In many circles today, the church bulletin—or worship folder, as some prefer to call it—has been relegated to relic status. It’s often seen as a leftover from a bygone era, something traditional churches cling to while more “cutting-edge” congregations go completely digital. Some church leaders proudly announce that they’ve ditched the bulletin altogether.
But I believe that’s a mistake.
Why? Because you’re missing a powerful opportunity to put something tangible into the hands of your guests—something that can quietly and clearly say, “You matter. We’ve thought about you.” In fact, anecdotal evidence continues to show that a well-designed, guest-focused bulletin can increase the likelihood of a first-time visitor returning.
That’s why I now view the church bulletin as primarily for the guest. Yes, members may benefit from it. But in its most effective form, it serves as a first impression, a silent ambassador, and a helpful guide for those who may be walking through your doors for the first time.
With that in mind, here are eight essentials to include in your bulletin—each one crafted to connect with your guests.
1. Worship Times
This may seem obvious, but I’m surprised how often bulletins either bury or entirely omit the worship times. Make them visible. Prominent. Clear.
Many guests will take the bulletin home. If they decide to return—and we pray they do—they’ll need to know when. Don’t make them go to your website or dig through old emails. Put the worship times on the front page or at the top of the inside cover. Your goal is to make it effortless for a guest to say, “Let’s go back next week.”
2. Physical Address of the Church
You might assume that everyone uses GPS or that they’ve already mapped the location, but assumptions like that often backfire. Include your physical address, and do it with precision. Not just the street name, but everything a GPS needs to direct someone back to your church.
It’s a simple way to remove one more potential barrier for your guests. The more seamless their experience, the more likely they are to return.
3. Email and Telephone Contact
Guests will sometimes leave a service with questions. Where do I find a small group? What’s available for my children? Do you have a midweek service?
Your bulletin should clearly list at least one main email address and one main phone number. Better yet, provide a specific contact—something like [email protected] or Next Steps Team: (555) 123-4567.
And here’s the key: Make sure someone is responding. I cannot emphasize that enough. A prompt reply to a guest’s inquiry may be the very thing that turns curiosity into connection.
4. Prayer Request Contact
This one is often overlooked, but it’s critical.
Many guests are willing to share a burden before they’re ready to share their identity. They’ll write a prayer request before they’ll fill out a connect card. They may never approach a staff member in person, but they’ll text or email a prayer need when life gets heavy.
That’s why I encourage churches to create a dedicated prayer contact—either a specific email address or a phone line (or both). Something like [email protected] gives guests a way to connect at a meaningful, spiritual level.
And as always, make sure someone is responding quickly and compassionately.
5. Sermon Notes
I’ve been surprised by how many guests want a place to take sermon notes. They may be visiting for the first time, but they’re leaning in. They’re listening carefully. And many of them want to reflect later on what they heard.
Give them space for that. You don’t need to outline every point or fill in the blanks (unless that fits your church’s culture). A simple section labeled “Sermon Notes” with some blank lines or open space often works just fine.
When a guest sees that you’ve prepared a place for reflection, it signals that your church values the Word—and that you’re expecting people to engage with it.
6. Major Events Only
It’s tempting to turn the bulletin into a mini calendar—filled with every potluck, committee meeting, and youth outing scheduled over the next 30 days. Resist that temptation.
Instead, use the bulletin to highlight only the major, church-wide events that are guest-friendly. These should be gatherings or opportunities that are open to all and that communicate something important about your church’s mission and culture.
If it’s an event your church would want a guest to attend, include it. If not, leave it for the website or the weekly email.
7. Vision or Mission Statement
Your bulletin is more than an information sheet—it’s a small expression of your church’s identity. Including your church’s mission or vision statement tells a guest what really matters to you.
Keep it short. Keep it clear. Keep it gospel-centered.
Statements like “We exist to make disciples who worship, grow, and go” or “Loving God. Loving People. Making Disciples.” aren’t just slogans—they’re directional signs. They help guests begin to understand the heartbeat of your congregation.
8. Order of Service
I know some churches have moved away from including the order of service. The reasoning often sounds like this: “It keeps things flexible,” or “Guests don’t need it.”
I disagree.
