Virtual VBS?

The initial question shouldn't focus on VBS content but on the size of the group. Since the transition to Zoom for most churches, there is no longer the assumption that VBS needs to be confined to the church building's neighborhood.  VBS has suddenly gone global; at least, it should.

There is no reason why any church can't expand its online VBS presence to children across the country or around the world. And if a local church is blessed with members who speak a language other than English, the natural audience could cover Mexico, France, much of Africa and Asia.

In fact, VBS shouldn't be confined to "Vacation" Bible School but should be rebranded as global children's ministry. Thanks to Zoom, the world has become our audience; limited only by our imagination and human resources.

This is such a good question Melanie! Last year my son participated in a virtual VBS (I wish I could remember the name of the curriculum) and here are some things that seemed to help with engagement: 

- following up screen time with activities (i.e. they had little challenges, games, coloring activities) 

- a VBS participant Facebook group where we could share pictures (my son loved seeing pictures of the other kids doing things)

- keeping the theme simple and repetitive (i.e. only one Bible verse to remember) 

I'll keep brainstorming! 

Hello Melanie! We commend your desire to engage with your community this summer, despite the ongoing pandemic. We saw some great help on this website: https://www.genonministries.org/collections/summer-resources-for-intergenerational-ministry.

As much as possible it would be wonderful to offer in-person VBS. This may require smaller groups meeting in various locations across your city, also known as Backyard VBS! How wonderful it would be to have your members get to know their actual neighbours while offering this time together, safely of course. This article is great and again, you could adapt it to your context!

Some churches have opted to create a VBS-in-a-box type ministry, which would put more onus on parents to do the activities with their child; not a bad thing either! Another one did a one-night event "Under the Stars". Again, you'd have to adapt for your location, budget, amount of volunteers, but including your entire congregation in reaching out to their neighbours is a win-win!

If you ever have any other questions about community engagement, or would like more help, you can reach me at [email protected]. Blessings as you plan!

-Erin

(We don't know if you are in Canada or in the US or what region but we know you'll adapt your VBS to local health guidelines, rules and restrictions.)