CrimsonInk’s Blog

In recent history it has become customary to distribute a “bulletin” at the doors of the church on Sunday morning as patrons arrive.  Over time the usefulness and functionality of this print piece has shifted for various reasons.  Many churches have unwittingly fallen into a trap with their bulletin process, costs, and helpfulness.  What was intended to be a nice communication piece to help explain the worship service to a guest has become something far more complex and challenging to produce.  Below is an example of the slow process one church went through in order to focus worship back in the right direction, save time, significant cash flow, and still communicate the most important information to the internal and external audiences they encounter. 

This type of transformation requires a major leadership and culture shift. 

Stage 1:                                                       

3 fold brochure, Series design cover, Letter from Pastor, 2 pages of Announcements, Message Notes, General Sunday morning information, Contact Info, and Tear off card for registration and prayer.

Front   

Back

 Cost:

·       10 – 20 Man hours weekly

·       Printed weekly

·       Design & print cost annually -  Approximately $120,000.00

·       Majority of staff feeling their info is incorrect or never heard

·       Still also uses additional print pieces, including a giving envelope asking for similar information as the registration form tear off (duplicate work and cost)

·       Many Sundays people received 4 – 5 different pieces as they entered worship, which was cumbersome and most messages got lost in the shuffle

Stage 2:                                                       

2 sided, no fold, 5.5 x 8.5 bulletin with hole punch for Sermon Note Binders, Series design, Letter from Pastor, Minimal announcements in Pastor’s note (most are now on screens in PPT), Message Notes space, General Sunday morning information, and Contact Info.

Examples:

Cost:

·       3-5 Man hours monthly

·       Design & Print Cost Annually Approximately $40,000.00 (design and print) – saving $80,000.00

·       Print monthly or per series (all in advance) – but still customized per week.

·       Staff communication improved as “announcements” are more automated with technology (web, email, PPT, and through leaders of discipleship classes)

·       Registration card is now part of the tithing envelope a onetime print for the year (or longer)

·       Emphasis is now on worship and learning, especially with the option to store your sermon notes in a church branded binder

·       Very few Sundays are there additional pieces, but distribution is much simpler and less.

Stage 3:                                                       

2 sided, no fold, 5.5 x 8.5 bulletin with hole punch for Sermon Note Binders and Guest Registration Tear off card, Generic Design for year, space for over print if needed (in-house print), Message Notes space, General Sunday morning information, and Contact Info.  Used also in classes and for special events, not just Sunday morning.  These are actually a part of a larger worship notebook.

Examples:

Cost:

·       3-5 Man hours annually

·       Design & print cost annually – approximately $2500.00 (design and print for 3 areas, adults, students and children) 

Stage 4:

As the Fall of 2009 approached, like many churches, The Family Church found they needed to tighten spending in the current economic challenge.  As a result, as the bulletins in stock began to dwindle they opted not to re-order for a short period of time.  There was anticipation that there would be some push back as the no bulletin Sundays approached.  Months have passed and absolutely no one has commented or complained.  It wasn’t exactly intentional, but The Family Church now prints 0 bulletins and spends $0 per year.

That is a lot of time and money put toward other ministries.