If you’ve ever done Vacation Bible School, you know what I mean.

Every year, the Group team gathers real kids to try out the activities in our upcoming three VBS programs. Yes, programs plural. So if you’re end-of-VBS tired, multiply that by three! Not only do we create the activities for each program, our small-but-mighty team decorates classrooms, shops for supplies, and leads the activities.

“But wouldn’t it be easier just to use AI to generate some fun games and Bible lessons, give them an edit, and send them to the printer?”

While I’m all for saving time and leaning on the creativity of others, three decades of ministry has shown me that we learn by doing. This truth applies to kids and adults. That’s why our team gets inky fingers, wipes runny noses, chases energetic kids, rounds up shopping carts overflowing with supplies, and wears out our step-counters every year in the name of VBS. Here’s why every Group VBS is created by—and tested with—humans.

1. The Holy Spirit Has a Say

Let’s just say it: AI is clever. It can give you a decent outline. But here’s what it can’t do:

• Pray for your kids.
• Discern the heart of a child.
• Know what’s age appropriate, culturally sensitive, or spiritually sound.
• Spot a safety issue before an activity goes sideways.
• Prayerfully seek what God might have in store.

We don’t just brainstorm themes—we pray through them. We don’t just plan games—we ask what God might reveal as kids play. Chat GPT doesn’t guide our Bible focus, we invite the Holy Spirit to lead the way. You might say we make room for divine detours. Sometimes, God gives inspiration as we worship, read Scripture, or talk with kids during VBS activities. Those ideas aren’t automated … and that’s a good thing.

2. Content and Ministry Aren’t the Same

AI can spit out a clever theme or catchy Bible lesson in seconds—that’s content. But AI can’t know the spiritual needs of specific kids. It doesn’t factor in kids who just lost a grandparent, or the child who’s never heard “Jesus loves you” in a way that feels real. AI may not identify “churchy” language that doesn’t make sense to kids. That’s ministry. And ministry comes from people.

Human-created content shines because it accounts for real, nitty-gritty, in-the-trenches reality. If you work with kids, you know that an AI engine can’t anticipate all the “creative” ways a kid can take an activity! (Many of our team members grew up as VBS kids … and their experiences continue to shape new programs!)

3. Testing Saves the Day

Our team has learned the hard way that if we don’t test an activity, there’s a good chance something’s going to fizzle … or explode. And not in the good way.

Testing lets you see:

• What confuses kids
• What doesn’t hold their interest
• What questions spark great discussion—and what doesn’t
• What needs more supplies or a time tweak
• What might not be safe for all kids or consider kids’ allergies
• What could totally backfire in a room of 50 excited kids
• When supplies should be handed out—or not

Plus, testing gives you a sneak peek at how meaningful a moment might be. Sometimes I’ve tested a simple object lesson and found myself tearing up—seeing how powerfully it lands with kids.

Our goal is to set leaders up for success and maximize every second kids spend at VBS. We make the mistakes so leaders don’t have to! (Check out these tips for making any VBS easier!)

4. Our Friends in Ministry Matter

We consider children’s ministry leaders as our friends in ministry. You’re our partners and teammates and we’re cheering you on every step of the way! So those exhausting field tests help us keep you in mind—your goals, creativity, challenges, and the kids you serve. That’s a heartfelt perspective that an AI engine can’t provide.

As we lead Bible adventures, we’re thinking of you and your kids. How will Jesus show up in this moment for you?

When we wipe runny noses, we remember your servant’s heart. What can we create that makes this moment meaningful for you?

During worship, we hear your voices raised in praise. Are we making room in this moment for the Holy Spirit?

We want to give you the very best. We want to give you something we stand by, have tried, and are excited to see in your church. So, we’ll keep doing the hard work to make sure you get the very best.

End-of-VBS tired is a great thing!

12 Awesome Bible Games for Kids of All Ages

Bible learning is serious business, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Choose from games for toddlers to preteens and help kids know that God loves them.

Download your free guide

Free Guide

12 Awesome Bible Games for Kids of All Ages

Bible learning is serious business, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Choose from games for toddlers to preteens and help kids know that God loves them.

Download your free guide

Free Guide

12 Awesome Bible Games for Kids of All Ages

Bible learning is serious business, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Choose from games for toddlers to preteens and help kids know that God loves them.

Download your free guide

Free Guide

Or undersea adventure.

Or space mission.

With more than 30 years’ experience creating Group’s vacation Bible school resources, I’ve explored a lot of VBS themes. And I’ve seen incredible changes in the way amazing leaders like you reach today’s kids. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is the profound impact VBS continues to have on kids’ lives.

In recent conversations with friends in ministry, I’ve heard the question, “Is VBS still relevant in today’s world?” It’s a great question to ask! Sharp leaders should always understand the why behind every ministry moment.

When it comes to summer outreach events like VBS, the answer is an unwavering yes. In fact, VBS is more important than ever. In a world where kids feel isolated, stressed, and disconnected from meaningful relationships, VBS offers a unique opportunity to foster friendships, deepen faith, and create lasting connections that reach beyond a week-long event.

Here’s why this weeklong outreach event is a lifeline for today’s children, families, and churches.

Why VBS Matters

1. Fostering Friendships

It’s no secret that today’s children are lonelier than ever before. Studies show that kids are struggling with feelings of isolation and disconnection, often intensified by the pressures of social media, academic expectations, and the pace of life. For many kids, forming genuine friendships feels impossible. Though they’re surrounded by peers, they feel friendless.

