Table 1 Time of Day When Vacation Bible Schools Were Conducted in 1966, 1967, and 1968 Conpared with Plans for 1969
survey did not have VBS, in 1967 the portion was 1 in 10 (10.1%), and in 1968 the portion was 1 in 9 (11.1%). However in 1969 the trend will reverse; only 1 in 33 (3.1%) o f the pastors stated that their churches will not conduct VBS. What were the main reasons these pastors gave for their churches not conducting VBS? As might have been expected, lack o f leaders and workers was the main reason in each o f the years measured. (See Table 2.) Two years ago, this factor was true of 48.5% o f the non-VBS churches, in 1967 the percentage increased to 54.1%, and in 1968 the percentage went up to 57.3%. This coincides with the increasing number of VBS directors and other church workers who have expressed concern over the difficulty in finding available VBS workers. In some churches this problem has even meant that VBS could not be held. It is obvious that re cruitment of workers is still a key factor in the planning of a successful VBS. And is this not a spiritual problem, basically? As you prepare for VBS this coming summer, pray diligently that God will place the challenge of VBS on the hearts of capable workers in your church. And then re cruit enthusiastically! 5. Pastors are very enthusiastic about VBS. Many will be encouraged that the overwhelm ing majority of the respondent pastors said that they feel VBS has as much or more potential than ever as a means of winning others to Christ and helping others grow in Christ. Specifically, 66.3% reported that they feel it has “as much potential as ever,” and 22.0% indicated that they feel it has “more potential than in the past.” (Only about 1 in 200 [0.6% ] said it has “no potential,” and only about 1 in 9 [11.2%] expressed the feeling that it has “ less potential than in the past.” ) VBS, then, is still seen—at least by the respondent pas tors—as a great instrument for evangelism in the community and for Christian Education. This survey seems to point to the encouraging observation that even though VBS faces some prob lems and some changing trends, it apparently still has a continuing and exciting future ahead. This spring pray—and work—toward a spiritually suc cessful VBS in which many will be won to the Lord and will grow in Him! HE A full report on the Scripture on Press VBS Survey is available under the title, “Research Report on Vacation Bible School Trends.” The material in the article above was gleaned from this 32-page report which includes 37 tables, 6 figures, and full commentary. Write Scripture Press Founda tion, Box 513, Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137. (Enclose $1.00 to cover postage and handling charges.) FEBRUARY, 1969
f
1969
1968
1966
1967
»
71.7% 68.0% 65.4% 63.6%
Morning Only
18.5
18.0
16.9
14.9
Evening Only
4
7.1
9.7
6.2
5.1
Morning and Evening
2.5
2.1
2.2
2.3
Afternoon Only
Other 6.1 5 0 V ^Columns do not always total 100.0% because of rounding of numbers. 5.9 90%* 6.6 50%*
Table 2 Major Reasons Why Churches Did Not Vacation Bible Schools in 1966, 1967,
K
Conduct
and 1968
1966
1967
1968
Lack of Leaders and Workers
48.5% 54.1% 57.3%
Lack of Space
7.9
7.4
6.6
Lack of Finances
1.5
1.0
1.7
Lack of Adequate Teaching Materials
0.4
0.0
0.7
Other
42.6 99.9%
37.5 100.0%
33.7 1(50%
* ____________ 5-Day Schools _____________ 10 Day Schools _____________Other Lengths
75 70
65 60 55
Figure 1 Comparison of All Vacation Bible Schools by Year and Length of School
11
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker