VBS REACHES YOUR COMMUNITY WITH DISCIPLESHIP EXPERIENCE
VBS is a timeless tool to intentionally reach your church and community with the Gospel.
Studies show that we are in a crisis of evangelism. How does VBS help build a week of evangelism? VBS is not just a week to run a great event, but a week to intentionally disciple the souls that will flood the seats of your church. But first, we train with the mission in mind. We want our volunteers to be trained with Gospel conversations in mind, to capitalize on discipleship moments,
and to model the likeness of Christ as they love with grace and truth, fervently pray, and create spaces for kids to experience the presence of Jesus.
Over the years, VBS looks different, and the shape might be different, but the mission is still the same. We believe what matters most is the mission over method. VBS is crafted for flexibility, adaptability, and a lot of creativity to choose as much or as little as your team wants. The mission of VBS is to provide an opportunity to mobilize the entire church to reach your community with the Gospel while providing
a unique discipleship experience for the child. VBS should be an experience where each child will encounter Jesus through Gospel-centered teaching, build oneness with like-minded peers, and grow in their understanding of prayer and missions.
The decorations will add a great spin to your atmosphere, but it isn’t what sells your event. The snacks and crafts are a help to build relationships with one another, but it isn’t what sells your event either. Each moment or rotation of VBS helps accomplish your mission, but the lasting experience of a child giving their life to Christ and the ripple effect it will have in a family is what VBS is all about. VBS is eternal work. How will you leverage VBS this year? It is worth it!
Check out VBS Training on Tour— four locations in April SEE PAGE 6
FAMILY MISSIONS DAY AT THE ZOO EXPANDS GLOBAL VISION
Missions
Day at the Little Rock Zoo, May 17, helps families meet missionaries, enjoy fun-filled day
Families are invited to a fun-filled day of missions experiences on May 17, 2025, at the Little Rock Zoo. This missions discipleship event gives families the opportunity to meet missionaries and learn about missions in Arkansas and around the world.
More than 400 took part in Family Day at the Zoo in 2023, where participants learned about missions and unreached people groups through a scavenger hunt, prayer cards, and presentations from missionaries. Travis McCormick of the ABSC Missions Team said the event is an opportunity to show attendees “you can be on mission every day, even at the zoo.”
Susie Dodson attended in 2023 with a group from Zion Hill Baptist Church in Cabot. She said events like Family Missions Day “whet your appetite to keep with missions. It gives you a little bit of world vision of what’s really going on. It just broadens your vision of what God is doing.”
Belview Baptist Church WMU Director
Dixie Shelton described Zoo Day as a blast for the whole family.
“The boys loved running around and finding the ‘hidden’ spots to stamp their passports, and the speakers were so engaging. The immersive experience of the plants, animals, clothes, and passport facts really helped us imagine what it might be like to visit these countries and cultures. We even ran into some old friends. The family spent the ride home praying for the people and places we learned about,” Shelton said.
Rosita Waite represented the Malay people group and said Family Missions Day is a “positive experience.”
“It is one way to introduce missions to visitors, especially to the young ones. I like the location being at the zoo. It brings God to a public place,” she said.
Family Missions Day at the Zoo is made possible through the generous gifts of Arkansas Baptists through the Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering and the Cooperative Program.
Scan the code for more information and to register online.
CAMP PARON: MORE THAN A SUMMER CAMP
Camp Paron offers an inspiring setting for conferences, retreats, and events for all ages
The word “camp” evokes images of long summer days in a wooded setting, visits to the pool, and nights around a campfire. At Camp Paron, however, this is just a part of a much bigger picture.
Camp Paron provides the perfect place for churches to host their own summer camps. There is a recreation area with ball fields, basketball courts, a nine square, a gaga pit, a human foosball court, and a swimming pool. There is an activity building, a snack shack, and an outdoor amphitheater with a fire pit.
A beautiful rustic chapel provides a place for worship.
Camp Paron is a wonderful venue for hosting week-long summer camps for students and families. But more than that, Camp Paron is a place for all ages and all seasons.
All year long, Camp Paron functions as a retreat and conference center,
meeting the needs of churches by providing a variety of options for different purposes and groups. Repeatedly, first-time guests have commented that they had not heard of the camp, or that they did not have any idea that Camp Paron offered all the amenities that it does.
The hotel and cabin accommodations work well for larger groups, while smaller groups often find The Lodge is well suited to their needs. Hotel and cabin guests have their meals provided in the dining room. Those who stay in The Lodge can choose to eat in the dining room or prepare their own meals in The Lodge’s kitchen.
Whether for a conference, a men’s or ladies’ retreat, or a student event, Camp Paron is available January to December with everything needed for churches to have a successful event. For information about rates and availability call (501) 594-5257 or visit campparon.com.