As compassionate kidmin leaders, it breaks our hearts.

That’s where VBS comes in.

While most church programs meet for an hour once a week, VBS offers a multi-day, immersive experience that allows opportunity for authentic friend-making. From small group discussions to team-building games, VBS gives kids the chance to connect with others on a deeper level.

This summer event offers a safe space to experience true community. You may find that VBS friendships often extend beyond the summer, providing kids with lasting connections and a sense of belonging. (Check out these creative ways to foster friendships throughout your ministry!)

2. Building Church Unity through VBS

VBS isn’t just an opportunity for kids to connect with one another—it’s also a powerful tool for church members to grow closer as a body. As a seasoned children’s minister, I’ve seen VBS bridge generational and relational gaps within congregations.

Church members who might not otherwise interact with one another find themselves working side by side as they lead skits, games, or Bible adventures. The shared experience of serving together deepens connections with each other as friends of God.

It’s incredible to watch seasoned adults working alongside teenagers, mentoring them as they take on leadership roles, and seeing how new members of the church family can easily plug in and feel valued. VBS helps church members find common ground, discover new gifts and talents in one another, and work toward a shared goal—investing in the next generation.

This unity is essential to church health and growth! A church where “everybody knows your name” is magnetic. VBS creates a space where that can happen, as church members from all walks of life come together to serve and grow in faith.

3. Deeper Discipleship

VBS is one of the few opportunities in a child’s life where they experience an immersive, multi-day program. Rather than one lesson on Sunday morning, a week of summer outreach is a full experience that allows kids to dive deeper into the Bible.

That means kids connect with God in ways that stick!

This event engages kids in hands-on activities, multisensory Bible adventures, active worship songs, and relationships that ground them in friendship with Jesus.

The beauty of the multi-day experience is that it provides kids with consistency and repetition. Every day, they hear and experience God’s love in a new way. Leaders get to build on the previous day’s lessons.

It’s like laying brick upon brick to build a solid foundation in kids’ lives. The intentional time and environment to grow spiritually and emotionally is unmatched.

4. Serving Families

While many churches balk at being “childcare,” the truth is that VBS serves a critical need: the challenge of finding reliable and affordable childcare during the summer months. For working families, summer break is a time of logistical stress, trying to juggle childcare with work schedules. Your church can offer not only a fun, faith-filled program but also a solution for parents who need care for their kids.

For many families, VBS is a lifesaver, providing kids with a safe environment, giving parents peace of mind at work.

This is especially important for families who may not attend church regularly but are looking for a positive, Christ-centered space for their kids. VBS opens the doors of the church to these families, serving them practically and, most importantly, sharing Jesus’ love in a tangible way.

In a culture that often prioritizes convenience over community, VBS is a powerful reminder that the church can be a loving, caring presence for families in need. (Team Family is another great resources for serving families year-round!)

5. Sharing Jesus through VBS

VBS is clearly a powerful evangelistic tool. Many children who attend VBS come from families who aren’t deeply connected to the church. A focused summer event creates an open door for the gospel to be shared in a dynamic, engaging way. Eye-catching decorations grab kids’ attention.

Upbeat songs, Bible lessons, and stories of Jesus’ love come to life in ways that captivate children’s imaginations and hearts.

For many kids, VBS is their first introduction to Jesus. I’ve witnessed countless children make the decision to begin a friendship with Jesus during VBS, and the relationships they build during the event often continue to nurture their faith for years to come.

VBS not only helps kids grow spiritually but also invites them into the larger story of the Church.

A Lifeline for Kids, Families, and Churches

When you think of VBS, maybe your brain gets focused on the wild decorations and chaos of so many kids. Or the thought of rounding up volunteers for such an endeavor seems daunting.

 But VBS isn’t just an event—it’s a ministry that matters now more than ever. In a world where children are struggling with loneliness, disconnectedness, and anxiety, you can offer them a chance to experience genuine relationships with others, with caring Christian adults, and, most importantly, with Jesus.

VBS is more than just a program; it’s a life-changing experience. And that’s something that will always be relevant.

Want more info on the power of VBS? Don’t miss this insightful research article!

More Articles for Summer Programming

• Group’s VBS Resources
• Creative Summer Programming in Children’s Ministry
• 6 Fun Ideas for Engaging Kids in Summer
• What Happens When We Reimagine Summer Connections with Families at the Forefront?
• VB-Yes: Why Special Events Are Still Important
• VBS Alternatives: Take Back Summer for Kids’ Ministry!

Zipped To-Gather: A Summer Programming Guide

Zipped To-Gather is an outreach program that invites and encourages parents to get involved in ministry to your community. You will simply provide the easy-to-find supplies (listed in this guide), and the parents will take it from there. Check it out!

Download your free guide

Free Guide

Zipped To-Gather: A Summer Programming Guide

Zipped To-Gather is an outreach program that invites and encourages parents to get involved in ministry to your community. You will simply provide the easy-to-find supplies (listed in this guide), and the parents will take it from there. Check it out!

Download your free guide

Free Guide

Zipped To-Gather: A Summer Programming Guide

Zipped To-Gather is an outreach program that invites and encourages parents to get involved in ministry to your community. You will simply provide the easy-to-find supplies (listed in this guide), and the parents will take it from there. Check it out!

Download your free guide

Free Guide