If you could push a button and wipe away VBS forever… would you do it?

I’ve never really understood the name Vacation Bible School.

The words “school” and “vacation” should NEVER be in the same sentence.

When I hear “Vacation Bible School,” I think… summer school.

Now, I’ve never actually been to summer school—but in my mind, it feels a little like prison for kids.

And let’s be honest…

VBS isn’t exactly a vacation for me either.

Every year, I somehow end up working extra hours, and my office slowly transforms into what looks like a jungle of crafts, props, and random supplies.

But all kidding aside—

I’m a huge fan of VBS.

People tend to have strong feelings about it.

Some get overwhelmed and stressed.

Others absolutely love it.

The other day, I asked this question on Facebook:

“If you could push a button and wipe away VBS forever, would you do it?”

Honestly, I expected a 50/50 split.

I was way off.

Here were the results:
9 said YES
37 said NO

And the comments?

They stirred something in me.

“Absolutely NO!!”

“This question makes me sad. NO! Just finished our VBS yesterday and had 88 children accept
Christ this week. Do not grow weary!”

“No way. VBS allows us to reach 200 kids, and for many, it’s their only exposure to the Good
News of Jesus.”

“Last year we had a HUGE altar call and gave away over 40 Bibles. That’s success.”

Just reading those reignited my passion.

Some of my favorite memories as a Kids Pastor came from VBS.

Monday was always my favorite—because I knew it meant a room full of new faces.

I remember one year, the presence of the Holy Spirit was so strong that over 100 kids responded to the altar call.

It felt like watching one of those classic crusade moments… but with kids.

So let me ask you—

Have you lost your passion for VBS?

If so, ask yourself a few questions:

• Was there ever a time you loved VBS?
  
• What made you love it?
  
• Why are you doing VBS now?
  
• What’s your purpose?

For some, it’s discipleship.

For others, it’s evangelism.

For me—it’s always been about seeing kids come to Christ.

That’s the heartbeat.

That’s the why.

Now ask yourself:

• What are you passionate about?
  
• How can you bring that into your VBS?

And on the flip side…

Are there things you do every year that you absolutely dread?

Maybe it’s time to cut them.

Seriously.

You don’t have to do everything.

For years, I kept a long to-do list for VBS.

Now?

I also keep a not-to-do list.

And it’s just as important.

Let me leave you with this—

If you could design your perfect VBS…

What would it look like?

Close your eyes for a second.

What do you see yourself doing?

That vision might be exactly where you need to start.

I’d love to hear what your VBS looks like.

Before you start planning this year’s VBS, grab my FREE VBS How-To Planning Guide—a simple, practical tool to help you stay organized and focused on what matters most. Download it instantly and use what works for you.