There is a phalanx of churches in Surrey that is flying the flag for the idea that an attractive parish magazine is a vital component of a parish strategy, an indication that a parish church is seriously intent on making the Gospel known. A parish magazine matters.
Quality is all. Well, nearly all. When a householder in Epsom Common picks up Christ Church News and a resident nearby picks up Ewell Parish News, they gaze on colourful 21st century productions. Nearby Cobham offers an equally handsome 28-page magazine. St Martin’s magazine serves Anglicans and Methodists in Dorking. All Saints, Guildford publishes a 44-page magazine. Brian Cox edits the 36-page ‘Oxshott News’ carrying news of the church and the village.
Three times a year – Coronavirus permitting – 2,200 Hinchley Wood households receive a copy of the magazine coming from St Christopher’s church. And publishing a 48-page three-times-a-year issue delivered to every household is Shalford; its magazine is edited by James Reeve. ‘Connection’ is the 44-page monthly magazine of Christ Church, Virginia Water. Edited by Roger Kohn, it is delivered to 2,700 homes.
Time and energy spent on a local publication are time and energy well spent. ‘Nothing is real until it is local,’ said G.K. Chesterton. When a centralising surge is taking out local distinctiveness, a vigorous localism can secure an appreciative readership. To secure this there must be a high-end product. The other requirement comes in the phrase ‘to every household’. If not ‘to every household’, widespread circulation is none the less a must.
What can explain the liveliness of this phalanx of effective parish magazines in Surrey churches? Enthusiastic editors and advertisement managers are clearly at work. Another factor in the Surrey array is a helpful Guildford diocese that offers training in press relations, magazine production etc. Parish Pump and the Association for Church Editors get a diocesan mention.
Mind you, being an editor is not a way to gain friends. No would-be contributors like to see the babies they cherish being treated otherwise than with great respect. Sad to say, an editor of a high-end product has to be ruthless.
It helps to have a positive attitude to advertisements. An apologetic or supplicating sales pitch is not the way to bring in ads. A healthy circulation (particularly a ‘to-every-household’ delivery) is a prime asset. An advertisement manager can knock on doors with confidence (yes, it’s a time-consuming job looking for revenue) if he can deliver 5,000 potential customers.
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