10 Principles of VBS Enlistment
Enlistment continues to be one of the biggest challenges of VBS. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few is an apt description for many VBS leaders.Recently I had the opportunity to sit in on a training session led by Lifeway’s Lead Kids Ministry Specialist Bill Emeott. Among other topics Bill shared the following 10 principles for worker enlistment.
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Remember that God is in control.
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Recruit with a vision, not just a job description.
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Be enthusiastic about the job and the person being enlisted.
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Organization is your friend – no one wants to be part of a mess.
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Share the joy by delegating enlistment to others.
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Use a job description that lets potential workers know all the duties and expectations.
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Don’t forget to enlist men.
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Consider the buddy system. If someone is nervous about taking on a responsibility enlist two people to buddy up – especially if the two or already friends and have worked together on other projects.
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Train workers and equip them with the resources needed to do the job.
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Provide support and show appreciation.
Join the conversation: what is your best advice for enlistment?
Hello, our little church here in Lehigh Acres, Florida, has not had VBS, for many years, but we now have a new pastor who is passionate about youth ministry, we are so excited to finally have a VBS this year, Sumerged!
This one looks so amazing! We need to start now getting the children and our congregation excited about this, please if you would, give me some way to accomplish this. Perhaps in a flyer idea. This is my forte’ “making flyers.
Thank You, so much,
In His Service, Jan
We have small church also, but VBS has grown significantly over the past 8 years. The Lifeway materials come with a template for a flyer. We have used it for a couple years. There is also clip art available that we have for our church Facebook page. We started that last year and posted events during the week. Just curious about the name of your church…I grew up very close in North Fort Myers, Fl. Praying for God to bless your VBS!
Hi, we’re in Lehigh Acres, I did not see that template, but I did find the page border, I used that and created my own flyer,
Good luck on your VBS,
Thank you, Jan
Sorry forgot to say: Lee Boulevard Baptist
I would add that recruiting is not just about this year’s VBS. I have made it a point to challenge my volunteers to step out of their comfort zone each year. Planting seeds that I expect them to rotate out of the station they are working in now and consider being an assistant teacher next year. Even if only for one day of VBS. I try not to let the kitchen committee, recreation and arts & crafts workers to get stuck in that role. I also expect for them to attend a class (we do the adult component to make it a full family affair- no excuses) at least once that week. Lastly, I have EVERYONE attend the training to get a feel for the message/theme that week as well as a Sunday after church potluck and decorating afternoon to bond as a team and everyone has a chance to contribute to the ‘atmosphere’ presented overall. It’s not my show and God uses everyone in their own way so this helps with that.
I gave out VBS flyers and registration sheets to all church members, asking each to invite just one child to our VBS. planning on going to our local library also and try to get more to register.
Plus putting ads in local newspapers soon.