By day four of VBS the theme song is my permanent soundtrack, the Bible verses pop into in my mind at random moments, and my VBS shirt desperately needs to be washed. (Again.) At this point in the week my primary goals are to finish well and to maintain my energy until the end of Vacation Bible School. (Not to mention doing laundry!) However, I know the best time to begin thinking about next year’s VBS is while I still remember what worked well and what didn’t work as well. Below are several simple tips to help you prepare for VBS 2017, even when you’re exhausted from VBS 2016.
1. Thank God for all He has done through this year’s Vacation Bible School and pray for wisdom as you prepare for next year.
RECORD
2. Jot down what aspects of your VBS went well and why, as well as aspects you modified during the week in order for everything to run more smoothly. Then make a list of areas you and your team need to rethink and reconfigure for next year.
EVALUATE
3. Request and begin evaluating feedback from your VBS team. Make and distribute a short survey immediately after VBS in order to obtain feedback.
PREVIEW
4. If you’re bummed that VBS week is over, take a sneak peek at next year’s themes and start getting excited.
SLEEP
5. And then SLEEP!
PREVIEW VBS 2017 THEMES
Passport to Peru – Group Cross Culture VBS
Rome – Group Holyland Adventure VBS
Mighty Fortress – CPH VBS
Hero Central – Cokesbury VBS
Operation Arctic – Answers VBS
Super God! – Abingdon VBS
Laura helps churches across the country prepare for Vacation Bible School. Growing up as a pastor’s kid, she was regularly involved in children’s and youth ministry. Laura spent ten years in full-time overseas ministry, and is uniquely prepared for serving churches through her role at Concordia Supply.
