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