Vacation Bible School is still the largest evangelistic outreach of the local church every year. This opportunity is truly an all-hands-on-deck all church committed event. However, many pastors feel unsure about how they can help or be a meaningful part of such an impactful outreach for families. Below are 5 ways that a pastor of a local church can BE there for VBS.

Be a promoter for all things VBS. Help the VBS director work through the calendar and clear a path with people in the church. Knowing they have the pastor’s backing makes all the difference. Spend time cheering for and promoting the upcoming VBS. There are many people in the church that will gladly serve at their pastor’s prompting whom the VBS director may not even know. Encourage the children and their families to sign up and bring their friends. When the pastor is excited, the whole church gets excited.

Having an open door to your children’s minister or VBS director is often the greatest help you can offer. They may never need to come and bounce ideas off you; however, simply knowing you are available to be part of their team speaks volumes. When they feel seen, by knowing that you consider them a valuable part of the church, they will have the confidence and assurance that their ministry truly matters.

A pastor may never serve in the kitchen preparing snacks. He may never teach elementary Bible study for the children. He may not serve as a greeter during registration. HOWEVER, being willing to do all these things will have an impact bigger than one might imagine. Think of how comfortable the kids will feel with their pastor if he is the one teaching their Bible study or handing them snacks. Consider how connected those kids will feel to the larger church. Just being willing for whatever may come is a huge ministry in and of itself.

Sometimes just being seen is the greatest encouragement to your people. Be visible throughout the week. Yes, be there for the gospel presentation, but, also be there for the opening rally and in between classes each day. This makes the pastor visible to the children and they begin to feel like he is their friend. This builds credibility with your youngest congregants that extends beyond VBS. It will also encourage your VBS team to see that you care.

Finally, and this really happens with the other 4 points, be present before, during, and after VBS. Yes, there are sermons to write, and hospital visits to make, and deacon ministry to partner with. But, if for one week you are simply present, your church will notice and see you in a new light. I remember in seminary one of the biggest lessons that I remember learning is to practice the ministry of presence. This has been a great assurance as I have stood with families in times of grief and joy, often not being sure what to say. I remind myself that families are not looking for special words, they are looking for my presence. Practice that ministry during VBS week and you will see eternal rewards in the lives of children, their families, and your church.