most of the day or week camps that so many families send their kids to each year. There was no family vacation timeshare, or summer lake house! Just being able to take a vacation was a blessing in itself. So when VBS came around each year it was a big deal in our household (granted it meant a lot of work because most of the time we were responsible in some form or the other for its planning). 

Back then it wasn't necessarily about reaching those far from Christ (or upping our numbers) but a way to engage our youth in meaningful conversations about Christ and providing a safe place for them to be when school was out. I know since that time VBS has changed quite a bit, and many today are more focused on reaching out to those in the community (good for them). For some it works, and for others its outgrown its usefulness. With the economy being what it is today I would like for people to consider a few things (especially if your trying to reach youth in an inner city setting). What alternatives are your offering as more and more programs for our youth are being slashed? Have you considered the fact that not every child has access to a youth league, summer camp, or the money to go on a youth mission trip? How many people are you not reaching because your ministry looks too slick or lacks diversity in not just your team, but your events, your music, your graphics and literature? I'm not saying you have to do VBS, but I would ask what are you doing to reach the kids and parents in our cities who may be far from Christ, but also may just need a safe place for a week that is away from abuse, gang violence, drugs, or whatever? Lets not get soo caught up in being cool that we overlook a generation of lost who don't have the same advantages that we might be able to provide for our own children. 

One last thing....if your in a position to partner with a smaller church in your area..do that. If your a smaller church in the community don't be afraid to reach out to other churches in your community for assistance. One of the things I love about my hometown community is that most of the churches are not able to substain a VBS event on their own so they have learned to partner together and for the last few years many of them have gotten together to hold one large event for the entire group of churches! How great is that! Its time to stop dragging each other under the bus in an effort to stand out, maybe its time we all got on the bus together and really start making a difference in our communities!