Reviving the Church Newsletter in 6 Easy Steps
A number of years ago, I wrote about the church newsletter and why I loved the paper version of it (you could feel it, touch it, and return to it easily).
Well, you can see how my opinion mattered…NADA. Because, churches now are almost exclusively sending electronic newsletters. And who can blame them? It’s easier and cheaper.
Just for you, I’m updating that blog post. And guess what? The principles from way back when have not changed all that much – for hard copy or electronic newsletters.
Here’s the bottom-line question: How can you make your newsletter better?
Make it disciple focused. In non-profit terms, that means “donor-centric.” Call it reader-focused if you like but the point is, see everything from the viewpoint of the person – the disciple in the pew – who is reading your newsletter. Use the word “you” more frequently. To that end…
Include more stories of impact and change. This is your opportunity to let people in your congregation know how their time, talent, and treasures (yes, their financial offerings) have made a difference and have changed your corner of the world.
Did you recently host homeless families? Tell a story about a volunteer’s experience.
Has an AA group utilized your facilities? Give a brief blurb, “Last month, because of you, five AA groups met once a week. That’s 45 people you (and we) are impacting!”
Did a child have an epiphany in Sunday School? Let everyone know so that they can be blessed as well.
Yes, that means you will have to go to the effort of figuring out ways to collect these stories, but what a difference it will make.
Say thank you more often. People love to see their name in print. If someone did something outstanding, was super helpful, or deserves a shout-out, find a way to do it in the newsletter.
Make it shorter. This is especially true if you are primarily sending an electronic version. An electronic newsletter should not be a paper version just pdf-ed and sent along. People, as you may have experienced yourself, read differently when they are staring at a computer. Right or wrong, attention spans are shorter. Keep that in mind.
Cut your announcements in half. I was reminded of an old Camp Colby song (cheers to the Cal-Pac UMC Conference – and RIP Camp Colby) we’d sing when the dean would stand up and say, “I have a few announcements,” and we campers would start singing “Announcements…a horrible death to die…a horrible death to be talked to death…” Figure out what the most important things are (noting that everything can’t be the most important thing) and highlight those.
Include more stories of impact and change. Oh, did I mention that already? I’m saying it again because it’s that important, and if you don’t tell stories, it’s a glaringly missed opportunity. And… (this is a repeat too) be sure to make it disciple focused. Remind people that what happens in the church can only happen because of their dedication to and love for Jesus.
The church newsletter (electronic or paper) is not dead. But, it may need an overhaul. That will take some time and effort. You might need to give one trusted person editing power over the whole thing to make these suggested changes. It’s worth it.
And here’s a bonus: because of all the stories they’re reading, your disciples/readers/donors will want to share with their non-church friends all the amazing things that are happening because of and through your congregation.
That never gets old.
Original post, April 13, 2016.
Photo credit: sunriseforever @pixabay
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It’s not too late to sign up! The Greater Northwest Area of the UMC is offering Get Ready for Grants on March 11. Our first session was great (with 77 people in attendance). Don’t miss this repeat webinar.
Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship – helping with capital campaigns and encouraging more generosity. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise millions of dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. Little did she know, there are other songs about the peril of “announcements.” Take a listen to these off-key ditties.
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
Schedule a meeting now.
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