Guests often feel uncertain or out of place in a new worship environment. They don’t know what’s coming next, what’s expected, or even when to sit or stand. A simple order of service—just the basics—can ease that anxiety.
It’s not about rigid predictability; it’s about offering hospitality. Let the guest know what’s coming so they can participate more fully.
A Word About Guest Registration Cards
You might be wondering why I didn’t include a guest card as one of the essentials. That’s because it’s not so much what you include, but how you include it.
Perforated tear-offs inside a bulletin often go unused. They’re awkward, and guests are hesitant to make a public rip.
Instead, insert a loose card—clean, simple, and easily dropped in a collection box or handed to a greeter. When done well, these cards still serve a vital function without being intrusive.
The Bulletin Is Not Dead—It’s Strategic
Let me say it again: the church bulletin is not dead. It’s not a leftover tool from a different generation. It’s not a burden or a distraction. It’s a strategic, physical piece of ministry that helps guests feel seen, guided, and invited to return.
So don’t design your bulletin only with your most faithful attenders in mind. Design it for the person who walks through your doors uncertain, anxious, or spiritually curious. Create it for the couple who just moved to your city and are looking for a new church home. Make it useful, beautiful, and above all—intentional.
If you’ve abandoned the bulletin for the sake of being modern, I encourage you to reconsider. Many churches that are seeing growth in guest return rates are using bulletins intentionally, not accidentally. It’s not about nostalgia—it’s about outreach.
You don’t need a flashy design or thick paper stock. You just need a plan.
Let me hear your thoughts. Have you seen a bulletin used effectively in your church or in a church you’ve visited? Are there other guest-focused features you’ve found helpful?
I’d love to keep the conversation going.
Posted on July 21, 2025
With nearly 40 years of ministry experience, Thom Rainer has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of local churches across North America.
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15 Comments
Thanks so much for this. Really useful information. However, one thing I didn’t see (either in the article or the comments) is a rather practical detail. To put it in question form: what size paper do you have in mind?
Good thoughts but possibly incomplete IMSHO . The question I poss for any event – “What is it you want your guest to know as they leave they did not know as they entered “. It’s a balancing act! But especially small churches have the challenge to ‘tell your story’ without overwhelming your guest. Are they wondering if you have a youth group? This could be your only opportunity to tell them. So short mentions of key information with QR code to get details might be an approach
Thanks for all you do!!
Good points, Kenneth. Thank you.
I agree completely. I take it one step further for memorial services: I like to include Scripture passages in the bulletin – the actual text. Sometimes hymn/song lyrics also, if they are particularly clear and compelling. Lots of people don’t know what Psalm 23 is (for example) or how to find it. I give them the actual text so they can take it with them. Memorials can be the greatest evangelistic opportunity we have these days. Use a bulletin! It can be a tremendous ministry to extended family to “have something to remember” their loved one, and to mark their last good-by.
I like it!
QR code leading to the website.
Hello Thom, we are a church with a weekly attendance of around 800 and we still make use of it for the various reasons you said. I also believe it allows the greeters/ushers to have deeper interaction as folks arrive–to place something in their hands about our church. Many folks will read deeper as they sit there or revisit it later in the week. We do not do an order of service any longer but it is filled with good informative information. I believe we do it well as I’ve reviewed many on my current sabbatical. Great read today.
Those are great thoughts, Gary.
When we moved a year ago and began looking for a church, I was disappointed in the number who had no bulletin. As a retired pastor, I thought it was just my mindset, but many of the things you mention, Thom, are exactly what we were looking for.
I’m now an interim pastor, and we have a bulletin!
Excellent!
The only thing that I can add is that having a printed vehicle of information is very helpful for your guests because slides and verbal announcements are quickly gone and forgotten. We spent months of frustration at a church we began attending because they didn’t provide a bulletin and we had no idea what was going on. (They also didn’t update their website and FB account regularly.)
A very thorough list and strategic rationale.
Thanks, Thom!
On target, Bob.
Great and helpful advice! What are your thoughts on digital bulletins?
My thought is that digital bulletins would be a wonderful, practical, and economic tool. But provide a limited number of printed ones as well for those who would prefer that option. Some folks want to take notes and not everyone has unlimited data to use on a digital bulletin.
James –
See Bob’s comments on the need for a printed bulletin. His response is typical of what we hear from church guests.