Think of your Church bulletin as a map to your service. They can be as simple as you want them to be, or packed full of important information. Thankfully, there are tons of websites that offer free bulletin templates to get you started.
The design of your church’s bulletin is entirely up to you and the needs you want to meet.
Whether you start from scratch on programs such as InDesign or begin with a template, the opportunity to create an amazing church bulletin is waiting!
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
Table of contents
What is a Church Bulletin?
Church bulletins are essentially service guides, and can be used as great communication tools. They are great physical reminders of all upcoming events and any other information your church wants to share.
How Long Should a Church Bulletin Be?
This is completely dependent on you. It can be a simple one-page, back and front with simple information regarding a few upcoming events. Or it can be several pages stapled together.
It can be tricky determining the right length, as you never want to create something just for it to get thrown in the trash or never looked at.
Be intentional about what you include in church bulletins. That’s why using church bulletin templates can be so helpful in figuring out the content and the length.
Benefits of Using a Church Bulletin
Bulletins are used as visual reminders and cues. And for any first-time visitors, they highlight important information for your congregation.
Often, it’s the printed church bulletin that lies on each or every other seat in the auditorium as people sit down. People are physically picking these up as they find their seat and will typically glance at them before the service starts.
Why Should I Use a Bulletin Template?
Now that we’ve listed so many great benefits of using a church bulletin, it’s time to talk about free bulletin templates.
There are so many websites that have templates ready to be edited. Whether you want to print your church bulletins or create them for a digital space, there are options for anything.
What Should Be Included in a Church Bulletin?
Some key things should always be included in any church bulletin. While many of these things can be optional, it is dependent on what you want to include.
Notes/Message Outline With Fill-in-the-Blanks
Leave a blank page near the back of the church bulletin for people to take notes. People are likelier to do just this when given the tools for notes. Another option is to create a fill-in-the-blank note template from the sermon for people to easily follow along.
Announcements With Dates
This should be near the front with reminders of upcoming events. Feel free to even list all your service times as well as other locations you may have. The church can be a busy place with so many ministries and events. Lay it out by the 4 most upcoming events in each bulletin.
Social Media
Include your social media account names so that anyone interested can easily find them and follow!
Lyrics to Songs
An optional part to add to your church bulletin is a song list or song lyrics. While you will most likely have lyrics displayed on the screen, sometimes people may not be able to view it or can’t see that far away.
“Getting to Know You”
An important part of any bulletin is an area for new guests to fill out their information about getting more involved if they wish to be contacted. Guests can either take their bulletin to a connection point area or you might want to design a space that can be torn off and dropped in a contact box.
Order of Service
Just like with a song list, this can be helpful for people unfamiliar with your service to understand what will happen next.
Prayer Requests
This section could also be a tear-away part of any church bulletins. Sometimes people may want to write down their prayer requests and turn them into a prayer team for them to pray over the week.
Place for Testimonies
Another optional part of the church bulletin is a place for inspiring testimonies. These can be amazing stories from your own congregation that get highlighted each month or weekly. It’s a great place to share about all the wonderful things God is doing in the lives of the people of your church.
Best Platforms for Building Church Bulletin Templates
Below is a list of great websites to get started on designing your church bulletin template.
Canva
Canva has 34 different free bulletin templates to get you started. There is also the option to be creative and start with a blank space. Add as many or as little pages that you want. Change colors, fonts and images.
Concordia Supply
Concordia Supply builds their church bulletin templates using Microsoft Word. They do have 4 options for free bulletin templates that include 2 traditional styles and 2 modern styles.
They provide the option to purchase ready made bulletins that come in packs of 100. Prices begin at $8.99 for a pack of 100 bulletins and shipping is free once you spend $50.
Ministry Voice
Ministry Voice designs their own templates free of use. They are 4-sided, consisting of covers that were designed by their graphic designers. Again, their templates are created with Microsoft Word.
Enter your email address on their site to access free customizable bulletin templates.
Lifeway
Lifeway has over 352 bulletin templates to choose from. Their packages include 100 printed bulletins that begin at $8.49.
