How many children do you need for VBS to be worth doing?

I find that all who lead Christ’s church—no matter what size their current body might be—have a desire to grow their churches! A commitment to diligence and quality in the small things produces an environment where growth most naturally occurs. An excellent illustration of this can be found in the story of Sandra Galaura.

Sandra was the director of children’s ministries at a small church when a serious rift began to divide the church. She continued faithfully leading the children as her group dwindled to just eight kids. As summer approached, the church had to decide what to do about Vacation Bible School. Sandra says she prayed heavily because “I was unsettled at the thought of canceling this event, since it might provide a spark of life in an otherwise dying church.”

She proceeded with choosing curriculum, staffing the stations, and publicizing the event. She determined not to shortchange the few in her charge with a halfhearted program, and began to distribute notices for VBS at the church.

The registrations trickled in from the expected few—the eight children she already knew. But then more arrived from unexpected places within the community. Soon Sandra was up to 25 registrations, and she needed more help. The wounded congregation came to her aid as this response from the community brought a renewed sense of purpose to the church. Suddenly she was up to 50 registrations, and people were getting excited. When the first day of VBS came, 110 children arrived!

What can we learn from Sandra?

• She was concerned with quality not quantity—giving her best for a few, just as she would with many.
• She was listening and waiting on the Lord, rather than relying on human common sense.
• She adapted her tactics to meet the needs. She started small; as the registrations increased, she added staff (who were truthfully drawn more by the sense of impending success, rather than need.)
• She wasn’t concerned about recognition or reward. She quietly let her results speak volumes about her ability.
• A church, just like an individual, can be pulled from despair by focusing on opportunities to serve others.

To create an environment for growth, we have to be willing to give our all in service—even if there’s only one.

Keith Johnson has been a children’s pastor for 20 years, most recently at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has served as the director of children’s ministry for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, International Division.

This is an excerpt from a new article from Keith in Church Volunteer Central’s Idea Depot. For the complete article, click here.

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