What I observed as I worked in the pre, mid, and post aspects of vacation bible school (you theologians will appreciate that) was that it required a lot of hard work, self-sacrifice and a keen willingness to be a part of the gospel.
What I would say is this; I observed a micro church operating at full capacity. I mean like all cylinders were firing. People contributing like they believe Jesus is a Savior that can transform and deliver people.
We then step back and look at the macro (bigger picture) version. VBS ends and all is well... Not always. Having short burst of real church does not sustain the entire mission of the Church. Vacation Bible school is still one of the premier soul winning opportunities in our denomination (SBC). So much so that other denominations now host this micro church event.
Let look at why that is true.
1. Hard work - This hard work begins with early planning. At our VBS planning begins as soon as the last VBS is over. Like the next day! Not boasting, I simply know because it is my wife. Budgeting, promotion, etc., all begin early. Then it amps up the closer it gets to the first night. People spend days decorating, days working together, laughing together, overcoming issue together and working as hard as the next person. Interesting note: no one was complaining about being "burned out." (Good church word which means, "I have burned myself out with non-church things I don't want to do it.")
2. Self-sacrifice - People give to Vacation Bible School. They give their time, talents and yes their money. People that would not do for the macro (larger) church, do for the micro. I do not agree with that concept at all! But the reality is that it happens. There seems to be this common mentality. Sharing begins to happen, if someone needs something and someone else has it, they share. If anyone needs something and no one has it they dig deep and find it. All the time, giving at levels that ensure the mission of VBS is accomplished.
3. Believing Jesus is a Savior who can save and deliver people.
This is spell binding. I watch every year in utter amazement as those who would never share their faith, risk it all to do so at VBS. Their is the tangible sense that Jesus is really a Savior! And that He is worry of over coming our fears and short comings to make sure, mind you, that people hear about Him. There is a common belief that Jesus is real and that He is actually Lord of lords.
No wonder VBS ranks up there are soul winning opportunities! The dynamics of biblical church are all present.
If you add each of those up, they will equal real church. The question we face is this, why only do it at a micro level? Why not in the larger church? Why not ever week, every day and every minute? I mean those are some honest questions. If it is happening in your church, Amen. If it is not, it is time that we make the micro the larger picture. If it is not, it is time that each of us look deep down inside and see if we have 1 - 3 happening in our personal life.
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