Educational, Tips

Tiny Hands, Big Mission: Using a Little Jesus Figurine to Teach Kids to Share the Good News at VBS

May 30, 2025

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a special time each year when churches become colorful, joy-filled spaces for children to grow in their understanding of God’s love. Among the crafts, songs, and snacks, there’s one central mission that ties it all together: helping kids know Jesus — and then share that Good News with others.

One simple, powerful way to do this is by using a small Jesus figurine as a teaching tool.

Why a Little Figurine?

Children connect with tangible objects easier. Whether made of plastic, wood, or even crafted during VBS as an activity, mini Jesus can spark meaningful conversations.

3 Creative Ways to Use the Jesus Figurine at VBS

Pass the Good News In a group circle: Pass the figurine from child to child. As each child receives it, they say something about Jesus — “Jesus loves me,” “Jesus forgives,” or “Jesus is my friend.” This activity not only reinforces who Jesus is but also introduces the idea of sharing that truth with others.
Lesson Tie-In: Just like we pass this figurine, we are called to pass on the Good News to others.
Take-Home Jesus: Give each child a little Jesus figurine to take home at the end of VBS. Attach a tag that says:
“I met Jesus at VBS — ask me about Him!”
Encourage kids to place it somewhere visible, like their nightstand or backpack, so they’re reminded daily to live like Jesus and share Him with others.
Bonus Idea: Parents might start conversations prompted by the figurine at home.
Jesus Hide-and-Share Game: Hide the figurine somewhere in the VBS space. When a child finds it, they come up and share one thing they learned about Jesus that day. Then they re-hide it for the next group. This can build anticipation and reinforce the message.
Spiritual Parallel: Jesus isn’t hiding from us — but we discover Him in new ways every day, and when we do, we’re meant to share Him!

Equipping Your Whole Church for Evangelism

The beauty of the little Jesus figurine extends far beyond children’s ministry — it becomes a conversation starter that helps your entire congregation share their faith naturally in everyday situations.

3 Ways Adults Can Use the Figurine for Evangelism

Desktop Discipleship: Encourage church members to keep a small Jesus figurine on their desk at work, in their car, or on their kitchen counter. When coworkers, neighbors, or friends ask about it, they have a natural opening to share their faith. Simple adult script: “This reminds me of my relationship with Jesus. He’s made such a difference in my life — I’d love to tell you about it sometime.”
Gift of Introduction: Adults can give Jesus figurines as small gifts to friends, family members, or neighbors who don’t know Christ. Attach a note saying: “This little reminder has meant a lot to me. I’d love to share why Jesus is so important in my life.” Perfect for: New neighbors, coworkers going through tough times, or anyone who’s expressed interest in faith.
Coffee Shop Evangelism: Encourage members to carry a figurine in their pocket or purse. During natural conversations at coffee shops, waiting rooms, or community events, it can serve as a gentle conversation bridge. Natural transition: “You know, this little figurine reminds me of something that changed my whole perspective on life…”

For Kids: Building Confident Young Evangelists

The “Ask Me About Jesus” Challenge: Encourage kids to keep their figurine visible — on their desk, in their backpack, or on their nightstand. When friends ask about it, they have a natural opening to share what they learned at VBS. Simple script: “This is Jesus! I learned about Him at church. He loves you too — want to hear more?”
Prayer Partner Figurine: Teach kids to hold their figurine while praying for friends who don’t know Jesus yet. This creates a habit of evangelistic prayer and makes the figurine a reminder of their mission. Challenge them: “Who is one friend you can pray for this week?”
Family Evangelism Team: Encourage families to work together — kids can share with friends their age, while parents engage with other adults. The figurine becomes a family evangelism tool that spans generations.

The Goal: Natural, Joyful Evangelism for All Ages

When your entire church sees that little figurine as more than a decoration — but as a tool for sharing the greatest news ever — your whole congregation becomes confident, natural evangelists. Some of the most powerful testimonies start with a simple question from a curious friend, coworker, or neighbor.

Wrapping it Up: Tiny Jesus, Big Impact Across All Ages

The goal isn’t just to teach children or entertain at VBS — it’s to equip your entire church family to plant seeds of faith wherever they go. Using a small Jesus figurine as part of your evangelism strategy adds depth, creativity, and purpose to your outreach efforts. People may forget a sermon point or a program detail, but the image of Jesus in their hand — and the conversations it sparks — can change lives forever.

Let’s remind your whole church that voices of all ages can speak life-changing truths. And that with Jesus, everyone has something truly worth sharing.