Engaging the World
For those who lead in mission, service and
peace ministries.
Vacation Bible School — When Missional Means Fun
By Sandi Hannigan
Vacation Bible School is one of the best-kept outreach secrets of the twenty-first century—but it is also a growing ministry in many Mennonite congregations today. At a time when congregations are rethinking their mission and looking for ways to be relevant in the community, VBS works! It is a non-threatening way to welcome children, youth, and families to faith. From my work in training leaders and writing VBS curriculum in Ontario, I believe that VBS is one of the best ways for a congregation to start living out a missional church vision, if it is looking for entry points.
VBS can help churches come together in mission. For six years, Hanover Mennonite Church has run a VBS program together with congregations of four other denominations in its small town. “It is a great excuse for the churches to work co-operatively,” comments pastor Anita Janzen. “We find ourselves doing things we wouldn’t normally do together. Because we are successful at VBS, we know we [can] get involved in other projects, too.” Something similar happens in St. Jacobs. The Mennonite, Lutheran, and United churches plan a barbecue and evening program during the week of VBS. Local merchants donate food. A printed bulletin includes information about each church’s upcoming fall program. VBS thus builds the sense that, even with differing traditions, everyone is welcome in God’s family.
VBS is an easy way to welcome newcomers. Anita Janzen estimates that fewer than 5 per cent of the children attending are Mennonite. In fact, she says, “the majority of the kids have no church connection—but VBS has a great reputation and draws over 100 kids.” She tells of one young enthusiastic community mom who recruits others at the community pool, even though she herself is unchurched.
Most churches with active VBS programs see some children and families naturally finding their way to Sunday school and/or church attendance. “VBS serves as a non-threatening first entrance for people to connect with the congregation,” notes church planter Jim Loepp Thiessen. At Shantz Mennonite, where he recently served as pastor, a number of families made their initial connection to the congregation through VBS. The church advertises VBS in the nearby school and on their church sign. On closing night, parents are told about the other ministries of the church and invited to come back.
VBS is an opportunity to train leaders for the church and the world. For 14 years, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada has sponsored a traveling VBS troupe of five young adults. This trained team leads VBS in Mennonite congregations throughout July and August. The remuneration is modest, but the ministry experience is great; some have continued on in church ministry as a result of this “testing” ground. The VBS troupe is “win-win” for everyone—children, congregations, and young adults!
Small congregations, such as Brussels Mennonite, depend on the MCEC troupe to provide most of their VBS leadership. Although Brussels works with three other churches in their community, VBS wouldn’t happen without this conference support. With major leadership roles filled, volunteers from the other churches fill in the gaps and help in supportive roles.
But leadership also emerges from within. For over 50 years VBS has been a community event at Erb Street Mennonite in Waterloo. Today it attracts more than 120 children—most of whom have no church connection. Because VBS has been going on for so long, “alumni” from the program are now giving leadership. These adults enrolled as children, and now their own children are attending.
At VBS, leaders genuinely care for the children. Everyone who volunteers—from the snack coordinators to the activity center leaders to the worship team—take their responsibilities seriously. They believe the words of Matthew18:5—“Whoever receives one of these children, receives me.” Those who welcome and receive children at VBS are welcoming and receiving Christ into their midst.
VBS can get youth started in outreach. “Perhaps one of the biggest compliments we receive at VBS,” says Gloria Shantz of St. Jacobs Mennonite, “comes from our junior youth group. Last year we had over 35 junior youth! When young teenagers want to be at church and invite their friends, you know something is going right. Some of these junior youth have attended every year since they were old enough to come. Some of them plan their summer around VBS. What attracts them? I think it’s the variety of activities and the fun they have.”
VBS combines biblical teaching and fun. A strong curriculum undergirds a dynamic VBS program. Last year, Erb Street used Kids and Blessings: Living the Beatitudes by Eleanor Snyder and Sandi Hannigan. Children were invited to learn about and live the Beatitudes as they participated in ten different workshops based on each of the beatitudes or blessings. “This is the best summer camp our children attend,” commented numerous parents at the end of the week. “Our only complaint...it is too short!”
Many Mennonite congregations are looking for ways to be more intentional about reaching out to their community with God’s peace, hope and healing. VBS is a ministry with a solid historical foundation and great future potential. Parents send their children to VBS for a variety of reasons—including inexpensive childcare—but when the children love the program and connect with the church in a meaningful way, it’s worth it. And some parents end up wandering back into the church and staying!
Sandi Hannigan
is Christian Education Coordinator
at Erb Street Mennonite Church inWaterloo, Ontario, and interim Minister
of Christian Education, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. She has written
many curriculum resources for children.