Most church newsletters don’t get read. And if they do, they’re skimmed, ignored, or forgotten.

What if your church newsletter could do more than inform? What if it could connect and grow your ministry?

TL;DR:This article explains why most church newsletters go unread and how to create one that actually gets opened, read, and acted on. You’ll learn which content truly engages readers, best practices for newsletter design and frequency, and practical tips to help your newsletter connect with your congregation and grow your ministry.

Why Your Church Newsletter Isn’t Getting Read

Most church newsletters miss the mark because they try to do too much and end up connecting too little.

They’re often packed with announcements but lack the personal stories or real-life moments that actually draw people in. Without a clear purpose or call to action, readers are left unsure of what to do next, so they do nothing.

Long, cluttered layouts with too much text and no visual breaks make it hard to skim, especially on mobile devices.

And when newsletters go out inconsistently, readers stop looking for them altogether.

The result? Your newsletter gets skimmed, skipped, or deleted. But the good news is that each of these problems is fixable and often with just a few small changes.

How to Fix Your Church Newsletter

Here are the top things to include in every newsletter issue to make sure yours gets opened, read, and acted on:

1. A Personal Word from the Pastor

People don’t need another sermon. But they will read a note that’s honest, heartfelt, and short. Share a story, a reflection, or even a struggle. Make it real.

2. One Story that Inspires

Spotlight a testimony. Share what God is doing in someone’s life. Or shout out to a church staff member. People connect with stories far more than announcements.

3. One Thing to Do

Give readers one clear action step. "Sign up. Invite. Attend. Give." Don’t ask for five things, ask for one. A variety of content can become overwhelming quickly.

4. Recap Something That Just Happened

Photos or highlight videos paired with a single paragraph. It helps people feel like they were part of it, even if they weren’t there.

5. A Quick Devotional or Verse

One verse. Thirty seconds to encourage someone’s soul. That’s all you need.

6. A Clear Call-to-Action

"Join us this Sunday." "Sign up to serve." "Bring a friend." Make it bold and obvious.

Pro Tips for Designing Your Next Newsletter

You don’t need a graphic designer to design an effective newsletter. You need:

1. Clear, bold headlines
2. Simple layout: intro, body, CTA
3. Real photos of real people (skip the stock photos)
4. Easy-to-click buttons or links
5. Mobile-friendly design (most are reading on their phones)

How Often Should You Send a Newsletter?

How often you send your newsletter depends on two things: your bandwidth and audience.

• Monthly: Ideal for most churches. Focused, not overwhelming.
• Biweekly: If you’ve got lots of ongoing activity.
• Weekly: Only if it's short, snappy, and consistently valuable.

Monthly Themes to Guide Your Church Newsletter

Whether you send your newsletter weekly, monthly, or quarterly, having timely themes can help you plan your content and keep your messages relevant throughout the year.

Here are some theme ideas to guide each month:

Should You Print or Email Your Church Newsletter?

Email newsletters are fast, cost-effective, and great for linking to events, signups, and online resources. They make it easy to reach your church community wherever they are.

Printed newsletters still have value, especially for visibility inside the church and for members who prefer something tangible.

The best approach? Do both. Send an email version to your list, and print a few copies to place at your welcome desk or common areas. That way, no one gets left out, and your message reaches as many people as possible.

The Best Time To Send Your Church's Newsletter

Getting the timing right isn’t just about sending, it’s about sharing strategically.

• Send During the Week Avoid Fridays and weekends when inboxes are ignored and minds are elsewhere. Instead, aim for mid-morning Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. These are the most reliable days for email opens and engagement.
• Print and Distribute on Sundays: If you print your newsletter, hand it out before or after Sunday service, not during. Put a few at the welcome desk, on café tables, or hand one directly to guests.
• Post It Online Right After You Send It: Upload the newsletter to your church website or blog within an hour of emailing it. That way, you can easily link to it in social media posts, group texts, or app announcements throughout the week.
• Mention It from the Pulpit: If you want people to read it, talk about it. A 15-second reminder from the stage or in your announcements can drive interest, especially if you highlight a story or opportunity inside.
• Use Multiple Channels to Reinforce It: Don’t treat the newsletter like a one-and-done. Share snippets of it across your other platforms (like Facebook, Instagram, or your church app) throughout the week. Repurpose the devotional, highlight the story, or remind people about the one clear action you asked them to take.
• Be Consistent: Whether you send it weekly or monthly, stick to a regular rhythm. Consistency builds trust, and people are more likely to open what they expect to see.

How Your Church Newsletter Can Grow Your Ministry

Think your newsletter is just for current members? It’s actually one of your church’s most powerful tools for reaching beyond your regular attendees.

When you share your newsletter widely—whether via email, on your website, or through your blog—it helps both your church family stay connected and gives newcomers a welcoming glimpse into your ministry long before they walk through the door.

Plus, posting your newsletter online improves your local search presence. That means when someone searches for “church near me” or “Bible study in [your city],” your church is more likely to be found.

Make the Most of Your Church Newsletter

Your newsletter carries a message that matters. It’s the megaphone that amplifies your church’s voice.

You don’t need to be a writer or designer, just someone committed to leading your church well. Start small, stay consistent, and focus on sharing what matters most.

Church Newsletter FAQs

Here are the top frequently asked questions concerning church newsletters:

What if no one replies to the church newsletter?

Just because people aren’t responding doesn’t mean they’re not reading. Open rates and clicks often tell a better story than replies. Engagement takes time, so stay consistent, track what gets clicked, and adjust your content based on what resonates most.

Should churches print or email their newsletters?

Both can be effective, depending on your audience. Email newsletters are easy to distribute, cost-effective, and great for including links and quick updates. Printed newsletters offer better visibility inside the church and are helpful for members who don’t use email regularly. Doing both allows you to reach more people and reinforce important messages.

How long should a newsletter be?

Aim to keep it short and focused. One full scroll on a phone is a good rule of thumb. Break up your content with headings, short paragraphs, and images. Think of it more like a helpful update from a friend than a bulletin board post.

What’s the best time to send a church newsletter?

For email newsletters, mid-morning during the week, especially Tuesday through Thursday, is usually most effective. Avoid weekends and late nights, when people are less likely to check their inboxes. For print, distribute them before or after Sunday services when people are already gathered and engaged.

Ready to start sending out church newsletters today? Learn more about ChurchTrac Mail.