They also have responsive bulletins that have perforated segments for guests to fill out their information or prayer requests. These prices begin at $0.09 per bulletin. Each bulletin comes with an edit option to customize before you purchase.
Template Lab
Template Lab provides over 41 customizable options for free bulletin templates. They use Microsoft Word to edit the church bulletin templates. These are great starting points in creating a simple but effective church bulletin.
Adobe Express
Adobe Express is a great website to get started, and it is completely free. They have pre-made church bulletin templates that you can edit. Adobe Express is easy to use and lets you have the ability to add many different design aspects.
If you don’t have the main Adobe programs because they can be costly, then Adobe Express is a fantastic alternative to create any bulletin.
My Creative Shop
My Creative Shop allows you to edit on their website. Change the images, colors, fonts and even insert QR codes onto your bulletins.
For $19.95 a month, you have access to thousands of design templates, as well as unlimited downloads and other projects. Once you create the church bulletin template, you can download, share and print directly with them.
All of their bulletins come in a bi-fold format, meaning it folds down the middle.
10 Church Bulletin Template Ideas
Now that you’ve had a look at all the different platforms you can use to build your free church bulletin templates, we want to jump into our top 10 ideas, tips, and tricks! This list includes ideas for all kinds of things: the visual design and layout of a bulletin, the content and copy, and more!
Let’s jump in!
1. Design like a “SAINT”
Template Lab has great advice for designing your church bulletin like a “SAINT”.
This acronym stands for Simple, Absolutes, Important, Neat, Type and Images.
- Simple – Keep things simple. Don’t overthink and put too much information that overwhelms the reader.
- Absolutes – This is a design reference that means contrasting elements. Use different size fonts, dark and light colors, thick and thin shapes to draw the readers eye.
- Important – Only include important information. This goes along with design as well.
- Neat – Pairing with design, keep it neat and easy to read. If someone can’t read your bulletin because it’s not well organized, then you have failed at the reason for the bulletin in the first place.
- Type and Images – Make sure to use the same font and sizing across all headers. And be sure to use only high-quality images in your bulletin so it looks professional.
If you can remember this acronym in your church bulletin template designs, you’ll have a much easier time crafting something effective.
2. Use a QR Code
After the pandemic, most people are very familiar with how QR codes work. Use this to your advantage and create one for your church website. Or you can use the QR code to direct people to an easy to way give during service, as most people give online these days. This can also help keep your bulletin simple and well-organized.
Incorporating a QR code in church bulletins simplifies access to additional information. By scanning the code with smartphones, members can quickly access websites, event details, or sermon notes. This modern approach enhances convenience and engagement, catering to diverse needs within the congregation.
It also reduces paper usage and printing costs, aligning with environmental sustainability efforts. QR codes streamline communication, allowing members to easily connect with relevant resources and stay informed about church activities. In essence, integrating QR codes in church bulletins reflects a commitment to embracing technology for the benefit of all members, fostering a more accessible and interactive church experience.
3. Use Church Bulletin Inserts
If you’re worried about too much information being included in your bulletin, then think about adding an insert.
An insert can be any loose one-page informational sheet that inserts into the middle of the church bulletin. This can be a great option if you want to have monthly bulletins and change out the inserts weekly.
Inserts can be on any topic such as giving, different ministries, or even upcoming conferences you wish to highlight.
4. Pictures, Pictures, Pictures
Don’t use just words or else all the information will get lost. Incorporating images into your bulletin can help break up giant text blocks. And it’s a fun way to show off your church photography and highlight moments.
Including pictures in church bulletins adds visual appeal and enhances communication. Simple graphics or photographs can complement announcements, event details, and sermon themes. Visual elements help convey messages effectively, especially for members who may prefer visual cues over text.
Images can also evoke emotions and create a welcoming atmosphere within the bulletin. However, it’s essential to use images sparingly and purposefully to avoid clutter and distraction. Well-chosen visuals can capture attention and reinforce the content’s meaning, making the bulletin more engaging and memorable for all members.
