13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:13-14
VBS is, without a doubt, one of the great highlights of the ministry year. Having 180 kids in the building brings a uniquely fantastic energy level to the building. I have gotten almost no work done this week, and it is totally worth it!
Studies tell us that a majority of evangelical Christians come to faith in Jesus before they reach adulthood. Children are the most fertile soil for planting seeds of faith, and many of them will grow into Christ-following teens and adults. Our effort and emphasis on proclaiming the truth to these kids are priorities for us every week. Having what equates to a one-week spiritual intensive is another way to share the gospel outside of the normal routine. You should see how the kids respond!
Each morning when I arrive, the building is already teeming with volunteers ready to get going. Everywhere I look, there is preparation and prayer. I see rehearsals and planning meetings. I hear adults and teens anticipating the arrival of the kids. It’s amazing that on the second day, they already know the unique personalities of the children they are working with. There are allergies and audio sensitivities, and little ones who are not used to being away from mom, and the volunteers seem to be ready for all of it.
Then, just before 8:30, the kids start streaming in. I think we will set the world record for total number of high fives this week! The kids go through their morning experiencing prayer and worship, big gatherings in the auditorium, and small groups in the classrooms. They talk about Jesus being the light of the world and ask an incalculable number of questions. They talk about missions and telling others about the love of God.
All the while, the team of volunteers is humming like a well-oiled machine. It is obvious the level of planning and intentionality that has gone into this week. Even last-minute surprises are handled with ease (at least it looks like ease). At the end of the morning, when parents arrive to pick up, the kids’ faces are beaming with joy, many are talking breathlessly about the day to their parents. The volunteers likewise have huge smiles and look like they need a nap! Even in that moment, there is no doubt they will be back the next morning to pour it all out again.
In Jesus’ day, children were often overlooked. Even in the passage above, when children were brought to Jesus for prayer, his disciples rebuked them. But Jesus had a different perspective. To Jesus, the children had immense value and dignity as image bearers. He saw their faith as an example to the adults, an awe and trust that they could emulate.
I love that this church follows Jesus in caring for the kids in our community of faith and in the Rutherford County community at large. Our Children’s ministry, VBS, even Lifewise Academy that begins this fall do not happen without full church participation. Thank you to those who serve, and those who give, to those who pray, and to those who allow the church to come alongside them in the discipleship of their own children. We are in this together; our children and our church are reaping the benefits.