🎪 Step Right Up: God's Invitation to All

🙏 Prayer of Commissioning for VBS

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with grateful hearts, knowing that You are the One who calls, equips, and sends. Thank You for the incredible opportunity we have this week to open our doors, open our hearts, and open Your Word to the children of our community.

Today, we lift up every member of our Vacation Bible School team. We thank You for Wendy, our coordinator, for her leadership, her passion, and the countless hours she has poured into preparing for this week. We pray Your peace and strength would rest on her, and that she would be filled with joy as she watches the seeds of the gospel being planted.

For each teacher, helper, greeter, snack-prepper, game-leader, and every volunteer—fill them with Your Spirit. Give them eyes to see each child the way You see them. Give them the energy to serve well, the patience to respond with kindness, and the boldness to speak Your truth in love.

We ask that this week, every room would be a sanctuary. May the laughter be holy, the crafts be meaningful, the songs be worship, and the lessons be eternal. Let no word be wasted and no heart be overlooked.

And now, Lord, we commission this church—Your church—to rise up in support. Whether through prayer, encouragement, invitation, or presence, help each of us play our part in the mission You’ve given us: to make disciples of all nations, starting with the children You’re bringing to our doorstep.

Jesus, we know You said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them.” Help us be a church that never hinders, but always welcomes.

Bless this week, Lord. Let it be full of wonder, fun, friendship—and most of all, Your love.

In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Introduction

Let me start with a question: What’s your VBS story?

Did you attend Vacation Bible School as a kid? If so, you're in good company—60% of American adults say they went to VBS growing up. And here’s what’s even more amazing: 9 out of 10 of those adults report having positive memories of that experience.

The songs.

The crafts.

The games.

And most of all—the love of Jesus shared in a way that sticks.

Some of you are here today because a neighbor, a grandma, a friend invited you to VBS as a child—and it changed your life. Maybe it didn’t all make sense at the time, but a seed was planted. And today, you’re part of the mission.

We’re about to launch our VBS week, and it’s more than an event—it’s a divine opportunity.

This year our VBS theme is “Step Right Up” we’ll discover how Jesus invites us to use the gifts God gave us, show God’s love to someone new, thank God for forgiveness, and share God’s story with everyone!

Luke 14:15-24

Luke 14:15–24 NIV

15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” 16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ 19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ 21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ 22 “ ‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ 23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’ ”

THE INVITATION TO GOD’S KINGDOM IS OPEN TO ALL

Jesus describes the Kingdom of God as a great banquet. The host has prepared everything—he’s done the hard work—and now the invitation goes out: “Come, for everything is now ready.”

That’s our message this week:

“Children, come! The table is set. The fun is ready. The gospel is prepared. Jesus is waiting.”

What strikes me in this passage is that God is not reluctant—He is eager. He longs to fill His house. He longs to welcome people in.

And He sends servants—like us—to carry the invitation.

MANY MAKE EXCUSES—BUT THE INVITATION STILL STANDS

In the parable, people begin making excuses:

“I just bought a field...”

“I have work obligations...”

“I just got married...”

Sound familiar?

Today, the excuses might be:

“We’re too busy this week.”

“We’re not really church people.”

“I don’t know if my kid will fit in.”

But here’s something incredible—69% of American parents say they would encourage their child to attend VBS IF THEY WERE INVITED BY A FRIEND.

Let that sink in.

Not “tolerate.”

Not “allow.”

But encourage—urge, support, make it happen.

That includes people who don’t go to church, don’t know Jesus, aren’t connected to any faith community.

They’re open! They’re just waiting on a personal invitation.

So church—what are we waiting for? God is saying, “The banquet is ready!” Our neighbors are saying, “We’ll come if someone asks us!” And God has positioned us, like the servants in the story, to go.

SO GO TO THE STREETS, ALLEYS, HIGHWAYS, AND HEDGES

In the parable, when the invited guests turn down the invitation, the master sends his servant out—further and further:

To the city streets and alleys.

To the poor, the crippled, the blind, the lame.

To the highways and hedges—the outcasts and the forgotten.

That’s our call this week. We’re not just putting on a program—we are doing outreach. We are obeying the command: “Go out quickly... and bring them in.”

VBS isn’t about filling a room—it’s about filling the Kingdom. It’s about:

Meeting a child who’s never heard the gospel before.

Giving a hug to a kid who hasn’t seen kindness in weeks.

Encouraging a family to reengage with church after a long time away.

Planting a seed that the Holy Spirit may grow years from now.

VBS IS A GOSPEL BANQUET IN DISGUISE

On the surface, this week will look like games and songs and crafts and costumes. But don’t be fooled. It’s a banquet.

Every activity is another dish being served:

The Bible lesson? Bread of Life.

The memory verse? Living water.

The small group prayer? A seat at God’s table.

And the best part? The kids don’t have to earn it. They don’t have to pay for it. They just have to come.

EVERYONE HAS A ROLE IN SETTING THE TABLE

You may not be leading a small group this week. You may not be running the snack station or decorating with balloons. But everyone can help set the table.

