1. Enlist workers

    a. Pray -- workers for the harvest. If VBS is God's work, you can count on Him to help you.

    b. Recruit the right people. Look for people who:

        (1) Have a teachable spirit. Some people are open to God using them no matter where He places        them.

        (2) Show flexibility. In ministering to children, flexibility is the key to sanity!

        (3) Have the desire to be a team player.

        (4) Are dependable. look for people who do what they say

    c. Don't wait for volunteers to come to you.

        (1) Most people wan to help, but aren't very good at initiating.

        (2) Some people lack confidence in their ability to teach or lead.    

        (3) Others simply have never been asked!

    d. Make the approach person-centered.

        Present an opportunity, a responsibility and a need rather than a predicament. It is important to sell people on the need of ministering in VBS, but to do so does not require describing the predicament. The conveying of a crisis is indicative that the organizational structure with its recruiting policies has not been functioning properly.

        Rather than a general call from the pulpit (anyone interested in working in VBS see so-and-so after church), contact people individually. Ask specific people for a specific job. Avoid appearing out of nowhere with a help request! Build relationships first.

        Many potential volunteers wonder if they can interact effectively with children. Let potential volunteers observe children's classes. That way they will get to know the children before you ask them to decide. And they will have a better idea of what's expected.

    e. Provide clear, detailed job descriptions.

        Many potential workers misunderstand the task they are asked to perform. No one can satisfactorily function in a given role unless it is clearly understood what the duties are and what is expected.

        Included in the job description should be some indication of what the worker may expect from the church, as well as what the church expects from the volunteer. For example, you may expect from us:

        (1) Training

        (2) Thorough planning

        (3) Guidance at all points

        (4) Do not hurry the worker's decision.

        The potential worker should be allowed to carefully study the job description, consider the matter in prayer and finally make a decision. If divine sovereignty is at work within the framework of the local church (and it is), then the worker's response to the request after prayerful and intelligent consideration must be viewed by the church leadership as within the will of God.

        (5) Exhibit enthusiasm!

2. Raise visibility of VBS through promotion

    a. The more excited people become, the more likely they will want to be involved.

    b. Let the church know something exciting is about to happen.

        If you'd like more VBS help, you'll want to order the helpful resource, "An Avalanche of Ideas for A Successful Vacation Bible School" (by Betty Robertson) which gives information on how to increase enrollment; boost attendance; get bigger offerings; offer healthy refreshments; plan special events; and select options. If you would like a copy, send an e-mail to ccmbbr@juno.com. The booklet will be sent with a bill. The cost is $5.95, including shipping. Money-back guarantee!