On a national average, direct mail has a less than 1% return rate.  It is by far one of the most costly methods by which to advertise an event.  In order to be good stewards of our resources we ask that our ministries not use direct mail as a way of promotion.  Many church attendees have expressed concerns with stewardship after receiving large amounts of mail from the church.

In order to keep mailing costs to a minimum we recommend use of the Community Connection as the main source for church attendees to receive ministry information.

You may use a mailing if you have event attendees who are not church attendees.  Each major ministry may use one direct mailer per year.  GBCC will help design your mailer if you request it.  Ministry leaders can decide where to have mailer's printed and are responsible for coordinating the effort.  GBCC will provide mailing labels and will prepare the mailer.  Please allow a minimum of two weeks for a mailer request. 

All printing/mailing expenses need to be covered by the ministry/event.  Confirmation postcards are not included in the one mailer policy, they can be done as needed for major event registration.

Remember the Community Connection goes out once a month to 2,700 homes for 12 months.  In reality you have the use of 13 mailers from the church on an annual basis.  Please make good use of the church newspaper.

As a rule, people will come to an event after receiving a personal invitation much more readily than a direct mail piece.