Despite a tough economy and cultural changes, Vacation Bible School (VBS) remains a popular church ministry and a good bridge-building opportunity for Christian stores.

Retailers looking to connect with local churches for next year's programs will be helped with the detailed VBS guide featured in the next issue of Christian Retailing magazine.

Churches are "wanting to know next year's VBS theme earlier and earlier," according to Bob Wallace, Standard Publishing's marketing manager--children's, youth and VBS.

"In the past it was late fall or even end of December before themes were revealed," he said. "Now companies are announcing their themes in June. Stores need to start coaching churches on the new themes earlier and earlier."

Details of 19 VBS courses--including themes, content and materials--are included in the forthcoming special report from Christian Retailing magazine, with additional comprehensive details online.

Jody Brolsma, VBS senior editor for Group Publishing, told Christian Retailing that VBS is still one of the strongest programs that churches can offer in terms of community outreach.

"Even during difficult economic times, churches see the value in Vacation Bible School as an outreach and church-growth tool," said Brolsma. "Additionally, each starter kit sold has huge potential for additional sales (for stores) in ancillary items. ... We continue to see people using VBS in unique ways-backyard Bible clubs, international missions, evening programs, family events and Sunday mornings."

Jack Savage, owner for 50 years of Jack's Religious Gift Shop in Salisbury, Md., annually holds a two-day VBS preview for area congregations to see firsthand the newest curriculum products.

VBS sales this year "started out so slow," he said. "The churches were not coming in with orders. I thought it was going to be down. But I looked and we were up 10% compared to last year. I can't explain it."

The complete VBS report and guide will be published in the Nov. 9 issue of Christian Retailing.

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