In a world filled with constant hustle and bustle, finding time for personal growth, whether spiritual or through general reading, can be quite a challenge. However, a groundbreaking survey conducted by the Center of Bible Engagement uncovered a simple yet transformative truth: engaging with the Bible at least four times a week can profoundly impact lives.
A lot of people read Bible online because it’s tough to create a space where people can engage with meaningful content regularly. This is where a church reading program steps in as a helpful solution. It becomes a purposeful break from the relentless pace of daily life, creating an opportunity to pause, reflect, and nourish the soul.
In this blog, we’re going to take an exciting trip together to figure out how to plan and promote a reading program in your church. Imagine it as a special adventure to help your church family grow and become even more connected.
1. Identify the need
Start by discovering what your church community wants and likes. Have a chat with the members, maybe even ask them questions or do a survey to find out what topics they’re interested in. Do they want more stories about faith, inspiration, or maybe just a guide for self-help? This way, you can create a reading program that fits their interests and desires.
For example, let’s look at the United Methodist Church Union (UMCU) Reading and Mentoring Program. They wanted to help young students in grades K-4 who go to a school in an impoverished neighborhood. They talked to the kids, their families, and the school staff to find out what they needed.
Turns out, these kids wanted someone to read and spend time with them. So, the church created a church reading program where each student gets a grown-up friend, and they meet every week for about 30-60 minutes during the school year and read with them.
2. Select engaging materials
Once you’ve figured out what your church community really wants, it’s time to pick reading stuff that grabs their attention and makes them feel excited. When you’re thinking about church book club ideas, remember it can be like any other book club too, it’s not just about religious stuff.
You can also include different genres and mix them up to make sure there’s something for everyone in your scripture reading circle. You can add spiritual books with some other inspiring stories that everyone can relate to. Here are a few church reading ideas:
- Biblical Books and Studies
- Inspirational and Devotional Books
- Classic Christian Literature
- Biographies and Autobiographies
3. Set a realistic schedule
Life can get busy, and expecting everyone to commit a significant amount of time may not be realistic. That’s why, when planning the church reading program, it’s crucial to create a schedule that fits into different people’s lives and schedules. Whether it’s a get-together once a month, every two months, or each week, it’s important to make it something people can realistically commit to.
The OneLife Bible Reading Plan is a fantastic schedule, designed to keep the reading program accessible for everyone. It encourages daily engagement with God’s Word, encouraging community unity by having everyone read the same passages together. What makes it special is its flexibility; you can choose to read 1, 2, 3, or all 4 assigned passages each day, tailoring the plan to your own time and capacity.
4. Create a website
Creating a straightforward and user-friendly website for your church reading club is a smart move. This website becomes a central hub where members can easily access crucial information about the program, such as schedules, recommended readings, and any additional resources.
With a user-friendly interface, the website ensures that participants can navigate and find the information they need without any hassle. This enhances the overall experience for members and also increases engagement and connectivity, as the website becomes a go-to reference point for all things related to the reading program.
For example, let’s take a look at Calvary Chapel San Jose. They have taken the initiative to develop a dedicated website for their book club, offering a wealth of information for interested participants. This includes details on how to sign up, schedules for upcoming sessions, and featured topics to be discussed.
5. Make regular announcements during services
Face-to-face communication is a powerful way to keep everyone in the loop about your in-person or online scripture reading club. During the church services, take a moment to share key details about the reading program, including what’s planned for upcoming sessions and any special events on the horizon.
These regular in-person announcements serve as a friendly reminder and an open invitation for everyone to join in the reading program. The direct communication ensures that every member of the congregation is well-informed. Plus, this also makes it easy for everyone to stay connected with the program, encouraging more people to participate and promoting a strong sense of belonging.
6. Create flyers and posters
Imagine walking into your church and being greeted by vibrant, eye-catching church flyers and posters that shout out about the upcoming reading program. These visuals are like beacons, strategically placed in community spaces and on bulletin boards, inviting everyone to join in.
Visuals have this incredible ability to convey complex details in a glance, making it easy for anyone passing by to grasp the program’s key points. The benefits are laid out vividly, and the call to action is crystal clear. You can design eye-catching flyers and posters that showcase key details of the reading program and distribute them within the church, in community spaces, or share them online.
PosterMyWall simplifies the design process, allowing you to choose from a range of eye-catching templates for church posters designs. Once you’ve selected a template, you can personalize it with your church’s branding, program details, and any additional information you want to highlight. The platform also offers the flexibility to include engaging images, relevant quotes and much more. After customization, you can conveniently download and print the posters or share them digitally across various platforms!
7. Use social media
Leverage the reach of social media platforms to connect with a wider audience. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer a unique space to connect with people beyond the physical confines of the church. Design posts that highlight the essence of the reading program, create exciting events to generate interest, and regularly share updates to keep the community informed.
Social media can also help you create an online space for your church where the reading program becomes a lively and ongoing conversation. Participants can easily contribute, exchange ideas, and support one another. This digital outreach ensures that the reading program is not limited to specific meeting times but extends its impact throughout the week.
8. Community Outreach
Take your invitation beyond the church doors by actively reaching out to the community. Partner with nearby churches, connect with local media outlets, and engage with community centers to amplify the message about your reading program.
Get involved in community events, fairs, or gatherings where you can share information about the program and its benefits.
Hosting informative events is an effective way to draw in new members and build stronger connections within the broader community. Involving community centers adds another dimension, making the reading program more accessible to those who might not be connected to a specific church.
9. Encourage feedback
Building a space where feedback is not just welcomed but genuinely valued is crucial for the success and growth of a church reading program. Actively encourage participants to share their thoughts, suggestions, and personal experiences with the program. This open communication channel creates a feedback loop that serves as a valuable tool for making continuous improvements.
Participants, knowing that their input matters, are likely to become more actively involved in the overall church community. A culture of open communication and responsiveness enhances the reading program and also strengthens the bonds within the congregation.
Key takeaway
To create a successful church reading program that suits your community, think about what you all want and need. Make sure the schedule works for everyone, have a website that’s easy to use and gather to read scripture to understand its literal meaning. Share the news in different ways; talk about it during church, use eye-catching posters and messages on social media. This way, more people will know about the program and can join in.
Explore these resources for more guidance on church marketing:
- How email templates can make your church marketing a success
- Church marketing strategies to grow your congregation
You can also use PosterMyWall to create visuals to effectively promote your church reading club. You can choose from a variety of templates specifically designed for church events or book clubs. After you’re done, sharing them on social media is also a breeze!
Hira is a Content Writer at PosterMyWall. Hira enjoys writing, so she looks forward to exploring different niches. When she’s not writing, she’s either on a trip making new friends, jotting down her thoughts, or just spending quality time with her two cats, Rio and Dusty!
