Presentation of "Leading an Evangelistic Invitation at VBS" from LifeWay's VBS 2010 Preview Events

1. Leading an Evangelistic Invitation During VBS Jerry Vogel [email_address] VBSIs/Previews 2010

15. Welcome DON’T: Allow the service to go too long beyond the understanding and “sit”ability of the children. Their attention span is very short.

16. Welcome DO: Consider the age of children to be included in the evangelistic service. Keep it brief.

17. Welcome DON’T: Use “high pressure” techniques….just for the sake of numbers. Remember, God is the one who seeks out individuals and calls each into a personal relationship with Him through Jesus.

18. Welcome DO: Respect the work of the Holy Spirit and remember “ YOU do not save anyone!”

19. Welcome DON’T: Just leave it up to each VBS room to do what the teachers feel is appropriate when it comes to evangelism.

20. Welcome DO: Have a clear strategy for the evangelistic service: one large group; services by age; individual presentations in the VBS department rooms?

21. Welcome DON’T: Jump to conclusions and give children more information than they need.

22. Welcome DO: Present the simple gospel message of God’s love for us and his provision for forgiveness.

23. Welcome DON’T: Use so many Bible verses that the children are overwhelmed. Make it personal.

24. Welcome DO: Use Bible content as a part of the evangelistic message and emphasize that what is being shared is from the Bible, God’s Word. Use a “child friendly” translation.

25. Welcome DON’T: Have everyone who “loves Jesus” raise their hand or simply come forward and fill out a card!

26. Welcome DO: Consider using a response card during the invitation.

27. Welcome DON’T: Assume that all counselors (including deacons and Sunday School teachers) know how to talk with children about salvation.

28. Welcome DO: Provide training for invitation counselors.

29. Welcome DON’T: Encourage counselors to just use “whatever” in reviewing the gospel with children.

30. Welcome DO: Provide specific resources for counselors to use during the decision-making time of the invitation.

31. Welcome DON’T: Be fooled into thinking that one counselor can meet the needs of multiple children at one time.

32. Welcome DO: Provide enough counselors to insure “one to one” counseling.

33. Welcome DON’T: Ask “yes” or “no” questions.

34. Welcome DO: When counseling, ask “open ended” questions.

35. Welcome DON’T: Answer the question(s) for the child. Consider wording the question a different way for clarification.

36. Welcome DO: Encourage the child to express his own ideas and allow time for reflection.

37. Welcome DON’T: Use a lot of “churchy” words…the language of Zion!

38. Welcome DO: Avoid symbolic language.

39. Welcome DON’T: Leave the child hanging on issues like… “will I ever sin again” or “if I mess up does that mean I didn’t do it right?”

40. Welcome DO: Anchor the memory and give immediate assurance of salvation.

41. Welcome DON’T: Overlook an opportunity that God has given you to reach not only the child, but, the whole family.

42. Welcome DO: Have a follow-up plan “after” VBS to get into the homes of those making decisions. Consider asking if the child can be enrolled in Sunday School.

44. Leading an Evangelistic Invitation During VBS Jerry Vogel [email_address] VBSIs/Previews 2010

45. Welcome