Yet, we recognize that while the mission is unchanging, the culture around us is shifting rapidly. The tools and methods that worked in the past often fail to translate to the landscape we navigate today. This creates a significant tension: how do you steward a never-changing mission in the midst of ever-changing methods?

The answer lies in a holistic, integrated, and highly responsive approach. We must anchor ourselves in what is timeless to better adapt to what is timely.

A New Name, A New Approach

For years, we gathered under the banner of Orange. In 2026, we are leaning into a new name;  Church Conference, to reflect our primary focus: the Local Church. This change is a responsive shift to the current season, moving us out of massive arenas and back into local church buildings.

We believe that by returning to where everything started, we can reclaim a sense of intimacy and authenticity. These settings allow us to pray, learn, and grow together in a way that large venues cannot currently offer. While there may be a future where we return to larger gathering spaces if the season calls for it, right now we are dedicated to creating practical, integrated tools specifically for today’s local church.

Our vision is to provide a catalytic gathering where you can learn and recharge, and rediscover the “why” behind your leadership in a supportive environment. We want you to be able to reconnect with and rediscover your calling as you find clarity in a world where burnout is common.  And lastly, we want to help and equip you to lead with an integrated strategy by showing you how you can access a holistic approach to ministry that combines discipleship content and organizational tools.

Moving forward requires us to be brave enough to paint a new picture for the future while leaning on the proven, timeless, and unchanging faithfulness of God. We are for the Local Church, and we carry a unique potential to reach the next generation.

ONLY THE CHURCH:

Built the first hospitals where none existed.

Is sent to disciple nations.

Kept libraries and learning alive through the dark ages.

Built the first hospitals where none existed.

Built by Jesus, cannot be overcome.

Backed early artists and composers who shaped culture.

Under the authority of Christ, holds the keys to the Kingdom.

Empowered by God’s Spirit, witnesses to the world.

Taught the world to read by translating Scripture.

Created the first orphan care and adoption networks.

Join us as we gather in a way that honors the local church and the leaders who pour into it every single week. 

April 28 – April 30, 2026 | Dallas, Texas

achurchconference.com

The post Only The Church appeared first on Think Orange.

You set out on your journey with total confidence in your tool. However, as the trail disappears and the terrain gets steeper, you realize something is wrong. While the map is technically perfect, it is actually a detailed street map of a city. It is a great tool, but it was designed for a completely different environment. In the wilderness, even the best city map becomes useless because it doesn’t speak the language of the landscape you are currently standing in.

In ministry, we often feel that same tension. We are surrounded by great ideas and “proven” formulas, but sometimes we realize we’re holding a tool that is too small (or just plain wrong) for the giant dreams God has placed in our hearts.

The Moses Trap

To understand where we are going, let’s look at the story of Moses. In Exodus 17, God tells Moses to strike a rock with his staff to bring forth water. Moses does it, water flows, and it is a miracle.

But years later, in Numbers 20, when the people are thirsty again, God gives Moses a new instruction: Speak to the rock. Instead, Moses does what is familiar because it worked in the past. He strikes the rock…not once, but twice.

The water still flowed, but because Moses relied on a previous method instead of a current instruction, he missed out on the Promised Land. The lesson we can learn from this is that using the wrong tool, or even the right tool at the wrong time, can be detrimental.

At Amazing Life, we believe we are in a “Numbers 20 moment.” We cannot simply keep “striking the rock” because it’s what we’ve always done. We believe the World’s Greatest Mission deserves the World’s Greatest Tools.

Re-humanization: A New Era in Kids Ministry

Over the last century, children’s ministry has evolved through some incredible eras, from the Sunday School models of the 1920s to the high-production digital media models of the 2010s. Every era brought great tools that served their season well.

However, as we look at the world today, it is clear that something is not working: we’ve never been more “connected” via technology, yet we’re finding that children have never been more lonely, parents have never been this frustrated and stressed, and leaders are feeling disconnected from those they lead.

This is why Amazing Life is moving into what we call The Re-humanization Era.