Here’s how:

Invite someone. Ask that neighbor. Text that coworker. Reach out to that family. Remember: 69% of parents will say yes if the invite comes from someone they know.

Pray daily. Pray for our VBS leaders, volunteers, and every child who walks through the doors. This is spiritual work.

Encourage and support the team. Cheer them on. Show up with a smile. Offer help, snacks, or a note of encouragement.

Be present. Even if you’re not volunteering, show up for closing night. Greet parents. Be the church that welcomes.

STEP RIGHT UP!

“Step Right Up!” is more than a carnival phrase—it’s an invitation. It’s the voice of Jesus saying to every child, every parent, every neighbor:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

That’s our memory verse for the week, and what a fitting one. The gospel is not a performance—it’s an invitation to peace, hope, love, and life in Christ.

So church, as we head into this week: Let’s pray faithfully. Let’s invite boldly. Let’s serve joyfully. Let’s love extravagantly.

Because when we say, “Step Right Up,” we’re not just offering games—we’re offering grace.

OPTIONAL RESPONSE TIME:

Invite the congregation to write down the name of one child or family they will personally invite this week.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with grateful hearts, knowing that You are the One who calls, equips, and sends. Thank You for the incredible opportunity we have this week to open our doors, open our hearts, and open Your Word to the children of our community.

Today, we lift up every member of our Vacation Bible School team. We thank You for Wendy, our coordinator, for her leadership, her passion, and the countless hours she has poured into preparing for this week. We pray Your peace and strength would rest on her, and that she would be filled with joy as she watches the seeds of the gospel being planted.

For each teacher, helper, greeter, snack-prepper, game-leader, and every volunteer—fill them with Your Spirit. Give them eyes to see each child the way You see them. Give them the energy to serve well, the patience to respond with kindness, and the boldness to speak Your truth in love.

We ask that this week, every room would be a sanctuary. May the laughter be holy, the crafts be meaningful, the songs be worship, and the lessons be eternal. Let no word be wasted and no heart be overlooked.

And now, Lord, we commission this church—Your church—to rise up in support. Whether through prayer, encouragement, invitation, or presence, help each of us play our part in the mission You’ve given us: to make disciples of all nations, starting with the children You’re bringing to our doorstep.

Jesus, we know You said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them.” Help us be a church that never hinders, but always welcomes.

Bless this week, Lord. Let it be full of wonder, fun, friendship—and most of all, Your love.

In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Youtube

Certainly! Here's a YouTube description you can use for Sermon 1: “Step Right Up – God’s Invitation to All”:

🎪 Step Right Up – God’s Invitation to All | Pre-VBS Sunday Sermon

In this special message leading into Vacation Bible School, Pastor Ryan shares the heart behind VBS and the power of personal invitation. Drawing from Luke 14:15–24, we explore Jesus’ parable of the Great Banquet and what it teaches us about God’s open invitation to all—especially the next generation.

✅ Did you know that 9 out of 10 adults who attended VBS as kids have positive memories? ✅ Or that 69% of parents would encourage their child to attend VBS if invited by a friend?

This isn’t just a program—it’s a gospel opportunity. Whether you’re volunteering, inviting, or praying, you have a role in setting the table for God’s Kingdom this week.

📖 Scripture Reference: Luke 14:15–24 📅 Sermon Date: [Insert Date] 🙌 VBS Theme: Step Right Up – Discovering Jesus at the Greatest Show on Earth

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this message! 📲 For more info about our VBS or to register: [Insert VBS link or church website] 🙏 Need prayer? Let us know in the comments or visit: [Insert contact page link]

#VBS2025 #StepRightUp #GospelInvitation #VacationBibleSchool #ChurchOutreach #Luke14

NOtes page

Absolutely! Here's a printable or digital Sermon Notes Page designed to help your congregation follow along with your sermon, “Step Right Up – God’s Invitation to All.” This can be included in a bulletin, handed out as an insert, or shared via your church app.

📝 Sermon Notes

Step Right Up – God’s Invitation to All Luke 14:15–24

👂 Listen In

1. What’s Your VBS Story? ✓ Did you attend Vacation Bible School as a child? ✓ What memories stand out most to you?

Key Stat: 👉 9 out of 10 adults who attended VBS have positive memories. 👉 69% of parents will encourage their child to attend VBS if invited by a friend.

📖 Key Points

I. God’s Kingdom is a Celebration (Luke 14:15–17)

What does the banquet represent in the parable?

Why is God’s invitation urgent and joyful?

✍️ What’s one thing God has already “prepared” for this week’s VBS?

II. Many Make Excuses (Luke 14:18–20)

What are common reasons people decline spiritual invitations today?

Why do you think a personal invitation makes such a big difference?

✍️ Who in your life might be open to an invitation if you extended one?

III. Go Out and Bring Them In (Luke 14:21–23)

How is the master’s response to rejection different from what we might expect?

Who are the “alleys and hedges” people in our community?

✍️ What’s one practical way you can help bring someone to VBS this week?

💬 Memory Verse for VBS Week

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

🙏 Prayer Prompt

“Lord, help me see VBS as more than an event. Help me see it as a mission. Open my eyes to the people You are inviting—through me.”

