How to BE the Pastor at VBS!

Louisiana Baptists — Tue, 12 May 2026 20:35:46 +0000

Written by David Anderson, Childhood Ministry Strategist

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

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.

BE AVAILABLE

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.

BE WILLING

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.

BE VISIBLE

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.

BE PRESENT

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.

Obedient Children

Louisiana Baptists — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:13:57 +0000

Written by David Anderson, Childhood Ministry Strategist

It has often been said that the first step of obedience, for a new believer, is baptism. This phrase is so true and supported throughout the New Testament as we see every documented new believer follow through with baptism almost immediately. The question arises then. Why do we see so many children make professions of faith but wait a long time, and sometimes never, to follow through with this simple step? As a church, we should look within to understand our part in this scenario.

Throughout the year, and especially during the summer, we do a good job sharing the Gospel with children. Through VBS, day-camps, overnight camps, sports outreaches, and many other opportunities, we pour ourselves into sharing the Good News. We then often pat them on the back, congratulate them, celebrate them, and send them on their way. If we would like obedient children in every other area of life, then we should strive to help our children be obedient in this important ordinance of the church as well.

Isn’t that one of the reasons for baptism, to share what Christ has done in your life as a testimony to what He can do in anyone else’s life?

In 2026, we want to help our local churches gain some focus and follow through with baptism for the children we minister to all year long, but especially those making a decision for Christ during this summer. We have designated September 20 as Children’s Baptism Sunday for Louisiana Baptist churches. Our goal is that our churches will take time in August to follow up with each decision and offer them the opportunity to be obedient followers of Christ. Then on September 20, the church will have a grand celebration while baptizing those that had made decisions previously. This may even spur others on to make that decision to follow Christ also. Isn’t that one of the reasons for baptism, to share what Christ has done in your life as a testimony to what He can do in anyone else’s life?

So let’s get our calendars out, schedule September 20 for Children’s Baptism Sunday and guide our children in their first glorious step of obedience in a lifetime of following Jesus.