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2020 VBS Pastor Overview Sample

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2 Thank you, Pastor, for the blessing you are to God's people in your call to shepherd the congregation through Word-and- Sacrament ministry. God has blessed you with unique gifts to employ in His service. Here are some practical ways you can support, encourage, and equip God's people as they share the Gospel in VBS ministry. Support and Encourage VBS Leadership ■ Lead and encourage your VBS Leaders to choose curriculum with careful consideration of its doctrinal content. In Rainforest Explorers VBS, every lesson clearly distinguishes between God's Law and His Gospel. Children (and their leaders) learn God's will for their lives and how the Law has been fulfilled for them in the person and work of Jesus Christ. At the center of every lesson is the Gospel: God's gracious gift of Jesus as the Savior from sin, death, and the devil. ■ Help VBS Leaders set purpose statements and goals for VBS that align with the mission of the congregation. Ask your Director for all the digital files referenced in this Overview from the "Pastor" folder on the Director USB. ■ Pray for your VBS Leaders. Be available for support. It's a blessing for people to have their pastor listen and keep VBS focused on a godly purpose in the midst of all the details. ■ Pray for children and families who will attend VBS. Plan with VBS Leaders to include people of all abilities in the fun. ■ Initiate and include VBS in your worship planning. Make announcements on the importance of VBS, introduce your congregation to the theme (see the sample sermon on pp. 4–5 and the children's message on p. 6), and designate a Sunday as the volunteer commissioning service (see p. 5). Provide Practical Information Use your influence to open doors for VBS Leaders. Here are just a few ways you can help: ■ Get Connected. Introduce the VBS Director to those who administer the church calendar; produce church bulletins, newsletters, or other publicity tools; manage computer and printer equipment; and maintain the church website, social media, or e-newsletters. ■ VBS Finances Are a Key Matter. Provide leaders with church-budget information for VBS. If your VBS is self- funded, provide information about how donations and/ or fund-raising have been done in the past. Historical records and future expectations help them to plan. VBS Leaders need to know policies and procedures for ordering materials and supplies, how to use church accounts and tax- exemption status (if applicable), and how to get reimbursed. A Budget Worksheet is provided on the Director USB. It is also available at cph.org/vbs2020. ■ VBS Before, During, After. Work with the VBS Director to develop a calendar for recruitment, training, promotion, and follow-up. Keep in mind that VBS is not an isolated event; it is an entry point into your church. Develop a plan to meet with visiting kids and their families during and after VBS. A suggested VBS Planning Calendar is provided in the Director Guide and is also available at cph.org/vbs2020. ■ Facility Access. Introduce the VBS Director to those who care for the church property (church leaders, volunteers, and/or staff). Help them work together to identify and designate space and times for VBS stations, props storage (before and after VBS), acceptable use of equipment and tools for VBS setup and teardown, and other needs, such as space for sign-ups, fund-raising, or follow-up activities. Preaching, Prayers, and Presence ■ Pray for the ministry of VBS in your personal prayers and in the prayers of the church. Establish a prayer team. ■ Preach a sermon (see pp. 5–6) or a children's message (see p. 7) based on the VBS Scripture or theme prior to VBS or as a follow-up. ■ Note the daily themes (see cover). Consider how they might be incorporated into your messages and announcements. ■ Plan a VBS volunteer commissioning in a worship service as a kick-off to VBS (provided on the Director USB). ■ Plan a VBS Closing Celebration to conclude VBS week and to reach out to all VBS children and their families. (See the template on the Director USB and at cph.org/vbs2020.) ■ Be present and available at VBS. A favorite role for pastors is to greet and encourage workers, kids, and parents as they arrive at VBS or leave each day. ■ Pray regularly for VBS staff, kids, and families. Lead, Witness, and Evangelize Prepare VBS Site Leaders and Team (small-group) Leaders to share the Gospel with kids and parents. See page 4 for a how-to for sharing the Gospel. Another Gospel-sharing resource using the Take-Home Points is on the Director USB. Request lists of visiting kids and families, and reach out to them with a personal invitation to attend worship, midweek services, and/or seasonal events. Commit to monthly follow-ups (by yourself or designated church leaders) with those who are unchurched to find out any prayer needs and share invitations. Making contact with them during VBS is a great beginning for witness. Make a plan for how to respond to ministry, disciplinary, or emergency needs discovered during VBS. Prepare the whole church and leaders to provide a warm and genuine welcome to VBS families who may visit worship or other activities after VBS. Discuss and have an assimilation plan ready for possible future members. Recruit, Train, and Retain Volunteers Intentionally show your support for VBS. Pastors who share the mission and ministry of VBS with their congregation create a VBS culture that glorifies God and serves others. VBS can be a great entry point for service. Be alert for people serving in VBS whom God may be calling to service in other ministries. VBS has been the starting place for leaders in all areas of service in God's Church! Pastor's Role in VBS

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