Hosting VBS and follow-up events is an incredible way to include parents, grandparents, and kids with outreach opportunities in the community. Not every family in the surrounding neighborhoods feels connected to a church and may be open to your invitations to come enjoy an event just for them. Making regular connections with families helps build trust over time and allows kids to experience a caring community that can lead to relational ministry and gospel conversations!
Spring is a great time to seek out ways to share a SAVE THE DATE for VBS. Make plans to build momentum at your midweek programming, send invites to the partner ministries your church supports, and set up a fun VBS booth at your Easter events.
As your VBS date approaches, you’ll find a special crew of leaders and families in your church who have a heart for VBS and are willing to visit neighborhoods with door hangers, extend personal invites, and cover the community in prayer. Send mailers to families in your area with a personal invite to VBS. This is a great way to say, “We are here, and we’d love to have you join us.” Mailers also help you reach a large area with your VBS message.
VBS allows leaders to get to know kids each day. As they interact in Bible study, Worship Rally, snack, and crafts—conversations about life, family, and God take place and allow leaders get to begin a relationship with each kid. At the close of VBS, invite leaders to write a postcard to follow up with each child to remind them that they are known and loved. These heartfelt notes become keepsakes for kids who learn about Jesus for the first time or find salvation in Him at VBS.
Once VBS is over, you can dial in on those who do not have a church home and invite them back to church for a “Back to School Block Party” event. If you send guests home with information about your church programming, you could also include the VBS 2025 Gospel Guide as a resource for families.
As you plan out your outreach calendar, Lifeway VBS is ready to equip you with resources and ideas to love your neighbors and welcome families to church.
»