Each year, churches across the country host a week-long—or even 1-day—Vacation Bible School. VBS is great opportunity to teach your children about the Bible and invite friends and family to learn about Jesus, too!
But let's be honest, so much time and planning often goes into this short event just to make it successful.
The First Families of Faith VBS
When I started Families of Faith in January 2022, I planned to create Bible-based materials for families only. But by February, I discovered a growing need for Biblically accurate, high-quality materials among churches as well.
Through my own VBS experiences, I learned a few things. First, there are very few truly Bible-based options for VBS materials. I wanted to provide something that comes directly from Scripture and focuses on deep studies of Bible lessons and figures—especially ones who aren’t studied as often.
I also saw that because of this lack of available materials, congregations often end up “creating” their own VBS themes. I use the word “create” loosely—what often happens is the person in charge chooses a generic theme and a few Bible lesson topics that fit within that theme, and then leaves it up to the teachers to create their lessons and activities from scratch.
While seasoned teachers may have no trouble with this, I think it can discourage younger or less experienced teachers who find it challenging to build an entire lesson on their own. And it opens the door to inconsistency. Will all the teachers hit the same main lesson points? Will all the students walk away with the same understanding of the lesson?
DIY VBS might work in some cases, but often it leads to uneven experiences unless everyone involved can dedicate the same high level of time and energy.
So—I decided to write my own Vacation Bible School curriculum. Talk about a big undertaking! I knew I had to work quickly, and I created the Traveling with Paul theme in just 3-4 weeks.
That first year was a success, and I decided I would release one new VBS curriculum each year going forward. Some congregations have been with me from the start, using each year's theme as it is released. But newcomers have a great opportunity to choose from any of the existing themes that are available! Each year keeps getting better and better.
Three Reasons Your Church Will Love This VBS
So what makes Families of Faith VBS different from the rest? Whether you're new to my materials or have used them before, here are three big reasons why churches love using this curriculum year after year.
Reason #1: Creative Themes and Unique Lessons
Each year, I work hard to come up with a truly unique theme. Past themes include traveling with the apostle Paul to a cozy campfire to a nautical motif. I have so many ideas written down for future themes!
I love pairing "classic" VBS studies—like Jonah, Daniel, or David and Goliath—with lesser-studied characters and stories like Jeremiah or Nehemiah. VBS usually brings a mix of church members and visitors, and I want to keep things interesting and meaningful for everyone. Repeating the same stories year after year can cause our members to lose interest, but adding in unique Bible lessons keeps things fresh.
Each lesson is carefully designed to go beyond surface-level Bible knowledge and help students engage deeply with Scripture.
Reason #2: Customizable for Everyone
Every congregation is different—whether it's in size, space, schedule, or volunteer skill and experience. Families of Faith VBS materials can be used by anyone! Whether your church is small or large churches, whether you're planning a week-long event or just one day, these materials can be used effectively.
I've even had church camps use the materials for their daily Bible classes! I design each VBS to work well in every situation.
Reason #3: Easy to Follow and All-Inclusive Materials
I've helped with many VBS programs over the years—teaching, decorating, and organizing—and I know just how many details go into making it work. That's why I've done my best to include everything you might need!
The Director's Manual gives the VBS coordinator a full overview of the Bible lessons, decorating ideas, the skit scripts, and more!
For registration, there are printable name tags with instructions to print them on Avery labels. There are pew and classroom signs to direct students and visitors where to sit and attend classes. Social media graphics and flyers can be edited directly in Canva and then shared or printed to spread the word to your community! High quality logos can be used to make t shirts for all attendees.
Each class comes with a Teacher’s Manual for every lesson. For younger classes, these include sample schedules, songs, memory verse review games, decoration ideas, scripted lessons, and step-by-step instructions for crafts and games.
Older classes have detailed lessons with answer keys for the Student Workbooks.
Every workbook has age-appropriate activities that follow the theme and Scripture.
Download free sample kits of any or all of the VBS materials to see for yourself!
All teachers and volunteers can help make your VBS great by following the clear, ready-to-use materials included with your purchase.
Your VBS Planning Starts Here
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to plan a Vacation Bible School that’s both meaningful and manageable, I created this VBS for you. My goal is to take the stress off your shoulders and give you something Bible-based, creative, and easy to implement—so you can focus on what matters most: sharing the love of Jesus and the truth of His word.
Let’s make this your easiest and most meaningful VBS yet!