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Church Media Ministry

I’ve decided to use Thursdays to offer Church Newsletter and Church Communications tips.

I was talking with kind poet who insightfully pointed out another area where I could expand my blog and be of greater service to my readers. He helped me brainstorm my way through it, and for that I’m grateful.

For those of you who’ve read my About Me page, you know that I’m the editor of my church’s newsleter.  It was just a little over a year ago that I was asked to start this newsletter. Everyone knew I was a writer so I was the logical person to ask, but I’d never written newsletter content before, so I was a bit nervous. Around the same time I was just beginning my blog also, so I decided that I’d share what I wrote for my church newsletter on my blog. It was my way of keeping myself on task and keep from procrastinating.

I had taken a High School publications course in college, but I needed something that was more church specific, so I found The Church Newsletter Handbook and to my surprise, most of what I already knew about writing and graphic organization, applied to the task. If you are starting or taking over your church’s newsletter, I suggest you start with this or a similar reference.

In the meantime, here’s some quick tips to help you get started:

1. Rally the troops – don’t expect to do all the writing yourself. It can become an overwhelming responsibility. Depending on your church’s size, managing the visual arrangements and printing is taxing enough, but if you’re the only one who will be writing for it, you will soon burn out. The second reason you’ll want to get help with the writing, is for variety sake. Your readers will want to see an array of talent. Getting other people involved is also a great way to get more members interested in the newsletter. If they know Auntie Joy is having a poem featured, they might be more likely to read it and pass it on to others.
2. Get organized – Decide how often you will present an issue – I find once every two months works for my church. You may want to do it more often or quarterly. Also, decide on the various sections of your newsletter in advance. You’ll want a current news section, an inspirational story/testimonal section, a word from the Pastor section, maybe a business and education section.
3. Choose a theme then gather and write your content well in advance. You’ll want to stay in contant contact with those members who have agreed to help you. Sometimes you’ll have to set deadlines and follow-up as necessary. You’ll also need to gather a supply of filler material to fill in those extra spaces that are too small for another article, but are too big to be left blank. I use inspirational quotes and Christian cartoons when needed. I also choose a Biblical word to define that’s related to that month’s theme.
4. Print as much of it in black and white as possible to save costs. You may also offer advertising space to help offset the cost or you may want to charge a donation fee ranging from .50 to $2.00 per newsletter. You’ll have to go by what will fit best with your church.
5. Announce each new issue. Don’t assume members will just know that the newsletter is ready. Make a big deal out of it and make sure to include its arrival in your regular weekly church bulletin.

These five tips will help you get off to a great start. Check back next Thursday, for more church newsletter tips.
Also, if you have a moment, thank the one who inspired me by visiting  his website – he writes awesome poetry and inspirational tidbits.

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