Are you still sending out church newsletters? Are you wondering how to ensure that your readers actually read them? If so, you are not alone. I think a lot of church communicators are wondering the very same thing.
Sending useful newsletters is always a good way to maintain connections with your church family, and as in business communication, church communication needs to be effective and engaging. To keep your newsletter useful and readable, don’t simply promote your church or your missions. It is important that you engage, encourage and inspire your readers.
Engage: Ask questions. Ask for feedback about your church, your programs, your missions. Invite participation. Ask for contributions. Some of your members may want to write a short, personal piece for the newsletter. Maybe they will offer a testimony or a short meaningful experience from a recent worship service, or even a ministry outreach experience. We are the Body…celebrate and engage it!
Encourage: Include a reflection element, a life lesson, a good story with a moral lesson. Can’t think of one? Aesop’s Fables are always a good resource. Also, to encourage your readers, include an educational component. One thought is to offer a brief, interesting, and uplifting Biblical history lesson. Most everyone feels better when they learn something new.
Inspire: Include an “action item” for your readers to take away with them. For example, challenge your readers to an act of kindness, a gratitude letter, or maybe an extra 5 minutes of meditation or prayer for the week.
Remember: Engage, Encourage, & Inspire!
Also, remember to be consistent when publishing your newsletters. The last thing a church needs to do is create confusion and chaos for its members. Life is challenging enough. The church should provide solutions, not create confusion! Whether you send a weekly, monthly or quarterly newsletter, be consistent. Publish your newsletter at the same time each week, each month or each quarter.
Problem 1. Forgetting to send newsletters or sending them at random times. Solution 1. Create a publishing calendar.
Problem 2. Sending newsletters “whenever you feel like it” or “when you have time.” Solution 2. Create a publishing calendar and stick with it.
Problem 3. Not having enough content for your newsletters. Solution 3. Create a publishing calendar, utilize it, and plan ahead. Know your newsletter’s publication date is approaching and act accordingly. Invite other staff or church members to contribute content. Do a little research and utilize ideas and information already available, but always remember to give credit where credit is due.
Remember: Consistency is Key!
Also, once you publish your newsletter….whether you email or snail mail it…remember to add a link to it on your website!
When used wisely and effectively, newsletters are a powerful connectional tool. Be inspired and encouraged to publish the best version possible and believe that doing so is making a difference in your church and in the lives of your readers!
Blessings.
K