The Complete Guide to Printed Materials for Churches
Printed materials are still a core part of how churches communicate. From welcome leaflets to banners, flyers to newsletters, print gives churches a visible, tangible way to connect — especially with people who aren’t already following your social media or signed up to a mailing list.
This guide is built for UK churches looking to improve what they hand out, put up, or post through doors. Whether you're creating your first flyer or refreshing a full suite of materials, here's what matters most.
Why Print Still Matters for Churches
Print shows up where people are. It gives something to hold, remember, and take home. It doesn’t depend on algorithms or inboxes.
For churches in rented spaces or low-profile buildings, printed materials also help establish a presence. For churches in their own buildings they can establish your brand identity and be a quick way to communicate important information.
Example:
A visitor walks into a Sunday service and is handed a short, well-designed leaflet. It explains the service times, children’s groups, how to get connected, and includes a QR code to the church website. It answers basic questions and gives them something to take away — without needing to ask.
Printed Materials Worth Having
Welcome Leaflets
Used on Sundays and in welcome packs. Short, friendly, informative.
Include:
Sunday service info
Kids/youth groups
Contact or follow-up options
QR code or website link
Your church logo and branding
Flyers & Event Invites
Used for outreach — whether door-to-door, community handouts, or invitations left in cafes.
Use for:
Christmas and Easter services
Courses (Alpha, Christianity Explored)
Community days or one-off events
Printed Newsletters
For members who prefer physical updates, or for churches who offer both print and email formats.
Good for:
Weekly or termly overviews
Key dates and rotas
Church news and pastoral notes
Posters and Signage
Displayed inside or outside your venue, in community centres, noticeboards, or local shops.
Tips:
Use bold, clear headlines
Include a website or QR code
Make it easy to scan from a distance
Banners
Used outside buildings or indoors near welcome points. Reusable banners are most cost-effective.
Examples:
“You’re Welcome Here”
“Sunday Service – 10:30am”
Ministry-specific banners: “Kids & Youth”, “Alpha Starts Here”
Service Sheets or Orders of Service
Still used in some contexts weekly, or for weddings, funerals, and carol services.
Keep it clear:
Simple layout
Large print
Well-spaced and uncluttered
Keep Your Print Materials Consistent
Even with a small team, it’s possible to keep things looking joined up.
Use:
The same fonts across all materials
A limited colour palette
A consistent logo placement and size
Templates that can be reused for flyers and handouts
Canva is a helpful tool here — easy to learn, shareable between volunteers, and ideal for keeping things consistent across ministries.
Design Principles That Apply to Everything
No matter what you’re printing:
✅ Prioritise legibility — no tiny or decorative fonts
✅ Use one or two fonts, not five
✅ Use white space — don’t fill every inch
✅ Use clear headings and short paragraphs
✅ Make sure contact info is always included
✅ Print a proof and check for typos before printing in bulk
Working With Printers and Designers
If you're not doing it all in-house, keep these points in mind:
Briefing a designer:
Say what the print is for, who it’s for, and how it’ll be used
Provide your logo, colours, and examples of what you like
Ask for print-ready files and templates if you want to make edits later
Working with printers:
Ask about recommended paper stock and finishes
Learn the difference between gloss and matte
Get a sample or proof before committing to a large run
Consider both local print shops and online services which might be cheaper for bulk printing.
Print or Digital? Choosing the Right Format
Print and digital work best together — not in competition.
Digital Works Well For
Weekday reminders and updates
Sharing within networks
Fast updates and easy edits
Broader audience reach
Print Works Well For
Sundays and in-person events
Community outreach
People not online
Visibility in local spaces
Example:
Promoting an Easter service? Print a flyer, hang a banner, post online, and send an email — all with the same look and message.
Budgeting for Print
Printing adds up, so it helps to plan ahead and focus on what you’ll actually use.
Top priorities:
A solid welcome leaflet (reused often)
Flyers for Christmas/Easter or outreach events
Reusable banners for regular visibility
Poster templates you can update and reprint as needed
Avoid printing big runs of anything you won’t use more than once. Timeless design lasts longer — “You’re Always Welcome” outlives “Join Us This July”.
Need Help With Print?
At Flock & Canvas, we help UK churches create flyers, banners, welcome leaflets, and more — always rooted in clarity, purpose, and your church’s identity.