Hundreds trained in three VBS conferences

Dedicated workers from Arizona Southern Baptist churches are committed to growing the faith of children and youth through Vacation Bible School. This spring, 475 people from 51 churches attended VBS conferences conducted by the Arizona Mission Network of Southern Baptists.

Kelcey Fry, state VBS director, coordinated this year’s hands-on training of volunteers, leaders and pastors at the State VBS Conference, held April 11 at Royal Palms Baptist Church in Phoenix. A total of 258 workers from 36 churches attended the training. The mission is to reach, serve and teach children about Jesus.

“Illumination Station: Shining a Light on Who Jesus Really Is” is the 2026 theme for Lifeway VBS. The theme verse is John 8:12, where Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Anyone follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

On March 14, a total of 130 workers representing 10 churches attended a Hispanic VBS Conference at Royal Palms in Phoenix. On April 11, an additional 87 participants from six churches attended the Hispanic VBS Conference at Tierra Fertil Church in Yuma.

They were all met with bright colors, spotlights, music and excitement. The worship celebrations were high-energy, and the rooms were filled with joy and celebration.

“Some things have changed this year,” Fry said. “The curriculum used the ‘power of play’ as an interactive, engaging teaching tool. It was obvious that people were enjoying the training. Trainees rotated through age-[graded] classes and demonstrations of Bible study, crafts, decorating, missions, recreation and themed snacks.”

For all of the conferences, every Arizona Southern Baptist church that registered ahead and attended a conference received $250 in store credit to purchase curriculum.

According to Lifeway statistics, VBS programs report an average of 1.1 salvations per trained volunteer, while 25% of baptisms reported by the Southern Baptist Convention come from VBS. This data suggests a remarkable return on spiritual investment. A single week of VBS equals about 15 hours of discipleship — the equivalent of seven months of Sunday School.

Based on this statistic, because of the three VBS conferences, we are likely to see more than 500 salvations during the summer VBS programs in Arizona, Fry said. “I would really like to see more volunteers being trained,” he said.

Josue Castro, AZMN Hispanic Ministries facilitator and pastor of Tierra Fertil in Yuma, was excited about the reactions of the trainees.

“It was a comprehensive training where teams received both practical and spiritual tools to carry out an organized, creative and impactful VBS,” he said. “Each teacher, volunteer and servant showed a willing heart to learn, serve and bless our children. The training was full of joy, fellowship and vision.”

Volunteers have been trained, churches have scheduled VBS events and people are praying for both the volunteers and the children who will attend those events.

“We are sure God will do great things as churches have their VBS programs and that many lives will be touched by His love,” Castro said.

Irene A. Harkleroad, a freelance writer living in Carefree, is a member of Black Mountain Baptist Church, Cave Creek.