Create a Parish Magazine – A parish magazine should be more than just a list of service times and committee minutes. When done well, it becomes a vital thread connecting your community – informing, inspiring, and bringing people together month after month.
But here’s the challenge: in a world of endless digital distractions, how do you create a parish magazine that people genuinely look forward to reading?
After working with churches and parish councils across the South West for over 45 years, we’ve seen what works (and what gets left unread on the pew). Here’s your practical guide to creating a parish magazine that truly engages your community.
1. Know Your Readers before you create a Parish Magazine
Before you start to create a Parish Magazine, before you write a single word, understand who’s picking up your magazine and what matters to them.
Your parish magazine serves multiple audiences:
- Long-time parishioners who want community news and familiar faces
- Newcomers looking to understand your church and get involved
- Elderly readers who may have limited digital access
- Young families seeking relevant activities and connection
- Occasional attendees who need reminders about events and services
The content mix that works:
- 40% community news and stories (local events, achievements, milestones)
- 25% inspirational content (reflections, faith stories, seasonal messages)
- 20% practical information (service times, contacts, upcoming events)
- 15% features and variety (recipes, history, interviews, children’s pages)
This balance keeps your magazine informative without becoming a dry bulletin and inspirational without losing its practical value.
2. Lead With Stories, Not Announcements
People remember stories. They skim announcements.
Instead of: “The parish fete raised £850 for the roof fund.”
Try: “When 8-year-old Emma donated her entire pocket money savings to the roof fund at our parish fete, she started a wave of generosity that raised £850 in a single afternoon. ‘I want everyone to stay dry in church,’ she told us with a smile.”
Story ideas that engage readers:
- Profile a different parishioner each month (their journey, why they love the community)
- Share behind-the-scenes glimpses (flower arranging, bell ringing, choir practice)
- Document your church’s history through old photos and memories
- Feature local businesses and how they support the community
- Celebrate volunteer contributions with personal thank-yous
Stories create emotional connection. Connection creates loyal readers.
3. Make It Visually Inviting
Even the best content gets ignored if your magazine looks cluttered or outdated.
Design principles that improve readability:
- Use a clear hierarchy: Large headlines, subheadings, and short paragraphs guide the eye
- Add white space: Cramming too much on a page makes everything harder to read
- Include photos: Community photos (with permission) make your magazine personal and relatable
- Choose readable fonts: Stick to 11-12pt minimum for body text; many readers are over 60
- Create visual breaks: Pull quotes, boxes, and images prevent “wall of text” fatigue
If design isn’t your strength, don’t worry. Many printers (including us) offer design support to help your content shine without the stress.
4. Get the Practical Details Right
Even the most engaging magazine fails if readers can’t find essential information quickly.
Every issue should include:
- Service times and special services (clearly visible, ideally on the back cover or inside front)
- Contact information for clergy and key volunteers
- Calendar of upcoming events with dates, times, and locations
- Submission deadlines for the next issue
- Emergency contact numbers, if applicable
Pro tip: Keep these sections in the same place every month. Regularity helps readers find information fast.
5. Create a Consistent Publishing Rhythm
Consistency builds anticipation. When readers know your magazine arrives on the first Sunday of every month, they start looking for it.
Establish a production timeline:
- Week 1: Content deadline for contributors
- Week 2: Editing, layout, and design
- Week 3: Final proofing and print production
- Week 4: Delivery and distribution
Communicate your deadlines clearly and stick to them. Nothing undermines a parish magazine faster than irregular publishing or last-minute scrambles.
6. Encourage Community Contributions
Your parish magazine shouldn’t be a one-person show. The more voices you include, the more readers feel ownership and connection.
Ways to involve your community:
- Invite guest columns from different church groups or ministries
- Run a children’s art or writing competition and publish the winners
- Ask for recipe submissions or gardening tips from parishioners
- Include a “letters to the editor” section for feedback and reflections
- Feature “community questions” where readers submit topics for discussion
Make contributing easy: provide clear guidelines, word counts, and submission methods (email is usually simplest).
7. Balance Tradition With Freshness
Your readers love familiar features—the vicar’s letter, the monthly prayer, the parish diary. But they also need variety to stay engaged.
The winning formula:
- Keep 60-70% of your content consistent (regular columns, essential information)
- Reserve 30-40% for fresh features, seasonal content, and surprises
Fresh content ideas:
- Seasonal recipes or craft ideas
- Book or film reviews with faith themes
- Local history features tied to current events
- Interviews with community members or local figures
- Photo essays from parish events
This balance respects tradition while keeping your magazine from feeling stale.
8. Don’t Forget the Cover
Your cover is your magazine’s first impression. Make it count.
Effective cover elements:
- A strong, seasonal image (your church, local landscape, community event)
- Clear, readable title and issue date
- One compelling headline or feature teaser
- Consistent branding (logo, colours, fonts) month to month
Avoid cluttering your cover with too much text. Think of it as an invitation, not a contents page.
9. Measure What Matters
How do you know if your magazine is working? Ask your readers.
Simple feedback methods:
- Include a brief survey once or twice a year (online or paper)
- Ask for informal feedback after services
- Track which features generate the most conversation or contributions
- Monitor distribution numbers – are you running out, or do you have stacks left over?
Use this feedback to refine your content mix and keep improving.
10. Choose a Printing Partner Who Understands Parish Magazines
Your printer should be more than just a supplier—they should be a partner who understands the unique needs of parish publishing.
What to look for:
- Reliable turnaround times that fit your monthly schedule
- Design support if you need help with layout or artwork
- Sustainable printing practices (FSC-certified paper, biodegradable inks)
- Flexible print runs for seasonal variations (Easter, Christmas editions)
- Clear pricing with no hidden costs
- Local service and personal support
At Parish Magazine Printer, we’ve been supporting churches and parish councils for over 45 years. We understand your deadlines, your budgets, and the importance of getting every issue right. From design guidance to sustainable printing, we’re here to make your parish magazine a source of pride for your community.
Ready to Create a Parish Magazine Your Community Will Love?
A well-crafted parish magazine strengthens community bonds, keeps everyone informed, and creates a lasting record of your church’s life together.
Whether you’re launching a new magazine or refreshing an existing one, we’re here to help. From design advice to print-ready production, we’ll support you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and quote. Let’s create a parish magazine that your community will genuinely look forward to reading—month after month.
Call us on 01225 812930 to get started.