We get it, marketing church and church events can seem a bit like crossing a line or extra, but it’s not at all. That’s something that we, as the church in general, have to overcome mentally. To quote the familiar children’s church song, we are urged to “Go tell it on the mountain over the hills and everywhere” and that’s what church marketing helps us to do! VBS marketing tips and strategies fall into this calling, as reaching children helps us to reach families for an eternal purpose.
When considering new ideas and strategies for VBS marketing this year, think about it from a child’s perspective and their parent’s point of view:
Yard signs
Yard signs are a wonderful tool to draw attention to family-friendly church events! Make them colorful and fun. Be sure all the info is visible for a drive-by or walk-by. The church name, dates, time, and website are important so they can look it up and hopefully register!
Sidewalk chalk messages are super fun!
Invite your families to an event at church to draw pictures for your upcoming Vacation Bible School. Supply all the chalk and rope off parking lot spaces designating one for each family or split them in half if you have an abundance of artists! Take videos and pictures to post on social media. Send the families home with a bucket of sidewalk chalk to continue the messaging for your VBS 2022 in their own neighborhoods.
Child-sized t-shirts
T-shirts announcing your program is such a practical Vacation Bible School marketing tool. Why? kids love to wear what they’re excited about and proud of! Order t-shirts for your congregation’s families to share the news of your VBS and build the excitement of the week. Of course, every child who attends will want a t-shirt as well. This idea especially has longevity too. As the children wear their shirts and are reminded of the Good News message they heard. Remembering how to implement it in their lives over the course of the year; plus when school is coming to a close in 2023, your successful program will come immediately to mind.
Ice cream/shaved ice truck event
A “cool” event at church or a community park is a welcome treat for everyone this time of year! Announce your free event on social media. Use it as a reach-out event to invite families to VBS and to your church. Don’t forget your signage and registration tables complete with lots of smiling family-friendly volunteers!
Social Media
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention marketing Vacation Bible School on your website and social media platforms. And don’t forget your church bulletin and signs inside the family hall. If your church has a marquee, use it to share and invite your community to this very special week. The Great Commission challenges us,
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:19-20
Vacation Bible School is a tool for us to make and equip disciples.
Think about this, the Reverend Billy Graham said, “Many times it takes just one member of a family to initiate the action to bring a family back together again.” So, let’s be all in, Church, and invite them into the family of God!
Cal joined the ACST team in 2004 and is currently the Market Strategy Manager serving denominational ministry partners. He received a degree in Secondary Education at Southeastern Bible College before pursuing graduate work at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He has served on various local nonprofit organizations, including The King’s Academy, a Christian school in Florence, SC., and R.E.A.C.H., an educational resource group based in Florence.
