Email might seem old-school in the age of TikTok and WhatsApp, but for churches in the UK, it’s one of the most reliable and personal ways to stay connected.
Whether you’re leading a church in London or a rural fellowship in Cumbria, email lets you reach your congregation directly, build trust, and encourage deeper engagement.
This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through how email marketing works for churches, what to include, and how to get started.
Why Email Still Matters for Churches
Unlike social media, which changes constantly and can be unpredictable, email gives you a direct line to people who want to hear from you. It works well for:
- Weekly updates and Sunday reminders
- Event invitations
- Encouragement and devotionals
- Welcoming new visitors
- Stewardship campaigns
In short, email helps your church nurture relationships and keep people engaged all week long.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Email Marketing at Your Church
1. Choose a Simple Email Platform
Start with a tool like:
- Mailchimp (free for small lists)
- MailerLite
- Flodesk (great design)
- ChurchSuite (church-specific)
These tools help you create beautiful emails without needing to know code.
2. Build Your Email List
Make sure people consent to receive your emails. Build your list by:
- Adding a sign-up form to your website
- Asking on social media or at services
- Including a tick-box on welcome cards
- Promoting email updates during the notices
Keep it GDPR-compliant and let people unsubscribe easily.
3. Plan Your Content
Don’t just send emails for the sake of it. Plan your emails with intention. Think about:
- What’s coming up this week?
- What would encourage your readers?
- Is there a story or photo to share?
- How can someone get involved?
A mix of inspiration, invitation, and information works best.
4. Keep It Clear and Personal
Use a friendly, clear tone that sounds like your church. A basic structure could look like:
- Greeting
- Encouraging message or verse
- Events and news
- Invitation to get involved
- Sign-off from the pastor or team
Short paragraphs, good spacing, and clear calls to action help readers engage.
5. Stay Consistent
Choose a rhythm that works for your team. Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly emails are all fine as long as you’re consistent. Better to send one meaningful email a month than bombard people with rushed content.
What Should Churches Include in Their Emails?
Here are a few ideas:
- Sunday preview and Bible verse
- Upcoming events or series
- Volunteer needs
- Prayer requests or praise reports
- Sermon recap and application points
- Giving updates and gratitude
- Links to sign up or serve
Add one or two photos to keep it visual, and make sure your email looks good on phones.
Examples of Great Church Emails
- Christ Church London sends warm, welcoming updates with reflections and clear event links.
- Gas Street Church includes videos and great visuals that reflect their style and community.
- St Luke’s Millwall uses email to build ongoing relationships with those exploring faith.
Final Thoughts: Email as Ministry, Not Just Marketing
Email marketing is not about pushing promotions. For churches, it’s about pastoral care, presence, and invitation in someone’s inbox.
Done well, email becomes an extension of your welcome team. It reaches people midweek and helps them take the next step in faith or community.