GroupVBS

I don't think it is a sin at all, but from my observation of other VBS materials, I have yet to find any that are better quality than the SBC material. And you will notice that many of the other publications copy some type of the SBC theme or do a similar theme in the next year or two. Why were people shocked at the suggestion to your the SBC material this year?

 

Group materials are great! I switched our Sunday School over to it this year, and had almost 100% good reports.

I imagine the problem with Lifeway is the ethnic stereotyping in the theme that some find offensive.

 

See the posts elsewhere on the BB:
Lifeway 2004 VBS link

 

Your not looking very hard! We are using less and less of Lifeway in total. None of the Adult classes use it and only a few of the children's classes are still using it.

 

IMHO, it never hurts to use a variety of providers (or at least be aware of them, so you're assured your giving the students the best available).

I would also suggest Regular Baptist Press...

http://www.rbpstore.org/

Just to comfort you, when I was in my last two churches (both GARBC), the thought of using anything other than RBP curriculum was met with a similar reaction to what you are experiencing!

 

gotochurch.....actually I have looked quite hard, and just because you are using other materials does not make them as good or as well put together as Lifeway material.

 

Our Christian bookstore holds a VBS "fair" every January where reps of the different publishers come and bring their materials, and speak briefly on each. It's great fun, and it lets you see what's out there. This year I'm using Gospel Light with the Olympic theme. The sports angle will be a good one for our city kids. Although Group is fantastic, and I use their Faithweaver Sunday School materials. Bottom line - do what's best for your kids and your workers.

 

No, not a sin. Sounds like you have good, thought-out reasons.
Sometimes the resistance comes from wanting to maintain a distinctive identity or cover particular aspects. And you would need to examine a different curriculum even more closely.

Awana is a great program, for example, and most SBC churches around here use it now. However, it took the place of, instead of supplementing, some things I miss.
I think the missions programs of my youth (I was a Queen in GA's) and RA's of my kid's youth had some things that many SBC churches are missing now, in spite of the good things they have picked up.

Karen

 

USN2Pulpit,

Our church has been through this same dilemma. Every SBC church in the area is using the same VBS.

Well, for the past several years, we have purposefully used different VBS material to keep from being a repeat of all the other churches in our area. It has worked pretty good.

True, LifeWay puts out a superior product. But the quality of a VBS is in the presentation of it by the teachers and leader, not the slickness of the materials.

A "home-grown" VBS can be just as good, or even better, than a store-bought VBS if the teachers really get into it. The kids are there to have fun, and just happen to learn a little along the way. As long as your people are enthusiastic and involved, almost any VBS material can be a success!

In Christ,
Trotter

 

USN2Pulpit,

Thank you.

In Christ,
Trotter

 

I USED TO BE IN SHOCK IN my younger days abou tnot using SBC curriculum.

I still like and use the curriculum for the most part, but there are other curriculums, and when all the churches in the area are doing Rickshaw Rally--enough already! So much for a lifeway Only stance.

 

At our church, the policy is to use the Lifeway Material. In fact, I am leading the youth wed night Bible Study and the pastor of ed and the senior pastor insisted upon using the Lifeskills material. Problem with that is that it is geared toward a group of at least 10.

I have to spend at least 3 hours downsizing above and beyond the normal prep time. I am using the material as a base, but I am taking the kids much deeper into the mechanics of studying the Bible.

Use what the LORD leads you to use, USN. I know that when I am called to lead a church, I will insist upon providing the best education ministry possible. Lifeway makes a good product, but product is secondary to His annointing of the VBS staff. You and your staff have to be enthused to be about making disciples. Let us know when and we will be sure to keep your VBS in prayer. Or at least my family will.