Belinda Jolley has been writing for years, so the invitation to write this year’s adult Vacation Bible School literature for LifeWay Christian Resources was a project she was eager to accept. Under the theme “Boomerang Express: It All Comes Back to Jesus,” the 2009 VBS material focuses on various scripture passages and highlighting Peter’s growing relationship with Jesus.
Belinda Jolley looks over the adult VBS book that she wrote for LifeWay.“VBS is a proven, effective strategy for helping children choose to follow Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.?I believe we could see similar impact if churches focused just as heavily on reaching all people of all ages.?And if we reach adults, we are more apt to reach the entire family,” Jolley said.
As director of the adult ministry office at the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Jolley works with church staff and lay leadership to develop ministries, including Sunday school and discipleship training, for adults. Prior to joining the convention staff, Jolley worked as a self-employed adult ministry consultant and freelance writer, primarily writing adult leaders’ material for Sunday school curriculum. It is Jolley’s passion for reaching adults with the gospel that made her really excited to be given the opportunity to write this year’s VBS materials.
“VBS isn’t just for children.?Parents can show their children that Bible study is an important part of their ongoing spiritual growth, too,” Jolley said.
Jolley pointed out that the VBS theme, “It all comes back to Jesus,” is a great focus during difficult economic times. “Many people have discovered their bank accounts, retirement accounts, jobs, and houses provide no real security in life. Finding peace and hope in this crazy world really does come back to a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”
The Australian-themed VBS material may also appeal to families who aren’t able to go on a long vacation this summer, by providing a chance to explore that country’s culture during that week. “VBS can be a shared experience for families as they enjoy the fun and enthusiasm of themed activities, music and snacks, as well as studying the same Bible truths,” said Sue Harmon, associate director, childhood ministry group, SCBC.
The material Jolley created takes “passengers” on an imaginative “train ride” through Australia. Using a five-day format, the curriculum focuses on a different biblical truth each day and delves deeper into Peter’s relationship with Jesus. As with traditional children’s VBS materials, the adult material includes themed craft, food, and activity suggestions that also add elements of fun. A planning worksheet helps to customize an adult VBS schedule, and offers creative ways to use the curriculum – including parenting workshops and as follow-up with parents of children who participated in VBS.
Jolley wants to see more churches offer a class for adults during the VBS experience, or at another time during the year. “A great way to help leaders prepare for VBS is to provide adult VBS in March, April, or May. That would allow preschool, children, and student leaders to experience the Bible study from a personal standpoint, and being in an adult Bible study group might expose them to other potential leaders/helpers for VBS.”
Jerry Wooley, the VBS ministry specialist at LifeWay, has known Jolley for many years and worked with her on this project. He challenges churches to decide if an adult VBS class will be a discipleship tool or an evangelistic tool to reach the unchurched. “Too often churches see adult VBS as simply a discipleship study for senior adults or for adults not involved in working with children and teens during VBS. If VBS is one of the best evangelistic tools for reaching children, it stands to reason that VBS can also be a way to reach unchurched adults as well,” Wooley said.
Harmon agrees that involving adults in VBS could bring an entire family to church. “Instead of parents dropping off their children for VBS, they can be invited to meet other parents and get a taste of what their children are learning. As relationships are built and contact is maintained through follow-up efforts after VBS is over, families can be drawn to the Lord and to his church,” Harmon said.
Jolley asked, through her written words, “Why wouldn’t parents want to be involved with their children (in VBS)? Why wouldn’t church leaders want parents to come with their children so the entire family can grow in their relationship with Jesus?” – SCBC