It’s the final day! Name tags have been returned for the last time. Decorations have held up longer under all the excitement than should have been realistically possible. Laughter has rung through the halls. Lessons have soaked into hearts. Another VBS is in the books!

But, even though VBS itself is finished, we don’t want the ministry to end. Following up with the families who participated is critically important!

In the end, the heart of VBS follow-up is to see and be a part of God’s continuing work in the lives of families in our communities.

We want to continue discipling families, encourage their walk with Christ, and follow up as effectively as possible.

Here are a few things to consider in your VBS follow-up strategy.

1. Connect to People

Preparing to follow up well starts before VBS begins. Train volunteers to build relationships and connections with families starting day one. Genuine care and relationships are immeasurably important.

Depending on your check-in and check-out setup, allow greeters, rotation leaders, registration volunteers, and church staff to meet families. Make space for community wherever possible throughout the week.

Also, watch for gospel conversations and openness in families. A volunteer may have the chance to share his or her testimony with a parent or even directly share the gospel. Or perhaps, families who are believers but aren’t connected with a church find a church home as they meet volunteer families.

Building these relationships throughout the week sets the tone for follow-up after VBS. These connections make follow-up matter to the families and volunteers.

2. Connect to Vision

When considering a VBS follow-up approach, use the vision and ministries of your church to choose your methods. What is your church already doing in the community? What drives your church’s ministry and outreach in other areas? How have you seen certain strategies work for other programs that may also work here?

You don’t have to use the same VBS follow-up you always have just because it is familiar or habitual. If other options connect better with the vision and methods of your church, use them. You may find them more effective because (1) they use already open doors in the community and (2) the results gain longevity and stability because they are connected to the long-term church vision.

3. Connect to Community

Make sure your follow-up methods fit your community. That doesn’t mean bringing families back with the coolest, most attractive program. It does mean knowing what your community connects with or receives the best.

Some communities will respond well to a simple fellowship event or block party that allows families to talk and reconnect. Other communities love a card, note, or phone call inviting them to a small group or Sunday School class.

Remember that whichever method you choose, we want the families from VBS to recognize the work of God in our lives. We reflect the light of Christ as a church and in our own families. Keep that at the heart of your follow-up methods. As you study what connects to your community, let the gospel and the community of Christ ultimately be the most compelling draw.

4. Connect to Ongoing Ministries

Invite families from VBS back to ongoing ministries at the church. Whether this is a regular fall event, Sunday morning worship, kids ministries, small groups, or other ministries, these allow families regular connection with the church.

Ask some of your VBS volunteers to be present at these ministries, whether formally or informally. During VBS, greeting teams were the first faces families saw, registration teams spoke to the families every day, and rotation and group leaders knew the children the best. Each volunteer had the opportunity to connect with families in some way. Whether they serve as a greeter or are simply present with their own family, the attendance of VBS volunteers in ongoing ministries offers a familiar face to families when they attend.

In the end, the heart of VBS follow-up is to see and be a part of God’s continuing work in the lives of families in our communities. Through the initial relationship built at VBS, you can craft a follow-up plan that matches your church vision, reaches the community, and reconnects with families in meaningful ways. Prayerfully consider how your church can best continue the ministry started during VBS.

Rachel Woodard works in editing and serves alongside her husband, Ben, who is pastor to children and young families at their church in Georgia. She grew up on the mission field and holds a Master’s in Intercultural Studies. Rachel loves using writing to encourage the church and discuss missions.

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