Beyond VBS 
by Sue Harmon

After the decorations come down, the markers and glue are put away, and the crumbs are vacuumed, the work of Vacation Bible School is over for another year – or is it? Churches that end their VBS ministry without doing follow-up are missing out on big opportunities for Kingdom growth!

Start follow-up efforts by contacting anyone who made a decision during VBS or indicated interest in talking further about salvation. Those who made professions of faith can receive counseling about baptism and discipleship opportunities. Parents of children or youth who accepted Christ during VBS may need an explanation of their child’s decision. That opens the door to discussing the parents’ relationship with God as well.

Often people attend Bible school that have no other contact or relationship with a church. Invite them to Sunday School. Give their names and addresses to visitation teams and Sunday School teachers who can get in touch through phone calls, emails, cards, or visits. Deliver or send information about the church and its ministries to the home of each of these prospects.

Maintain the relationship begun during VBS by continuing to show interest in the person. Invite them to special functions such as back-to-school fellowships, fall festivals and Christmas events. If a need becomes apparent, minister to the family in whatever way is appropriate. Share God’s love by showing that you care.

When these follow-up steps are taken, there will most likely be growth in your Sunday School! As classes or departments grow, pay attention to the enrollment totals and the teacher-pupil ratios. When a class reaches the maximum recommended enrollment, create a new class so that teaching and ministry continue to be effective. See the chart below for enrollment recommendations:

Each Vacation Bible School results in an average of four professions of faith. With effective follow-up, your church may see even more lives changed, bringing further growth to God’s Kingdom.

Click here for the Vacation Bible School home page.