Vacation Bible School (VBS) remains a major ministry focus for Christian publishers—and an important bridge-building opportunity for Christian retailers.

Some of the ways in which suppliers are adapting their programs to connect with today's youngsters and stores are using VBS materials as a way of linking to local churches to broaden their customer base are spotlighted in Christian Retailing's annual VBS supplement, out next month.

Published with the Nov. 10 issue of Christian Retailing, the 28-page special reports on publishing and retailing trends, and details the programs and products for more than 20 VBS offerings for 2009. Themes for next year range from polar adventures to travels in ancient Rome.

The publication also features some of the findings of a major Christian education research study by David C. Cook. Marlene LeFever, the company's vice president of education development, reveals some of the results of the Landmark Study in Christian Education in an article.

Despite cultural and technological changes in the last few years, she writes, VBS "remains strong." According to Cook's research, slightly under 8% of churches are experiencing any decline in their VBS programs.

Meanwhile, in 2007, 42% of all VBS programs saw growth, she adds. "Estimating 60 kids at an average-sized VBS, that was a total of 13.3 million kids enjoying 3.3 million hours a week—or 380 years of Bible training in one summer at VBS."

Click here to read more of the VBS supplement.

• Prev
• Next