Backyard Bible Club Brochure (2012).pdf

Backyard Bible Clubs: a Summer Neighborhood Outreach

Through stories, songs, and activities, clubs are designed to awaken and nourish spiritual hunger in children by focusing on the greatness and worth of God and his work in salvation.

A Backyard Bible Club (BYBC) is a unique way to reach out to neighbors and present the truths of Jesus Christ to children.

The goal of a club is not necessarily to bring children to a point of “conversion,” but it is to introduce children to spiritual truth and open a door for further spiritual involvement in each child’s life.

Involvement in this summer outreach generally follows this timeline:

• Pray
• Attend an Information Session
• Schedule your club
• Organize materials
• Gather ministry partners
• Host the club
• Follow up with neighbors

Pray

Pray about hosting a club, and discuss your ideas with your family, friends, neighbors, or small group members. Consider who you could invite to partner with you in this ministry.

Begin praying regularly for your neighborhood, and invite Christian friends and family members to support you in prayer as you plan, prepare, and interact with neighbors.

As you partner with Bethlehem, the club dates, host names, and general locations are publicized. Weekly email updates are shared with a prayer team.

Attend an Information Session

Bring your family or ministry team along with you. If you are unable to attend, contact Family Discipleship for an information packet.

• Saturday, May 5, 2012, 9:00–10:00am
   Downtown Campus, Heritage Room
• Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 6:00–7:30pm
   North Campus, Room C402 Dinner included; RSVP to childrennorth@hopeinGod.org 
• Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 7:00–8:00pm
   South Campus, 501 Building

Schedule Dates

The BYBC curricula are designed for five sessions. The clubs are most often held in one week (Monday–Friday).

Clubs can be held in the morning, afternoon, or evening, depending on the time that works best for you and your group. Each session lasts from 1–3 hours and includes worship in song, teaching, small group application, and activities (games, worksheets, or crafts).

Organize Materials

When you set a date for your club, inform Family Discipleship of your plans and reserve your curricula.

There are four BYBC curricula from Children Desiring God. Each one is God-centered, evangelistic, and designed for children in Kindergarten–Grade 6.

Copies of the curricula (including game pieces and visuals) and some student resources are available through Family Discipleship. You will need to make your own copies of invitations, nametags, worksheets, and parent pages. Yard posters/banners will be provided for your club. Additional evangelistic tools are available, such as The Book Without Words and EvangeCubes.

Gather Ministry Partners

The clubs are an excellent opportunity to serve alongside your family members, friends, neighbors, or small group members. Roles include hosting, teaching, leading activities, song leading, preparing snack, helping, and praying.

Consider who could join you in this ministry. Invite young people to help with puppets, snacks, and activities.

Host the Club

Set up and decorate the area for the club, using the banner provided from Family Discipleship if desired.
A Bethlehem staff person will be available to meet and pray with each club. Update Family Discipleship with any prayer requests throughout the club. On the last day, pray for each child as you give them a certificate.

Follow Up With Neighbors

• Send home parent take-home sheets after each lesson.
• Host a meal and program for the parents at the end of the club.
• Invite each family to come over and see the JESUS video.
• Start a Bible study in your home.
• Give the children Bible storybooks or children’s Bibles. Invite them to read the book with you.
• Read Love Your Neighbor As Yourself by Mary Lance Sisk.

Questions?

Contact Julie Norris (612-338-7653 x481).