Why isn't Seacoast Church having Vacation Bible School this summer? Our goal this year is to "turn members into missionaries". We are encouraging our congregation to go make a difference in their communities. Backyard Bible Clubs are a way to take Christ into area neighborhoods, bringing a life-changing message to unchurched children. What a great way to positively impact your neighborhood!What is a Backyard Bible Club?
Similar to a five-day Vacation Bible School, but on a much more personal level, Backyard Bible Club consists of a few basic elements— the Bible story, small group time, games, crafts, snacks, music and memory verses. It sounds just like VBS. But there’s one key difference—you’re bringing Bible school to the neighborhood children instead of hoping neighborhood children will come to Bible school. Plus, it is an opportunity that can work around your schedule, vacations, and other summer plans.
Why host a Backyard Bible Club?
Though many children come to know Jesus through church, Christians also have a responsibility to take the Good News to unchurched families. The example parents set for their own children while planning a neighborhood outreach event inspires them to share the gospel and reinforces their own faith. Hosting a Backyard Bible Club helps build friendships with more families in neighborhoods and it’s a lot of fun!
Where should we hold the club?
Obviously, a summertime club with lots of kids lends itself to being held outside. You’ll want to designate and equip areas for games, crafts and snacks, and you’ll want quiet (preferably shady) areas for the Bible lesson and small groups. In case bad weather spoils your plans, you should have an alternate location in mind or plan to use additional rooms inside your house. Some people will use their neighborhood clubhouse or community shelter in a nearby park to be able to accomodate more children than hosting one in their home.
Whom will you invite?
Your neighborhood is probably full of more unchurched children than you realize. We will provide invitations to use to publicize your club to families with young children (older children may participate as helpers). In addition to inviting people you already know, make the rounds of your neighborhood at a time when most people are home. Knock on doors of homes where you think there may be small children, introduce yourself and invite them to the club. Assure them that parents are welcome to attend if they’re hesitant about leaving their children at a stranger’s home. (You won’t be strangers for long.)
When is the best time for a club?
Middle to late summer works especially well, because boredom has set in and kids are looking for something different to do. You may hold a morning club if children in your neighborhood are available then or an early evening club when families are home and the temperature is cooler. If you can’t manage five days, try a two- or three-day club. The great thing about Backyard Bible Clubs is that it is so flexible!
Who will help you with the club?
For a smoothly running club, try to have three or four adults and one or two youth helpers from yoru neighborhood. Ask friends from your church or small group to help you. When planning your club, make a full list of your tasks, and then divide them up among your helpers. Most clubs will have from 12 to 24 kids attending each day, including helpers’ kids, so be prepared. To cover costs, consider splitting the costs among the club leaders or asking children’s parents to bring specific snack items or craft supplies. The church will help supply some of the basic information and materials, but feel free to be creative and utilize the resources you already have in your closets and garage. You probably have most of the items needed. Just be creative and add your own ideas!
Similar to a five-day Vacation Bible School, but on a much more personal level, Backyard Bible Club consists of a few basic elements— the Bible story, small group time, games, crafts, snacks, music and memory verses. It sounds just like VBS. But there’s one key difference—you’re bringing Bible school to the neighborhood children instead of hoping neighborhood children will come to Bible school. Plus, it is an opportunity that can work around your schedule, vacations, and other summer plans.
Why host a Backyard Bible Club?
Though many children come to know Jesus through church, Christians also have a responsibility to take the Good News to unchurched families. The example parents set for their own children while planning a neighborhood outreach event inspires them to share the gospel and reinforces their own faith. Hosting a Backyard Bible Club helps build friendships with more families in neighborhoods and it’s a lot of fun!
Where should we hold the club?
Obviously, a summertime club with lots of kids lends itself to being held outside. You’ll want to designate and equip areas for games, crafts and snacks, and you’ll want quiet (preferably shady) areas for the Bible lesson and small groups. In case bad weather spoils your plans, you should have an alternate location in mind or plan to use additional rooms inside your house. Some people will use their neighborhood clubhouse or community shelter in a nearby park to be able to accomodate more children than hosting one in their home.
Whom will you invite?
Your neighborhood is probably full of more unchurched children than you realize. We will provide invitations to use to publicize your club to families with young children (older children may participate as helpers). In addition to inviting people you already know, make the rounds of your neighborhood at a time when most people are home. Knock on doors of homes where you think there may be small children, introduce yourself and invite them to the club. Assure them that parents are welcome to attend if they’re hesitant about leaving their children at a stranger’s home. (You won’t be strangers for long.)
When is the best time for a club?
Middle to late summer works especially well, because boredom has set in and kids are looking for something different to do. You may hold a morning club if children in your neighborhood are available then or an early evening club when families are home and the temperature is cooler. If you can’t manage five days, try a two- or three-day club. The great thing about Backyard Bible Clubs is that it is so flexible!
Who will help you with the club?
For a smoothly running club, try to have three or four adults and one or two youth helpers from yoru neighborhood. Ask friends from your church or small group to help you. When planning your club, make a full list of your tasks, and then divide them up among your helpers. Most clubs will have from 12 to 24 kids attending each day, including helpers’ kids, so be prepared. To cover costs, consider splitting the costs among the club leaders or asking children’s parents to bring specific snack items or craft supplies. The church will help supply some of the basic information and materials, but feel free to be creative and utilize the resources you already have in your closets and garage. You probably have most of the items needed. Just be creative and add your own ideas!
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