5. Don’t Be Afraid of Colors
Colors in church bulletins enhance readability and engagement. Simple color schemes can differentiate sections, highlight important information, and create visual interest. Using colors strategically, such as for headers or key points, improves the bulletin’s organization and accessibility. Vibrant colors can evoke emotions and reflect the church’s atmosphere, fostering a welcoming environment. However, it’s important to maintain readability by choosing contrasting colors for text and background.
While it can be cheaper to use only black and white, don’t be afraid to branch out and incorporate colors. If your church has a certain color aesthetic, then stick to that, or if you are doing a sermon series for the month, then use that color to brand your bulletin.
By incorporating colors thoughtfully, church bulletins become more visually appealing and memorable for members.
6. Be Consistent
It’s important to be consistent with your church bulletin. Whether it’s updated weekly or monthly, try and stick to using the same information and organizational layout each time so as not to confuse readers.
Why? Because consistency in church bulletin design is vital for clarity and recognition. Using the same fonts, layout, and formatting throughout maintains a professional and organized appearance. Consistent design elements help members navigate the bulletin easily, finding information quickly without confusion. It fosters a sense of familiarity and reliability, strengthening the connection between the congregation and the bulletin.
Moreover, consistency reinforces the church’s brand identity, reflecting its values and mission. By adhering to a consistent design, church bulletins become more visually cohesive and impactful, enhancing communication and engagement within the community.
7. Avoid These Common Mistakes
While most of the ideas on this list are things you should do when designing a church bulletin template, we also want to let you know some things you should avoid. These can be common mistakes or oversights made in the design process.
Here are a few we suggest you keep an eye out for:
- Too many different fonts (we suggest sticking to 2-3)
- Too much white space (or not enough)
- Unorganized pages
- Abbreviations or Christian jargon without any explanations
This list isn’t exclusive, but these are some pointers to keep you on the right track.
8. Include Important Announcements
Including important announcements in church bulletins is crucial for keeping church members informed about the church’s activities. The church bulletin serves as a primary source of information, detailing upcoming events, schedule changes, and other pertinent updates.
A clear church program template outlines the schedule of activities, helping members plan their participation and stay engaged with the church community. By prioritizing straightforward language, churches can ensure that every member understands the information provided in the bulletin.
Ultimately, including important announcements in church bulletins strengthens communication within the congregation and fosters a sense of unity and participation in the church’s mission. It ensures that all members are well-informed and able to actively participate in the various activities and events organized by the church.
9. Connect to Your Website
Connecting your church bulletins to your website is crucial for accessibility and information dissemination. By including a link or QR code (see #2!) to your website, members can easily access additional resources and stay updated on church events. Your website can provide more detailed information about upcoming activities, sermons, and community outreach programs.
Additionally, it offers a platform for members to engage with online sermons, submit prayer requests, or access study materials. Integrating your physical address on the website helps visitors locate your church and encourages them to join in-person worship services.
By linking your bulletins to your website, you create an excellent written tool for communication and engagement. It ensures that members and visitors have access to relevant information anytime, anywhere.
10. Don’t Forget a Welcome Message
Don’t forget a welcome message in church bulletins to warmly greet members and visitors alike. A simple message expressing hospitality and gratitude sets a positive tone for worship.
Featuring a Bible verse or scripture readings for the week can offer spiritual guidance and reflection. The welcome message serves as a beacon of inclusivity, inviting everyone to participate in the church’s activities and services. It fosters a sense of belonging and connection among members, reinforcing the church’s mission of love and fellowship.
In essence, a heartfelt welcome message in church bulletins extends hospitality, shares inspiration from scripture, and facilitates community engagement, enriching the worship experience for all.
Church Bulletin Templates
Remember that less is more in designing your church bulletin, and don’t get overwhelmed when beginning this process. That’s why it’s helpful to begin with a church bulletin template to design.
If you test out a design and you find it doesn’t work, that’s okay! Try again and don’t give up. It might take time to perfect exactly what you want to include in your bulletin.
Follow all the tips and tricks listed above and start designing today!
Further Resources for Churches
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