Home Children's Ministry Leaders Articles for Children's Ministry Leaders Summer VBS 2020 … 6 Options for Children’s Ministers

Summer VBS 2020 … 6 Options for Children’s Ministers

Option 5: Innovate and do something else. 

Natalie Dunckel, family ministries director at Central Avenue United Methodist Church in Athens, Ohio, is seizing the opportunity for something new. She says, “Over the last couple of years, I have been feeling led in a ‘VBS alternative direction.’ Our VBSes were always very successful in terms of numbers and involvement, but it never truly felt organic to our church. And I’m taking this year as a sign that it’s time to explore other options.”

Dunckel makes the point that just as attendance may look different in churches, giving definitely does as well. She says giving is likely to take a hit so she wants to be fiscally responsible. As an alternative to VBS, she says, “Right now I am planning a summer family movie series where a couple times a month during the summer we show a family-friendly movie with some underlying moral and biblical truths. It will engage families, but not require a ton of planning and irreversible investment.”

Judd Henderson, children’s pastor at New Life Church in Corpus Christi, Texas, agrees. He says, “Ditch the once-a-year event. Put the time and resources into your families and those you lead now.”

Option 6: Plan for VBS 2020 and be ready to do it later. 

Group’s Watkins says, “The best advice is what we’re seeing churches already doing with Sunday school right now. Church services may be canceled in the traditional sense, but church is definitely still happening. Churches are innovating, adapting, ministering, and teaching in all-new ways. It’s a can-do attitude that is truly inspiring. I think we’re seeing a whole new kind of revival happening.”

Janna L Dyck, children’s director at Cedarhome Baptist Church in Stanwood, Washington, says, “I am still moving forward with hope we will still be doing it Aug 3-7. If we can’t, I will have everything. Think outside of the box. How about an evening VBS later in the year? A spring break VBS? (I have been in churches where this is successful). How about a weekend VBS held like a mini retreat? There are so many possibilities.” 

Dyck is in Washington state’s second epicenter county and she encourages, “Don’t let this defeat you. This is a time to be creative in all aspects, and have a rigid stance of flexibility. If your budget allows, press on. If you have the room to store it, prep now so you are ahead of the curve. Our carpenter is busy with props since he is at home with time on his hands. We can give our leaders a gift we don’t get many years, and that is time to prepare.

Chuck Rodgers, co-children’s pastor with his wife Mary at Evangel North Church in Clarksville, Indiana, says “We’re planning as best as possible but may move it to later in the summer. Economic factors are being watched as well as family situations over the next few weeks and months. We’re trusting Jesus, holding on and going forward slowly for now.”

Companies Are Here to Help With VBS 2020

Regardless of how children’s ministry leaders choose to move forward regarding VBS 2020, it’s clear that the top VBS curriculum providers are poised to serve in any way.

“We at LifeWay Kids are planning on VBS happening this summer in a big way,” says Peters. “Our heartbeat at LifeWay Kids is to serve churches in their mission of making disciples. We are monitoring the situation closely and we will be ready to help churches share the Gospel of Jesus this summer whatever happens with COVID-19.”

And Group’s Watkins echoes that sentiment. “We’re praying for the best and planning for the worst. We could see restrictions lifted by summer and VBS happen in a very traditional sense. If the circumstances are different, we’re working on contingencies and ways to partner with churches to help them still have an amazing VBS experience. The bottom line is the churches have the desire to minister in this way, and our job is to partner with them and help make it happen.

From all of us at ChurchLeaders, we’re praying for God to give you discernment and wisdom…and like Chuck Rodgers said in the Facebook group: Trust Jesus, hold on, and go forward.