A church bulletin has been a vital communication tool for connection within your congregation for years. However, our world has gravitated to online solutions that could replace the printed bulletin.
Should you keep yours? Is it worth the time to produce it?
Here’s a simple formula to decide: Older Audience + Short Production Time + Poor Website Presence = Keep your Bulletin
If you’re going to keep your printed bulletin, here are five ways to improve it. I’ll also cover suggestions if you want to switch to another communication tool eventually (start planning now)!
1. Simplify the structure. The structure of your church bulletin should be clear and intuitive. Avoid cluttering it with unnecessary information or overly complicated designs. Instead, focus on a clean layout that guides readers effortlessly through the content.
Present needed information in a straightforward manner that enhances understanding and engagement.
Tip: Use clear headings and subheadings to organize your bulletin content for easy navigation.
2. Consider your audience. Understanding your congregation is key to crafting a bulletin that resonates with them.
Consider their demographics, interests and communication preferences. The older your audience is, the more they’ll want print communication. So, tailor the content accordingly, including announcements, events and resources that are relevant and meaningful to them. Make the font big enough for older eyes. Whether highlighting upcoming youth activities or providing resources for seniors, personalizing the bulletin demonstrates love and attentiveness, fostering a stronger sense of community.
Tip: Place announcements for all-church events prominently first. Then consider events for seniors next.
3. Connect to a good website. In our digital age, your church bulletin shouldn’t exist in isolation; it should complement your online presence. Link your bulletin to a well-maintained website where people can access details, resources and online services. This integration not only enhances accessibility but also encourages further engagement beyond the limitations of the bulletin. Whether it’s sermon recordings, event registrations or volunteer opportunities, a connected website serves as a hub for connection and involvement within your church community.
Tip: Carefully and sparingly, use small QR codes in print bulletins to connect quickly to online event information, but don’t overdo it!
4. Stop forcing them into members’ hands. Instead of quickly handing bulletins to those entering the worship center, consider communicating alternative methods of information distribution to accommodate varying preferences and circumstances. Embrace digital formats such as email newsletters or mobile apps to reach those who prefer digital communication or aren’t able to attend in person. Your print materials should never be a substitute for a good online calendar though.
Tip: Prominently place bulletins by entrances so people take them if wanted. This is a sobering step to understand how few print bulletins are wanted in your congregation. Reduce how many are produced to save money!
5. Make Them Shorter. In a world noisy with information, brevity is paramount. Streamline your bulletin by focusing on essential information and avoiding unnecessary details or lengthy explanations. Use concise language and bullet points to convey messages efficiently.
Tip: If your bulletin has become a multiple-page document, start eliminating inserts and pages (while providing online locations for this information). Consider making the physical dimensions smaller too. It’ll save money and take less time to produce!
EDITOR’S NOTE — Mark MacDonald is a communication pastor, speaker, consultant, bestselling author and church branding strategist for BeKnownforSomething.com empowering thousands of pastors and churches to become known for something relevant (a communication thread) throughout their ministries, on their church websites and social media. His church branding book, “Be Known for Something,” is available at BeKnownBook.com.
