Your Church Newsletter: Add Your Newsletter to Your Ministry Team

Putting out a church newsletter is a given in most congregations. A harder job is utilizing your newsletter's full potential. A good church newsletter can be a great addition to your ministry team!

Here are some ideas that may help increase the effectiveness of your newsletter. (Take a moment to pull out some recent issues and see how your publication measures up.)

1. PURPOSE. Defining the purpose of your newsletter is key. The better you know what you hope to accomplish, the more likely you are to reach your goal. For example, if your primary purpose is to inform your congregation about upcoming events---

• Every article will share Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How?, preferably in the first two paragraphs. Incomplete information discourages attendance.

• Share the purpose behind the event as well. Will money raised benefit the annual youth work trip?

• Use boxes, pull quotes and clip art to draw attention to the most important information. Some articles would be better shortened to an "ad" format. These may catch the eye of more readers as well.

• Mail the newsletter early enough that folks get the information before the event happens.

Maybe your primary purpose is to invite new folks to participate in your congregation---

• Include an invitation to a coming event on the front and/or back page of each issue. Think what kind of gathering would have the most appeal to new folks. A new Bible study group, a "Parent's Night Out," or a seminar on family issues are more likely to be entry points.

• Avoid "churchspeak." Tell what age youth in the Chi Rho group are; explain that CWF is the Christian Women's Fellowship, etc. Share what doors will be unlocked for entry and whether an offering will be taken. Take time to think about, even write out, your newsletter's purpose.

2. DESIGN - Good looks are worth a lot to your readers. Just think about the mail that your church newsletter competes with---the color photos, slick paper, artful design. Even though your church members will probably read the newsletter, good looks will increase both readership and pride in your congregation.

How does your newsletter design measure up?

• Look at the newsletter nameplate. The name of the newsletter and the artwork should present a positive image.

• The best paper size is 11 by 17, folded to 8 1/2 by 11 size pages. This gives the reader a lot of information without turning a lot of pages. It also offers space for a design that uses occasional large art and allows for white space.

• Keep the newsletter folds to a minimum. Do your best to make the newsletter open to the front page easily.

• Stick to the basics. White or beige paper are still best, preferably with black ink. Take a critical look at other newsletters that you receive. What makes them attractive? Try those ideas in your publication.

CONTENT. The stories and information in your newsletter deserve some thought as well. In light of your newsletter's purpose you may want to add or subtract the news you include. Here are some ideas:

• PLAN AHEAD. This is not a new idea, but one often overlooked by newsletter editors. When you look ahead at what information you would like to include, it is more likely to get done. Some newsletters just pull out whatever is in the story box and overlook, or give little space, to the more important news.

• Consider where the stories are placed. Most important news goes on the front page and at the top of every page.

• Use headlines that include both nouns (person, place, thing) and verbs (action). Note everyone will read every story. Tell your readers what the story is about right in the headline.

• Keep the tone positive. Don't get caught up in griping and complaining; emphasize the joy of children's presence more than the problem of gum in the pews. Share congregational joys as well as hurts and sadness.

Take a few hours out with your church newsletter for some evaluation and planning. Changes you make can strengthen the written and unwritten ministry your newsletter offers.