Conference prepares VBS directors

By Irene A. Harkleroad

A total of 54 people from 38 churches attended Arizona Southern Baptists’ VBS Directors’ Conference at Royal Palms Baptist Church, Phoenix, on Saturday, Feb. 1.

The conference helped directors lay the groundwork for Concrete and Cranes, LifeWay Christian Resources’ 2020 construction-themed VBS that will help children learn how to build their faith on Jesus. The conference is held early in the year to help directors recruit and build their VBS teams.

The 2020 conference included three new topics: recruiting your team, how to use teenagers effectively in VBS and making your VBS safe — security on campus and prevention of sexual abuse. These sessions included takeaway forms and related documents for each church.

“Each attending church left with two complimentary tickets to the State VBS Conference,” said Kelcey Fry, State VBS team leader and family pastor at HiWay Baptist Church, Mesa. “In addition, El Faro Church, Phoenix, and Church at Sun Valley, Buckeye, won free curriculum worth hundreds of dollars.”

Attendees also received online access to custom graphics designed by Fry to help churches with social media and outreach promotions for VBS.

The State VBS Conference will be held on April 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Royal Palms Baptist Church. The cost is $10 per person, and lunch is provided.

VBS volunteers serving in any capacity — including as age-level teachers or helping with snacks or recreation — are encouraged to attend the conference for specialized training.

To register, go to azsbc.org/vbs/.