What is Re-humanization?

It isn’t a move backward, and we aren’t saying technology is bad. It is the realization that in a shifting world, we must focus on the things that remain the same: consistent relationships and person-to-person discipleship.

Re-humanization means:

1. Moving from ‘screens as the teacher’ to screens as a tool for the shepherd.
2. Building systems that don’t just count the 99 who show up, but empower a leader to go find the one who didn’t.

At Amazing Life, our mission isn’t to build the world’s greatest ministry model. It is to build Christlikeness in the hearts of the next generation. To do that, we must be willing to lay down the tools of yesterday to pick up the ones God is providing us with for tomorrow.

Despite technology ‘shrinking the world’, people are feeling more disconnected than ever. There’s never been a greater need for God; for pastors to pastor, and for leaders to bring His people together. 

That is the Rock that never changes. And helping the local church anchor their communities to it is the mission we’ve dedicated ourselves to. 

If you’re wondering what this next era of Kids Ministry actually looks like in practice, don’t miss Church Conference. We’ll be unveiling three of the biggest announcements in Kids Ministry history — giving you a clear picture of where re-humanized ministry is headed and the tools that will help you lead it. Learn more and join us at: AChurchConference.com

The post Striking the Rock: Why the Next Era of Kids Ministry is More Human Than You Think appeared first on Think Orange.

If you come across a grammatical error or something that feels “off” in our curriculum and bring it to our attention, please know this right away: we hear you, and it matters to us.

That’s why we want to bring you into our process and share the heart behind how and why we write and edit our content…and how we think about mistakes when they happen.

We Write for People, Not Pages

First and foremost, our curriculum is written to be said out loud.

Every script we create is designed to sound natural when spoken by real leaders, talking to real kids, in real rooms. That means we intentionally prioritize a conversational writing style, even when that choice doesn’t always align with the most formal rules of grammar.

For example:

• Ending a sentence with a preposition
• Choosing “and” instead of a serial comma
• Writing the way someone actually speaks, not how an essay reads
• Using sentence fragments for emphasis
• Starting sentences with “And,” “But,” or “So”
• Repeating a word or phrase on purpose
• Using informal phrasing instead of formal alternatives

These aren’t oversights. They’re intentional so that leaders can read a script and think, “Yes, this sounds like me.”

Because a script that’s grammatically pristine but awkward to say doesn’t serve kids well.

Kids Hear Differently Than Adults

We also write differently depending on who the content is for.

• Preschool content avoids contractions because that’s not how adults naturally speak to preschoolers.
• Elementary and student content leans more conversational to mirror how leaders engage older kids.
• Parent-facing content is held to a higher editorial standard because it lives longer and represents the church beyond a single service.

In every case, our guiding question is the same: Will this be clear, helpful, and usable for the person saying it, and will it share Jesus in a way that reaches the heart of every kid?

Humans Are at the Center of Our Process

All of our curriculum is written, edited, and reviewed by real people.

We do not rely on AI to create our curriculum. Every piece of written content begins and ends with human writers and editors who care deeply about kids knowing Jesus. While we use technology tools to assist with proofreading and editing, those tools have limitations… and they don’t replace human judgment.

Sometimes suggestions from tools like Grammarly are intentionally ignored because:

• They remove conversational tone
• They make sentences technically “correct,” but harder to say
• They don’t reflect how leaders actually communicate

That human lens matters to us. And unfortunately, sometimes human processes also mean human error.

When Errors Happen (Because Sometimes They Will)

Every error bothers us. Truly. But not every error carries the same weight.

When something is flagged, we process it through a few key filters:

• Is it parent-facing?
• Does it significantly change the meaning or takeaway?
• Is it a Scripture error?

Scripture errors are always a top priority to fix.

Other issues—like punctuation inconsistencies or possessive formatting (Jairus’ daughter vs. Jairus’s daughter)—don’t alter the heart or outcome of a lesson. In those cases, we may log it as a learning for future edits rather than retroactively changing every instance.

