Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a cornerstone of many church summer programs, providing children with fun, faith-based learning experiences. As churches seek to engage families in an increasingly digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool for planning, executing, and enhancing VBS. 

Adults who attended VBS as kids have overwhelmingly positive memories of the experience. Statistics show that 69% of American parents will encourage their child to participate in a VBS event at a church they don't attend if invited by one of their friends. If you total it up, VBS results in 15 hours of intense discipleship, daily gospel presentations, and the equivalent of seven months of ministry packed into one week. 

(Source: LifeWay) 

In this post, we'll explore how churches are practically incorporating AI into their VBS initiatives and what that means for other ministry initiatives in the future. 

1. Streamlining VBS Registration with AI Chatbots 

Gone are the days of paper forms and long lines at the church office. AI-powered chatbots now handle the VBS registration process, offering a fast, intuitive way for parents to sign up their children. These chatbots can guide users through a step-by-step registration process; answer frequently asked questions, and store information in real-time. This technology not only saves time for church staff but also ensures that all participant data is accurate and stored securely. 

Example: Jotform AI Agent for VBS Registration offers customizable forms and conversational flows, ensuring a smooth and efficient registration process. 

2. Enhancing Event Planning and Curriculum Development 

Planning a week-long VBS requires significant effort, from organizing volunteers to designing a cohesive curriculum that engages participants. AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot can assist church leaders in brainstorming creative themes, structuring daily lesson plans, and even writing scripts for skits or puppet shows. Some churches use AI to review feedback from previous years, analyze participation data, and make informed decisions for future planning. 

Example: Subsplash: AI for Churches highlights how ministries utilize AI to refine event schedules and enhance content delivery through data-driven insights. 

3. Creating Engaging Educational Materials 

Churches are using AI to generate age-appropriate Bible stories, memory verse games, and interactive learning activities. These materials are tailored to specific age groups and can include visual aids, quizzes, and even digital storytelling elements. By utilizing AI to personalize content, churches can enhance the spiritual formation of children in memorable and creative ways. 

Even for churches that purchase a pre-packaged VBS curriculum, AI can be a valuable companion tool. Ministry leaders can utilize AI to generate fresh ideas, tailor lesson illustrations to local contexts, create supplementary devotionals, or translate curriculum materials into various reading levels or languages. This customization capability allows churches to maximize the impact of a purchased curriculum while tailoring it to the unique needs of their congregation. 

Example: Pushpay: Benefits of AI for Ministry demonstrates how AI is helping ministry teams create more engaging and relevant teaching materials without having to start from scratch each time. 

4. Designing Visual Content with AI Tools 

Promoting VBS effectively requires compelling visuals, from social media posts to printed banners and handouts. AI-powered design tools, such as ChurchCanvas.ai, help churches create consistent, on-brand visuals in a fraction of the time. These tools can generate templates, auto-adjust fonts and colors, and even suggest design layouts based on the event theme. 

Example: ChurchCanvas.ai on Instagram showcases how churches are leveraging AI for fast, polished design output that captures attention and communicates clearly. 

5. Developing Intergenerational Games and Activities 

Some churches are using AI to design games and activities that are inclusive of children and their extended families. These intergenerational events encourage parents and grandparents to engage with their kids in meaningful, faith-based play. AI can help create customized trivia games, scavenger hunts, and storytelling adventures tailored to various age groups and learning styles. 

Example: PCUSA on AI and Faith explores how churches are using AI to support creative, community-building experiences that span generations. 

6. Automating Follow-Up Communication 

After a successful week of VBS, maintaining connections with attendees is crucial. AI tools help automate follow-up communication by sending personalized thank-you emails, collecting feedback through surveys, and inviting families to upcoming church events. These follow-ups nurture long-term relationships and increase the likelihood of future engagement. 

Example: ChurchTechToday: VBS Follow-Up outlines how automation tools help churches keep in touch with families and encourage continued involvement in church life. 

As churches continue to embrace digital innovation, AI is proving to be a valuable asset in delivering dynamic and impactful Vacation Bible School programs. From planning to promotion to follow-up, these technologies enable ministry teams to focus more on relationships and spiritual growth while allowing AI to handle the heavy lifting of administrative tasks. The future of VBS is bright, and increasingly, it's AI-powered.