🧠 Reflection Questions for the Week

Who invited you to church the first time?

What gifts or time can you offer to support VBS this week?

How does Jesus' invitation challenge you to live differently?

Would you like this formatted in a printable PDF or styled slide version for ProPresenter or your church app?

Bible study

Absolutely! Here's a 4-day Bible study to accompany your sermon “Step Right Up – God’s Invitation to All” and lead the church into reflection, application, and prayer throughout VBS week. It includes reflection prompts, Hebrew/Greek word studies, and VBS-related prayer points.

📖 Step Right Up: Living the Invitation

A 4-Day Devotional to Accompany Luke 14:15–24

🔹 Day 1: The Banquet Is Ready

Read: Luke 14:15–17

Reflect:

Jesus tells of a host preparing a great banquet—lavish, joyful, and ready. The invitation has gone out, but notice this: everything is already prepared. The hard work is done. The only thing left? For people to come.

Greek Word Study – “Banquet” (ἄριστον, ariston) This word refers to a formal meal, not just a casual lunch. It’s meant to represent the generosity and joy of God’s Kingdom—a feast with a seat for everyone who will come.

In what ways do you view your faith as a feast or celebration?

What “banquets” is God preparing around you—opportunities for joy, invitation, or grace?

How does VBS reflect the heart of God to welcome and nourish?

Apply:

This week, you’re not just serving snacks—you’re setting a table for spiritual nourishment. God invites children to feast on His Word, and you’re part of making the table ready.

🙏 Prayer Point:

Pray for every child who walks through the doors this week—that they would feel welcomed, loved, and eager to return.

“Lord, help us prepare the way for children to encounter Your joy. May they find their seat at Your banquet.”

🔹 Day 2: But They All Alike Began to Make Excuses

Read: Luke 14:18–20

Reflect:

The invited guests begin offering excuses—some about work, others about relationships or possessions. These are all good things, but they become spiritual distractions.

Greek Word Study – “Excuse” (παραιτέομαι, paraiteomai) This verb means “to decline or reject an invitation with excuse.” It often implies refusing something good because something else seems more important in the moment.

What “good” things sometimes keep you from responding to God’s invitations?

How have you seen others avoid spiritual opportunities—not out of rebellion, but distraction?

Apply:

Ask God to show you if there are areas of spiritual complacency in your own life. Where might you be making excuses instead of embracing His calling?

🙏 Prayer Point:

Pray for parents of unchurched children this week—that their schedules and doubts wouldn’t become barriers to their kids attending VBS.

“Lord, remove distractions and excuses. Open doors for families who don’t yet know You.”

🔹 Day 3: Go Out Quickly and Bring Them In

Read: Luke 14:21–23

Reflect:

When the first invitees reject the banquet, the host turns his attention to the marginalized and forgotten. He sends his servant to the streets, alleys, highways, and hedges—everywhere people are found.

Greek Word Study – “Compel” (ἀναγκάζω, anagkazō) This word means to urge strongly, even with a sense of necessity. It’s not forceful manipulation, but loving urgency. The master isn’t just extending an invite—he’s saying: “Please come. There’s room for you.”

Who in your life needs a loving, urgent invitation to experience Jesus?

How can you “go out” this week, even in small ways, to reach people beyond your normal circle?

Apply:

As you serve, greet, teach, or pray during VBS, remember: you’re on the frontlines of God's invitation strategy. Every smile, song, and prayer may be part of someone’s story of salvation.

🙏 Prayer Point:

Pray for VBS volunteers today—especially those serving behind the scenes. Ask God to strengthen, energize, and encourage them in their quiet acts of faithfulness.

“Lord, send us into every corner of this community with love. Give us urgency and grace to bring people in.”

🔹 Day 4: That My House May Be Full

Read: Luke 14:23

Reflect:

The host’s mission is clear—he wants his house full. Jesus reveals God’s heart here: not for an exclusive club, but a packed table. This is the missio Dei—God’s mission to fill heaven with His children.

Hebrew Connection – “House” (בַּיִת, bayit) In the Hebrew mindset, a house wasn’t just a building—it represented family, safety, and legacy. When God says, “I want my house full,” He’s saying, “I want a big family.”

Do you carry the heart of God for your “house”—your church, your family, your community?

How can your actions this week make space for someone new to join God’s family?

Apply:

VBS isn’t just about kids—it’s about families. Pray not only for children but for their parents, siblings, and neighbors to be drawn into God’s household through what happens this week.

🙏 Prayer Point:

Pray that through VBS, entire families would be touched by the gospel. Ask God to use this week to draw more people into His household of faith.

“Father, fill Your house. Use us to build a bigger table, to make space for more children, more families, more stories of redemption.”

🧠 Final Challenge for the Week:

As you serve or pray during VBS, write down:

One name to pray for daily.

One conversation to have this week.

One invitation you can extend.

Let’s not miss our moment to say, with joyful urgency: “Step right up—the table is ready!”

Bibliography

Holmes, Landry; Moore, Russell D. It's Worth It: Uncovering How One Week Can Transform Your Church Lifeway Kids, 2018.