Every church should produce one very nice brochure which gives an overview of your church and is aimed at outsiders. This is a basic promotional piece. Let's call it the flagship brochure.

You may also print brochures about various programs and other matters, but this one brochure requires the highest quality you can afford, since it will often be in a position to make a first impression of your church.

The flagship brochure can be used in different ways:

• Send it to first-time visitors.
• Include it in mass mailings to the community.
• Send it to anyone inquiring about the church.
• Distribute it door-to-door.
• Put it in a rack on an information table.

Tips for Flagship Brochures

• This brochure should be simple, clear, and attractive. Put some money into it.
• Don't try to cover everything your church does. Just hit some highlights.
• Two years is a good lifespan for a church brochure. Especially if it contains photos of people; hairstyles and clothes will appear dated, and some people in those photos may no longer attend.
• To extend the brochure's life, avoid information that might change. This might include service times, when specific groups meet, and the names of staff members. As soon as you mention that the youth group meets on Sunday night, they'll switch to Friday.
• Brochures can be designed as self-mailers. That is, you leave room so that, when folded, one side can be used to attach an address label and postage.
• The most common format is the tri-fold: 8.5-by-11 inches, folded twice. That way, it fits in an envelope (or even a shirt pocket).

Information You Might Include in a Flagship Brochure

• Children's programs (parents will want to know what you offer their kids).
• Community and social programs the church participates in.
• Directions to the church (preferably a map).
• Where do I park? Which door do I enter through?
• The office phone number.
• Any denominational affiliation.
• Summary of church doctrine (don't print a complete statement of faith)
• A brief historical sketch of your church.
• A church mission statement summary.
• Those are just ideas. If you hit all of those areas, you're trying to say too much. Include enough to answer their initial questions, but not flood them with information.