7 Last-Minute Tips for Planning VBS

The final weeks and days before VBS can be overwhelmingly busy, especially for the director or teacher who is in charge of carrying all or most of the responsibility.

The following tips will not only make the days leading up to VBS more manageable, but possibly even more enjoyable.

1. Give the ministry back to God.

It's easy to become so wrapped up in the details and responsibilities of VBS. We sometimes forget the ministry actually belongs to God. Once ownership is taken we tend to convince ourselves the success or failure of the week rest on our shoulders alone. In doing so we not only create unhealthy stress for ourselves and others, we rob ourselves of the joy of experiencing God's amazing power working in and through us. Do yourself and the ministry a favor by relinquishing ownership and giving VBS back to God.

2. Enlist a personal prayer warrior.

Knowing someone is praying specifically for you and the tasks you have been given provides a great sense of freedom and power. Enlist a personal prayer warrior who will commit to pray for you daily.

Share your needs and concerns and keep your warrior updated. As you and your warrior take specific requests to God you become a team of three. No longer are you carrying the load single-handedly.

3. Overview daily sessions.

Take time, as far in advance of the week of VBS as possible, for a quick overview of each day's session. Make a mental note of the daily themes and Bible stories. Ask God to allow the Bible truths and daily life applications to become real in your own life so that you will be able to teach the truths with fresh and personal experience.

4. Create lists.

As you overview each session, create a VBS checklist. (We already created one for you.) But if you make one for yourself, add information to it. Here are a few things to remember in regards to lists:

• Shopping

• Items to collect from congregation

• Items from the church resource room

• Items to prepare

The goal of lists is to minimize time and the number of trips needed to gather supplies and prepare teaching items.

5. Create daily folders.

Create and label a large folder, shopping bag or box for each day of VBS plus one additional container for supplies that will be needed throughout the week. As you sort supplies and teaching items, place them in the appropriate container.

6. Hold a prep party.

Once supplies have been gathered, set aside an evening to create teaching items. Turn the evening into a party by inviting other workers to join you. If you will have multiple items that need to cut out invite a few extra people and tell them to bring their best scissors.

Approaching preparation of resources and teaching items as a team effort will save everyone time and insure all preparation is completed in advance of the first day of VBS. Holding the prep party at your church or where a copier and laminator are available will cut down on additional trips and time, too.

By the end of the prep party, you will have everything needed for each session in your appropriate container and ready for use. On the first day of VBS, simply pick up your "Day 1" container and you have everything you need.

7. Take a deep breath.

Finally, take a few moments to breathe and relax. If necessary, schedule the time in your calendar. Spend the time thanking God that He is in control of VBS and for allowing you the awesome privilege of reaching boys and girls, teens and adults with the good news of Jesus Christ.