VBS as the Sunday School Prospect Pool

Usually one of the largest events that a church will do once a year is Vacation Bible School. It is also one of the largest events that attract prospects for your Sunday school classes.

It is interesting to hear churches talk about their planning and promotion of Vacation Bible School, but not a whole lot is said about their follow-up! By the time VBS is over so are the workers. They think their job is done but I beg to differ. It is only the beginning! Children from all over the community has been in your church for the week (and liked it!). Why wouldn’t we want them to come back and be a part of what we do all year long?

Here are some simple ideas I would suggest for taking the next step:

1. As Vacation Bible School Director make sure your VBS enrollment is as accurate and complete as possible.
2. Schedule a time with the Sunday School director to go over the list of prospects.
3. If your Vacation Bible School teachers are not your Sunday School Teachers, then bring them together to discuss the children that were in the class during VBS.
4. Have the VBS and Sunday School directors and teachers write separate letters to the children thanking them for be a part of Vacation Bible School.
5. When the VBS teachers make their follow-up visits (personallyto deliver the child’s last project from VBS week), make sure that the appropriate Sunday School teacher accompanies the VBS teacher during the visit.
6. Include the Sunday School teacher in the conversation. Make sure that the parents and child hear the excitement of what takes place every week in Sunday school. Offer an example or two of what the class has recently done.
7. Ask the whole family for a commitment. (What’s the worst they can say?) Go ahead and enroll them before you leave. Make sure all of your contact information is correct.
8. If transportation plans need to be made, make sure that it is arranged within 24 hours.
9. Thank the family for their time and leave on a HIGH note!

I hope that will help you see the importance of how VBS and SS work together!  

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Dwayne Lee serves as Associate Group Leader for the Bible Teaching/Leadership Team of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio.