Arizona Southern Baptist Convention

Download the latest issue.

Download the Spanish version here.

While many Arizona Southern Baptist churches are still following up on decisions made during Vacation Bible School this past summer, it's not too early to put VBS training events for summer 2012 on your calendar, according to Cheri Dempsay who serves as the ASBC's VBS training coordinator.

Dempsay recently attended the LifeWay Kids Ministry Conference in Nashville, Tenn., and reports that the 2012 LifeWay VBS theme is "Amazing Wonders Aviation: Encountering God's Awesome Power." The curriculum leads children on a vicarious tour of some of the world's most marvelous natural wonders and helps them explore God's awesome power. Ultimately, the goal is to teach children to trust and recognize His power in their own lives.

Arizona VBS leaders and teachers will have the opportunity to explore the 2012 curriculum at the annual regional VBS clinics. Training events are scheduled for March 10 at Hi-Way Baptist Church, Mesa; March 17 at First Southern Baptist Church, Tucson; March 31 at Northern Hills Community Church, Phoenix; and April 21 at First Southern Baptist Church, Flagstaff. All clinics will be 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The training clinics are free to attendees and will providing instruction in planning, publicizing, teaching, evangelism and follow-up, among other topics. VBS directors are encouraged to bring anyone who is interested in working in their church's VBS program.

"The clinics provide excitement and enthusiasm for teachers to take back to their churches and communities so they can help kids encounter God in marvelous ways," said Dempsay.

The state VBS coordinator emphasized that many Christian adults trace their salvation experience back to either a moment when they prayed to receive Christ at a VBS service or the opportunities they had to hear the gospel during a week of VBS.

"Because the evangelistic emphasis in VBS is so great and continues to reach more and more children every year, we need to keep up with this strategy," said Dempsay. "Some say VBS is old school, but it's effective."

While VBS may be an old concept, most Arizona Southern Baptists who have participated in one in recent years would attest that there is nothing outdated about it.

Dempsay added, "LifeWay is constantly changing VBS to keep it current with the needs and dynamics of today's families. That's why attending the training clinics is so crucial for churches who want to host the most engaging and effective VBS possible."

There is no cost to attend one of the VBS clinics, but registration is required. For more information or to register for a clinic, contact Corrin Statezny at 480-945-0880 or 800-687-2431 or email Corrin.

Back to Portraits