Remember the thrill of VBS? Picture the decorations transforming the room into a whimsical world, the infectious tunes that had everyone singing and dancing, and the hands-on activities that sparked creativity and joy. VBS is always a highlight of the year, filled with laughter and excitement. Now, imagine capturing that same lively spirit and infusing it into your Sunday services. Here's a guide to help you bring that dynamic VBS atmosphere to your church every week, making each service a memorable and engaging experience for everyone.

1. Make Lessons Interactive
Kids love the stories at VBS. Forget the usual sermon. Think props, visual aids, and maybe even a short skit, personal stories, testimonies, or creative retellings of Bible stories can make the message more engaging and relatable. Get people involved by asking questions or breaking into small groups for discussions. Making the message interactive helps everyone connect with it on a deeper level.

2. Pump Up the Music
VBS songs are always upbeat and fun. Bring that same energy to your worship time. Choose lively, contemporary songs and maybe even include a few VBS favorites. Adding hand motions or simple dance steps can make it even more engaging. Asking some students and kids to help lead can make a big difference.

3. Deck Out your Ministry Area
Pick a fun theme and go all out with decorations. It could be anything from a jungle adventure, under the sea, to a space odyssey. Involve everyone in decorating—it’s a great way to build community and make your team or others feel special.

4. Hands-On Fun
Crafts and activities are a staple of VBS. Incorporate a simple craft or hands-on activity into your Sunday service. It could be something for everyone to do together or a separate activity for the kids. These activities help reinforce the lesson and are a lot of fun.

5. Get Everyone Involved
VBS runs on the enthusiasm of its volunteers. Encourage more people to get involved in different aspects of the Sunday service—greeting visitors, helping with decorations, leading songs, or assisting with activities. When more people are involved, it creates a vibrant atmosphere.

6. Hang Out and Connect
One of the best parts of VBS is the sense of community. Plan for extra fellowship time before or after the service. Whether it’s a coffee hour, potluck lunch, or game time, creating opportunities to connect helps build stronger relationships within the church.

7. Celebrate and Have Fun
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate and have fun! VBS is all about joy, laughter, and a sense of celebration. Bring that same spirit to your Sunday services. Celebrate milestones, share successes, and don’t be afraid to add a little humor. When it feels like a fun, happy place, people are way more likely to join and get involved.

Bringing the VBS vibe to your Sunday services can make church something everyone looks forward to each week. So get creative, have fun, and watch your kids church and congregation come alive with the spirit of VBS all year round.

Sarah Petrokovich is the Children's Ministry Director at River Church in Alton, IL. Married to an amazing man, Joe, they are the proud parents to two wonderful adult children, Halee and Daniel. Sarah has been dedicated to serving in Kids Ministry since her teenage years. Her passion for nurturing children's spiritual growth and creating engaging, faith-filled experiences has been a cornerstone of her ministry work. She also invests in developing other kids' ministry leaders, pouring into them with guidance and support to strengthen their ability to positively impact young lives.
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