CAMPS WITH A MISSION
CONNECT MISSIONS WEEKEND
Our group is from a very small, rural church in central Arkansas. Connect missions trips have been a wonderful opportunity for our youth to really get out there in our own Arkansas communities and be the hands and feet of God! Our kids look forward specifically to these trips because they are missions where they truly feel like they are making a difference and showing others the love of Christ. We are so thankful for everyone involved in the Connect team for putting such events together and so thankful for everyone who donates around the state to allow our small church the affordability to be able to go! If you’re on the fence about bringing your own group, do it! The reward is immeasurable when God is at work!
HOLLY GREGG | Student Leader, Stony Point in Houston
PRAISEWORKS/JOYWORKS
I went to PraiseWorks 2024 as a camper, and it was one of the best weeks of my life. I took guitar class and voice lessons and learned so many songs that I still love to play. My voice lesson group helped me to become more comfortable with singing in front of people and eventually helped me join my youth group praise team! My guitar class also helped me become more comfortable worshiping on stage in front of everyone. I got to be one of the lead singers when all the instruments performed on stage. Not only did PraiseWorks help me come out of my shell and grow closer to God while worshiping, but I grew closer to some of the girls in my church, too. A small group of us went last year, and we bonded a lot in our dorms and hung out during free time. PraiseWorks is one of my favorite memories, and I can’t wait to go back!
LINDSEY SCOTT | Central Baptist Church, North Little Rock
My journey began at PraiseWorks, a worship arts camp that ignited my passion for worship ministry. It was there that I first sensed God’s call to serve. Through PraiseWorks, I not only gained invaluable skills but also found mentorship from worship leaders like Kasey Earl, Jim Daniel, Larry Grayson, and especially Taylor Keenen. Taylor has made it a mission to be intentional about pouring into me personally, showing me what it means to lead with both humility and passion. His guidance has been a huge part of my growth in ministry. From being a student intern to volunteering, I’ve had the privilege of serving FBC Searcy, helping take our first-ever group to JoyWorks, helping launch our kids worship ministry (WorshipLife), and eventually joining the staff in my current role. None of this would have been possible without the prayer, intentionality, and investment I’ve received from PraiseWorks and pastors like Taylor. I’m deeply grateful for how PraiseWorks has shaped my life and ministry, and it’s a privilege to now pass on the same heart for worship to the next generation.
KEY POINDEXTER | Music/Worship/ Student Associate, FBC Searcy
ENGAGE MISSIONS CAMP
Several years ago, God gave me a vision for Royal Student Ministry at First Baptist Church of Royal. That vision was to raise up the next generation of missionaries. Everything we do is focused on accomplishing this Great Commission that God has given us. We started evaluating all the events, camps, and activities that we did as a student ministry. That’s what brought us to attending Engage Camp several years ago. Engage Camp connects students with the Great Commission that Jesus has given us to go and make disciples. There is no other camp I can think of in the state of Arkansas that is more focused on this mission. But don’t think for a minute this camp is boring! Worship is powerful, the breakout sessions are incredible, and the nighttime rec activities are meaningful and a tremendous amount of fun. If you are looking for a camp that will both challenge your students and grow them spiritually, please consider Engage Camp. I promise you and your students will leave feeling empowered, encouraged, and refreshed.
THOMAS N LITTLE JR | Youth Pastor, First Baptist Church of Royal
SUPER SUMMER
Last year was my first time taking students from our church to Super Summer. Like any student pastor going to a camp for the first time I had some nerves and questions filling up my mind: Would this camp be as impactful as the camp we are used to? Will our students enjoy it? Will it live up to my expectations? I can assure you the answer to all three of those questions is a resounding “Yes!” Many of our students raved about the worship experience in the big auditorium. They loved how the powerful voices of everyone together made the songs come to life! Others spoke highly of having the opportunity to meet new people in their prime times and color schools. We had one student receive salvation and two others commit to being baptized. Seeing the Holy Spirit move in the hearts of your students is the best part, hands down. I had the opportunity to attend Purple School, which is designed specifically for student pastors and volunteers to be equipped and encouraged, and it was there that I experienced one of the most meaningful worship experiences of my entire year. It is clear to me that Super Summer is a place where God likes to do some really great work. Our group is looking forward to being back this summer!
COLBY GUNSELMAN | Youth Minister, First Baptist Church, Hot Springs
April 11–13 | October 17–19 absc.org/connect
CAMP SILOAM
Camps begin June 2 and run weekly through August campsiloam.com
ENGAGE MISSIONS CAMP
June 16–20
absc.org/engage
SUPER SUMMER JV
June 21–24
absc.org/supersummer
SUPER SUMMER SENIOR HIGH
June 24–28 absc.org/supersummer
JOYWORKS
July 14–18 | absc.org/pwjw For students who have completed grade 3–6
PRAISEWORKS
July 14–18 | absc.org/pwjw
For students who have completed grade 7–12
Spring Outreach Strategy
APRIL
The Spring Outreach Strategy is a comprehensive initiative designed to help churches engage their communities and share the hope of the Gospel during key moments in the spring season. We’re focusing on four impactful components that will equip your church to make a difference.
absc.org/sos
VBS Trainings
APRIL 3, 6, 10, 13
Announcing the VBS Training on Tour dates for 2025. Join us at four stops that will help you reach your community for Christ, customize your curriculum to fit your context, build volunteer strategy, help keep the Gospel the center of your week, provide a unique discipleship experience, and help families plug in to your church long after VBS.
