School is out across the United States and families are planning vacations, camps for their kids and activities at church. It’s the perfect time to begin announcing back-to-school events for both your members and guests.
Below is a playbook outlining an 8-week summer growth strategy designed to help your church attract new families and build momentum for a strong fall launch.
📅 8-Week Calendar
Week 1: June 23–29 — Community Listening
Activity: Neighborhood or congregation survey (via Faith Teams QR code to a form)
Goal: Identify event ideas and build local relevance.
Week 2: June 30–July 6 — Summer Celebration
Event: 4th of July Evening Gathering
- Cook-out or potluck
- Lawn games, trivia, acoustic music, cornhole
- Short prayer or devotional
Goal: Community connection & visitor list building
Week 3: July 7–13 — Family Engagement
Event: Family Water Day
- Water balloons, sprinklers, kiddie pools
- Popsicles and lemonade lounge for parents
Goal: Build trust with young families
Week 4: July 14–20 — Vacation Bible School
Event: VBS Week (evenings or mornings)
- Theme example: “Camp Firelight”
- Sunday: VBS Celebration Service with kids singing
Goal: Connect with parents and promote Back-to-School Sunday
NOTE: Your VBS may start at a different time and may need to be switch weeks with other activities listed in this playbook. Other alternatives to VBS include day camps, mission-focused programs, sports clinics, field days, musicals, and even Christmas in July.
Week 5: July 21–27 — Community Need Week
Event: School Supply Giveaway
- Partner with local schools
- Free prayer/coffee booth for parents
Goal: Serve the community + invite to fall launch
Week 6: July 28–Aug 3 — Back-to-School Sunday
Big Sunday Moment:
- Student & teacher blessing
- Family photo booth
- Launch fall kids/youth programs
Goal: Mark the official start of fall ministry
Week 7: Aug 4–10 — Welcome Series Launch
Sermon Series: “Fresh Starts” or “Faith for the Real World”
- Promote online & in-person
- Highlight small group launch dates
Goal: Draw visitors back with relevant topics
Week 8: Aug 11–17 — Group & Volunteer Launch
Event: Next Steps Lunch or Ministry Fair
- Light lunch after service
- Booths/tables for groups, serving, youth/kids
- Simple gift: mug, magnet, or shirt
Goal: Get people connected and committed
📢 Promotion Tips
- Weekly social media posts (use Canva for simple graphics)
- Text & email follow-ups to guests (with Faith Teams of course!):
- “Thanks for coming!”
- “Here’s what’s next!”
- “We’d love to see you this Sunday!”
- Use QR code connection cards or paper sign-ins or even Faith Teams check-in at every event
Ongoing Sunday Highlights
- 2-minute event promo each week
- Testimonies or quick interviews from guests or volunteers
- Sneak peek of fall sermon series
Optional Considerations
- Facebook or Instagram Ads for community events ($50–100 budget)
- Invite cards or door hangers (members deliver locally)
- Local newspaper advertisements
DOWNLOAD THE PLAYBOOK HERE!
