Thursdays with Todd: 5 Reasons Preachers Should Write Handwritten Cards

When was the last time you sent a brief note to someone the old-fashioned way: using a pen to write down your thoughts on a piece of paper before placing it in a mailbox, knowing it may be a couple days before your note reaches its final destination?

In our high-tech world of instant communication, we have grown accustomed to ministering via texts, email, and social media. And, while we can be thankful for so many ways to minister, I want to make a case for why preachers can bless others by sending handwritten cards.

1. Cards are unexpected. Fewer people receive handwritten notes and cards in the mail than they did even a decade ago. The US Postal Service reports that first-class mail continues to decline sharply in an age of instant electronic communication.¹ Consequently, a handwritten card has the potential to “stand out” among the usual and more expected forms of communication.
2. Cards uniquely encourage members. Aside from a personal visit, a handwritten card encourages church members beyond ways they are encouraged through other correspondence. Yes, that timely text, email, or phone call is important, but there is something about receiving a card in the mail that brings a special blessing to the recipient. When members receive your letter in the mail, they know you have been thinking of them as you located suitable stationary, affixed a stamp, and looked up their mailing address. And, it honors them to know that you have taken extra time to express your feelings in your own hand.
3. Cards best convey our gratitude. When someone blesses us personally, we typically express our thanks to them both verbally as well as electronically (text or email). This is good form and arguably sufficient for many relationships. Consider going the extra mile, however, by following up with a personal, thank-you card. Sending a handwritten note of thanks for their kindness–a special meal, a gift, a preaching opportunity and honorarium–conveys that your gratitude is not obligatory, but thoroughly genuine.
4. Cards bless church visitors. Few people enjoy receiving form letters, those impersonal, “one-size-fits-all” methods of communicating: eg., “Dear _________. Thanks for visiting our church.” A personal card from the pastor, however, makes a positive impression upon church visitors. It doesn’t take much time to write 2-3 sentences on a card, and doing so is more likely to result in a visitor’s return.
5. Cards enhance our preaching ministry. The most effective preaching occurs in a pastoral context. When members have been blessed to receive a thoughtful card from their pastor, they are more likely to be receptive to his preaching. They feel their pastor genuinely cares for them as he has taken extra time to bless them.

Preachers: What thoughts would you add to this discussion?

Be sure to check out Dr. Linn’s website, Preaching Truth.

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1.  “A New Reality: Correspondence Mail In The Digital Age.” Last modified March 5, 2018. https://www.uspsoig.gov/sites/default/files/document-library-files/2018/RARC-WP-18-004.pdf