LifeWay 2014 VBS
See a review of the LifeWay 2014 VBS theme, Agency D3.
Our Review:
LifeWay's 2014 VBS is called Agency D3: Discover. Decide. Defend.
This VBS theme emphasizes apologetics, teaching the kids how to understand what they believe and why, and how to defend their faith to their friends. It does all of this while using a secret agent theme.
(As you may know, Apologetics is the defense of the faith. It comes from the Greek word apologia, which means ‘a reasoned defense.’)
As a fan of 'all things secret agent', this theme really appeals to our resident VBS authority, Jessi. She also appreciates that LifeWay is seeking to help children understand what we as Christians believe and why we believe it.
The music for the opening and closing times is really catchy and full of truth about Jesus. And a new thing LifeWay has included this year is the "Takin' it Home" CD, which can be sent home with the kids to play with their parents.
The Takin' it Home CD has a car game to play, followed by some music. Next, the hosts ask some questions to get the parents and kids talking about what the kids learned for the day. The tracks build on one another, and the final track encourages families to pray together. These CDs are reproducible, so that you can make as many copies as you need.
This LifeWay 2014 VBS offers more than adequate materials to help you prepare for lessons, games, snacks, and activities. Also, decoration ideas are available on their website and a separate blog.
A large church will find all of the materials helpful and have plenty of room for all of the sets that the LifeWay folks have come up with. Smaller churches could easily use the materials, with a scaled down version of the decorations.
Lots of "kid friendly" extras are available for purchase, which help complete the illusion of becoming a secret agent for the week. And in classes, kids will examine "evidence" as they look up Bible verses that answer questions like "Who is Jesus?"
If you don't have enough time for a week long VBS, don't worry! LifeWay includes a system for reducing the information to a Weekend program. In fact the materials can be streamlined or expanded to accommodate almost any schedule you have in mind!
Consider the LifeWay 2014 VBS Agency D3 for your church this year. Help kids learn about what they believe and why, and help them be able to better defend their faith!
Find and compare prices for the "Agency D3 - VBS Jump Start Kit" at places like: ChristianBooks.com, FamilyChristian.com, and others.
You can also find the "Preschool Starter Kit," the "Grades 1-6 Starter Kit," and the "Agency D3 Backyard Kids Club Kit" at these retailers.
About Themselves:
Agency D3 - LifeWay 2014 VBS
"Join Agency D3 Special Agents for a week of fun as they examine eyewitness reports, physical proof, and biblical accounts to uncover and defend the truth about who Jesus really is."
VBS MOTTO: Discover. Decide. Defend.
VBS SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 3:15 - But honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. (HCSB®)
MSRP: $34.95 - jumpstart kit
$39.99 - Backyard Kids Club Kit
$99.99 each for preschool and kids
starter packs
Plus extra for the individual
kid’s packets, and teen and adult books
PROGRAM LENGTH: Comes as the standard 5-day 3-hour program, but has a guide on how to have an all-day 5-day, 1-day, weekend, 2-week, or summer-long VBS
AGE RANGE: This program is for Babies through Preteen, with Teen and Adult Bible Study material available for purchase
SCRIPTURE TRANSLATION: Holman Christian Standard Bible
MISSIONS PROJECT: The missions rotation guide suggests a program of the North American Mission Board called "Mobilize Me." It is a church planting effort that churches can be involved in from being a prayer partner to actually connecting with a particular church plant.
SOCIAL PAGES: Pinterest and Twitter and Facebook
NOTES: Decorations build on the 2013 VBS props, adding in easy-to-acquire thrift store finds. Also, their blog has help videos on making the decorations for the different rooms and areas.
Daily Lessons:
- Day 1: Is Jesus Really God’s Son?
Evidence: An Eyewitness Report (Matthew 3:13-17; John 1:29-36)
Christ Connection: Isaiah 42:1 points to Jesus as God’s Son whom God would send to provide salvation for His people.
Summation: Kids can know that the evidence proves that Jesus is God’s Son. - Day 2: Was Jesus More Than Just a Good Man?
Evidence: Background Check (Mark 6:1-6,30-56)
Christ Connection: Jesus told people in Luke 4:16-21 that He was the Messiah referenced in Isaiah 61:1-2.
Summation: Kids can know that the evidence proves that Jesus was more than just a good man. - Day 3: Was Jesus’ Death Real?
Evidence: Death Confirmed (Mark 14:22-28; 15:22-47)
Christ Connection: As foretold in Isaiah 53:2-6, God’s plan for Jesus included Jesus’ death and resurrection to provide forgiveness of sin.
Summation: Kids can know that the evidence proves that Jesus’ death was real. - Day 4: Is Jesus Alive?
Evidence: Physical Proof (Luke 24:1-48)
Christ Connection: Just as David prophesied in Psalm 16:10 and Peter testified in Acts 2:31; God raised Jesus from the dead.
Summation: Kids can know that the evidence proves that Jesus is alive. - Day 5: What Do I Do with the Evidence About Jesus?
Evidence: Summing Up the Evidence (Acts 2:14-42; 1 Peter 3:15)
Christ Connection: David declared (Psalm 22:31) and Peter preached (Acts 2:39) that those present and generations yet to come would hear about the righteousness of Christ and what He has done.
Summation: Kids can use the evidence about Jesus to defend their faith.
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Visit the LifeWay 2014 VBS official website page: AGENCY D3
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