History of Backyard Bible Clubs
Backyard Bible Clubs (BYBC) began in 2020 when Vacation Bible School was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar to VBS, it was a week-long program in someone’s backyard for children (age 4 – 5th grade). As relationships with neighbors outside of the church grew and the gospel was shared, this ministry merged with the Local Outreach team’s vision to equip the church in evangelism.
As the Cedar Crest’s Local Outreach Team solidified this effort along with the Children’s Ministry Director, our church realized this was actually a great way to reach neighborhood families with the gospel who don’t attend church—especially those families who wouldn’t consider coming to church with us.
HELPERS
We also need volunteer helpers to come alongside our hosts! Depending on their comfort level, helpers can teach the lesson, lead songs, assist with craft time, and serve snack.
PRAYER PARTNER
One of the most effective ways to support this ministry is through prayer. When you sign up to become a prayer partner, someone will be in touch with ways you can be praying for each club.
BECOME A HOST
Hosts are crucial to the success of Backyard Bible Clubs. Without them, none of this happens! Hosting a BYBC is hard but rewarding work. However, if you’re up for the challenge, we’re ready to come alongside and assist you. Below is a list of steps for what it looks like to be a BYBC host.
1. Pick a Date
Choose a week or weekend (Mon-Fri or Sat-Sun) that you would run the club during the summer in your backyard. Timing can be day or night. We’re flexible!
2. Follow a Teaching Curriculum
We’ll provide you with a teaching curriculum. Your job is to start thinking through how many volunteers from church you’ll need to make it happen!
3. Recruit
Once you have date set and a teaching plan to follow, the next step is to recruit the hands and feet to get the job done. Think about your circle of peers and friends at church. Even feel free to ask ministry leaders and pastors about where to find volunteers.
4. Plan Your Club Week
In the spring, we’ll be providing all hosts with training so that they’re ready to go for club week. However, we’ll order and can present you with your curriculum kit as soon as you’ve signed up to host and are ready to dig into planning even prior to the training.
5. Invite
With all the logistics in place, let the inviting begin! Whatever method you choose—inviting strangers in the park, going door-to-door in your neighborhood, or posting on social media—we want to partner with you. From digital graphics to invitation cards, we’ll provide you with what you need to spread the word.
6. Pray
You’ve probably been praying throughout this entire process, but too much prayer is never a bad thing! We want these clubs to honor God by strengthening the faith of young children who already believe and presenting the gospel to those who have never heard.