April 3 | Collective Church, Bryant
April 6 | First Baptist, El Dorado
April 10 | Cross Church, Fayetteville
April 13 | Twin Lakes, Mountain Home
absc.org/vbs
RESOURCING CHURCHES TO HELP MINIMIZE RISK OF ABUSE
BY EMILY SMITH, ABUSE PREVENTION + RESPONSE CONSULTANT
You’ve probably seen the commercial about the first-time mom taking her child for their first outing to the park. The stroller is completely loaded down with everything imaginable to the point where there is hardly enough room for the child. Flash forward to the next scene
Worship Leaders Network Roundtables
APRIL 3, 10, 24
The Arkansas Baptist Worship Leaders Network is designed to connect worship leaders within their regions and across the state, to encourage through fellowship, to equip through resources, and to labor together in the expansion of God’s Kingdom through evangelism.
absc.org/wln
Heart & Four Fields
APRIL 4–5
Heart & Four Fields is an effective evangelism and disciple-making strategy equipping everyday believers, church leaders, and church planters. This event will be led by experienced pastors and missionaries involved in church planting in numerous contexts and will take place at the ABSC building.
absc.org/h4f
and the second child has arrived. The mom has one child on the hip, holding the hand of the other child, and grabs a handful of Cheerios as she walks out the door. Reality has set in. The mom understands that what really matters are the essentials when it comes to parenting. Whether it is a new parent or a more experienced one you are ministering to in your church, there are necessary essentials when it comes
to providing a safe environment for minors. During the 2024 SBC National Convention, the SBC Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force released a resource called Essentials: Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response to aid churches in preventing abuse and to respond well to those affected by abuse. To help our churches minimize the risk of abuse, we must be proactive. For additional resources and to know more about how your church can incorporate the essentials when it comes to abuse prevention and response visit: ABSC.ORG/APR
Women’s Ministry Network
Gatherings
APRIL 24
Arkansas Baptist Women’s Ministry Networks offer an opportunity for leaders to gather in regional groups to share ideas, discuss strategy, and get to know one another. Our desire is to cultivate relationships among women who lead in the local church as we connect, equip, support, and encourage women’s ministry leaders in each region of the state. Gatherings will be held in locations around the state.
absc.org/wmn
First Responder Chaplain/Peer Support Training
APRIL 24–25
This training is for chaplains (or future chaplains), pastors and church leaders, Law Enforcement/Fire/EMS Peer Support Team members and other emergency responders, and anyone desiring to minister to and support first responders. Also, it’s great information for hospice and hospital workers.
absc.org/firstresponder
Abuse Prevention + Response Conference
MAY 1
The Arkansas Baptist State Convention is here to help your church. Protecting minors and those vulnerable from sexual abuse remains a top priority. Join us for the Abuse Prevention + Response Conference as we walk through the Essentials to actively assist and encourage Arkansas Baptist churches to train, screen, protect, report, and care when it comes to abuse prevention and response.
absc.org/apr
Man Up!
MAY 3
A day of fun, food, fellowship, and disciple making for men of all ages at Spring Lake Camp in Lonsdale. Don’t miss this opportunity to spend time with Christian men from around the state. Bring your lost friends and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, eat a good meal, and hear an uplifting evangelistic message from a dynamic speaker.
absc.org/manup
FIVE ESSENTIAL ACTIONS FOR ABUSE PREVENTION + RESPONSE
Training for all staff, volunteers, and leaders that raises awareness and shares effective actions to prevent incidents of abuse in the church.
Screening process for all of those working with minors. Protection by creating and implementing policies that protect minors and vulnerable adults from grooming and abuse.
Reporting abuse to the appropriate government authorities and communicating with the church in the event of an abuse allegation.
Caring for those affected by abuse by identifying and offering resources that will provide victims, survivors, and their families with options for ongoing care.
Stay connected to us on social media, watch and listen to our videos and podcasts, sign up for our monthly eNews, and find all things Arkansas Baptist on our website. Get started at:
2025 Disaster Relief Trainings
April 26 North Little Rock | Central Baptist Church
August 9 Alexander | New Life Baptist Church
September 6 Rogers | First Baptist Church, Olive St. The ministries of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention are funded by the generous giving of Arkansas Baptists to missions through the Cooperative Program and the Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering.
Please feel free to copy any portion of this newsletter to share with other members of your church. To request additional copies or to be added to the mailing list, call 501.376.4791, ext. 5153. You may read it online at absc.org/abl
