How to Build and Send Email Campaigns

Video: Mastering Email Campaigns for Your Church

Purpose

This article shows you how to build and send email campaigns in Church Fuel, using the design editor or done-for-you templates. You will learn how to preview, test, choose recipients, and send or schedule emails with confidence.

When to Use This

Use this when you need to:

  • Send a church-wide email update or announcement
  • Send a targeted message to a Smart List, tag, or segment
  • Use Church Fuel email templates to save time
  • Test and preview an email before it goes out
  • Check campaign performance after sending

Prerequisites

Before you begin, confirm you have:

  • Access to Marketing and Emails in the Church Fuel software
  • A sender name and sender email address you plan to use
  • Your subject line (and optional preheader text) ready
  • Any links or page slugs you plan to use in buttons, so you can verify they are correct

Steps

1) Navigate to Email Tools

  1. Log in to the Church Fuel software.
  2. Click Marketing on the left-hand side.
  3. Select Emails.

Your Email dashboard shows delivery stats, opens, and recent campaigns.

2) Create a New Email Campaign (Design Editor)

  1. Click New.
  2. Choose Blank, then select Design Editor (recommended).

  3. Drag blocks onto the email canvas (text, images, buttons, logos, and more).

    Edit your content:

    • Update text
    • Replace images
    • Add or edit buttons
  4. Switch between Desktop and Mobile preview.
  5. Open the three-dot menu, then click Send Test Email to send yourself a test.

3) Use Church Fuel Email Templates

  1. Click New, then select Email Marketing Templates.
  2. Browse templates (seasonal events, invitations, ministry updates, and more).

  3. Click Import to copy a template into your account.

    Open the imported template and customize:

    • Text
    • Buttons
    • Images
    • Event names and details

Custom values can automatically fill details like your church name, event name, and dates.

  1. Send yourself a test email, especially when buttons link to your site.
    • Confirm links are correct.
    • Make sure page slugs match your actual pages.

4) Send or Schedule Your Email

  1. Click Send.

    Choose:

    • Send now
    • Schedule for later
  2. Attach files if needed (rare).
  3. Choose your Sender Email and Sender Name.
  4. Enter your Subject Line.
  5. Optional: Add Preheader Text to improve open rates on mobile.
  6. Click Review and Send.

5) Choose Recipients

  1. Under Recipients, choose who should receive the email:
    • Smart Lists (recommended)
    • Tags (example: Men’s Updates, Decisions for Jesus)
    • Segments you build on the fly
  2. Avoid sending to All Contacts unless it is absolutely necessary.
  3. Optional: Turn on Track Clicks to monitor engagement.
  4. Click Review and Send.

6) Send One-to-One or Small Group Emails

To email one person:

  1. Go to Contacts.
  2. Click the person’s name.
  3. Use the Email tab to send your message.

To email a small group:

  1. Open the Smart List or tag (example: Decisions for Jesus).
  2. Select all contacts.
  3. Click Send Email.
  4. Customize your message and send.

7) View Campaign Stats

  1. After sending, return to the Email dashboard to review performance.

    Open Bulk Actions (or the campaign view) to see:

    • Delivery
    • Opens
    • Clicks
    • Send status

All campaign stats also display on the Email dashboard.

Notes

  • Always check links inside templates. If you changed a page slug (example: welcome-event), update button links so paths do not break.
  • Smart Lists are the best way to send consistently targeted messages without blasting your whole list.
  • Keep your sender address consistent. Many churches use info@ or hello@ for clarity.

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