Church bulletins, or sometimes called service guides, are used primarily as a communication tool. They allow your church to communicate a variety of information to everyone in attendance.
Specific purposes of your church bulletin or service guide will vary depending on your church.
Here are a few common functions we see for church bulletins:
- Communicate announcements.
Many churches use the bulletin as a way to include various announcements and updates. - A program for the church service.
Sometimes a bulletin might include a song list/lyrics or an order of service for special events - An informative guide for generic, but important church information.
This might include information about kid’s ministry or your church’s café, etc. - Encourage note-taking.
Sometimes church bulletins might include a section or insert for congregation members to take notes from the message. - A method of delivering ministry inserts.
A bulletin is the perfect way to communicate general church information while using inserts to communicate or collect additional information (see visitor registration & prayer request cards).
Many times the bulletin, or service guide, is handed to everyone who attends a church service as they enter the sanctuary or auditorium. This makes for it an excellent tool for communicating not only to current congregation members, but also to visitors.
Ultimately, your church bulletin or service guide should reflect the culture of your church and articulate the things you deem most important for those attending a worship service.
