Turning VBS into a Gospel-Centered Ministry

This week has been a challenge as I teach a 7th grade Vacation Bible School (VBS). What makes it hard is when the teaching material is moralistic rather biblical. The material we got is called "The Race" which is produced by Lifeway resources that has the same teachings for the regular VBS our kids are going through.

One of my prayers for this week was not to have a moralistic approach to VBS. How can we turn VBS into a gospel-centered ministry? Here are good things to ponder and pray:

1. Make sure Jesus is the center of the Bible story and not the kids. Make it clear that the Bible is not about them.

2. Teach each lesson in light of the gospel message.

3. Use your teacher's guide as a tool, not the standard. We are teaching the Bible not what is in the book. If you are teaching the book then what good is it to have a VBS when we are suppose to be teaching the Bible.

Not a lot of deep thought but practical ideas on turning VBS into a Gospel-centered ministry.

Also check out this interview Trevin Wax did with J.D. Greear on teaching kids the gospel: