Nothing New to Report

Do you read your church newsletter?

Don’t answer that question out loud.  Your pastor and church office staff will be terribly disappointed if your answer is no.  Newsletters take quite a bit of time and effort to produce.

We receive a great many church newsletters in the synod office.  Bishop Wollersheim reads a sampling of them.  I read all those of the North Conference congregations and any others that are addressed directly to me.  The conference assistants keep up on theirs too.  Most congregations still produce a print newsletter, but I read my own congregation’s online.

Newsletters are an important part of a congregation’s communication.  I think they should inform and inspire.  Here’s what I look for in a newsletter:  a message from the pastor, a calendar of events, a summary of congregation council actions, opportunities for service and thank-yous.  I also really like stories of how my offerings are making a difference in the lives of others.  I like stories of local, synod and churchwide ministries.  Here’s my disclaimer:  I am not an expert in parish communication, but I have been around the church for a few years.

With the exception of one, I read all of these newsletters as an outsider.  Newsletters often serve as an introduction to your congregation to newcomers.  Some potential visitors will check out your congregation’s newsletter if it is posted online.  Many congregations will stay in touch with prospective members by mailing a newsletter.

As one who is concerned about the health and mission of congregations, I sometimes find newsletters to be disconcerting.  Consider one January newsletter I received in recent days.  No need to guess—it is not a Northern Illinois Synod congregation.  The council minutes reported:

            Property Team – Nothing new to report.

            Worship Team – Nothing new to report.

            Youth Team – Went bowling.

            Christian Education Team – Preparing for Christmas program.

            Shepherding Team – Nothing new to report.

            Missions Team – Nothing new to report.

            Stewardship Team – Nothing new to report.

           

Nothing new to report?  To be fair, December council meeting agendas are often light, especially if the budget work is done.  But, these team reports suggest to me that this is a congregation that has lost its focus.  It may be unclear of its mission.  I wonder what a potential visitor would make of this newsletter.

Take a look at your congregation’s newsletter.  Take an objective look.  What do you see?  Does it tell the story of your congregation’s mission?  What other messages does it convey?

Comments?  Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com or comment on Facebook.  --JC