Choosing a VBS theme can be tough. With tons of great programs, you may be wondering how to compare each one, and what to prioritize to ensure you find the best program for your church.
We’ve been there, and that’s why we suggest using the following guidelines to help you get started.
(Don’t miss the essential tools at the end of this post to make things even easier.)How to choose a VBS theme:
- LISTEN TO THE MUSIC
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- Music is one of the most distinct and memorable parts of VBS. Your kids (and you) will be singing long after the program is over. Listen to music samples at concordiasupply.com.
- CHOOSE AN AGE GROUP
- Take a moment to think about your church and community, which age group is the majority? Who are you focusing on reaching this year? Most VBS programs are designed to reach elementary ages, but if you want to include families, consider using Babylon VBS, which is specifically designed with families in mind.
- CONSIDER COMMUNITY INTERESTS AND NEEDS
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- What is unique about your community? If your church speaks Spanish, consider It Happened in Babylon. If you’re in an urban neighborhood, looking for active worship and minimal preparation cost, check out 24/7 Jesus Makes a Way.
- DO YOU WANT TO D.I.Y. OR CLICK & PRINT?
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- Every course offers marketing materials like banners, flyers, postcards and posters. If you are a do-it-yourself person, then look for a course with a media or clip-art CD, or free downloadable resources so you can build your own digital slides and invitations.
- ROTATE OR STAY PUT
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- Think about your space and the number of volunteers you’ll have. Would a rotational format work best with students meeting for the opening and closing, and while rotating from station to station in between? Or would a static classroom format be more manageable with your space and resources?
- CAN THE MESSAGE EXPAND BEYOND VBS?
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- Do you want your VBS to stand alone with a theme message and key verses, or would you like it to connect with the rest of your church? Review what your main service, adult classes, or Children’s Ministry is already studying, and consider a theme with a similar message or passage so your whole church is learning together.
- WHAT VERSION OF THE BIBLE IS USED?
- What version of the Bible do most of your students and volunteers already have? Each course has the translations listed, but don’t feel like you have to stick to that translation. You can always adapt to a different version or provide outreach Bibles in bulk to make following along easy.
- WHAT’S THE COST?
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- Take a quick look at the order forms and decorating ideas for an overview of the cost, and check out our VBS Coupons to help you save money on your VBS supplies. If you see something you like, but you’re not sure if you can afford it, consider DIY’ing it. You’ll find tons of money-saving ideas and templates on our Pinterest boards.
Keep in mind that most VBS programs can be adapted to fit your church’s needs. If you have any questions about choosing a VBS theme, feel free to call our VBS Experts at 1-800-521-0751.
