Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a time of excitement, fun, and spiritual growth for kids. But it shouldn’t end there! As a kids minister or church leader, you have the opportunity to continue the impact of VBS by following up with the families who attended. Whether it’s through texts, door step visits, or phone calls, follow-up is a crucial part of making VBS a meaningful experience that impacts lives and gets those families back to your church. In this article, we will share with you three practical and effective pro tips for VBS follow-up that you can use to keep the momentum going long after the event is over.
Tip #1: Send a text within 12 hours.
Texting is a fast and efficient way to follow up with families after VBS. Whether you’re thanking them for coming or inviting them to church, a text is a quick and non-invasive way to stay in touch. But it’s important to do it within 12 hours after the event. This timeframe ensures that families are still excited about VBS and have it fresh in their minds. When sending a text, be sure to address them personally, thank them for coming, and offer to answer any questions they may have. Keep in mind that many people prefer texts over calls or emails, so make sure to get their cell phone numbers during registration.
Tip #2: Make door step visit bags and get church members to deliver them the week after VBS.
Door step visit bags are a creative and engaging way to follow up with families. These bags can be filled with a variety of items depending on your budget and preferences. For instance, you can include information about the church, a personalized thank-you note, popcorn, soda, crafts, and candy for the perfect family night at home activity. Distribute these bags to the families the week after VBS and ask church members to help deliver them. This personal touch will show families that you care about them and value their participation. Make sure to get their home address during registration.
Tip #3: Ask 2-3 people to help with follow up who aren’t serving in VBS.
Follow-up can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve had a large number of participants. One way to lighten the load is by recruiting a few people who aren’t serving in VBS to help. These individuals can make phone calls, send texts, and prepare and deliver door step visit bags, freeing up your time and energy to focus on other aspects of ministry. When asking for help, make sure to provide them with clear instructions and guidelines to maintain consistency and quality.
In conclusion, VBS follow-up is a vital component of keeping the momentum going and making a lasting impact in the lives of families. By sending a text within 12 hours, giving out door step visit bags, and enlisting a few helpers, you can ensure that your follow-up efforts are effective and efficient. These three pro tips can help you build relationships, engage families, and keep them coming back to church. Let’s make every VBS count by following up with excellence!