A Day of Learning, Inspiration, and Connection
Excitement filled the air as 65 dedicated church leaders from 15 churches gathered at Clovis SDA Church on February 23, 2025, for an event that continues to shape the future of children’s ministry in our Conference—VBS Live. More than just a training event, VBS Live is an opportunity for leaders to connect, learn, and gain hands-on experience with the tools they need to create meaningful, Christ-centered VBS programs in their churches.
This year’s theme, Mountain of Miracles, brought a renewed focus on faith, transformation, and God’s unwavering love. Through engaging workshops, interactive sessions, and resource-sharing, attendees walked away with not just knowledge but renewed passion and confidence to bring the message of Jesus to children in their communities.
More Than Just Training—A Community of Support
One of the most powerful aspects of VBS Live is that leaders don’t have to figure it out alone. Many churches, particularly smaller congregations, face challenges in organizing a successful VBS—limited budgets, lack of volunteers, or simply not knowing where to start.
To bridge this gap, our Shared Supplies Program has been a game-changer. Thanks to a generous donation from our Union, we expanded to three full sets of VBS supplies, allowing 14 churches to participate this year, saving them a combined total of $10,933.54. And the best part? It’s not too late for other churches to sign up! With 15 additional slots available, churches that didn’t attend VBS Live can still join in and access these cost-saving resources.
Additionally, our VBS Kit Reimbursement Program continues to help churches secure essential materials. For every church that attended the training and submits their VBS report and invoice, we reimburse $155—a small but impactful investment in making VBS accessible.
A First in VBS Live History: Conference Leadership Support
For the first time in VBS Live history, our Conference administration was represented at the event, with Executive Secretary, David Dean, attending and sharing insights about the Conference’s vision for children’s ministry. This meaningful support sent a strong message: VBS is more than an annual program—it is a vital outreach tool that strengthens church communities and brings children closer to Christ.
Seeing Conference leadership invest time in listening to and encouraging our leaders was a highlight for many attendees, reinforcing that their efforts are valued and supported at every level.
A Labor of Love: Volunteers Who Made It Happen
A special acknowledgment goes to our seven devoted volunteers, who each dedicated between 6 to 30 hours of their time to ensure this event was a success. From decorating the venue to coordinating registration and assisting with workshops, their behind-the-scenes efforts created a welcoming and organized experience for all who attended. Their passion and willingness to serve embodied the very spirit of VBS—ministry in action.
Looking Ahead: The Future of VBS in Our Conference
While we did see a decline in attendance this year due to theme preferences, the commitment to training and equipping leaders remains unchanged. VBS Live continues to be an essential resource, providing churches with fundraising strategies, leadership development, and hands-on experience that extend far beyond a single week of programming.
Moving forward, our goal is to continue strengthening this event, ensuring that every church—regardless of size or resources—has access to the tools and training they need to make VBS a success.
Are you ready to be part of next year’s VBS Live? Stay connected, stay inspired, and let’s continue to build something amazing together!
For more information or to sign up for shared supplies, contact Lisa Plasencia at ChildMinDirector@cccsda.org