Tossing paper airplanes into white towel “clouds” gave Katie Lewis and her fellow associational Vacation Bible School directors the opportunity to exchange ideas for promotion, evangelism, and follow-up in Vacation Bible School. This was one of many airplane-related activities that took place at the State VBS Clinic centered on the theme of “Amazing Wonders Aviation.”
Katie Lewis (seated, center) looks on as Teresa Stewart of Moriah Association throws a paper airplane in an activity.Representatives from 27 Baptist associations gathered on Feb. 4 at Spring Valley Baptist Church in Columbia to become familiar with the theme and to prepare to teach the material at their own association’s VBS clinic. The curriculum, published by LifeWay, focuses on God’s power over creation, over circumstances, over sin and death, and over our lives.
This was the first time for Lewis and the team she brought from Marion Association to attend a State VBS Clinic. Lewis recently became the VBS director for the association. She said, “When I found out the position was available, I jumped at it.?I really enjoyed preparing for our VBS, so I want to be able to share that with others and hopefully get them as excited as I am! When you see how excited the kids are about VBS and when you see Jesus working in their hearts, it makes you want to do the absolute best you can to facilitate that.”
Clinic participants attended classes for specific areas of VBS, ranging from age-group Bible study to music, missions and crafts. Along with learning how to teach the material, associational leaders were trained in related topics such as how to present the gospel to children or how to reach youth and adults through VBS.
In the worship rally, the “VBS in Every Church” emphasis was introduced. Associational leaders were urged to find ways to assist churches in their area that do not hold a Vacation Bible School. “More Bible schools will result in more people knowing Christ as Savior, since there is an average of four professions of faith for every VBS held,” stated Sue Harmon, South Carolina Baptist Convention childhood ministry group associate director.
Last summer, two-thirds of Baptist churches in South Carolina held Vacation Bible Schools, resulting in approximately 5,600 salvations.
“VBS takes a lot of effort,” says Harmon, “but the results are well worth it as people accept Christ, as Christians grow closer to him, and as churches are energized by a ministry that has so much excitement and enthusiasm for the Lord associated with it.”
Training clinics will be held by associations across the state throughout the spring. For more information about clinic opportunities, see the listing for associational VBS clinics at www.scbaptist.org/vbs.
With preparations under way, VBS will soon be cleared for take-off! – SCBC
Ben Furr, VBS director for Chesterfield Association, led the class for associational VBS directors at the State VBS Clinic.