Effective Ministry Newsletter Content

Writing a Ministry Newsletter has proven to be one of the most popular and appreciated components of our ministry. I have been writing an email newsletter for our women’s ministry at my local church and for my online ministry for several years. Below is an example of one of the newsletter's header.

Women look forward to opening up their email and there awaits tidbits of truth, a photo of someone they would like to know, sometimes a recipe or a joke that brings a giggle.

Ministry newsletters are effective when you put them together with one thought in mind: What is the reader takeaway?

A well written newsletter includes five essential components that keeps the reader engaged to the end, leaves them inspired at the heart level and motivated to change and makes them smile. By providing this kind of attentive newsletter to your readers you will gain a loyal reader and a partner in your ministry.

Effective Newsletters:

1. Your lead story must offer a heart change to the reader. This can include a promise for another article later in your newsletter that offers a takeaway. It can be an introduction to someone in your ministry that the reader would benefit to know and include how this person is finding God working in their life. It can include a story about life-change in someone in your ministry community.

People are looking to others who model their faith and have discovered how God’s Word is relevant in their life today. Sharing real-life stories and a photo of the individual is key to engaging your reader and captivating them with the love of Christ through your ministry.

2. Include something practical.

In each newsletter that I send out I will include either a recipe or something humorous. For example in our ministry newsletter last month I included a story about my Fantasy Football obsession and my love of the Denver Broncos as well as one of their former players, Tim Tebow. Following the short story I included a recipe for Tebow Pizza Pie.

A short story that reveals a bit more about who you are adds depth to your newsletter as it allows the reader to live life with you. Write this story in a fashion that allows a glimpse into your ordinary life and brings the reader a smile, then leaves them glad that they know you.

And…. the recipe is another plus. Readers are always on the lookout for an easy and tasty new meal for their family.

In other months I like to include cute funny sayings or quotes. I love to share quotes about, Funny Things Kids Say in Church or Church Bulletin Bloopers. These are always a hit. Here is a sample from Church Bulletin Bloopers:

• Thursday night Potluck Supper – Prayer and medication will follow.
• Evening massage – 6 p.m.
• Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30 p.m.. Please use the back door.
• Don’t let worry kill you off – let the church help.

Need I say more?

3. Finally end your newsletter with an uplifting message from the ministry team or leader. Often this is where I will include a prayer or a scripture passage and I always include a photo of the team or myself. People connect when they can see your face.
4. Provide information about your ministry and upcoming events. Include links to the events and other articles you have found helpful. Include your website information and live links to your Facebook and Twitter account, blog or other online media communities where your reader can connect with you and your ministry.
5. Finally, use photos in every article. I include a photo of the Tebow Pizza Pie and a photo of myself in the introduction.

The best newsletter begins with a heart of love and service for your ministry. Readers can’t help but be touched through your vibrant and intimate relationship with Christ and from that a beautiful, engaging and valuable newsletter is a prize they will anxiously await every… single… month.

To view our current newsletter as an example, visit our Facebook Page or click here.

Be Blessed, Lynn Donovan
Author/Speaker
Winning Him Without Words.com

Spiritually Unequal Marriage.com

~~~~~

As an author and speaker, Lynn passes around some laughter, once in a while a tissue, and always, powerful truths from God's Word. Her passion is to encourage women to thrive in marriage and motherhood. Through a few wacky, yet meaningful stories, she challenges her audience to discover truths and triumphs that lead to abundant living. She invites women to share a front row seat and watch as God reveals that a women's journey is destined for joy, purpose, and fulfillment through the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

She is the founder of spirituallyunequalmarriag.com and the co-author of the book/Bible Study, Winning Him Without Words. Lynn serves on the Women’s Ministry staff and leads Bible study at her local church.

Married since 1992 to her best friend, Mike, she lives in Temecula, California. They have a son, a daughter and a zany dog named Peanut. She loves to laugh out loud, play Fantasy Football, and enjoy a strong cup of coffee, not necessarily in that order.

She lives each day in awe of God’s grace in the lives of ordinary women.

CONTACT LYNN:

951-303-1463

Visit the web:
http://www.winninghimwithoutwords.com/
http://www.spirituallyunequalmarriage.com/