That doesn’t mean the feedback isn’t valued. It is. It simply means we’re balancing clarity, speed, scale, and stewardship.

Our North Star: Clarity Over Perfection

If there’s one thing we hope you take away, it’s this:

We will always choose clarity over grammatical perfection.

We will always choose people over polish.

Our goal at Amazing Life isn’t to create flawless documents. It’s to create content that helps leaders communicate Biblical truth clearly, confidently, and with heart. It’s to tell the Good News of Jesus to kids in a way that makes the most sense to them. 

Thank you for caring enough to notice. Thank you for partnering with us.

And thank you for the grace you extend as we continue to build, refine, and serve churches with excellence.

If you ever have questions or feedback, our Customer Success team is always here, and your input truly helps shape what’s next.

The post Clarity, Conversation, and Choosing People Over Perfection appeared first on Think Orange.

We get the challenges ministries face every week: limited time with kids, volunteers stretched too thin, parents unsure how to lead faith at home, and the overwhelming weight of ministry responsibilities.

We asked ourselves: What if there was a way to bring it all together? What if churches could access everything they need—content, strategy, and technology—in one place?

That’s why we created Amazing+.

So Much More Than Curriculum

Amazing+ is our new signature subscription—your one-stop hub for equipping every age and stage of ministry, from babies to high school. It’s more than just content; it’s a strategy that empowers churches and families to work together to build a lasting faith.

With Amazing+, you get:

• A Birth-to-18 Curriculum Strategy: Unified, Gospel-centered discipleship across every phase of a kid’s life.
  
• World-Class Media: Bible-based lessons, worship, and teaching resources that engage every generation.
  
• Powerful Ministry Tools: Technology that helps you present, organize, and share media playlists, housed in one unified system called APlay, that makes leading, planning, and equipping families simpler than ever.
  
• Customizable Experiences: Volunteer resources, family engagement strategies, Spanish translation, and music designed to fit your ministry’s unique needs.
  
• An App just for Parents: Parents report feeling ill-equipped to lead their kids spiritually. That’s why we created the Parent+ App—a tool that equips parents with this Sunday’s lesson, conversation starters, memory verse, and so much more, right in their pocket.

Why Amazing+? Why Now?

In today’s world, ministry leaders don’t just need curriculum. They need a holistic strategy, grounded in theology and tailored by technology, that makes it possible to thrive in the complexity of modern ministry.

We believe the Church and the home were designed to partner together. A parent has 3,000+ hours each year with their kids, while most churches only get about 40. Amazing+ helps you bridge that gap with resources that equip parents to lead faith conversations all week long—while giving you the tools to maximize every moment at church.

The Future of Discipleship Starts Here

Amazing+ is more than a subscription. It’s the next chapter of how we equip the Church to redefine what’s possible for the next generation.

Together, we can:

• Help kids and students build authentic, lasting faith.
  
• Empower parents to lead with confidence at home.
  
• Equip volunteers with resources that make serving joyful.
  
• Multiply your impact with tools designed to simplify ministry.

This is the future we’ve been building toward for decades, and it starts now.

Are You Ready?

Amazing+ is here. It’s everything you love about Orange strategy, now in one place, built to serve your church today and shape generations to come.

Get the Whole Strategy Today.

The post Introducing Amazing+: A Complete Strategy for Next Gen Ministry appeared first on Think Orange.

That’s why we created HelloBaby—an Amazing+ curriculum for infants (0–2 year olds) that equips your church to turn the nursery into the very first chapter of faith, where every baby can begin their journey knowing one simple truth: Jesus loves you.

Why HelloBaby?

The earliest days of a baby’s life matter. Every moment wires their brains toward safety, belonging, and trust. When church is part of that foundation, infants can begin to associate God’s people and presence with love, comfort, and joy.

HelloBaby gives churches a way to make those moments meaningful:

• One Clear Truth: Every element of the experience reinforces “Jesus loves you.”
  
• Simple, Repeatable Design: A 20-minute program that fits anywhere in your service flow.
  
