For many churches, Sunday morning is the moment of connection. The sanctuary fills, voices rise in worship, and the pastor delivers a message of hope. But once the service ends, the challenge begins—how do you keep people engaged throughout the week?

That’s where church email marketing comes in.

You might be thinking, “Email? Isn’t that just for businesses?”

Far from it. Churches that use email effectively build stronger relationships, increase attendance, and create a deeper sense of community. A well-timed message of encouragement or an insightful reflection midweek can bring someone back to church who might have otherwise drifted away.

The best part? Email is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay connected. It doesn’t rely on social media algorithms, and it lands directly in people’s inboxes, waiting for them when they’re ready.

So, let’s explore how your church can use email to engage, encourage, and expand your reach.

Why Email Marketing is a Game-Changer for Churches

Think about how people consume information today.

Social media is cluttered and unpredictable. Text messages can feel intrusive. And while word-of-mouth is powerful, it can’t scale the way digital communication can.

Email, however, is personal, direct, and controllable. It allows your church to speak into people’s lives on their schedule—whether that’s during a quiet morning coffee or after a long day at work.

It also has an incredible return on investment. Studies show that for every $1 spent on email marketing, organizations see an average return of $36.

For churches, this isn’t just about financial ROI—it’s about kingdom impact. More engagement means more people involved in ministries, greater participation in events, and a stronger, more connected congregation.

Jesus often met people where they were—at wells, in homes, along roadsides. In today’s digital world, their inbox is one of those places.

How to Start Using Email for Church Growth

1. Build a List of People Who Actually Want to Hear From You

One mistake churches make is emailing everyone they can find—whether those people asked for it or not. That’s a sure way to get ignored (or marked as spam).

Instead, invite people to join your email list. You can do this through:

  • A simple sign-up form on your website: “Get weekly encouragement straight to your inbox!”
  • A QR code in the church bulletin: “Scan here to receive devotionals and updates.”
  • A friendly announcement: “Hey church family, if you’d like to stay connected during the week, drop your email with us.”

The key is to focus on value—people are more likely to sign up if they know what’s in it for them.

2. Send Emails That Feel Personal, Not Promotional

Nobody wants to open an email that feels like an advertisement. And yet, that’s what happens when churches only use email for announcements and event reminders.

Instead, think of email as an extension of your ministry.

  • Send a short midweek encouragement based on Sunday’s sermon.
  • Share real stories of people in your congregation.
  • Ask how you can pray for your members.

When Jesus spoke, he told stories—parables that connected with people’s everyday lives. Your emails should do the same.

For example, instead of saying:

“Men’s Bible Study, Tuesday at 7 PM.”

Try something like this:

“Ever feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? This week at Bible study, we’re diving into how Jesus calls us to rest in Him. Join us Tuesday at 7 PM—there’s a seat waiting for you.”

One speaks to the heart. The other is just an announcement. Which one do you think will get more people to show up?

3. Make It Easy to Read and Act On

We all have inbox overload. If an email looks too dense, people will skim or delete it.

So, make it easy on them.

  • Keep paragraphs short—no long walls of text.
  • Make the subject line interesting so they actually open it.
  • Include one clear action step in every email.

For example:

“Feeling distant from God this week? You’re not alone. This Sunday, we’re talking about practical ways to reconnect with Him. We’d love to see you at 10 AM.”

The more relatable and conversational your emails feel, the more people will engage.

The Biggest Church Email Marketing Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, churches sometimes get email marketing all wrong. Here’s what to avoid:

Mistake #1: Sending Emails Too Often (or Not Enough)

If you flood inboxes, people unsubscribe. If you go silent, they forget you exist.

Solution: Stick to one solid email per week (plus special event emails when necessary).

Mistake #2: Using Boring, Generic Subject Lines

Nobody gets excited about “Weekly Church Newsletter.”

Instead, spark curiosity:

  • “Here’s what God put on my heart for you today…”
  • “A special message from Pastor Mark (don’t miss this).”

A good subject line makes people want to open the email.

Mistake #3: Treating Emails Like a Bulletin Board

Church emails should not just be announcements.

Instead, make them feel like a conversation. Add stories, encouragement, and a personal touch.

When emails feel human and heartfelt, people actually look forward to opening them.

The Best Tools to Help Your Church Succeed

You don’t need fancy software, but using the right email marketing tool makes a huge difference.

Here are some of the best options for churches:

  • Mailchimp – Easy to use, great for small churches.
  • ConvertKit – Fantastic for automating email sequences.
  • Planning Center People – Perfect if you want email + church member management.

Most platforms offer a free plan, so you can start without any cost.

Take the Next Step: Get Your Free Guide

If you’re serious about using email to grow your church and deepen engagement, we’ve put together a free guide to help you get started:

📩 “The 7 Biggest Church Marketing Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)” 📩

This resource breaks down the most common pitfalls and gives practical solutions so your church can:

✅ Reach more people
✅ Strengthen community connections
✅ Increase attendance

👉 Click here to download your free guide! 👈

By taking this small step, you’ll set your church up for long-term success in digital ministry.

Final Thoughts

Church email marketing isn’t just a marketing tactic—it’s a ministry tool.

It allows you to stay connected beyond Sunday, share the gospel in meaningful ways, and create a thriving church community that feels seen and supported.

So, if you haven’t started yet—now is the time.

And if you need help along the way? We’re here for you. Let’s build something that truly makes an impact.

📩 Download the Free Guide Now and take the next step in strengthening your church’s outreach today.