In a survey conducted by Concordia Supply, 64 percent of churches report hosting a 5-day VBS in their community.
A typical VBS lasts around 3 hours a day, which, with the help of some math, you would discover that churches are discipling kids for 15 hours in just one week — the equivalent of about 15 weeks of Sunday School.
This type of opportunity to share the love of God for 15 consistent hours has been perfected in the VBS model for over 100 years.
This 5-day experience continues to shape faith, build community, and change lives with the most important message kids will ever hear.
And, right now, VBS is more important than ever. Why? The state of the church is shifting.
Churches are reporting new families attending, baptisms rising, and renewed hunger for truth and connection. In a noisy, uncertain world, VBS offers clarity, hope, and the life-changing message of Jesus.
So, let’s take a closer look at why VBS still matters, what’s working right now, and how you can make this year’s program your church’s most fruitful harvest yet.
Why VBS Is More Important Than Ever
- It’s a first step for families.
While many churches are celebrating an increase in attendance, that doesn’t mean everyone is suddenly walking through the doors on Sunday morning. For many families, attending a church service for the first time or the first time in a long time can feel intimidating.
That’s where VBS changes everything.
VBS removes barriers. It’s approachable, time-bound, and unmistakably fun, yet formative for a child’s faith. What might begin as “free daycare” or another “summer activity” can easily become a family’s first step of faith.
For parents who are spiritually curious but hesitant, VBS offers the gateway to experience the church’s culture in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
- It nurtures volunteers.
VBS is not only an outreach opportunity for your community, but an incredible way to bless and grow the church body.
Throughout the New Testament, Paul reminds us that the church thrives when its members are active. Each moment of volunteering becomes an act of worship unto God with an eternal impact.
- It grows churches.
Churches grow every time VBS rolls around. Not just in attendance, though that happens, too. The real growth happens in the impact your church makes within the community.
God places churches in communities to share the Good News. Just as Nehemiah enlisted the Israelites to rebuild the wall, each one taking responsibility for their section, you have a part to play in building faith within your community.
Every worship song sung, every goodie bag handed out, every Gospel tract shared becomes another brick in that wall of faith.
Remember that the kids attending your VBS are the church of tomorrow. You’re nurturing the faith of future leaders, teachers, and disciples. This is your opportunity to sow generously and trust that God will bring a lasting harvest.
How to Leverage VBS Trends
Data courtesy of the VBS 2025 Impact Report by Concordia Supply
44% of VBS programs happen in July
Churches are finding July to be a sweet spot for hosting VBS. Travel tends to slow down, and families are ready for a break from the summer chaos. Parents are more than happy to have something purposeful for their kids to do.
Use this to your advantage! Lean into the “daycare” mindset by positioning your VBS as an option that gives parents a breather while pouring into kids spiritually.
66% of VBS Programs Take Place in the Evening
Evening VBS programs have surged in popularity…and for good reason. Many churches have found that hosting VBS after work hours helps with volunteer availability.
But if mornings fit your church’s rhythm, embrace it! There’s no “one-size-fits-all” VBS schedule. The goal is to allow your team and families to participate, whatever time that happens to be.
64% of VBS Programs Last 5 Days
The 5-day format continues to be the gold standard for VBS. In just 5 days, kids experience roughly 15 hours of discipleship, which is more than an entire quarter of Sunday School!
Whether you host in the morning, the month of June, or for 1 day, make the most of those hours by planning intentionally and leaning into every opportunity to help kids encounter Jesus.
How to Make This VBS Your Best VBS
- Prayer
Prayer is the most important part of serving in ministry. Finding yourself a prayer buddy to call with leading up to VBS will not only fill you spiritually, but it also sets the tone for VBS planning to be dependent on God. Leading up to the final stretch before VBS, invite your team to walk the church campus and pray.
- Lead with Clarity
Unfortunately, we haven’t yet developed the technology for people to read minds! That’s why clear communication is one of the greatest gifts you can give both families and volunteers.
For volunteers: Have clear expectations for commitment, schedules, and roles. What might seem like over-communication is often exactly what volunteers need during a busy week.
For families: Make registration simple and mobile-friendly. Include a short URL or QR code on every graphic. Add a “Know Before You Go” section in your confirmation email with details like parking, allergy policies, and other helpful info.
- Be Flexible
No matter how well you plan, something unexpected will happen. While it’s wise to prepare for challenges, it’s just as important to guard your heart and how you respond to them. Flexibility is faith in action. Trusting that His timing is perfect and that you’re simply the hands and feet of His work.
Yes, VBS is a big task, but it’s a task with an even bigger eternal impact for your community and church. Those 15 hours of worship, laughter, and Gospel truth ripple far beyond the week itself, building community and planting seeds of faith that God will continue to grow.
Watch God change the lives of families in your community, one child at a time.
Lauren Monsivais is the marketing communications specialist at Concordia Supply, where she spends her day encouraging and equipping ministry leaders to help kids encounter Jesus in meaningful ways, www.concordiasupply.com.
