Why You Need a Newsletter

A regularly scheduled newsletter is a must for the missionary fundraiser. It is a simple application of normal and healthy relationships - that is why you need a newsletter. We should communicate on a regular basis with our friends to cultivate and maintain a relationship. Your newsletter fills this need for everyone on your list - supporters and potential supporters. This site covers many other ways to deepen and broaden your relationships and support, but think of your newsletter as the common denominator you have with all of them. What would you say if you were standing in front of all of them at the same time? This is what you want in your newsletter. The opposite is also very true and a strong compelling reason to have a regular wordfor your list - "Out of Sight - Out of Mind." They will forget about you if you don't communicate. Also, if you only communicate when you really need prayer or money, they may feel manipulated or used.

So - continue to read for understanding why it is fundamental to write monthly to your readers, and a few options to choose to guide you in what type of newsletter is best for you:

On-line or Off-line?

There are advantages and disadvantages to going on-line or off-line with your newsletter. I actually suggest that you do a combination of both to maximize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of each.

Your on-line newsletter has the advantage of being very low or no cost, and it gets to your supporter base quickly. We have it so much better than missionaries than even a few years ago, let alone those 25 or more years ago. We can get prayer requests and updates very quickly. The disadvantage to on-line newsletters is that they may not reach all of your mailing list - not just those without internet access, but because of spam filters, etc. An on-line newsletter is also less personal.

Your "snail mail" newsletter has the advantages of a more personal contact. Even if you use a template for your newsletter, it is a tangible item people touch, and you can use your own handwriting to add a note or a signature. In the USA, there is also the advantage of knowing your list will get your mail, or it will be returned so you know it wasn't received. Even in this day, everyone has a mailing address, but not everyone has an email address. One of my most generous supporters are a couple in their 80's with no email address. Another advantage to a physical mailing is that you can place a return envelope where people can send you a donation. More people are more likely to give when a return envelope is enclosed.

So - here is my suggestion: Do BOTH. Do an on-line newsletter to start every month. Add a quarterly or semi-annual physical mailing also depending upon your budget. This mix will minimize the weaknesses in a single approach alone.

Timing

Ongoing and CONSISTENT communication is imperative. This is part of the reason we suggest a monthly enews. It is more likely to be accomplished with the time and money constraints many missionaries operate under.

Elements

Another significant reason to have a newsletter is so that you can regularly be THANKING those who are interested in what you are doing - whether they are giving or not. Having a grateful heart, and expressing it, is simple courtesy, but also is very Biblical! You also want to keep in front of your list your prayer requests and HOW to communicate and/or give into your ministry. Just this month one of our main supporters asked us where to send a check, even though they had sent several checks over the years and I know they regularly read our newsletters! When done tactifully, you can not over communicate thanks, prayer needs, and how your readers can connect back with you.

Design

Keep your design consistent. Be sure to use a template as we cover in this site. Think of when a friend calls you on the phone. Isn't it a good feeling when you recognize their voice? When you get a letter, isn't it fun to recognize the handwriting on the envelope? By being stable in your timing and design (the look and feel) of the newsletter will help keep the relationship strong.

Tip: Be very consistent in form and sending your Newsletter.

So - send your issue off every month. Operate with what I call "positive presumption." Assume they are looking forward to getting it, will read it, and respond to any request you make in it! Thank them in advance because they will be sowing prayers and gifts into your ministry.

I was a pastor on staff at a large church for many years. Not only would I sit where thousands of people could see me every week, I preached occasionally to the whole congregation and often did announcements, baptisms, etc. At first something was perplexing to me until I figured it out. People would come up to me, not only at Church, but in public places, like grocery stores, and start talking to me like we were really good friends. Often I would not know their names, and sometimes I would not even recognize them! Hmmmmmmm ... Then it hit me. Even though I did not have a "relationship" with them - THEY had one with me! As they saw me on a regular basis and "interacted" with me - they were building a relationship in their mind with me.

Perhaps the main reason to have a consistent and meaningful monthly mailing going out is to build those relationships, EVERY ONE of them - those whom you have more communication with than that, and even those you don't. You will be pleasantly surprised knowing the care, love, and prayers you are getting from people who may rarely or even never givefinancially into your work. And maybe someday they will. All great reasons why you need a newsletter.

Return to the main newsletter page, or continue on to this page next as you research and get ideas for your work: I Know why i need a newsletter - Now Create Newsletter