06/20/2024
Some important reminders from this week’s VBS that I needed. When the Holy Spirit is moving, get out of the way. A few weeks back, a young man trusted Jesus to be His Savior. I baptized him the next Sunday. The church had evangelism training. Energy was building. Two weeks prior to VBS, I had all of the VBS workers come down front to be prayed for. There were only 6 left in the pews. They were excited and scared at the same time, not knowing if any kids would show up. So night one came and 12 kids showed up and 18 helpers for a total of 30. It was a victory! The last VBS was held in 2019. We had a young man wanting to know more about Jesus. A great night - Spirit moving! Last night, 16 kids and 17 workers for a total of 33. Hallelujah!! Then tonight, God showed up and showed out. 16 kids, 19 workers for a total of 35. Most importantly, 5 accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. On evangelistic nights in VBS. I steer away from “cattle call” invitations for various reasons. Over the years, I’ve found small groups are the best way to address getting to know Christ. Tonight, just like many years, I saw conviction upon faces, a genuineness of desiring to be like Christ, and boys and girls ready to accept Christ. There was no coercion - just the Holy Spirit convicting and the Word being taught.
Here’s what this week has taught me:
1. Every church should do a VBS each year. Don’t look at what you have attending church. Trust God to send people. Hint: He will.
2. Teach a class!!! It’s such a blessing to teach God’s Word and get down on the level of the kids. You see where they really are and at the same time where the church is!
3. Encourage the church! When God starts moving, Satan is working double time. Church folk oftentimes get nervous when things start moving for the Lord. My encouragement is this. If Satan is trying to bother you, you’re not doing much to begin with!
4. Motivate the church to FOLLOW UP!!
For many churches, it’s life or death time. It’s past time to bring in new faces, younger faces, children, etc. It’s time we lay traditions aside, denominational trends aside, programs aside, personal preferences aside, and be Jesus churches!!! People need Jesus. We’ve got His message through His Word. So lastly, this week has encouraged me and motivated me to be a pastor that:
5. Leads like Jesus
Jesus
- Led by example
- Led with strength
- led with intent
- led with purpose
So to God be ALL the Glory for this week and what He has done for me, His church, and so far, the five who’ve accepted Him as their Savior and Lord. 6