• Multi-Sensory Engagement: Gentle songs, bubbles, tactile Bible exploration, circle time, and mirrors so babies hear and see God’s love reflected back.
  
• Calm & Cozy Atmosphere: Soft music and background visuals support live leaders but never replace real human connection.
  
• Parent Connection: Every family leaves with a take-home card (QR code included) for bedtime songs, recaps, and memory verses.
  

More Than Babysitting. It’s Ministry.

Nursery ministry isn’t just about changing diapers; it’s about shaping faith foundations. HelloBaby is easy for volunteers to learn (most can grasp the flow in minutes), but it carries eternal weight. Leaders will quickly see their role as more than caregivers—they are spiritual guides, partnering with parents to disciple children from the very start.

What Makes HelloBaby Different?

• For Babies Only: Designed specifically for 0–24 months, with a pace and flow that matches their development.
  
• Repetition that Builds Trust: The same simple lesson repeats across the year, helping babies recognize songs, faces, and words.
  
• Flexible for Your Church: Works with or without screens, can fit at any point in your service.
  
• Crafted with Care: Every detail—from songs and motions to take-home cards—was prayerfully created by ministry leaders, educators, and parents.
  

The Start of a Lifelong Faith Journey

We’re thrilled to launch HelloBaby because we believe nurseries can be the very first place a child encounters the love of Jesus. When parents know their baby is not just cared for, but ministered to, they feel seen, supported, and invited into a deeper partnership with the church.

This is more than curriculum. This is an invitation to begin discipling the next generation from day one.

Are You Ready to Redefine Nursery Ministry?

Plant the very first seeds of faith. Learn how HelloBaby can transform your nursery into a ministry.

The post HelloBaby: The Church Nursery Curriculum for Infants (0–2 Years) appeared first on Think Orange.

Most parents want to disciple their kids but feel unsure where to start. What do I say? How do I bring up faith in everyday life? Without help, those 3,000 hours slip away.

A Bridge Between Sunday and Every Day

What if parents could open their phone and see exactly what their kids learned on Sunday, plus a simple way to carry it into mealtime, car rides, or bedtime? What if faith at home felt less like pressure and more like natural, repeatable moments?

That’s the vision behind our brand-new, for-your-church app: Parent+.

Introducing Parent+

Parent+ is a customizable, church-branded app that puts your discipleship strategy right into the hands of families. Powered by the technology of Amazing Life and the Orange strategy of biblically grounded, age-specific content, it brings Sunday’s lessons into the rhythms of everyday life with videos, conversation starters, devotionals, and activities.

And because it’s your church’s name, colors, and logo on the app—not a brand parents don’t recognize—every notification feels like a trusted nudge from their own pastor and leaders.

What’s Included

Inside Parent+, families find:

• Weekly video lessons that match what kids and students learned on Sunday.
  
• Quick conversation starters to spark meaningful talk in just a minute or two.
  
• Devotionals and reflection questions for older kids and students.
  
• Family activities that turn faith into shared experiences.
  

For Amazing+ churches, Parent+ is included at no additional cost. Parents download it for free on iOS or Android, and setup takes minutes.

Ready to Move from 40 Hours to 3,000?

Small, repeatable moments over time add up to powerful spiritual formation. And Parent+ helps you make them happen.

At breakfast, a 90-second question sparks family conversation.
In the car, a quick prompt connects faith to real life.
At bedtime, a short devotional closes the day with peace and purpose.

Parent+ helps you bridge the gap between Sunday and everyday, equipping parents to disciple their kids with confidence. It’s simple, practical, and included with an Amazing+ subscription.

Parent+: Your church’s discipleship, every day of the week.

The post Parent+: Put Your Ministry in Parents’ Hands Every Day of the Week appeared first on Think Orange.

Will my child be welcomed? 

Will anyone know how to connect with them? 

Will this be a place where they truly belong? 

Too often, the answer feels uncertain. Not because the church doesn’t care, but because volunteers don’t feel equipped. When that happens, families feel unseen, leaders feel discouraged, and kids miss out on moments to encounter God’s love. 

