How to Start a Church Newsletter That People Actually Read

Email may feel old-fashioned compared to TikTok or Instagram, but it remains one of the most effective communication tools. For churches, a newsletter can be more than a noticeboard — it can be a pastoral voice in people’s inboxes. Sadly, many church newsletters go unopened because they’re too long, too cluttered, or not relevant. Here’s how to create one your congregation actually looks forward to.


1. Know Your Audience

The best newsletters feel personal. Ask: Who am I writing for? A parent of young children may want updates on family events, while a retiree may prefer fellowship opportunities.

👉 If you have the capacity, segment your mailing list so readers get the content most relevant to them. Many tools (like Mailchimp) make this easy and affordable.

For guidance, the Church of England’s Digital Labs has great resources on tailoring church communication.


2. Keep It Simple and Consistent

Don’t overwhelm readers with everything happening in the church. Choose 2–3 key updates per edition, keep paragraphs short, and send your newsletter on a consistent schedule (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly).

A clean design also helps. If design isn’t your strength, we can support you with branding and design to ensure your newsletters look as professional as they feel welcoming.


3. Make It Visual

A wall of text will be ignored. Use photos from recent services, events, or community projects. Short embedded videos — perhaps a greeting from the pastor — can make your newsletter stand out.

If you’d like help creating engaging content, our video production services make it simple to add a human touch.


4. Add a Personal Touch

A newsletter is not just an announcement board. Share testimonies, personal reflections, or words of encouragement. A line like “We’ve been praying for students starting exams this week — you are not alone” turns an email into ministry.


5. Always Include a Call to Action

Every edition should invite a response:

  • Register for an event
  • Submit prayer requests
  • Share a testimony
  • Invite a friend

Small steps keep readers engaged and make your newsletter a true tool of discipleship.


Conclusion

When crafted with care, your church newsletter becomes more than updates — it becomes a digital ministry.

👉 At Brilliant Brandings, we help UK churches deliver newsletters that get opened and acted upon through email marketing services.

📩 Ready to breathe life into your church’s newsletter? Let’s talk.

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