Facing Giants

I don’t enjoy event-planning. I can’t put my finger on why, but I dislike the words “program” and “programming” as they relate to children’s ministry activities. As a first-time children’s ministry leader, I approached Vacation Bible School (VBS) planning with more than a little fear and trepidation. 

In my mind, VBS had grown to the height of Goliath, and it scared me like the giant struck fear into the Israelites. It was a towering giant of logistics, schedule rotations, to-do lists, spreadsheets, communication,  and volunteer recruitment. “Do I have to?” I asked. Yes. VBS was a thing I had to do, a giant to slay, knowing the joy and fruit this week would bear in the hearts of our kids and volunteers.

Thankfully, the Lord is kind and patient in the ways he invites us to grow and stretch our ministry muscles. After all, he’s training us for battle.

Finding Courage

Last year I participated in a learning cohort for children’s ministry leaders. During the final session, I raised my fears about VBS looming six months out on the horizon. Even in the chill of mid-winter, I started sweating just talking about the prospect of leading my first VBS that summer. 

The seasoned family pastors and children’s ministry leaders assured me that all would be well. “You’ll love it!” they said. “VBS is a ‘gateway drug’ for new volunteers.” The friends offered tried and true advice, as well as planning tools. I couldn’t quite believe the encouragement in January. But in July, I understood the truth of their words. 

In time, the pieces and the people came together. The body of Christ worked together, and I could be present and enjoy the ride. I loved welcoming the kids each morning, and worshiping in our sanctuary. Most importantly, the gospel was shared and received!  I saw adult and teen volunteers using their God-given strengths to serve, teach, and care for our kids. Creativity, joy, and humility abounded in the games, Bible stories, and art projects. I saw God’s glory and power lived out in his people.

Lessons Learned

I imagine some of you are looking ahead to VBS this summer with a similar set of doubts and paralysis that I faced. Here are a few practical lessons I learned along the way that may help you trust the Lord and enjoy the ride.

1. Let others lead. 

Part of the reason I was scared to jump into VBS was that I assumed I had to do it all. Of course, this isn’t true. Did you know that some people enjoy logistics and are skilled event-planners? God created some detail-oriented individuals who are adept at spreadsheets and schedules,  many of whom  are VBS veterans with decades of experience. Thanks be to God! 

There’s a lot of freedom in inviting others to lead in specific areas to make VBS a success. Someone on my team proposed an idea for a VBS mission project that the kids would be involved in. It was a great idea, and they were capable of leading it effectively. So I encouraged them, “I love this idea. You have a vision for how to make this happen, and I’m here to support you. We’re counting on you to see it through.” Under their leadership, the project became a highlight of the week and blessed the community. Letting others lead allows them to exercise their gifts, and frees you up to focus on other needs.

2. Don’t freak out. 

Your presence can be a blessing or a curse. We want to model a non-anxious presence when difficulty and conflict arise, because chances are, it will. Stay calm and work to solve the problem. Short on snacks? What’s another Costco run? You already know the check-out person by name anyway. One of your leaders is running late with a flat tire? Patiently track down someone to fill-in, and offer plenty of grace as they eventually roll in flustered and frustrated. See the unforeseen troubles as an opportunity to show Christ’s love to your team, the kids you’re serving, and yourself. 

3. Pray. 

One way to keep from freaking out is remembering that God is with you. Bring both the little stuff and the big needs to the Lord, asking Him to provide your daily bread. Got a sick leader, and need a substitute to help with that big group of kids? Pray. Counting on some sunshine to pull off that awesome outdoor water day? Pray. Not sure what to say to comfort an injured kid or encourage a struggling leader? Pray. God holds all things together, and he can see you and your team through VBS as well.

4. It’s not about me (or you). 

What a relief! This big week, like all things, belongs to the Lord. It’s his ministry. His work. His church. His people. His children! We get to steward them and shepherd them, but he’s in control of everything. Ask him to make you an instrument of peace, that he might use to draw people to Jesus. Yield to his will, and trust him as David did with Goliath.

The Battle Belongs to the Lord

I love the tale of Saint George and the Dragon. The fantastic story is like the David and Goliath narrative in many ways. Like David, the young knight accepts his mission to “go down into the valley and fight the dragon you were born to fight.” I cannot read that line in the story aloud to my kids without tearing up. It reminds me that our fight is not against flesh and blood—not against checklists, schedules, or recruiting deadlines. Our battle is against the spiritual forces of darkness in our world (Eph. 6:12).  

David’s encounter with Goliath came early in his life. It was a marker of faith that gave him a point of reference later on when he needed to trust the Lord amid enemy pursuits (see Psalm 3). This year’s VBS will be like that for me. I can look back on my rookie VBS year and remember the Lord’s gentle presence holding my hand throughout, taking care of it all. I will remember that glorious feeling of completion, the kids asleep in their carseats heading home after all was said and cleaned up late Friday afternoon. 

God will use the challenge that lies before you to strengthen and equip you (Ps. 18:9).  As you enter the fray, know that whatever the Goliath, God’s goodness is greater and his faithfulness is stronger.  For the battle (and the Bible school) is the Lord’s.