We believe that every child is made in God’s image, so missing even one is missing too much.

An Invitation to Belong

What if church felt like a place where every child and family truly belonged?

Accessibility is about widening the door. Different kids connect in different ways: through words, music, art, movement, or even stillness. When we make space for those differences, we don’t just accommodate, we invite.

Because the truth is: a church that reflects the full beauty of God’s family is a church where every child, with every ability, has a place.

Introducing EveryChild

That’s why we created EveryChild—a sensory-friendly version of our Kids curriculum, designed specifically for children with different and special needs.

EveryChild was built with accessibility and sensory awareness from the ground up. It gives leaders the tools to help every child engage with God’s Word in ways that feel safe, welcoming, and life-giving.

This isn’t a side program or an afterthought. It’s a discipleship pathway because every child deserves the chance to know Jesus.

What’s Included

• Care Plan + Allergy Alerts for safe, personalized care
• Visual Schedule + Feelings Chart to build comfort and confidence
• Playdough Mats + Celebration Stickers for sensory-friendly fun
• Bible Story Image Cards + Pip & Bob video stories to bring Scripture to life
• ASL Memory Verses to promote inclusion and deeper learning
• Rest + Reset Visuals to create calm, supportive spaces
• Leader Guides with quick-reference tips for building confidence when working with neurodivergent children.

EveryChild equips your ministry with simple, practical resources that make a big difference:

A Fuller Reflection of God’s Kingdom

When churches embrace the needs of every child, everything changes: 

Families feel seen, supported, and safe.
Volunteers lead with confidence instead of hesitation.
Kids of all abilities encounter Jesus in ways that resonate with their hearts.

Learn how to bring EveryChild to your church and ministry today.

The post EveryChild: A Sensory-Friendly Church Curriculum from Amazing+ appeared first on Think Orange.

We know you want your teams to walk into Sunday confident, equipped, and ready.

Prepared Teams, Powerful Moments

What if every leader could preview the service before the weekend? What if they could rehearse transitions, learn the memory verse, and get familiar with worship motions ahead of time—so Sunday wasn’t the first time they saw it all come together?

Prepared teams create smoother services. Smoother services create fewer distractions. And fewer distractions make space for kids and teens to focus on what really matters: hearing and responding to the message of Jesus.

Meet: APlay View

APlay View is a simple way to equip your leaders by giving them access to upcoming service playlists. Once your playlist is built and published inside APlay, you can instantly push it to APlay View—a secure website where your volunteers can log in and see exactly what’s planned.

Every video. Every graphic. Every worship song, slide, and memory verse in the exact order you’ve created.

Your team can review it days in advance (or, let’s be honest, while pulling into the parking lot on Sunday morning). Either way, they’re ready.

How APlay View Works:

1. Build your playlist inside APlay.
   
2. Publish and push your playlist to APlay View.
   
3. Share the link with your volunteers and leaders.
   
4. Teams log in and preview the entire service flow. Anytime, anywhere.
   

Who It’s For:

• Children’s ministry leaders who want confident small group leaders and smooth large group experiences.
  
• Youth pastors who want their band, tech, and teaching teams aligned before students arrive.
  
• Volunteers who want to feel equipped instead of scrambling.
  
• Churches of any size that believe preparation makes space for God to move.
• Parents who want to review this week’s lessons and keep the conversation going with their kids at home.
  

More Confidence, Less Chaos

When leaders know what’s coming, they lead with confidence. Kids feel the difference. Volunteers aren’t scrambling; they’re present. Transitions aren’t awkward; they’re seamless. And the message isn’t competing with distractions; it’s amplified through clarity and focus.

That’s the power of APlay View.

It’s not just about sharing media—it’s about preparing your teams to lead kids and teens into life-changing encounters with Jesus.

Ready to prepare your volunteers with APlay View? Sign up for APlay today.

The post APlay View: The Ministry Preview Tool to Review, Rehearse, and Get Ready appeared first on Think Orange.

