Cartoons in church emails and social media give people a reason to pause. In a weekly email, a cartoon can make the news feel lighter. On a church website, it can show newcomers a friendly face before they ever walk through the door. And on social media, it gives people something they actually stop scrolling for. This guide explores the many ways churches use cartoons online, with ideas to suit your own channels and your own congregation.
This post is part of our guide, Cartoons in church life and ministry (coming soon).
Why use cartoons online?
Because online, everyone is in a hurry. People skim emails and scroll past posts in seconds. So a cartoon that earns a pause, and a smile, is often all it takes for someone to read the message beside it.
Cartoons also say something about who you are. A well-chosen cartoon tells people your church is warm, welcoming and doesn’t take itself too seriously. That matters most for people who don’t know you yet, since many will look at your website or social pages before they visit in person.
How can cartoons work in church emails?
When it comes to cartoons in church emails and social media, the inbox is a good place to start. Here are a few ideas churches use.
- A friendly opener. A cartoon near the top of the weekly email can set a warm tone and encourage people to keep reading.
- A spotlight on one notice. Placing a cartoon beside the announcement that matters most this week can draw the eye straight to it.
- A cartoon of the week. A regular sign-off cartoon becomes a small treat that people look forward to.
- A welcome for newcomers. A cartoon in a welcome email can make a first contact feel personal rather than formal.
- Reminders and thank-yous. Event reminders and volunteer thank-yous can both feel lighter with a cartoon attached.
Where could a cartoon sit on a church website?
Almost anywhere you’d like to add warmth. For instance, a cartoon on a “New here?” page can put visitors at ease. On an events page, it can give a potluck or youth night some personality. Similarly, a blog or devotional post can open with one, and a giving page can use a gentle cartoon to make the ask feel less heavy.
Some churches also like to refresh a cartoon on the home page with the seasons or the current sermon series. So visitors can see that the site, and the church behind it, is active and welcoming.
What can cartoons do on social media?
In fact, social media is where cartoons often feel most at home. There are lots of ways to use them.
- Start a conversation. Sharing a cartoon and asking people what it says to them can bring comments, stories and connection.
- Carry the sermon into the week. A midweek cartoon on Sunday’s theme can remind people of the message and also reach those who missed it.
- Create a regular feature. A weekly cartoon slot gives your page a rhythm that followers come to recognize.
- Mark the church year. Seasons such as Advent, Lent and Easter offer natural moments for a cartoon.
- Promote an event. A cartoon can make a fundraiser, a social or a service invitation stand out in a busy feed.
Whichever you choose, cartoons in church emails and social media tend to work best when they connect to something real in your church’s life.
How can you find cartoons that fit?
A good place to start is the Faith Collection (coming soon), which we put together for churches. It gathers cartoons about church life, Bible stories and everyday faith. You can also browse it by sermon theme, such as forgiveness, gratitude, generosity, patience, prayer and community, so finding a cartoon to match this week’s message is quick.
Also, to learn more about how CartoonStock works with churches, visit our page for churches.
What should you know about licensing online?
Each place a cartoon appears online is its own use, so the license follows where the cartoon is going. That applies to cartoons in church emails and social media alike. For example, a cartoon in your weekly email and the same cartoon in a Facebook post are two different uses. Our friendly guide to cartoon licensing for churches explains how that works.
When you share a cartoon, you’re welcome to resize it and change the caption’s font and size. The cartoon itself stays as drawn, uncropped and with the cartoonist’s signature visible. And if you’re planning to use cartoons across several channels, tell us your plans and we’ll help you find the right fit.
Questions about cartoons in church emails and social media
Can we use the same cartoon in our email and on Facebook?
Yes, with a license for each use. If you know before you license that a cartoon will appear in several places, let us know and we’ll help you cover them all at once.
Is there a right amount of cartoons to share?
Not really. Some churches share a cartoon every week, while others save them for special moments. What matters most is that each cartoon feels like it belongs to your church and your message.
Can cartoons help us reach new people?
They can. A friendly website or social feed gives people a feel for your church before they visit. After all, a cartoon that makes someone smile may be the first warm welcome they receive.