To newsletter or not to newsletter.... that is the question! (Sorry. I just couldn't resist that one!) One of the questions that I am asked almost every time I consult with women's ministries is whether or not they should have a newsletter. 

There is not a one size fits all answer for this question, but I do have some general guidelines that I always share to help leaders make this decision. Here are three things you need to consider before starting a newsletter:

Purpose.

• Why does your women's ministry needs a newsletter?
  
• How will the newsletter minister to the women in your church?
  

Answering these questions will help you determine how the newsletter will help to fulfill the purpose of your ministry, how often you produce the newsletter, and how many pages you will need to have.

Product.

Make a list of information you need to include, and determine how often you need to publish the newsletter. (Quarterly is a good place to start.) If your church has a regular newsletter, then a better use of time, and resources, would be to have a women's ministry section in it, rather than produce your own product.

Production.

Do you have a volunteer(s) to help produce the newsletter? The amount of volunteers you need will depend on the size of your church. Tasks for volunteers can include research, writing columns, layout, printing, folding and mailing. Doing all these tasks yourself can be fun at first, but over time you will appreciate having others to share the work.

Think the project through carefully and prayerfully before taking it on. Talk it over with your leadership team and proceed only if doign so will compliment your ministry.

WM Note: We provide a printable monthly newsletter each month. This newsletter is a WM Premium download and is designed to help you in plannign your team meetings. Each issue includes Jennifer's latest column, a new ministry tip and an additional planning page for your meetings. Have a look at the most recent issues.