Why Marketing Your VBS Matters

Marketing your Vacation Bible School isn’t just about getting the word out; it’s about creating a bridge that connects your church to families, kids, and your broader community. When done right, an effective marketing strategy can:

1. Increase Participation

A well-marketed VBS ensures that your event reaches its full potential. When people know what to expect and how much fun their kids will have, they’re more likely to sign up. Research shows that parents are more likely to enroll their kids in a program when they see consistent and compelling promotion. Highlighting your VBS theme, sharing engaging visuals, and emphasizing key details like dates and activities can create excitement and encourage registrations.

2. Reach New Families

Your VBS is arguably one of the best outreach opportunities your church has each year. Strategic marketing allows you to extend your reach beyond your regular attendees to families in the community who may not currently have a church home. People are more likely to consider attending a church event if they hear about it through social media or a personal invite. By utilizing multiple marketing channels—from social media to local partnerships—you can connect with families who might not otherwise step foot in a church.

3. Build Excitement in Your Church

When your congregation sees the buzz surrounding your VBS, they’re more likely to get involved as attendees or volunteers. A well-communicated campaign inspires ownership, making VBS a unifying event for your church community. Highlighting sneak peeks, countdowns, and behind-the-scenes moments can amplify excitement among both your team and participants.

Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is crucial for crafting messages that resonate and connect. When promoting your VBS program, it’s essential to recognize the different groups you’re targeting. Each group has unique motivations, needs, and desires. Here’s a quick breakdown of key groups and how to tailor your messaging for each:

1. Parents

Parents are focused on the long-term impact your VBS will have on their children. They want to know that their kids will not only have fun but also grow in faith, build friendships, and be safe while attending.

Messaging Tips:

• Highlight the spiritual and developmental benefits for their children.
• Emphasize how the experience will help kids understand essential life lessons.
• Offer reassurance about the safety, care, and trustworthiness of the program.

Example:
“Give your kids a summer full of fun AND faith! Our VBS program will help them grow closer to God while making lifelong friendships. Plus, it’s safe, welcoming, and designed with your child’s growth in mind!”

2. Kids

Kids are all about having fun and experiencing something exciting. They want an action-packed VBS full of games, creativity, and new adventures.

Messaging Tips:

• Focus on excitement, adventure, and the thrill of participating in activities.
• Use vibrant, playful language that sparks imagination and curiosity.
• Make it sound like something they won’t want to miss!

Example:
“Get ready for the BEST week of summer! Games, crafts, new friends, and tons of fun—VBS is the place to be!”

3. Volunteers

Volunteers are motivated by the opportunity to serve, make a difference, and be a part of something bigger than themselves. They want to know how their time will have a meaningful impact on the kids and the community.

Messaging Tips:

• Appeal to their sense of purpose, emphasizing how their involvement will change lives.
• Show appreciation for their commitment and highlight the sense of community and teamwork.
• Be clear about the role they’ll play and how they can make a direct impact.

Example:
“Want to make a real difference this summer? Join our VBS team and help kids grow in faith! It’s a chance to serve, connect, and be part of an amazing community.”

4. Community Members

Community members, whether they’re friends, neighbors, or church supporters, want to know how VBS impacts the local area. They may not have children involved, but they care about supporting meaningful initiatives.

Messaging Tips:

• Highlight the positive impact the event will have on the community.
• Focus on the outreach and relationship-building aspects of VBS.
• Invite them to participate, volunteer, or support in any way.

Example:
“VBS is more than just a fun event—it’s a chance for our community to come together and make a lasting impact on the next generation. Want to be a part of it? There’s still time to help!”

Create a Marketing Timeline

A well-organized marketing timeline is essential for building momentum and ensuring a successful VBS event. Starting early and strategically planning your communications will help you reach your target audience at just the right time. Here’s a breakdown of what to focus on in the 6-8 weeks leading up to your VBS:

3 Months Before VBS: Start with a Big Announcement

At this point, it’s all about creating awareness. Begin with a strong, attention-grabbing announcement. Use a variety of channels, including flyers that can be distributed at church events, email blasts to your ministry’s contact list, and Sunday morning stage announcements to reach parents and church members. You want to make sure that your community knows the dates, theme, and registration information early, so they have time to plan ahead. This is also a great time to spark interest with a teaser video or post on social media.

