Actions Speak Louder: Live It Out at VBS 2025

In a world where words often fail to convey the depth of meaning we intend, actions become powerful language. This summer, Orange VBS 2025 invites us to explore what it means to “Live It Out” by showing the love of Jesus through our everyday actions. It’s more than just a theme—it’s a call to action and a reminder that faith isn’t confined to church walls or Sunday mornings.

The theme verse, John 13:34, sets the tone for the week:

“I give you a new command. Love one another. You must love one another, just as I have loved you. If you love one another, everyone will know you are my disciples.”

This verse challenges us to love others because that’s what we’re called to do as followers of Jesus. Living it out shows the world what faith looks like in action. This year’s VBS is designed to help kids—and the adults who lead them—embrace this transformative truth, equipping them to reflect Christ’s love in tangible ways.

At its core, Live It Out is about life transformation.

Through five days of impactful Bible stories, practical lessons, and engaging activities, children will learn about Jesus’ teachings and how to live them in their daily lives. The goal is to share the truth of the Gospel with kids in your community and, through that, help them to see how they can offer the world their gifts of service, kindness, forgiveness, prayer, and community that echo Jesus’ example.As we prepare for summer 2025, it’s clear that our world desperately needs to know Jesus personally and learn to share Jesus’ love with others. Our kids are growing up in a culture that often values personal gain over selflessness; where kindness and forgiveness can feel rare. Through Live It Out, we have an incredible opportunity to counter these messages by planting seeds of faith that grow into a lifetime of loving like Jesus!

Here’s why this is so important:

Jesus is the Best Thing!

When kids come to VBS, we want them to see how fun it is to know Jesus, live a life with Jesus, and love others that way he teaches us to love.

Faith in Action Inspires Change

Words can inspire, but actions change lives. When kids see faith lived out—whether by serving others, showing kindness, or forgiving—they learn that love isn’t just something we feel. It’s something we do.

Building Habits That Last

VBS isn’t just about a week of fun; it’s about creating lifelong habits. By focusing on practical applications of faith, service, prayer and love, kids will leave with tools they can use daily to live like Jesus.

Empowering the Next Generation

When given the chance, kids are capable of incredible things. Through Live It Out, we’re empowering the next generation to be ambassadors of Jesus’ love in their schools, neighborhoods, and families. When they discover how to love like Jesus, they learn lessons that will carry them for a lifetime.

Ministry leaders and volunteers, your role in this journey is key.

For some of you this summer, you will get to tell a child who Jesus is, and they will hear these truths for the first time! How amazing to have a front-row seat to life change. We know kids learn best when they see scripture modeled in real life and taught to them by people they know care about them. When you serve selflessly, show kindness, forgive, and pray, you set an example they’ll want to follow. You get to show them not only how to know Jesus personally but also how to live out their faith daily.

The impact of Live It Out doesn’t end when VBS is over. The real transformation happens when kids apply what they’ve learned to their everyday lives. Here are some simple ways to keep the momentum going.

• Host the Very Best Summer: We don’t want you to just give kids a great week. We want you to give them the Very Best Summer! That’s why we include a free summer curriculum for June and July. What better way to keep learning how to Live It Out?
• Involved the Parents: We offer so many tools, from Parent Cue cards to send home, a script for a family experience to wrap up the week, to a free event you can host for kids who express interest in becoming a Christian and want to talk more about that with their parents. Parents are the primary influencers in a kid’s life. Let’s partner with them!
• Serve Together: Find local opportunities to help those in need, like volunteering at a food bank or participating in a community clean-up. Every Orange VBS focuses on local missions. This year, we’re partnering with Soles4Souls. Serving helps kids put their faith into action. Use this summer to challenge kids and their families to live it out by serving others.
• What else would you add to this list to help families begin to truly Live It Out next summer?

Imagine the impact if every child who attends VBS 2025 commits to living out the love of Jesus. The ripple effect could transform families, schools, and communities. And it doesn’t stop with the kids. As parents, leaders, and church members, we’re all called to embrace the challenge of living it out daily.

This summer, let’s show our kids—and the world—what it means to love like Jesus, not just with words but through every action we take.

So, are you ready? Grab your gear and join us for an unforgettable journey of discovering how to live it out! Together, we’ll make this summer one that changes lives for eternity.