According to Barna Group, two-thirds (67%) of Christians come to faith before the age of 18, and nearly half of all Americans who accept Jesus as their Savior do so before age 13 (Barna, 2019). If that doesn’t make you pause mid-snack, this might: studies also show that church attendance among families is steadily declining, with only about 36% of Gen Z attending church weekly, compared to 43% of Millennials and 51% of Gen X (Pew Research, 2023). What does that mean for the church today? It means we must reach children while their hearts are open and their curiosity is alive. VBS is one of the most effective tools we have to do that. It’s not just an old tradition. It’s a sacred opportunity that is clearly needed today. And here’s the kicker: a Lifeway study found that over 70% of churches that run VBS report it as their most effective outreach of the year (Lifeway Research, 2018). That’s right—your best shot at connecting with your community might just involve pool noodles and goldfish crackers!
Every summer, churches across the country come alive with the joyful noise of kids laughing, singing, crafting, and occasionally sticking googly eyes to furniture. But underneath the glitter is something eternal: a chance to introduce children to Jesus in a real, unforgettable way. VBS creates an environment where faith feels safe, fun, and foundational. Kids aren’t just told about Jesus—they see Him lived out in the love, attention, and kindness of leaders and volunteers. They discover that church isn’t boring or judgmental—it’s alive, welcoming, and deeply relevant. For many children, VBS is their first-ever experience in a church building. For others, it’s a much-needed faith refresher during a dry season. Either way, VBS becomes a space where the Spirit of God moves, hearts soften, and the Gospel is heard clearly.
This summer, our church—Christ Church Anglican—hosted 120 children at VBS. And here’s the twist: we don’t even have a building right now (!!!!!). We partnered with a generous neighboring church and hosted our entire week in their space. Out of the 120 children, only 26 were from our own church family. The rest? Kids from our community. Kids who were invited by neighbors, friends, or simply heard the buzz. By the end of the week, they left with Bible verses in their heads, hope in their hearts, and sometimes a little frosting on their shirts. We saw firsthand the power of simply saying, “Come.” VBS became the bridge between our church and the community we’re called to serve. And it reminded us that ministry often looks like duct tape, dancing, and dinosaur-themed snacks.
One of the best things about VBS? It doesn’t have to end on Friday. We had a mom say, “I wish your VBS lasted longer!” And our answer? “It does. It’s called Sunday morning—come back!” VBS is the perfect on-ramp for kids and families to begin connecting with your church on a deeper level. When children experience joy, love, and truth at VBS, they associate church with something good, something joyful, something unique, and something light in this dark world. And when you invite them back, they’re more likely to come—because they already feel like they belong. That’s why we make it a point to invite every VBS family to Sunday services. The decorations may come down, but the fun, friendships, and faith continue every week. VBS isn’t just a one-time event—it’s a bridge to a lasting church connection. You don’t need a full-time staff or Broadway-level sets to do VBS. All you need is:
- A heart for kids
- A handful of volunteers
- A plan (it doesn’t have to be fancy)
- And a willingness to embrace the unexpected (and glitter)
Small church? Perfect.
No fancy tech? Even better.
Only one volunteer who can carry a tune? That’s all you need.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence. Being present with kids, opening the Bible with them, and showing them the love of Christ in real, relational ways. If you’re wondering what curriculum to use, how to promote it, or what to do when the snack budget runs low—I’m happy to share what worked for us (and what didn’t). Whether you’re planning your first VBS or looking to refresh an old tradition, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out with any questions—I’d love to help your church say “yes” to the mission of reaching kids for Christ.
Vacation Bible School isn’t just a week—it’s an open door. It’s an invitation. It’s an echo of Jesus’ words: “Let the little children come to me.” So whether your church is thriving, rebuilding, or somewhere in between—VBS is a chance to spark life, faith, and connection. It’s one of the greatest investments your church can make in this generation and the next. And if you’re still unsure—just remember: 120 kids showed up this year at ours. Only 26 of them were from our church. Now, they know they’re loved, they know the name of Jesus, and they know this church is a place where they’re always welcome. That’s VBS. That’s the mission. And yes—your church can do it too.
By Heather Pinkos, Christ Church Anglican, Mt. Pleasant
This article was originally published in the Fall 2025 Jubilate Deo.
