News Examples
The Religion Page
Newspapers typically run religious news and publicity on Saturday. This
information normally goes on what is called the Religion Page (or pages).
The religion section is good for reaching people who are looking for
a church. People who aren't looking for a church, or who have no church
interest whatsoever, will skip it.
Most material on the Religion Page is rather boring, so it's not difficult
to stand out from the pack.
People who are looking for a church, either because they're new to the
community or because they're in town for the weekend and want to attend
church, will turn to the Religion Page. Often, they're looking for a church
of a particular denomination. If your church is one of several area churches
from your denomination, but you're the only one with information on the
religion pages, they'll probably try your church.
If you advertise a concert in the religion section, you'll attract people
from other churches or people who are looking for a church--but probably
not unchurched people.
The Newspaper Might be Interested in News Items About These:
- Cooperative events with other churches.
- Records broken.
- Notable annual events.
- Unique new programs.
- Local people participating in regional or national meetings.
- Property damage.
- Construction, remodeling.
- Local angles on national religious stories.
- Recognition for congregation members.
- Staff changes.
- Major religious meetings.
- Votes to relocate or disband.
- Social service projects.
- Innovations.
- Honors and awards.
- Starting a new church.
- A missions trip.
- The longest, oldest, highest, oldest, etc.
- Anniversaries.
- Special one-time events.
- Recurring events--divorce recovery group, singles
group, women's
luncheon, annual dinner theatre.
- Well-known people in town for a seminar or sermon.
- Returned missionaries.
- A partnership your church has formed with an inner city church.
- A project by your men's or women's
group which is directed at the community in some way.
- Honors or recognitions for your pastor.
- Ways your people give time to help outsiders.
- A member turns 100.
- Concerts, plays, and other events open to the public.
- A missions conference.
- A film series.
- A mission trip people from your church are taking.
- A youth fundraiser.
- Groundbreakings and dedications.
- Anything open to the public.
Topics which Lend Themselves to Feature Articles
- Historical features about your land, building, congregation,
etc.
- Special programs offered to the community or members.
- Members who are experts on certain topics.
- How you make provisions for handicapped people.
- Achievements of members.
- Groups going on mission trips.
- A missionary from your church who is on furlough.
- A profile on a person who does considerable volunteer work.
- A long-time minister is retiring.
- Experiences of youth group members doing a project of some kind.
Feature Story Ideas
Sometimes, the newspaper will be interested in doing a feature story--a
longer, more in-depth article on a particular subject. News is an event
that has happened or is about to happen; a feature goes beyond that.
Such stories take a lot more time to write, may not be tied to any breaking
news event, and are usually written in a more lively or creative way.
