Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.                                                           -Romans 10:17

Of all the fond memories I have from childhood, Vacation Bible School was definitely one of the most influential and formative experiences of my “growing up” years. It was in VBS that I learned many of the lessons that have shaped my life and faith.

In my home community, Vacation Bible School was one of the biggest weeks of the summer. Of course it looked a little different in my day. There was no digital music, only piano. Refreshments consisted of cookies and a different color of Kool-Aid every day. Recreation revolved around playing Red Rover in the churchyard. And during craft time, we learned to make picture frames with popsicle sticks, crosses with match sticks, and all sorts of things with pipe cleaners.

I remember the teachers and workers with gratitude and clarity, and can still see their faces and recall their names. In fact, I don’t remember having a teacher I didn’t like. I’m just not sure they understood the significant impact they had on my life and the lives of countless other children.

Though Vacation Bible School is primarily tasked with teaching the Bible, in my experience the Bible lessons became life lessons. Here are ten of the things I learned by participating in Vacation Bible School when I was a child:

#1 I learned the great stories of the Bible.

#2 I was introduced to the great characters of the Bible.

#3 I learned to love the church.

#4 I first licked the middle of an Oreo cookie.

#5 I experienced group participation in crafts, projects, and recreation.

#6 I learned about God’s love.

#7   I heard about God’s gift of salvation on a level I could understand.

#8 I learned to pray for missionaries.

#9 I learned about the importance of stewardship by bringing my VBS offering every day.

#10 I learned about my first lessons about leadership by carrying the flag, and by reading scripture and leading in prayer.

Today is the first day of Vacation Bible School in our church. I hope and pray that the things our children learn this week will prove to be formative and foundational for years to come.

(Barry Howard serves as the Lead Pastor at the First Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida.)