Minister and blogger Micky Youngson is vexed about writing articles for church newsletters
I seem to have to write a lot of them and my problem is I’m not sure what they are for. Is it a chance for me to share with folk what I’ve been up to (boring!), some vision for the church, some news (there are others who do that better)? Should it be a spiritual pondering or something to inspire action (both?).
I know that I was a source of mild irritation to my last church newsletter editor because of my unfailing ability to be fashionably late with my ‘copy’. But my lateness wasn’t because I didn’t see the value of the exercise. I’m with this comment on Micky’s blog
I do think it is an opportunity to put a short piece of (hopefully!) relevant, locally based theological reflection into peoples’ hands and homes - including those who do not make it into church
Another answer to the question of why ministers write articles for newsletters might be, “Because it’s a good way of recycling blog posts.” Or even “Because the newsletter editor will hurt me if I don’t.” 
But what do you think about the minister’s letter in a typical church magazine? Worth the effort?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Olive Morgan 05.10.09 at 2:05 pm
Most definitely.
fatprophet 05.10.09 at 9:21 pm
As a church magazine editor I do think there is some value in the minister’s letter and many readers actually like to read what the minister may be thinking. I always think one of the advantages of this type of communication is that we can re-visit what the minister had said - unlike what is said in a sermon because much of it will be missed.
I would say thought that our newsletter is bi-monthly so the requirement is not so heavy as in some places and I always ask the minister if he would like to contribute - if he said no that would not be a problem - I can always find something to fill the pages or of course produce a smaller letter.