Free downloads for churches
Created by Elliot Crippen, Digital Enabler for Yorkshire North and East Methodist District. Please note these are not officially distributed by the Connexional Team of The Methodist Church.
Graphics This page contains 100+ social media templates that have been designed to work for local Methodist Churches mostly using photography by Elliot. There are places out there that offer similar downloads (some are signposted below) but many cater to an American audience or urban style. There’s little that is suitable for small rural Methodist Churches – the hope is that the options offered here are suitable for a range of UK contexts, and provide something that is a bit more traditional, but ultimately feels “Methodist-y” – with Methodist colours and branding. (note – designed for use online and not optimised for printing)
Photography Bank Scroll down to find the link to the Photography Bank containing 100 high-quality photographs taken by Elliot in Methodist Churches around Yorkshire, many taken at Starbeck Methodist Church (thanks to them for letting me share). These are GDPR compliant and don’t contain any identifiable people.
Below are examples for you to browse and explore. You can click on an image to view it in full and right-click to download, or you can access and download all graphics and photos via the GoogleDrive button.
Need help designing?
Design and Branding: a practical guide and suggestions (pdf)
Best practices for Methodist Churches written in 2022 by Elliot Crippen
Christmas 2023
Hopefully most are aware of the Connexional Christmas campaign (Out of the Ordinary) and the useful resources available to download and pre-order for churches – both physical and digital
www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/advent-and-christmas-resources/
District Resources
Similar to the last few years, I have created some additional resources to sit alongside this, using parts of the theme and branding the Connexion has provided. But adapting the messaging to focus more on offering ourselves and the good news to our communities (rooted in some of the richness of Methodism)
Publicity and Invitation Examples
Use these on Facebook to promote your church events and activities to your local community. Parts of the design are intentionally left empty to allow you to add your own details or logo. If you need anything customising, do get in touch.
Mission and Outreach Examples
Use these on Facebook to raise awareness of your church in the community and spread positive messages of hope and faith to those outside the church. (Use them like you would a public poster outside your church – they are for communicating the vision and values of your church). Parts of the design are intentionally left empty to allow you to add your own details or logo. If you need anything customising, do get in touch.
Engagement Posts
Use these on Facebook or Instagram to encourage conversation with your audience. Social Media shouldn’t be a noticeboard – it’s two-way.
Internal Messaging Examples
Use these on Facebook to share updates or notices with your church congregation. Parts of the design are intentionally left empty to allow you to add your own details or logo. If you need anything customising, do get in touch.
Blank Templates
Blank backgrounds you can import into Canva or another application to add your own text.
High-Quality Methodist Photographs
Find photos taken in Methodist Church buildings by Elliot Crippen. There are over 100 high-quality photographs many taken at Starbeck Methodist Church (with thanks to them for letting me share). These are GDPR compliant and don’t contain any identifiable people.
Elliot Crippen - Digital Enabler
Elliot has been working for Yorkshire North and East District since 2018 and has built up extensive experience in designing graphics for a Methodist context and in a Methodist style. It’s a fine line between looking modern / professional, and keeping the authenticity of what our churches are actually like in person. Elliot is a budding amateur photographer and enjoys creating videos and experimenting with creativity.
Contact Elliot: digital@yorkshirenemethodist.org
Signposting other options
Here you’ll find other websites that offer downloadable social media graphics and other templates (mostly American)
Canva Church Templates
Church Motion Graphics
Church Media Drop
Ministry Designs
Lightstock
