VBS is Not Necessary
Ministry Priorities
Yesterday I wrote about being busy with VBS and the trap of centering our conversations only on ministry and the work of the church, rather than on the lives of our people. Don’t let the busyness of ministry overshadow our calling to love others by taking a genuine interest in their lives.
Today, I want to talk about something Jess and I reminded ourselves of this weekend: VBS is not necessary.
Don’t get me wrong—missions (whether sending or going) is necessary. VBS is a helpful vehicle for missions, but it isn’t essential. The program, the institution, the annual expectation of Vacation Bible School is not necessary. The mission can be fulfilled in many ways. VBS is one of them, but it is not the only way, and it is not a necessary one.
So, what does Scripture clearly present as central to the life of the church? Preaching and teaching, singing and fellowship, the sacraments, and prayer (Acts 2:42). Mercy ministry (James 1:27). And missions is also necessary (Matthew 28:18–20)—but, as I said, they do not have to be carried out through VBS.
This post is not meant to the point the finger. Rather, it’s meant to be a reminder of priorities. I’m grateful for VBS. For leaders, task-oriented people, and busy-bodies, it’s good to reflect on why we do things, and make sure we don’t miss Jesus:
38 While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”
41 The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” — Luke 10:38–42
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Endnotes
📚 Ending this week! The Good Book Company 5-Book Summer Kids Bundle!
Thanks to the Good Book Company for providing this awesome giveaway! One winner will receive these five books for summer reading.
Here is this week’s entry link! Links open to my reviews:
God’s Great Big Global Church: Visit 10 Kids and Their Churches All Around the World by Tim Challies
Storing Up Treasure: 30 Memory Verses by Kyle Bjerga
All About the Bible: Over 100 Amazing Facts by Alison Mitchell
Elisabeth Elliot: The Brave Girl Who Chose to Love by Ellen Vaughn
Jonathan Edwards: The Boy Who Sparked Revival by David Mathis
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