Why You Need Text Messaging For Churches – And How to Start

Your church might deliver inspiring sermons and organize memorable events, but getting members to show up can be a challenge. That’s where communication matters. Reaching your community at the right time, through the right channel, is key. Text messaging for churches is the answer.

I remember attending a church event with my grandmother as a teen. I signed up for updates because I enjoyed the experience. But the church only sent updates by email. 

That worked for me, since I check my inbox often. My grandmother, though, didn’t use email. She missed out on future events and any last-minute changes. She relied on others to keep her informed.

But there’s one channel my grandmother uses every day: text messaging. She sends cheerful goodnight texts and, yes, sometimes misuses emojis. Like most people with a cell phone, she reads nearly every text she receives.

Text messaging stands out for its reach and reliability. No other channel comes close. Texting is the most effective way to reach every age group in your congregation, from teens to seniors.

Text messaging for churches: Why your church needs it

A text messaging platform for church updates ensures every member gets important information, right when they need it. However, sending mass texts manually (and the old-fashioned way) is time-consuming and costly. 

Automated VoIP SMS marketing platforms make the outreach affordable and efficient.

And don’t forget, a modern church texting service offers more than just mass messaging. 

You get two-way (P2P) messaging, group segmentation, and integration with church management software (ChMS). These platforms also help you stay compliant with regulations such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

This means your church can communicate safely and effectively.

Text messaging for churches: How churches use automated texts

Schedule text messages

Automated services let you plan and schedule texts in advance. Got an event next week? Schedule an invitation today and a reminder the day before. 

You can also set up recurring reminders for weekly services, prayer meetings, or volunteer opportunities. This keeps your congregation informed and engaged.

Personalize messages

Text messages don’t have to be generic. Use tags to insert a member’s first name or reference their last donation. 

For example, “Hi John, thank you for your $50 donation toward the new church building.” 

Personal touches like this make messages feel genuine and encourage better responses. You can also personalize texts for birthdays, anniversaries, prayer requests, or send targeted messages to youth, parents, or volunteers.

Church signup drives

Collecting contact information is simple with text messaging. Promote a phone number during services and encourage members to text in for updates. 

Use keyword opt-ins like ‘Text WELCOME to 12345’ to streamline signups and guest follow-up. 

Once someone texts in, your platform can collect their name and email address, automatically building your contact list.

Automated responses

Want to know how many members will attend tomorrow’s event? Ask them to reply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ by text. Automated responses track replies and help you manage RSVPs easily. 

You can also use this feature for prayer requests, surveys, or feedback collection.

How much does it cost?

You pay only for what you use. Text message rates can be as low as 0.019 cents per message sent, depending on your area. Texting 100 people weekly might cost just $1.

Providers like CallHub offer flexible pricing: pay-as-you-go options. Many also provide free trials, so you can test the service before committing.

Strengthen bonds with calls and texts. 

Speak to CallHub

How do I get started?

Getting started is simple:

• Choose a text messaging provider.
• Collect opt-ins from your congregation.
• Set up groups and message templates.
• Schedule your first campaign.

Most platforms offer tutorials and support to help you launch your first campaign with confidence.

Want to make calls too?

Some members may prefer phone calls, especially if they use landlines. Platforms like CallHub let you send automated voice messages, replicating a traditional church phone tree. 

Combining text and voice messaging ensures you reach every member, no matter their device.

Text messaging for churches: Best practices and compliance

• Always get express written consent before sending texts. 
• Understand regulations such as the TCPA and GDPR, especially if you have international members. 
• Use clear opt-in and opt-out processes. 
• Segment your lists to keep messages relevant. 
• Integrate your texting platform with your ChMS for smooth communication and record-keeping. 
• Review analytics regularly to track engagement and improve your strategy.

Text messaging for churches: Advanced uses

Text messaging isn’t just for event reminders. Consider these options: 

• Share daily inspiration, Bible verses, or prayer requests. 
• Send emergency alerts or last-minute changes. 
• Use two-way messaging for feedback, prayer requests, or volunteer signups. 
• Run fundraising campaigns with text-to-give links. 

Further, segment your audience into targeted groups for youth, parents, or volunteers. And don’t forget to use analytics to measure response rates and optimize future campaigns.

FAQs: Text messaging for churches

Augustus Franklin

Augustus Franklin, Founder, and CEO of CallHub, crafts insightful narratives exploring the technical intricacies and real-world applications of CallHub’s tools, empowering political and advocacy campaigns.