From the Archives: Moving VBS Participants to Sunday School

 
Sadly far too many churches fail to make follow-up a VBS priority and therefore never see the true benefits of their efforts. They invite the unchurched to VBS but they just don’t know what to do with them afterwards. Follow-up doesn’t happen automatically.
The most effect way to capitalize on this yearly harvest of unchurched prospects is to move them from VBS to an ongoing Bible study ministry – Sunday School.
How can we move unchurched VBS participants to Sunday School? Here’s how:

• Make follow-up intentional and the main reason for conducting VBS.

• Enlist participation of Sunday School leaders well in advance of VBS. Help them plan four ways their classes will connect with prospects in the four weeks following VBS.

• Coach leaders and members how to personally connect with prospects.

• Gather complete registration information from all persons attending VBS.

• Have youth and adult Sunday School leaders available during registration, arrival, and dismissal to greet and connect with family members.

• Include a family night-type event as part of your VBS strategy. Design the event to intentionally connect unchurched families with Sunday School leaders and members.

• Assign every prospect to a Sunday School class.

• Hold Sunday School leaders responsible for working their four-week connection plans. Ask for reports.

• Celebrate the results and continue follow up activities with VBS participants throughout the year.

Previously published in 2009 and compiled by Jerry Wooley, Lifeway’s VBS Ministry Specialist and Belinda Jolley, Director of Adult Ministry Office, South Carolina Baptist Convention.