Creating Your AnswersVBS Event
Step 1: Sign In or Create an Account
When you first access the AnswersVBS digital tools, you'll need to sign in or create an Answers in Genesis account.
Your Options:
Existing Account: If you already have an account from AnswersInGenesis.org, simply sign in with those credentials
New Account: Click "Sign Up" to create a new account
Forgot Password: Use the password recovery feature if needed
Step 2: Create Your Event
Once logged in, click the Create Event button to begin setting up your VBS.
Step 3: Choose Your Theme
Select your VBS theme for the year. While the current year's theme is Incredible Race, you can also choose from previous years' themes if you prefer something different.
Click Continue when you've made your selection.
Step 4: Set Up Your Church Group
This step configures your organization and event in the system, enabling customization and personalization for your church.
Required Information:
Church name
Church website
Additional organizational details
Click Continue after filling out the form.
Step 5: Enter Your Digital Code
This is a critical step—you'll need the 12-digit code (with two dashes) that came in your VBS kit.
Your Options:
Have a Kit: Enter your 12-digit digital code from your kit
No Kit: Select "I did not buy a kit" to use the free version of the tools
Step 6: Clone Previous Event (If Applicable)
If you used AnswersVBS and the MyAnswers.com tools last year, you'll see an option to clone your previous event. If you didn't use the tools last year, you won't see this screen.
Benefits of Cloning:
Copies your settings from last year
Transfers your configured registration form
Saves setup time
Your Options:
Clone Past Event: Reuse last year's configuration
Start Fresh Event: Begin with a blank slate
Step 7: Agree to Terms of Service
Review and agree to the terms of service. You can click the provided link to read the full terms before accepting.
Click Get Started to continue.
Step 8: Opt Into VBS News (Optional)
You'll have the opportunity to subscribe to the VBS News email, which provides:
VBS planning tips
Helpful suggestions
Creative ideas
Updates about AnswersVBS
You can also review the privacy policy at this step if interested.
Click Continue when ready.
Step 9: Set Your VBS Dates
Choose when your VBS will take place by selecting your start and end dates.
Example: June 3rd through June 7th
Don't Have Final Dates Yet? That's perfectly fine. Enter your best estimate or use dates from last year. You can easily edit these dates later in the settings—there's a convenient settings link once you're in the tool.
Click Next to continue.
Step 10: Set Your VBS Times
Enter the daily start and end times for your VBS.
Example: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Timing Not Finalized? Just like with dates, if you haven't decided on exact times yet, make your best guess or use last year's schedule. You can adjust these in the settings at any time.
Click Next when done.
Step 11: Create Your Organization URL
Set up the custom URL for your organization's event page. If you used MyAnswers.com last year, this field will already be filled in.
Example: gracechurch
This creates a URL like: gracechurch.myanswers.com/
Important: This URL is what you'll use to promote your VBS registration and direct students and volunteers to sign up.
Click Next to finish.
You're Done!
That's it—your event is now created! While there are several steps in the setup process, each one is straightforward and important for properly configuring your VBS.
Click Get to Work and start planning your VBS event.