You’ve probably never heard of Martha J. “Mattie” Pritchard Miles, but you’re familiar with her work.
Mattie was born on May 4, 1870, in Illinois and married the Rev. D.T. Miles, a Methodist minister at Hopedale United Methodist Church in Illinois. Mattie had a passion for children to know Jesus. She was a public-school teacher during the week and a Sunday school teacher on weekends.
At just 24, she launched the first Vacation Bible School (VBS). Her goal was to create a space for all children, regardless of church affiliation, to learn about Jesus.
In May 1894, she organized a four-week program to provide children with Bible teaching and activities during their summer vacation. The first VBS had about 40 students and lasted four weeks, with parents paying $1 per student to cover supplies.
Her initiative sparked a movement. Within four years, churches in New York City; Boston, Massachusetts; and Montreal, Canada, were hosting VBS, and it continued to spread across the country. Within 50 years, 60,000 churches hosted VBS, reaching 5 million children and engaging over 500,000 volunteers. Southern Baptist churches have embraced VBS for over 100 years, making it a key evangelistic tool in our Great Commission arsenal, combating biblical illiteracy and spiritual darkness.
Thousands of churches embrace VBS as a cornerstone of their children’s ministry and a strategic opportunity to connect with and minister to families. Unfortunately, statistics show the number of churches hosting VBS has declined in recent years. In 1997, about 80% of churches offered VBS, but that number decreased to about 66% by 2012. That percentage is even lower now. Many are asking, “Why bother?”
I’m asking, “Why stop?”
Research consistently shows that 43% of all Christ followers came to know the Lord before age 12, and 67% before age 18. The more we step away from VBS, the less effective we are at ensuring the next generation reaches adulthood as disciples of Christ.
Charles Treadway, editor of VBS materials for the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention (now Lifeway Christian Resources), said in a 1960 Christianity Today interview that he credited programs like Vacation Bible School with jump-starting everything from church planting to missions, adding, “No doubt many missionaries had the fires of their mission passion kindled in VBS.”
I have met numerous pastors and ministry leaders across our state who came to personal faith in Jesus through VBS. It had an impact on me.
I vividly remember, as a boy, marching in by the hundreds for the opening VBS assembly at Shiloh Baptist Church. It was a big deal to hold the U.S. or Christian flag or the Bible for the pledges. We sang the theme song with the enthusiasm of a college football fight song.
Randy C. Davis
I listened intently as Mrs. Bishop spoke of the forgiveness of sins available through the blood of Jesus. My favorite cookies were the ones shaped like daisies, with a hole in the middle, slipping easily onto my little finger. Then there was plenty of red Kool-Aid.
It was a special treat to bring home a craft made of popsicle sticks and Elmer’s glue, tied to a Bible story I had heard. But most importantly, I experienced the love of Jesus through people who cared about me.
If your church does not host VBS, I strongly encourage you to incorporate it into your ministry toolbox.
It will connect your church to your community, open countless opportunities for evangelism and you will see children and adults come to saving faith in Christ.
For those of you who are VBS workers, you’re my heroes.
People like you impacted my life, and you continue to impact countless other children. You are sowing seeds that God will water and grow into great men and women of God. Like Mattie Miles, you see the importance of investing in the eternal future of others.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making a difference.
It is a joy to be with you on this journey. B&R
