ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Georgia Baptist children’s ministry leaders and volunteers gathered across the state in March for a series of Vacation Bible School training events designed to help churches prepare for one of their most important evangelistic opportunities of the year.
Organized by the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, the VBS 2026 trainings were held in Newnan, Tifton, Canton, and Dudley. The Tifton and Canton events also offered Spanish-language training. According to GBMB Kids Ministry Consultant Krista Staton, total attendance across the four locations was between 500 and 600. She said that several association leaders took part so they could offer training in their own regions.
“Churches, both large and small, attended that have been doing VBS for many years, and others attended that will be offering VBS for the first time in many years,” Staton said.
The trainings were designed to help churches develop volunteer teams, gain practical instruction, and build momentum for the summer. The goal was to equip churches to offer VBS programs that are not only organized and safe but also intentionally gospel-centered.
Steve Foster, evangelism catalyst for the GBMB, said the trainings accomplished that purpose.
“I had the privilege of attending and speaking at all four events, and they were incredibly encouraging and impactful,” Foster said. “LifeWay Christian Resources reminds us that the purpose of VBS is to minister to children, reach the community, and create intentional evangelism opportunities—and these trainings did exactly that.”
Foster praised Staton and the leadership teams who led breakout sessions throughout the events.
“Krista Staton did an outstanding job equipping and organizing VBS leadership teams who led practical, helpful breakout sessions focused on real ministry application,” he said. “Throughout the trainings, I heard from many attendees who walked away inspired and better prepared to make this year’s VBS more effective in reaching kids and families with the gospel.”
That practical preparation is exactly why the training matters, attendees said.
Mark Scardino, children’s pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church, said he makes it a priority to attend VBS training each year because of its direct connection to gospel fruit.
“I know how important it is,” Scardino said. “Training helps me become more familiar with the curriculum and theme.”
He said a lesson he learned years ago has stayed with him ever since.
“I learned at a Ridgecrest event (way back at Big Apple Adventure) that decisions for Christ have been directly related to the number of workers that are trained,” Scardino said. “That’s when the importance of training sank in. It’s about being as prepared as you can.”
Scardino said his attendance models the importance of preparation for his own church.
“I come, as our children’s pastor, to show how important I feel about training,” he said. “I come so that I will be equipped to lead my church volunteers.”
One takeaway that especially stood out to him this year was a challenge to keep the gospel central and measurable.
“One of Foster’s main points was to ‘clarify the win by having measurable goals’ and then meet after VBS with your leadership to evaluate the spiritual impact of your VBS,” Scardino said. “He shared great ideas on how to engage the help of your head pastor and deacons.”
Dianne Fountain of the Appalachee Association shared how important VBS has been in her life, since her husband, Tommy Fountain, who serves as senior pastor at 1025 Church in Monroe, was saved as a child through VBS.
“VBS is the biggest evangelistic event we have in our church,” she said.
Fountain added that one of the most important benefits of the training was the momentum it created among those who attended.
“I think one of the most important outcomes for sending our people,” she said, “is that the clinic brings even more excitement to those who attend and they get awesome ideas, hear the songs and get a good preview of the Bible lessons,” she said.
“I believe our church will be more effective because they have been challenged to present the gospel and are praying to see many come to Christ,” Fountain said.
That evangelistic emphasis was a consistent theme across the training events. Staton said
“VBS continues to be the #1 evangelistic event among churches,” she said, “and I encourage everyone to volunteer at your church, whether it be hands-on during the week of VBS, helping provide supplies, or forming a prayer team.”
Foster said he believes the investment in training will bear fruit as churches put what they learned into action.
“These trainings are making a difference, and I’m excited to see the fruit that will come from churches putting what they’ve learned into action,” he said.
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