VBS Team Geek of the Week: Jerry Wooley

1. What is your role on the VBS team? I am the VBS Ministry Specialist, which basically means I am responsible for VBS training events such as Preview, as well being the representative for Lifeway’s VBS team outside the Lifeway building.
2. What was your “geekiest” moment? My “geekiest” moment is definitely any moment I am in my office – which until recently was a VBS memorabilia hoarders paradise. There is still memorabilia everywhere – some dating back to 1926 – but not quite as much. Of course there is another theme just around the corner!
3. What has been your favorite VBS theme? Actually there is not a theme that is not my favorite! Being from Texas I am a sucker for western themes such as Wild and Wonderful Good News Stampede and Saddle Ridge Ranch. I already own the boots, hat, and belt buckle! StarQuest is my favorite because it was the first theme I had the privilege to help create. Mt. Extreme is my favorite because it is the first theme I taught at national VBS training events. Kingdom Caper is my favorite because it is the first theme I wrote the Administrative Guide for Directors. Game Day Central is my favorite because it is the first theme after I became Lifeway’s VBS Ministry Specialist. Outrigger Island is my favorite because it is the first theme I helped develop from initial idea to completion. Colossal Coaster World is my favorite because I love amusement parks and roller coasters. Agency D3 is my favorite because it challenged us to defend our faith, and because of the way it has resonated with men. Journey Off the Map is my favorite because I grew up with a wonderful treehouse in my backyard and I have always harbored a secret desire to live in one.
4. You might be a VBS geek if . . . You wake up in the middle of the night and realize you are singing and doing the motions to Wiki Wiki in your sleep.
5. What makes you love working on VBS? VBS, like camp, is one of the great milestone ministries of the church. VBS creates an air of anticipation and excitement that is unique and memorable. It is an event that verges on being a giant week-long party. I meet so many adults who have wonderful VBS-related memories from their childhood. Not only does VBS continue to be one of the most evangelistically-centered ministries on the church calendar, it is a transformational catalyst in other ways as well. Thousands upon thousands of volunteers identify their ministry calling and passion through VBS. VBS has been used to birth news churches and has definitely resulted in the revitalization of existing churches. VBS becomes a focused rallying point for congregations who becomes missionaries – if only for a week – to their own communities and neighborhoods.