*This post contains affiliate links
The purpose of a card ministry is to send cards to people celebrate an event with them, to encourage them, to cheer them up, to make them feel better, and to let them know someone is praying for them.
It is very easy to start a card ministry of your own!
How to Start a Card Ministry
You only need a few things to get your card ministry started.
- a greeting card box or bin to put everything in. Not a drawer, stuff will get piled on top of your cards
- a calendar – one that you can keep in your box
- an assortment of greeting cards – birthday, anniversary, sympathy, Christmas – religious & secular, thinking of you, thank you, etc. It’s nice to stock some cards that are suitable for men, and cards that are blank inside. Handmade cards are really nice, too.
- writing paper or note paper for when you want to send a personal note, but don’t have a specific card for the occasion.
- envelopes – greeting cards & stationary will come with some, but you will need some for the note paper or handmade cards
- pens
- stamps – buy the forever stamps so you don’t have to buy extra stamps later. Put these stamps in the card box and don’t raid the box to mail your bills!
You also may want to include these items:
-
- stickers or maybe a wax seal to embellish the envelopes
return address labels - little stickers to include in cards to kids
- Bible verses you have printed on paper
- bookmarks, either store bought or handmade, make sure they are not to heavy, so you don’t have to pay extra postage
- stickers or maybe a wax seal to embellish the envelopes
An Idea
Here are some cards that I had printed for my card ministry. I used a picture that I had taken myself, and edited it on the computer to put the Bible verse on it. I had these printed for me because I got a good deal on them. It may be cheaper to print something like this yourself, depending on how much the ink for your printer costs. The ones that I send out don’t say Linda’s Lunacy on them. lol You can pick whatever Bible verse you think will be encouraging to someone. Or have a few different verses on cards for different needs.
Once your box is stocked, you’re almost ready to begin.
Now you need names and addresses. I recommend keeping an address book in your box. Start with family, and all your friends, and maybe your kids friends families. If your church has a directory, get an extra copy to keep in your box. Names and address of co-workers, or your kids coaches & teammates, if available are a nice addition, too.
Now you’re ready to start your card ministry!
Birthday cards are the easiest to start with. Add a list of family & friend birthdays to your box to make it even easier.
If you hear of someone that has been sick, it’s easy to grab your box and put a get well card in the mail quickly.
If you haven’t heard from someone in a while, and they come to mind, send them a thinking of you card.
Once you get started sending cards, you’ll find many occasions to send them. Make sure you remember to restock your stamps and cards regularly!
You’ll find that people appreciate the cards very much. And you will have succeeded in encouraging someone and making a difference in their life.
*This post contains affiliate links. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.
I love the idea of a card ministry. It always makes me feel good to receive cards so I’m know it makes others feel good as well. Good idea!
I sent cards every Tuesday morning for a number of years,many were just words of encouragement or “thinking of you” I am starting that again.
My grandchildren and I make handmade cards or notes for holidays for nursing homes, soldiers or children’s hospitals.(See Cards for Hospitalized Kids website) . During the Corona Lockdown we made 60 cards for Easter!
I am getting busy during “Corona Time” and dropping off bundles of cards to Nursing Homes and hospital staff during the “shut down “.
Thank you for encouraging all of us to do something as simple as sending a card or note out. You never know who you might “touch”!
I never thought an article/blog on this topic would be required. But considering that sending cards is an act that we’re almost forgetting in the world of technology, I guess this is helpful. Sending-giving-receiving cards were so common during our childhood, and I especially remember our pastor’s wife giving us cards for our birthdays. She never missed a birthday! It was always special and we waited for her cards. So, when my husband became a pastor, I decided to do the same! Coupled with that, God has given me the gift of art – so I make the cards myself. It’s wonderful to see the cards displayed at some of our members homes when we visit them! One family even displays all the previous years’ Christmas cards (as part of their Christmas decorations), and add on the current one! The card ministry is an amazing ministry!
Jessica, India
I love that you are carrying on your pastor’s wife’s tradition of birthday cards. Using your own art makes it so special special. I, too, keep special Christmas cards and display them every year! Thanks stopping by, Jessica!
When we had a ladies group at church, we had what was called the “Sunshine Fund”. Every few months or so the lady who sent the cards would ask for donations to help with supplies such as cards, stamps, etc. Unfortunately, we disbanded due to many members passing away. But, during Covid, I came up with the idea to send cards to people from church, especially homebound members. They really loved it and it made them feel special and remembered. I go to the Dollar Tree and stock up on cards, since they are 2/$1 for Hallmark cards. I buy an assortment and also birthday cards for at least 3 months in advance. I will try this though, and get a nice box to put everything in.
Thanks for sharing your story, Brenda! Cards are an awesome way to make others feel special and remembered.
We started A card ministry last year at our church. It has been a very nice way to keep in touch as a church family. There are 3 of using this team. ( 2 retirees and 1 still working girl ) Stamps. Cards. Calendar.
Births. Sickness. Birthdays. Thinking of you. ( for our shut ins. ) Anniversaries. Thank yous. And our always unpopular… sorry to see you go… as we have many military families relocating.
I read your post to see if I was missing anything. And I am on par with you. Many thanks.
I may actually request the youth group to make a bunch of cards soon. We running a little low. With card stock. Scrips and scraps of yarns. Glitters. Silk flower parts.
Thanks for sharing your story, Lynn. What a great idea to involve the youth!!