Church Newsletters

These quick tips assume you still do a newsletter. I don't recommend doing a newsletter, as it is pretty much a waste of money compared to investment in your website and email publications. But, if you are still into that venerable old newsletter, then...

(1) Choose a unique name. Your newsletter should be readily identified with your organization and only your organization. Let it be a reflection of your church. Be original! Avoid generic names.

If you use any of the following names, then change it immediately: The Herald, The Bulletin, The Ledger, The Banner, The Standard, any name that ends in News, The Courier, The Witness, The Vision, The Harbinger, The Message or The Messenger, The Weekly, The Reporter, The Baptist (or Presbyterian or Methodist any derivative thereof), The Voice or The Focus.

(2) Share info in sound bites. The average reader is going to spend about 30 seconds with your newsletter--total. Yes, that's it--30 seconds. Keep your information in short bites--one or two paragraphs. Give a clear distinction between headlines and body type so readers can quickly scan headings for information that pertains to them.

(3) Think outside the box. Avoid boxing in every article. Let your information breathe. The key factors separating a ho-hum newsletter from one that really shines are use of white space and design that sticks to a predetermined framework. Add consistency to your design with an underlying grid or framework for the entire document. Try a three, four, or five column design. Let graphics drive the page content, filling in with text to clarify images. Don't be afraid to leave some space blank in order to focus attention.

(4) Get the names right. Have at least 3-4 people proofread your work. Have someone who is good with names check every name--nothing's more embarrassing than misspelling the name of a church member. It's quite insulting.

(5) Give clear avenue of response. Articles about any ministry event or program should include a way to respond or get involved. Contact names, email addresses, phone numbers, hours, registration details--whatever is necessary for the "next step" on the part of the reader. An article that ends "sign up information coming soon" is just a teaser, and of little value as a promotional tool.

(6) Write for outsiders. Construct newsletter articles and information as if every reader is visiting your church for the first time. Be careful with "inside information," like locations abbreviations (What's a CLC? Where's "Linda's Office?"), names (Who is "Brother Bob?") and common schedule information (What time exactly is "after the Axis service?"). Guests should not have to decipher your articles to pick up needed information.

(7) Complete your details. Give readers all the information they need to make a decision. Names, times, locations, dates, registration information, alternate plans, childcare arrangements, parking arrangements, contact information. Try to answer all the questions about the ministry or event that you'll be asked before you are asked them. Common is the tale of the church member who gets a newsletter every week and yet still says "I didn't know about..." when it comes to church events and ministries.