Do you want to connect with your church members and keep them engaged? Then, it’s essential to develop a solid communication strategy—and utilize the proper tools. One tool that has proven incredibly effective is the text messaging feature within BeyondSundays. In this blog post, we’ll explore why, when, and how you should use text messaging for church purposes, along with what results you can expect and how to integrate it into your broader digital marketing strategy.

Why Use Text Messaging for Church Communications

If you’re not using text messaging for church communications, you’re missing out on a major opportunity. Texting has become an integral part of modern communication. It’s a method every age group uses (albeit to varying degrees). And that means you can harness it to connect with members every day of the week!

In case you’re not convinced, here are some specific reasons to use text messaging:

• Widespread Accessibility: Almost everyone has a mobile phone, making text messaging a universally accessible means of communication. This ensures that a large percentage of your congregation can receive messages.

• Instant Communication: Text messaging provides a quick and efficient way to communicate with members, ensuring that important information reaches them in a timely manner.

• Personal Connection: Text messages create a personal and direct connection with your members, making them feel valued and engaged.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to traditional methods like printed newsletters, text messaging is a cost-effective way to keep the congregation informed, making it an efficient use of resources.

• Two-Way Communication: Text messaging allows for two-way communication, enabling members to respond, ask questions, or seek clarification easily. This fosters a more interactive and engaged community.

• Higher Open Rates: Text messages typically have higher open rates (98%) than emails. Members are more likely to see and read important updates sent via text.

• Eco-Friendliness: Utilizing text messaging reduces the need for paper-based communication, aligning with environmentally friendly practices and reducing the church’s ecological footprint.

When to Use Text Messaging for Church Purposes

There’s a reason many churches have started using text messages to communicate with members. Texting can be a powerful communication tool in various scenarios within your church community. Here are a few examples of when to use text messaging for church purposes:

Event Reminders

Text messaging is an ideal communication tool for sending event reminders to your church members. Whether it’s a Sunday service, a special event, or a community gathering, using text messages ensures that members receive timely reminders, increasing the likelihood of higher attendance and engagement. This instant and direct communication helps keep your congregation well-informed about upcoming activities.

Urgent Notifications 

Text messaging serves as a crucial channel for urgent notifications, especially in cases of emergencies or last-minute changes. When time is of the essence, sending a text message lets you quickly and effectively communicate important information to your congregation. This ensures that everyone is promptly informed, fostering a sense of trust and dependability within the community.

Prayer Requests

Offering a platform for members to submit prayer requests via text creates a convenient and immediate way for the church community to support one another. This fosters a sense of connection and empathy among members, as they can share their concerns and joys easily through text messages. It creates a virtual prayer network that strengthens the bonds of the community.

Volunteer Recruitment

Text messaging provides a personalized and direct approach to reaching out to potential volunteers within your congregation. By sending targeted messages, you can encourage members to get involved in various church activities. This direct outreach increases the likelihood of attracting volunteers and promotes a sense of active participation within the community.

Follow-up and Check-Ins

Use text messages to follow up with newcomers, send welcome messages, and check in on members’ well-being. This personal touch through text communication helps create a sense of belonging within the church community. It allows for ongoing connections and ensures members feel valued and cared for beyond the physical church gatherings.

How to Use Text Messaging Properly

When using text messaging for church purposes, it’s important to do it properly. That way, you can build trust, respect personal boundaries, adhere to legal requirements, and maximize the impact of your messages. Here are some best practices to implement:

1. Follow Text Message Laws.

There are text message laws you must follow in order to message anyone (even your church members). These include the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Wireless Association (CITA) guidelines. Although it’s worth reading both in their entirety, the most important points are as follows:

• Get the prior consent of everyone you message. For example, you can include an opt-in form on your website or have members check a box on a card when they attend service. 

• Send a confirmation message containing your name, contact information, opt-out instructions, recurring message disclosure, and a note about charges (e.g., “Msg and data rates may apply”). 

• Acknowledge and honor opt-out requests immediately. After opt-out confirmation, don’t send any other messages. 

• Never rent, sell, or share your opt-in list. 

• Only send messages between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. (local time). 

By following these rules, you can stay in compliance with legal requirements. Further, you can ensure you’re respecting your members’ time and privacy.

2. Personalize Text Messages. 

Address recipients by name and tailor messages to their interests and needs. Some messages may be generic by default, but you should aim for personalization whenever possible. By incorporating personal touches, you not only enhance the impact of your messages but also strengthen the bonds that tie your congregation together.

3. Be Consistent. 

Establish a regular texting schedule to maintain engagement without overwhelming your congregation. You may need to send texts about last-minute changes or emergencies. However, you should still decide early on when and how often you plan to communicate with your members via text. (This should also be part of your confirmation message.) As far as frequency goes, a good rule of thumb is 2 messages per week.

Note: As mentioned previously, there are laws governing text messaging. Make sure to send messages between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time.

4. Always Provide Value.

Offer valuable content such as scripture verses, inspirational quotes, or links to church resources. Even if you use text messaging primarily for notification purposes, sprinkling in other types of content is still a good idea. You want members to see the value in receiving your messages. 

5. Make It a Two-Way Conversation.

Don’t just talk at members when you text; talk with them! Encourage them to respond to your messages. This creates a dialogue and nurtures a sense of community. 

What to Expect by Using Text Messaging

There’s a lot to gain by integrating text messaging into your church’s communication strategy. That is, of course, as long as you approach it the right way. If you follow best practices, you can expect several positive outcomes:

• Improved Attendance: Event reminders and notifications lead to higher attendance at services and events.

• Enhanced Engagement: Members who receive regular text messages are more engaged with your church community.

• Better Volunteer Recruitment: Text messaging can help recruit volunteers and fill essential roles within your congregation.

• Increased Giving: Text messages can also be used to encourage financial support and donations.

Integrating Text Messaging into Your Digital Marketing Platform

To maximize the impact of text messaging for your church, consider how it fits into your broader digital marketing strategy. Here are some practical tips to follow:

• Combine with Social Media: Promote your church’s social media accounts through text messages to expand your online reach.

• Create Mobile-Friendly Content: Ensure your website and digital content are mobile-friendly to provide a seamless experience for text message recipients.

• Collect Data: Analyze data from text message campaigns to understand what works best and refine your overall marketing strategy.

• Automate Campaigns: Use automation tools to schedule and send text messages, saving time and ensuring consistency.

The good news? With BeyondSundays, integrating text messaging is easy! Two-way texting is a built-in feature of our platform. In fact, it’s part of a centralized communications dashboard. 

Conclusion

Incorporating text messaging into your church’s communication strategy can revolutionize how you connect with your congregation. By using text messaging for church communication via BeyondSundays and following best practices, you’ll not only see improved attendance and engagement but also foster a stronger sense of community among your members. If you want to harness the power of text messaging while enjoying the benefits of an all-in-one church marketing and management platform, visit our Pricing page and start your free trial today!