A church newsletter is more than a collection of dates and reminders. It is a ministry tool that connects people, deepens discipleship, and invites new participation. Whether in print or digital format, a well-crafted newsletter helps your congregation stay engaged with the life of the church and extends an open door to the community. We'll take a look at the e-newsletter from Cokesbury UMC in Knoxville, TN as an example.
Why newsletters matter
- Keep your congregation connected – Not everyone can attend every Sunday. However, newsletters ensure members still feel part of the church family.
- Provide clarity – A central place for upcoming events, ministry opportunities and important updates reduces confusion and keeps everyone informed.
- Foster discipleship – Devotional reflections, testimonies and study guides help members continue their spiritual journey throughout the week.
- Extend invitation – A newsletter is easy to forward to friends and neighbors, making it a natural way to welcome and invite others.
Learning from Cokesbury Church
Cokesbury Church’s weekly email newsletter provides a helpful model. It includes:
- Clear sections for ministries – Their update separates news for students, kids and adults, making it easy for families to find what applies to them.
- Event details – Dates, times and locations are given alongside registration links, allowing readers to act immediately.
- Community highlights – Announcements like welcoming a new staff member or sharing volunteer opportunities show that the church values relationships as much as programming.
- Weekly discipleship resources – Links to discussion guides and prayer lists help readers stay spiritually grounded between Sundays.
- Celebrations and encouragement – Even small notes, such as a “highlight of the week,” reinforce joy and gratitude in the church community.
What to include in your church’s newsletter
Drawing from Cokesbury’s example, here are practical sections your church might include:
- A brief word from the pastor or staff
- Weekly or monthly event calendar
- Ministry spotlights (youth, missions, music and outreach)
- Volunteer opportunities with clear sign-up links
- Prayer lists and devotional resources
- Celebrations such as baptisms, anniversaries, or staff updates
- Stories of impact from members or community partnerships
Tips for success
- Consistency matters – Choose a rhythm (weekly, biweekly or monthly) and stick to it.
- Keep it clear and scannable – Use headings, bullet points and short sections so readers can quickly find what interests them.
- Include links and next steps – Make it easy for readers to register, give or learn more.
- Reach everyone – Offer both digital and print options so all generations can stay connected.
A church newsletter is not simply a communications tool. When done well, it becomes an integral part of your discipleship ministry, reminding people of God’s presence, offering encouragement and inviting all to grow in faith together.
Example:
Below is an example that we’d like to showcase from Cokesbury UMC in Knoxville, TN, by Director of Communications, Ashley Cross. You can also download this in pdf form here.
This article was written with the help of AI. To learn how you can make use of AI in your ministry click here.