As you begin planning for an impactful 2026 VBS season, the Madison Chester Crockett Baptist Association of wants to remind you that we are here to walk alongside you. We recognize the incredible dedication required to lead VBS, and we are committed to being a consistent partner in your success.
To help us support you, please email me your church’s VBS dates, time and theme. I am compiling a master list to share with our community and the churches in our association to encourage collaboration. Additionally, our team would love to drop by and see your VBS in action! We’d be honored to stop in, cheer on your volunteers, and see the amazing work God is doing in your church.
Whether you are looking for fresh ideas or specific teaching resources, our doors are always open. We are here to provide the tools you need to reach the children in our community effectively. Here is how we can help:
- Resource Sharing: We can connect you with churches using the same theme to encourage the sharing of supplies, décor, and curriculum.
- Brainstorming: We offer support for theme development to help you understand the material/curriculum provided.
- Networking: We can connect you with other directors to share best practices and encouragement.
Tip of the Week: Every Tuesday, I will post my favorite VBS tips, resources, and reminders on the MCCA Facebook page based on my years of experience in Children’s Ministry.
We are excited to see how God works through your ministry this year!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at Kellie@mccbaptists.org or by phone at 731-668-5690.
Let’s Get It on the Calendar!
It’s never too early to start thinking about summer! As families begin to organize their 2026 schedules, we want to ensure our community has plenty of time to prioritize Vacation Bible School. Share the date in January so they can save the date! Let’s help families lock in your church’s VBS dates before their summer schedule fills up!
If you are looking for specific tactics to get people to say “Yes,” consider these proven methods:
- Focus on the “Why”: Instead of just listing needs, share a testimony from a past volunteer or student to show the value of the ministry.
- Target Specific Talents: Don’t just make blanket announcements. Ask people individually based on their skills—ask the “shoppers” to help with supplies and the “builders” to help with sets.
- Lower the Barrier: Clearly list the time commitment for each role on your visual board. Many people say “no” because they fear a “forever” commitment, so highlight short-term roles like “Check-in Assistant” or “Snack Server”.
- Visual Board/Table Essentials: Make sure your high traffic lobby has a table/display that shows VBS serving needs. Use decorations from Oriental Trading or Lifeway to make the table impossible to miss. Include yummy snacks that you’ll be offering at VBS to draw them over too!
VBS Promotional Strategy
- Easter Launch: Capitalize on high attendance by distributing “Save the Date” cards or themed treats with VBS details during Easter services.
- Community Visibility: Let’s make our VBS presence known throughout the neighborhood! The best way to do this is by distributing themed yard signs.
o Budget Permitting: If funds allow, purchase and give signs away to members or volunteers to maximize placement in their front yard or business.
o Cost-Saving Alternative: If the budget doesn’t allow, organize a pre-sale campaign where members can purchase signs themselves ($10–$20 each). This reduces upfront church costs while still boosting visibility.
- School Outreach: Secure district approval to distribute postcards or flyers (2–4 per page to save costs) to local elementary students. Plan to do this in May!
- Relational Marketing: Empower your current students to be “VBS Ambassadors” by giving them physical invite cards for their friends or neighbors.
- Digital Presence: Launch a Public Facebook Event to enable easy sharing and RSVP tracking.
- Create a social media graphic with your VBS info for families to share on their page. My favorite graphic for social media was a Shareable “I’ve registered for VBS @ (church’s name).” Provide families with custom social media graphics to announce their attendance.
The Core Mission: Sharing the Gospel at VBS
- Sharing the message of Jesus is the heartbeat of our VBS. While the week is short, the opportunity to impact a child’s life with the Gospel is immense.
- In my experience, the ABC method (Accept, Believe, Confess) is one of the most effective ways to communicate these truths in a way kids can truly grasp.
- How is your ministry approaching Gospel conversations this year?
Little hands, BIG impact! 🌎
A major goal during VBS week is helping our kids see the world through God’s eyes. We want them to be active participants in missions, not just observers! By partnering with your church’s Missions Team, we are teaching the next generation that they can make a real difference right now.
Whether we are focusing on a local project or a global need, we “connect the dots” for our kids by:
🎥 Seeing the Need: Showing videos of the mission work in action.
📦 Giving Back: Collecting tangible items like [canned food/school supplies].
💌 Spreading Love: Creating handmade cards and crafts for our next mission trip!
To keep the momentum high, launch a [Boys vs. Girls / Grade vs. Grade] challenge! If you hit your goal by the end of VBS, your Pastor or Kids Pastor is going to get PIED IN THE FACE or SLIMED! 🥧🟢
Let’s help empower our kids to change the world! ✨
Be ready to transform your church with any budget 🌿💡🐑
Here is our Director-approved shopping list to help you get started:
1️) Oriental Trading – The go-to for bulk theme kits and budget backdrops. 📦
2️) Mr. Mark’s Classroom – Creative “done-for-you” decor and high-impact mural ideas. 🖍️
3️) Amazon – Perfect for specialized lighting, bulk fabric, and “Prime” speed for those last-minute additions! 🚚
4️) Official Theme Gear – Get your posters and specific 2026 kits from Lifeway, Group, or Answers in Genesis. 💡
5️) Dollar Tree – DIY heaven!
6️) Hobby Lobby – Your destination for craft staples 🎨
And, don’t forget your resources right here within the association… other churches that are having VBS before you with the same theme may have items available for you to use!
Pro-Tip: Don’t forget to join your theme’s specific Facebook group! It’s the best place for “real-life” photos and genius hacks from fellow directors. 📸
#VBS2026 #KidMin #VBSDecor #ChurchMinistry #VBSDirectors
Hello VBS Leaders! Can you believe we are only 27 days away from Easter?! As you prepare to welcome a house full of members and new guests on April 5, now is the absolute best time to have your Vacation Bible School dates locked in and ready to share. Easter guests are often looking for their next connection point, and VBS is the perfect ‘what’s next’ for families!
Go Beyond the Invite Card!
If your budget allows, I want to encourage you to go a step beyond the standard invite card this year. Consider including a small, fun item that ties into your 2026 theme to catch a child’s (and parent’s!) interest. You can check out Oriental Trading, Hobby Lobby, or Amazon for great bulk items that won’t break the bank!
- Illumination Station (Lifeway): Hand out mini flashlights or glow sticks to remind kids to “shine bright”.
- Snowball Mountain Challenge (Cokesbury): Give away custom snowball themed stickers or small packets of “instant snow”.
- Rainforest Falls (Group): Include a tropical animal sticker or a small jungle animal.
- Emerald Crossing (Answers): Offer small shamrock item to match the Irish adventure theme.
- Galaxy (GROUP): Hand out glow in the dark stars to match the cosmic adventure theme.
A small token makes the invitation feel like a gift rather than just a flyer. Let’s make this the best VBS season yet!