Episode notes
What happens AFTER your big church event?
Churches can spend weeks planning a VBS, kids' day, community outreach, or special Sunday. But sometimes we put so much effort into getting people there that we don't have a plan for getting them back.
In this episode of The Great Commission Toolkit, I'm joined by my dad and pastor to talk about Celebrate Kids Sunday at Bluestone Baptist Church.
The goal wasn't simply to have a big attendance day. The church wanted to connect with families they had reached through VBS Soccer Camp and Summer Kids Club. Then give those families a reason to return.
By God's grace, Celebrate Kids Sunday became the church's biggest Sunday of the year, and several visiting families continued coming back in the weeks that followed.
We talk about:
🙏 The spiritual preparation and prayer behind the day
🎯 Why they started with a clear goal
👨👩👧👦 Reaching the entire family through children's ministry
📱 How they used texting to personally connect with families
🍖 Using a simple meal to keep families on the property
🎉 Bounce houses, snow cones, gifts, and school supplies
🙌 Getting church members and children's workers involved
📖 Starting a sermon series on the special Sunday
📅 Giving visitors a reason to come back the next week
🔄 Planning follow-up BEFORE the event ever happens
📈 What happened in the weeks following Celebrate Kids Sunday
One of the biggest lessons from this conversation is simple:
Don't just plan the event. Plan what happens after the event.
The goal isn't simply to fill the building for one Sunday. We want to reach people with the gospel, connect families to the local church, and ultimately see disciples made.
If you're planning a VBS, kids' day, Friend Day, community outreach, or another special event, I hope this conversation gives you some practical ideas, and challenges you to think beyond the big day.
🎙️ The Great Commission Toolkit | Excellerate Ministries
This is only Part 1! In the next episode, we'll get even more practical about promotion, follow-up, and what went into making Celebrate Kids Sunday happen.
If this episode helps you, share it with another children's ministry worker and leave us a review!
Want a Kids Ministry Training Booklet? Contact us here: chase@excellerateministries.com
Gospel Resources:
Dad Joke Tracts: https://excellerateministries.com/dad-joke-tract
Counselor Cue Cards: https://excellerateministries.com/counselors-cue-cards/
The Bible Way to Heaven Booklet: https://excellerateministries.com/gospel-booklet/
Donate to our ministry: https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/4894299
Follow us on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/excellerateministries
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