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What in the world does this mean?If by "Biblical model" you mean supported by sound exegesis, then the answer would be No.*
It seems to me that Bible gives examples of how ministry is "supposed to look" and that by following these examples (i.e., #1 and #2), we make use of the means that God has ordained to bring the lost to Himself, and disciple his sheep.
If you are arguing that the church should only be involved with ministries that are explicitly prescribed in the Bible, then VBS is just one of many examples where you'll find disagreement. Such as Sunday School, a weekday morning prayer group, a ladies' bible study, etc.
I more or less think back to the Pharisees pulling their donkeys out of the pits on the Sabbath--if it does genuine spiritual good, why not? It's no replacement for the primary means, and should never be, but nevertheless it's an evangelistic opportunity.
If you are arguing that the church should only be involved with ministries that are explicitly prescribed in the Bible, then VBS is just one of many examples where you'll find disagreement. Such as Sunday School, a weekday morning prayer group, a ladies' bible study, etc.
I would also add the translation of the Bible into foreign languages. We do not see that in Scripture either. Obviously this ministry is necessary.
Who can gripe if the kids are being fed sound doctrine? For many of them this is the most Bible they get all year.
If you are arguing that the church should only be involved with ministries that are explicitly prescribed in the Bible, then VBS is just one of many examples where you'll find disagreement. Such as Sunday School, a weekday morning prayer group, a ladies' bible study, etc.
Okay, let's slow down a bit. You have mentioned a number of activities that can be done correctly, in my opinion. What I am trying to do is investigate whether the description of a common vacation Bible school includes content and practice that potentially make it depart from a Biblical model.
...when I think of a "vacation Bible school", I often think of a week of morning activities, including Biblical teaching time, games, crafts, etc. It is not necessarily lead by a minister of the Word, and is often seen as a way to disciple children who don't attend Sabbath worship with the rest of the congregation. Please comment if you disagree with my description.
Is vacation Bible school a Biblical model for ministry?
Daniel, do you consider games and crafts to be a Biblically valid form of ministry?
I believe there is biblical warrant for teaching the congregation on days other than the Lord's day; however, I have never seen VBS accomplish this. This is what is familiar to my experience: Bad VBS Theme Idea - The Sacred Sandwich
Daniel, do you consider games and crafts to be a Biblically valid form of ministry?
Sure.
I know, I know...I'm pretty worldly. I'm one of those who thinks it's fine and good for children to have some fun at church.
But I'm more than happy to change my stance if you can show me anything in Scripture that even hints that it might be wrong for children to have fun at the church's property on a Monday morning.
My question was whether it should be considered ministry.
I believe there is biblical warrant for teaching the congregation on days other than the Lord's day; however, I have never seen VBS accomplish this. This is what is familiar to my experience: Bad VBS Theme Idea - The Sacred Sandwich
I am not the biggest fan of VBS, but I can't deny that God's word is taught to the children during the week.
My question was whether it should be considered ministry.
Absolutely. Ministry does not have to be absent of fun.
Community groups can be a great form of ministry, and that can include a time of eating and casual conversation. Fun for adults.
Now if a particular VBS is all fun and games, well, that's another story.
All right, then. I think it is a fair at this point to pose the question: what is your Biblical warrant for making the statement that ministry per se may include games and crafts.
The Biblical warrant would be that there is no Regulative Principle of Ministry and that you are unBiblically (and without any warrant) binding the conscience of the Christian and the Church. Unless you can find a warrant for what actions the Church may take or not from Scripture and Church history, your founding premise is found lacking.My question was whether it should be considered ministry.
Absolutely. Ministry does not have to be absent of fun.
Community groups can be a great form of ministry, and that can include a time of eating and casual conversation. Fun for adults.
Now if a particular VBS is all fun and games, well, that's another story.
All right, then. I think it is a fair at this point to pose the question: what is your Biblical warrant for making the statement that ministry per se may include games and crafts.