In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commanded His disciples (us) as we are going (in the marketplace and life) to “make disciples of all nations.” Then He defined “make disciples” as (1) “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” and (2) “teaching them to obey everything He commanded.” Senior adult VBS (Vacation Bible School) can help your church to reach, care for, baptize (lead to faith in Jesus), and teach senior adults to obey Jesus.
Reach
Many churches offer VBS for children and students, and some offer VBS for adults. But few offer VBS for senior adults. Vacation Bible School is not just for children! I attended a VBS for adults 55+ yesterday in Lexington. When asked, participants listed many fond memories. That makes it easy for senior adult church members to invite friends, relatives, associates, and neighbors to VBS. The morning was filled with smiles, laughter, snacks, music, memories, and a message from God’s Word. This church offered 55+ VBS from 9:00-11:30 AM, Monday-Wednesday. Days 2 and 3 also offered workshops addressing senior adult needs. We need to reach out realizing that not all senior adults know Jesus or go to church.
Care
Before our snack and restroom break near the middle, we were asked to introduce ourselves to people we did not know. I quickly connected with 3 or 4 around me, including one man who knew several people from the community who I also knew. Gathering around the variety of snacks (even better than our memories of cookies and Kool-aid) provided additional opportunity for conversation and interaction. Public speaking is the number one fear for many people, but conversation is less intimidating for guests. Registering every attender allows an opportunity for follow up, care, and additional invitations. It can even be an opportunity for give-aways.
Baptize
Since some attenders may not know Jesus, we want to provide a clear, simple message about Jesus and salvation. And at the end and following senior adult VBS, we want to invite our guests to join us for senior adult Sunday School. In Sunday School, we have additional opportunity to get to know, care for, and share Jesus with members and guests (friends). Pastors have told me that 50-100% of those without Jesus who attend Sunday School for a year accept Jesus.
Teach to Obey
Adjusting our lives to follow Jesus, takes time. Senior adult VBS can be the beginning of that journey. But that is also a reason why connecting VBS to Sunday School is important. Sunday School is an ongoing opportunity to care for each other, encounter God in His Word, and learn to obey Him. (In some ways, it is an ongoing, simpler version of VBS.) It may also help when we intentionally walk alongside of our guests/friends. Doing so gives us time to get to know and encourage our friends on their journey with Jesus.
Senior Adult VBS Retro Ideas
Don’t plan VBS alone. Gather a planning team of senior adults. Choose a convenient time which fits the schedule of most senior adults in your church and community. Don’t be afraid to be creative here. That could be 3-5 mornings or afternoons in a row. That may be three Sunday afternoons or Monday mornings in a row. It could be the first Tuesday in June, July, and August.
Ask your planning team to share their memories of VBS as children. Work some of those ideas into your plans. They will likely include music; snacks; crafts; Bible study; prizes for scripture memorization (yes, senior adults can memorize); mission moments (consider writing letters to missionaries); recreation (fun); sit down/stand up chords; missions offering; and much more.
Make everything you do fun. Involve as many people as you can in your plans for the day(s). More involvement tends to produce more attendance and more satisfaction. Add senior adult VBS to your church calendar and begin planning now for a great experience. Make disciples!
