It’s tough to spread the Word of God during your Vacation Bible School program if you don’t get the message out ahead of time! Follow these tips to ensure that you’re doing everything you can to attract participants to your Fishin’ on a Mission with Jesus program. Remember, the sooner you start publicizing, the better.
Stay persistent in your efforts in the months and weeks before beginning your program. Target Christian family members in your congregation and reach out to other members of the community using these marketing tools:
• Invitation postcards are an easy and quick way to send personalized invitations to past and future participants in your area.
• Fishin’ on a Mission with Jesus banners help attract attention and alert interested participants to important information and the dates of your VBS program.
• You can place Fishin’ on a Mission with Jesus posters in the halls of your church as well as in neighborhood businesses and organizations, with their permission.
• Church announcements are a direct approach for attracting members of your own congregation to your VBS program. If possible, have an energetic representative speak at youth meetings, Sunday school assemblies, children’s church, and weekly services. Show pictures of last year’s VBS events and talk about the upcoming program.
• Use word of mouth to create excitement. You can motivate young people by offering special prizes to the student in your ministry who invites the most people to attend.
• Use bulletin inserts with the Fishin’ on a Mission with Jesus logo.
• Send press releases to local news outlets, including radio networks, newspapers, magazines, TV stations, and area newsletters.
• Set up information booths with photos and information about past and upcoming Vacation Bible School programs at your church or around the community to generate buzz.
• Neighborhood canvassing efforts help you leave a mark on different areas of the community. Decide on one or more locations and solicit help from the youth ministry to pass out flyers or postcards.
• Try communication strategies that go beyond print advertising by making a personal connection. Email, text message, or phone people and encourage them to get involved. Reaching out to past participants reminds them that they’re important to you.