The Importance of Follow-Up Planning

The most important ministry of your VBS may happen after the closing prayer. Follow-up is how you steward the relationships God built during the week, moving families from first-time guests to connected members of your church community.

The 1-Week Window: Momentum is Everything

Interest fades quickly. Your follow-up needs to be swift, warm, and intentional. Prepare all of your follow-up materials before VBS week even begins so you are ready to move the moment it ends.

Monday after VBS: Mail pre-stamped thank-you postcards to every family.
Tuesday after VBS: Send a follow-up email with photos and a clear next-step invitation.
Within seven days: Make a personal phone call to each first-time family.

That first week is your highest-leverage moment. Do not let it pass without reaching out.

The Next-Step Invitation: Don’t Just Say Goodbye

Your goal is not to end a relationship but to transition it. Every family who walked through your doors during VBS needs a natural, easy path back. Give them one.

A Family Sunday where VBS kids sing a song.
A church-wide fall festival or picnic.
A Parents’ Night Out event.
A weekend service with a dedicated ‘first-time guest’ greeting. Make the path clear, easy, and welcoming.”

Systematic Tracking: Your Guest List is a Goldmine

The contact information you collect during VBS is not just for record-keeping. It is your church's guest list for the next six months. Build a simple tracking spreadsheet that includes each child's name, parent or guardian name, email address, phone number, home address, which days they attended, and any important notes such as allergies or pickup arrangements.

This list is your church’s guest list for the next 6 months. Use that list to invite families to everything. A family that came for VBS is a family that is open to your church. Treat that connection with intention.

Integrating Follow-Up into Your VBS Theme

A cohesive experience does not end on the last day of VBS. Use your theme's imagery, language, and Scripture in your thank-you cards and follow-up emails. It reinforces the message families heard all week and makes your outreach feel personal rather than generic.

The additional resources section of your UMIVBS curriculum often includes printable follow-up postcards, email template language, and Family Celebration Sunday scripts that extend the VBS experience seamlessly. Check there before creating materials from scratch.

Before You Walk In the Room

When questions come up about follow-up planning, be ready with clear answers.

What are the three most important pieces of contact information to collect from every family? Parent or guardian name, email address, and phone number. A home address is also valuable for mailed postcards.

When should your first follow-up touch happen? Within seven days of VBS ending. The sooner the better.

What is one specific next-step event you will invite VBS families to? Have a date and a name ready before VBS week begins, whether that is a Family Sunday, a fall festival, or a welcome lunch.

How can UMIVBS.com support your follow-up? Through printable thank-you postcards, email templates, and family invitation resources that keep your messaging on theme.

Your 30-Day Follow-Up Plan

Before VBS:

Design, print, and stamp your thank-you postcards. Draft your follow-up email and any text messages. Set up your tracking spreadsheet. Plan and begin promoting your next-step event.

During VBS Week:

Take photos with permission. Confirm contact information at registration each day. Announce your next-step event daily to both kids and parents.

Week One After VBS:

Monday, mail your postcards. Tuesday, send your follow-up email with a photo gallery link. Wednesday and Thursday, have your core team make personal phone calls. That Sunday, highlight VBS during the service and publicly thank your volunteers.

Weeks Two Through Four:

Invite VBS families to your next-step event by personal text or email. With permission, add them to your church newsletter. Connect them with a Sunday School class or small group that fits their family.

Ongoing:

Pray for each family by name for 30 days. Include VBS children in birthday cards from the church. Invite them to your next major church event, whether Christmas, Easter, or something in between.

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