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Frequently Asked Questions
 Q: Who is Smyth and Helwys Publishing, Inc.?
A: Smyth & Helwys is a free press. We report to no denominational or outside groups in our work. We only serve churches. This freedom allows us to create resources that are creative, relevant, and fresh. Our focus is quality Bible study. Check out our theological affirmations (link that to: http://www.helwys.com/affirmations/index.html
While our resources are born in freedom, they are designed to encourage growth in faith. We celebrate the intelligence of learners, and the devotion of teachers. Our role is to provide insightful information that can lead to growth for Christians and churches. Check out our educational affirmations http://www.helwys.com/edvalues/index.html
Q: Who are Smyth & Helwys?
A: Smyth & Helwys is named for two inspiring pioneers of religious liberty, John Smyth and Thomas Helwys. The fact that our company bears their names speaks volumes about the values we hold dear. John Smyth (1554-1612) led his band of English Separatists to Amsterdam to escape religious persecution. Thomas Helwys (1550-1616) died in an English prison, a martyr for religious freedom. Their writings and lives brought freedom to a time when Christians were less free to express their faith. Smyth & Helwys -- our name celebrates their faith and devotion to these cherished Christian values.
Q: What is the role of Bible Study in A Heart for Missions?
A: The Biblical story is central to A Heart for Missions. The children will be introduced to selected Scripture themes at the beginning of each day's session. Throughout the scheduled program children will receive reinforcing information, be engaged in related activities and have age-appropriate opportunities to make connections between the message of Scripture and their own faith in the context of community citizenship.
Q: What are the Daily Bible Story Themes in A Heart for Missions?
A: Follow this link Daily Bible Story Themes
Q: How does this VBS compare in price to other VBS programs?
A: VBS program prices vary according to the amount of program preparation and resource material made available on initial and follow-up orders. A Heart for Missions contains all the teaching material for one great, very competitive price, $85. One order, one price, one excellent VBS!
Q: What continuing support is available following the purchase of A Heart for Missions?
A: Smyth & Helwys Publishing is, first and foremost, dedicated to our customer's needs. Support continues well beyond the purchase of A Heart for Missions. A website dedicated to this VBS program offers "Supplies" that help with promotion and worker enlistment, as well as reproducible articles related to teaching children. Logos, bulletin inserts, and press releases are downloadable from this site. Should you encounter a difficulty or concern related to A Heart for Missions, our church solution specialists are just a toll-free telephone call away at 1-800-747-3016.
Q: How does A Heart for Missions teach good Christian service habits to children?
A: Children learn at several levels throughout their developmental years. A Heart for Missions writers have purposefully addressed various age-appropriate learning mechanisms throughout the program's material. Teaching options, activities, associations, visualization, empathy through role-playing and modeling are some of the learning vehicles by which this VBS enables children to move from rote to cognitive reality and experiential learning. Applying the power of this sort of learning to the virtues of Christian service and the importance of community result in a positive learning experience for the children and their adult teaching partners.
Q: Does A Heart for Missions include ideas for working with special needs children?
A: Yes. The Administrative Guide contains helpful insights for enabling joyful participation in A Heart for Missions by special needs children. Our website also shares this and other general information about teaching children.
Q: What sorts of promotional helps are available for A Heart for Missions?
A: Follow this link to Press Releases, Bulletin inserts, logos, etc.
Q: Does A Heart for Missions offer any help for recruiting adult workers?
A: Follow this link to recruiting and promotional ideas.
Q: How is each VBS day organized?
A: Remember the curriculum is flexible enough to be organized in any fashion that best meets your church or group needs. We have, however, provided a basic schedule that enables the provision of a complete A Heart for Missions VBS experience. The program is optimally designed to last 3 hours each day. The children begin an opening assembly. Following that time of song, worship, and introduction of the daily Bible theme, the children rotate between Medical Stations that are designed to last 30 minutes. Each station reinforces the daily Bible theme while teaching the children about serving within and beyond the community of faith.
Q: Can A Heart for Missions be used on schedules other than that of a traditional VBS?
A: The curriculum is flexible enough to be organized in any fashion that best meets your church or group needs. Churches may elect, for example, to use the program over an extended period of time for mid-week childrenís ministries or present the program in a day camp setting. The teaching and activity content is easily adjusted to fit your particular needs.
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