2 Months Before VBS: Launch Registration

By week four, it’s time to move beyond awareness and start driving action. Launch your online registration process (if you use one) and make sure it’s easy to find and complete. Share links on social media and in email campaigns, and highlight any early bird pricing or discounts. This is also a great time to share promotional videos on social media—showing snippets of what kids will experience, the fun activities, and the impact they’ll have. The goal is to get families excited and committed to signing up early.

1 Month Before VBS: Highlight Daily Themes & Volunteer Opportunities

As VBS draws closer, it’s important to stay top-of-mind and create a sense of urgency. Post regular reminders about registration deadlines and encourage people to sign up if they haven’t already. Each week, highlight a different day or activity from the VBS schedule. Highlight volunteer opportunities as well, especially for those looking for ways to serve. People may not realize they can help, so make sure to provide clear instructions on how to get involved. Sharing personal testimonies or stories from past volunteers can also be a great motivator.

2 Weeks Before VBS: Reminders & Last Call

As the countdown to VBS continues, focus on creating urgency and reaching a broader audience. Post reminders emphasizing limited spots to encourage last-minute registrations. Boost your event on Facebook to connect with more local families who may not have heard about VBS yet. Finally, share heartfelt testimonials, especially from first-time attendees, to inspire others and highlight the life-changing impact of your program.

1 Week Before VBS: Build Excitement

The final week is all about building excitement and creating buzz around the event. Use countdowns on social media to remind everyone that VBS is just around the corner. Share behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, like photos of decorations in progress or leaders preparing for the big day. You could also feature short video clips from volunteers or staff members expressing their enthusiasm and what they’re most excited about. The goal is to create a sense of anticipation and remind everyone that this is an event they won’t want to miss!

By following this timeline and pacing your marketing efforts, you’ll be able to generate excitement, increase registrations, and ensure that your VBS is well-attended and impactful.

Leverage Free & Easy Tools

Maximize your marketing reach with tools that are both free and easy to use! Social media is a powerful way to connect with your audience—post regularly on Facebook, Instagram, and local community groups. Don’t forget to include stories, reels, and shareable content that spreads the word fast. Email campaigns are also key—craft clear, catchy subject lines and include direct links to register or volunteer. For design needs, Canva is a game-changer—create everything from flyers to social media graphics without any design experience. If you’re using Live It Out this year, check out our Canva Template Toolkit, which is ready and available for you to use in your marketing. Lastly, make the most of church announcements, using bulletins, slides, or even videos during Sunday services to keep the buzz going. These tools are simple, cost-effective ways to get your message out and rally support!

Build Excitement Online

Building excitement online is a fun and engaging way to get your community pumped up for VBS! One great method is to launch a social media challenge, like a countdown to the big day by using themed hashtags. For example, try something like #VBSCountdown to get people involved and share the excitement as the event approaches.

Videos are also a powerful tool—post short, fun clips of your team prepping for VBS, decorating the space, or talking about the heart behind the theme. These behind-the-scenes moments help humanize the event and show the passion that goes into making VBS special.

Don’t forget to include testimonials! Share stories or quotes from kids and parents who had a blast at previous VBS events. Seeing VBS’s positive impact on others can motivate families to get involved and create anticipation for this year’s program!

Retain Momentum After VBS

The excitement doesn’t have to end when VBS does! Keep the momentum going by sending follow-up emails to all attendees featuring photos and highlights from the event. This keeps the experience fresh in their minds and shows them how much fun and impact they were a part of.

Invite families to stay connected by promoting upcoming church events or small groups. Let them know there are more opportunities for their kids to continue growing in faith and community.

