Thred’s E-newsletter Encourages Talk of Life and Faith
Staying connected is what Thred, LHM’s digital resource for life and faith at thred.org, is all about. And that’s the idea behind its recently launched weekly e-newsletter: a thought-provoking, easy-to-read message that wants to know what your take is on living as a Christian in an ever-changing, ever-challenging world.
“We want to deepen our relationship with Thred followers,” says Rachel Tichich, manager of digital strategy and development. “We’re using this email platform as a means of reaching our 22,000- plus (and growing!) subscriber base with content that’s Gospel rich, that nurtures a relationship with them, and that equips them for sharing their faith in this day and age.”
The latest e-news topics have addressed joy, sharing our faith, our connection to the “stuff” we own, being in charge, owning versus giving, and feeling sufficient. Tracking prior Thred email responses has shown that people are interested in faith empowerment; in establishing and maintaining trust with others; in getting to that elusive—but attainable—place where faith conversations aren’t so strange and difficult; and in better understanding how a Christian’s worth is tied completely to Christ.
In each e-news, there’s a feedback mechanism built in where users can answer a multiple-choice question, or they can add their own comments in an open-text format. This has led to some healthy exchanges.
“It’s been encouraging to read the thoughtful and heartfelt responses we’ve received from members of the Thred community. We’re honored to continue offering content that resonates with them and equips them to live out their faith, including online,” says Andréa Vasilo, content writer for LHM.
These contacts lead to Thred sharing LHM resources, too. “Recently, we had someone chatting with Thred specifically about the topic of how to love your neighbors online in the midst of some pretty volatile digital conversations in our society. We learned that he’s a Christian and not only open to more resources on the topic but actively seeking them. We’re currently in communication with him, providing him with links to relevant Project Connect booklets and other LHM courses,” says Tichich.
Thred’s new e-newsletter is just one of the many ways it makes online connections with its audience. At thred.org you’ll find dozens of Christ-centered, faith-enriching blogs in six different categories. FREE, downloadable resources like Thred courses, in-depth PDFs, and a sermon kit for pastors are available. And of course, you can follow Thred on social media.