WOW!!!
Wow! What an amazing and awesome weekend of VBS Previews we had at Lifeway January 26 – 28. Over 1600 enthusiastically over-the-top VBS fans brought the energy level of Nashville to an all time high!
Several years ago I gathered groups of people together in Nashville, Houston, and Oklahoma City with the mission of discovering what brings people back to VBS training events. We know that getting people to attend the first time takes a lot of work, but it takes even more work to get them to return the next year. We wanted to know the key element (ingredient, activity) that turns a casual attendee into a fan that will return year after year after year.
The single element that emerged from all three groups was “WOW!” People want to experience wow. People want to be wowed. People want to tell their friends about the wow.
You might be wondering what creates the “wow” moment of a VBS training or Preview event? There is no easy or single answer. Every person who attends might possible be wowed by something different. For some it is a confetti cannon unexpectedly shooting off streamers at the end of a song. For someone else it is the content or presenter of a specific breakout session. For still others the wow moment is created by the sheer numbers of people and energy of the crowd.
Wow comes from the unexpected. You know you have created “wow” when an attendees parting words are, “This event was so much more than I expected.”
State and associational VBS leaders across the country are getting ready to provide regional and local VBS training events in the next four months. I’m often asked what it takes to get people to attend these event. While not a simple question to answer, we know part of the answer is Wow!
When people give up a Tuesday evening or Saturday morning to attend VBS training they are hoping (actually expecting) to be encouraged, challenged, inspired – in short, WOWED. People are not looking for someone to read the leader guide to them. Most are not even looking for someone to tell them how to conduct a Vacation Bible School.
People want to know what they can do to make their VBS or class stand out from the rest. They want to know the short cuts, the success stories, and the out-of-the-box ideas others have tried. People want to be encouraged, challenged, inspired – in short, WOWED!
If you are a VBS leader preparing to train others make sure you include the unexpected. Make sure you include the WOW!
YOU DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE THIS POST. WE ARE PLANNING A VBS CLINIC ( AS IT IS BEING CALLED ) IN APRIL. WHEN I THINK OF CLINIC I THINK OF GOING TO THE DOCTOR. I WANT TO APPROACH THIS MORE LIKE A CHANCE FOR THE LEADERS & ADULTS TO EXPERIENCE THE VBS EXPERIENCE AS A CHILD WOULD. TO GET A JUMP ON THE FEEL OF THE CURRICULUM & THE SONGS & FOR ALL THE LEADERS, TEACHERS DIRECTORS WHAT EVER YOUR TITLE MAY BE TO HAVE AN OPPERTUNITY TO TELL WHAT WORKS WITH THEIR VBS IN THEIR CHURCHES. I WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND THE VBS PREVIEW IN KISSIMMEE, BUT WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT HOW THAT ACTUALLY WORKS SINCE I HAVE NEVER ATTENDED ONE. IT LOOKS SO MUCH FUN.
I am sooo sad to hear that this is Jeff Slaughter’s last VBS with Lifeway. I can’t imagine Lifeway VBS without him! He is a fantastic song writer, you couldn’t ask for better music. Our kids even know Jeff from his awesome songs, videos, and motions.
Jeff – you did a wonderful job at the Nasville VBS Preview! Way to go out with a bang, the music is beyond awesome!
My first Lifeway VBS clinic and WOW! It was great!
Sad to hear about Jeff Slaughter leaving. They can fill the his position but he can never be replaced! LOVE YOU JEFF- You will be missed!!!
Hats off to Ann Oliver and her awesome class!
Amazing Wonder Aviation is going to be wonderful! One of the main reasons is because of the awesome music of Jeff Slaughter! Once again, God has gifted him with just the right message in song, mixed with the perfect motions for our kids! They are going to LOVE this year’s VBS!!!! I am beyong sad that this will be Jeff’s last year writing the music… God has blessed him immeasurably. And believe me, we have tried other VBS curriculums.. Nothing compares to his musical abilities! We are truly going to miss him! Thanks for a great preview in Nashville!
Vbs preview was awesome again this year!! Jeff slaughter is great! VERY disappointed that he will no longer be there to do such a wonderful job! Not a very smart move from life way but I know God has another plan for his life! Good luck Jeff you will be missed!
Jeff is the wow factor for me ………………………………………. you have heard the rest .This will truly be a test this year . Jerry i know it not your decision but just wat you too know i love you too you do a fabulous job thanks bro.
My wow factor this year is the state police helicopter landing at our church for kick off.. sweeeeeeet