Blog | How to Follow Up with Families After Vacation Bible School

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Summer Vacation Bible School (VBS) is an exciting and impactful event in the life of a church community. It provides a unique opportunity to share the love of God with children and families, creating lasting memories and building strong relationships. However, the impact of VBS does not end when the final day concludes. Sometimes families are introduced to church and Jesus for the first time through VBS. Following up with families after the event is crucial in nurturing the seeds of faith planted during that week. Here are 6 tips for following up and continuing to serve these families after the activities wrap:

Personalize Your Approach

A little personalization goes a long way in helping people feel valued and appreciated. Send personalized emails or handwritten notes to each family expressing gratitude for their participation in VBS and highlighting specific moments or achievements of their children during the event. By demonstrating genuine interest and acknowledging the unique contributions of each family, you foster a sense of belonging and strengthen your bond with them.

Extend Invitations

Continue engaging families by inviting them to upcoming church activities and events. Highlight programs that are relevant to their interests or needs, such as family-focused gatherings, parent seminars, or youth group activities. By extending invitations, you demonstrate that your church is committed to supporting and accompanying families on their spiritual journey beyond VBS. Share what the children’s ministry will be doing during the summer to give them an idea of the continued fun to come.

Provide Resources

Offer families resources that can deepen their faith and nurture their spiritual growth. This could include sharing links to relevant online devotionals, recommending family-friendly books or movies, or providing access to audio recordings of VBS lessons. By equipping families with tools to continue their faith discussions at home, you empower them to explore and strengthen their relationship with God as a unit.

Foster Community

Facilitate opportunities for families to connect with one another and build relationships within the church community. A week or two following the close of VBS, consider hosting a post-VBS gathering, picnic, or game night. This is an opportunity for families to come together and for children to reconnect with their friends. Encouraging families to engage with one another creates a supportive network where they can find mutual encouragement, friendship, and spiritual growth.

Seek Feedback

Invite families to provide feedback on their VBS experience. Send out surveys or feedback forms to gather insights on what worked well and areas for improvement. By actively listening to their suggestions, you demonstrate that their opinions matter and that you are committed to continuously enhancing the VBS experience for future participants. This feedback loop also allows you to adapt and tailor future follow-up initiatives to better meet the needs and expectations of families.

Maintain Consistent Communication

Consistency is key to nurturing relationships. Establish regular communication channels with families through newsletters, social media updates, or dedicated email lists. Share inspiring stories, upcoming events, and relevant resources to keep families engaged and informed. Consistent communication ensures that families feel connected to the church community and encourages their ongoing participation.

Thank you so much for investing so much time, energy, and compassion into planning and putting on your church’s Vacation Bible School. While I’m sure you and your volunteers are ready for a break following the whirlwind week of VBS, don’t forget to have a plan in place for following up with families. The impact of VBS extends far beyond the summer months, and by investing in meaningful follow-up, you help families continue their faith journey with love, support, and a sense of belonging in your church community.