We've discussed the church bulletin a few times here on ChurchTechToday over the last seven years. About a year ago, we ran an article entitled, “4 Technology Options that Might Kill the Church Bulletin” which brought about many comments, suggestions, and examples of what churches have done and are doing.
For whatever reason, the church bulletin brings about heated debates fraught with high emotions.
So when we heard about Bulletin Plus, a newer church technology company, we took note and wanted to share with you their innovative approach to the church bulletin.
Everyone on staff at Bulletin Plus has worked on staff at a church before, so we made everything so easy because we knew we needed to. This isn't just a solution like Constant Contact, it's way more than that. It stores the same events and has so many features to keep people even more connected than the standard print bulletin,” says Jeret Slack for Bulletin Plus.
Bulletin Plus takes everything in the paper bulletin and makes it digital–plus a whole lot more. Their services offers unlimited email subscribers, free Bulletin Plus App, free stock photos, social media integration, share events feature, unlimited event storage, free bulletin themes, customized sign-up page, plus a whole lot more.
They've also added events registration and church calendar features.
On their website, Bulletin Plus notes that “you can send out 3 bulletins and store 20 calendar events and create as many free registration events as you would like. After that it's just $59 dollars a month.”
Churches that have their own app can pull in their bulletin design and content to their custom app.
Ninety percent of churches using their solution send it out on Friday morning and offer note paper in front of chairs for note taking.
The reality is, with all the announcements in the paper bulletin, that you can't communicate all the info on Sunday morning. It's too short a period of time to accomplish it all,” notes Slack. “Our thing is to break the traditional method of communication delivery.”
Ministries are like small companies within the church. They want effective promotions. They want the pastor to mention the event from the pulpit so that people will sign up for it.”
When asked if Bulletin Plus can also provide a print version Slack commented, “We don't have built into our system the ability to print because it's a complete change of mindset.”
So for churches dead set on providing a print version, you might need to get creative to offer a print version to complement the online bulletin if your congregation requires it.
He adds, “Professional looking materials make ministry look professional and draws people in. I know how to visually communicate a message that makes people want to read it. Our number one goal is to make the small churches look like the big guys, but with a tight budget. we pack it full of free stock photography that churches can use.”
To check out how other churches are already using Bulletin Plus, visit the iTunes Store or Google Play or visit this page to see how Harvest: Greg Laurie uses this solution.
This is very helpful. Our church is looking at going down to a once a month printed bulletin. This is a helpful possible alternative.