Finally, share a survey to gather feedback and ideas for next year. Not only does this show you value their input, but it also helps you improve and plan an even better VBS next time around!

Set Your VBS Up for Success

Marketing your VBS is about more than just spreading the word—it’s about creating meaningful connections with families, kids, and your community. By understanding your audience, crafting a strategic timeline, and leveraging the right tools, you can ensure your VBS is impactful and well-attended.Ready to take your marketing to the next level? Check out the VBS Promotion Timeline in the VBS Planner, available on our Director’s Hub. This resource, along with the rest of our library, is designed to equip and empower VBS directors like you to plan, promote, and execute a successful event. Visit the Director’s Hub today and get started!

The post Your Ultimate Guide to Marketing a Memorable VBS appeared first on Think Orange.

4 Ways to Welcome New Families to Church on Easter

1. Create an Inviting Experience

The experience starts long before families step through your doors. Here’s how to set the stage:

• Update Your Online Presence: Spruce up your website and social media with a friendly “What to Expect” guide for first-time visitors. Clear, welcoming information helps families feel prepared.
• Clear Signage: Ensure directional signs are easy to read and welcoming—no one likes feeling lost on their first visit.
• Warm Greetings: Station volunteers in the parking lot to greet families and guide them to the right spot. First impressions matter, and a friendly face makes all the difference.
• Streamlined Check-In: Make check-in simple, secure, and efficient. A “New Family Check-In” station with smiling volunteers and fun “First Day” stickers adds a personal touch.
• Personal Engagement: Train your team to engage with families authentically. Get on kids’ level and let them know they’re truly welcome.

2. Make it Fun for the Kids

Easter should be exciting—especially for kids! Create an environment that feels special and welcoming:

• Easter-Themed Activities: Provide fun items like stickers, coloring sheets, or small giveaways to make kids feel at ease.
• Quick Family Tours: Offer short tours so parents can see where their kids will be during the service. Building confidence is key to making families comfortable.

3. Go Beyond “Hi, Nice to Meet You”

Walking into a new church can be intimidating. Help your team go the extra mile with these tips to welcome new families to church:

• Meaningful Conversations: Train volunteers to ask open-ended questions like, “What brings you to church this Easter?” or “How old are your kids?”
• Intentional Connections: Assign volunteers to introduce new families to others with similar-aged kids or ministry leaders who can follow up later. These personal touches foster belonging.

A great free resource for your volunteers is A Kids Ministry Volunteer’s Guide to Easter. This simple, two-sided conversation guide made for volunteers can be a great companion as they prepare for both the expected – and unexpected – conversations they’ll be facilitating at church this Easter. 

4. Follow Up Like a Pro

Don’t let Easter Sunday be the last time families hear from you! A thoughtful follow-up plan shows that you care:

• Timely Contact: Reach out within 48 hours. A simple, personalized postcard can leave a lasting impression. Bonus points if it’s handwritten by the Kids Pastor!

Bonus Idea: Host an Easter Jam

Looking for an extra way to create a welcoming space? Host an Easter Jam! This high-energy, interactive experience brings families together to celebrate Easter. Here’s what it includes:

• Engaging Storytelling: Share the message of Jesus’ resurrection in a fun, relatable way.
• Games, Music, and Laughter: Create shared memories that leave families excited to return.
• Family Connection: Partner with parents by creating an event that’s both entertaining and meaningful.

Easter Jam is a fantastic way to communicate the hope of Easter and show families that your church is a place to belong and grow in faith together. Did we mention this event kit is free? Download now to have an egg-cellent experience at your church for welcoming new families this Easter.

Here’s the Why

When you create a welcoming environment, fun experiences, and intentional connections, you’re helping families take their first step toward becoming part of your church community.

This Easter, let’s make it a day families will never forget—for all the right reasons. With a little intentionality and a lot of heart, you can help them see your church as a place where they belong. You’ve got this! Let’s roll out the red carpet and make Easter unforgettable.

The post 4 Ways to Welcome New Families to Church on Easter appeared first on Think Orange.