From the Archives: Checklist for Conducting a Mission VBS

Millions of kids and families would never hear the Gospel proclaimed if it were not for dedicated VBS workers who take the Great Commission to heart and go beyond the comfort zone of their own churches and communities to conduct VBS.
The founder of Lifeway’s VBS in 1924, Dr. Homer Grice, and his wife Ethel, were true VBS Missionaries. They travelled extensively from Nashville to the mountain region of east Tennessee and West Virginia to conduct VBS. They so believed in the impact of mission VBS they left a portion of their estate in a trust fund to provide VBS resources to churches conducting VBS in impoverished communities.
Today Dr. Grice’ legacy lives on in a wonderful resource called Backyard Kids Club that is perfect for taking VBS on the road and on mission. The following checklist was created for a 2006 to assist churches taking VBS on mission.
1. Survey and evaluate needs.
2. Determine which needs you and your group can potentially meet.
3. Design a project proposal.
4. Secure the support of your pastor and church.
5. Conduct a pre-project visit.
6. Work with host church/individuals to:

• Determine dates, times and locations
• Determine rules/regulations for facility use
• Determine who will be responsible for promoting the event
• Determine who will provide follow up (continued connections) and assimilation support
• Determine who will provide resources/supplies/teaching materials
• Determine who will secure permission and permits

7. Plan and schedule the project.
8. Enlist and train the team.
9. Double-check details.
10. Conduct the project.
11. Leave facilities in better condition than they were found.
12. Make follow-up (continued connections) actions.
 
Celebrating 90: Lifeway Christian Resources begin publishing VBS resources in 1925 under the leadership of Drs. Marion Frost and Homer Grice.