Right now, my house looks like a craft store exploded. There are props stacked in corners, glitter in places it shouldn’t be, and pool noodles taped into shapes I didn’t know existed. Why? Because there are many undiscovered benefits of VBS, and I’m deep in prep mode.
Is VBS exhausting? Sure, but while it is one of my busiest times yet most rewarding time of the year as a Next Gen Pastor. Why? Because Vacation Bible School plants seeds that grow into lifelong faith. There are so many benefits to VBS.
We live in a world that pulls our kids in a thousand directions. Tv shows, social pressure, identity confusion, constant busyness—chaos is the default. And in the middle of that noise, church has never mattered more. Not only does church matter, but VBS still works.
Why Childhood Faith Is So Important
Did you know that nearly 64% of Christians say they made a decision to follow Jesus before the age of 18? And of that, a majority came to faith before the age of 12. That means these early years? They’re not just formative. They’re sacred.
When a child hears “Jesus loves you” in VBS, memorizes a verse in Sunday school, makes life long friendships in youth group, or sees their parents prioritize prayer, they’re learning how to stand in truth—even when the world spins wild around them.
VBS Isn’t Babysitting—It’s Discipleship
Every foam cross, skit, worship dance, and snack line is part of something eternal. In two weeks we host our 3-day VBS, and a child might hear the gospel for the first time. They will begin to believe that their life has value. In turn, they will take a small step toward a big God who’s been chasing their heart all along.
That’s why we do this. Why we give up sleep, sacrifice our time, and glue cardboard for hours.
A Few Practical Tips for Raising Faith-Filled Kids
Raising kids who love Jesus doesn’t happen by accident, it is purposely planned and executed. Here are a few small but powerful ways I have learned along the way that we can model faith in the everyday:
- Make Church a Non-Negotiable
Don’t let sports, homework, extracurricular activities or tiredness crowd out the house of God. Faith isn’t just taught—it’s caught by consistency. Kids (big or small) follow your example. - Pray Out Loud Around and With Your Kids
Let them hear you thank God, ask for help, and confess struggles. You’re modeling what relationship with Jesus looks like. - Open God’s Word Together
Even one verse at breakfast or a simple devotional at bedtime can become a holy moment. Your family should see you make journaling and being in the Word an important part of your daily life. - Serve as a Family
Let your kids help with VBS, clean up after church, serve your community, or pack outreach bags. It teaches them that faith is active, not just spoken. Show them church isn’t a building but rather the people in the building. Bring the church to your neighborhood.
Let’s Raise Kingdom Kids
As I put up another prop to the VBS wall this week, I’m reminded that none of this time and energy is wasted. These small moments matter. These seeds will take root in the kids that attend VBS as well as in the volunteers that are serving. Another overlooked benefit of VBS is divine encounters and relationships that will carry us through our lifetime.
Let’s raise kids who know they’re loved by Jesus—and who are bold enough to love Him back.
With purpose, we can raise them rooted, ready and in grace.
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