When we want to communicate with people nowadays, more often than not we text them. Moreover for churches, calling a newcomer may feel too aggressive, and emails never get read. That’s why more and more churches are turning to texting to communicate with their members and build their community.
Engage Your Congregation with TextingTexting for churches allows you to send messages to your entire congregation — and they will read it in seconds! Even better, landline texting means you can carry out two-way conversations with congregants. Plus you can use the phone number your organization already uses or we can provide you with one.
With mobile keywords, you can collect opt-in mobile numbers automatically so your members can sign themselves up to receive updates. This allows you to automatically grow your distribution lists without having to manually enter information. You can promote your keywords through different channels like Facebook, Twitter, flyers, emails, and at events. You can also send engaging messages like prayer requests, community updates, ministry information, and updates on events like potlucks or prayer meetings.
Use Texting for DonationsChurches need donations to keep their community programs funded throughout the year. Texting for churches is a great way to get donations. If you send your congregation a text with a link to your church’s donation page they are far more likely to click it and complete a donation. The reason text-to-donate campaigns work is because it is the easiest way for a person on the go to set up a donation: they just text in a word and follow the link they get sent back.
This is effective at growing your donation base, as donors want a simple process where they can make a one time donation to your organization and move on. You can even announce the keywords during your services so congregants can text in their tithes or donations.
Send Text RemindersText reminders are an amazing way to increase your attendance. You can send your congregation personalized reminders to come to service on Sunday or other days of worship, helping you get higher attendance. Busy churches are great, but it can be hard for members to keep up with various ministry and outreach programs. A text system can remind members of upcoming group meetings quickly, and church members can easily opt-out of alerts they aren’t interested in. These could include regular info about upcoming activities or meetings, or alerts if a time or location for a regular event has been changed.
It can also let people know about other special gatherings, such as church camps or classes. Parents can send the church a text to confirm that their kids will attend or ask questions about the dates, which will help organizers know how many students to expect.
Organize Your StaffChurch leaders need to delegate to make sure all programs and services run smoothly. So leadership must find trusted staff or volunteers that are able to handle different duties, from choir to youth programs to ministry to scheduling and maintaining facilities. These positions are often on a volunteer basis, so it’s not common for everyone to be available for weekly face to face meetings.
Luckily, having a text messaging service for churches can keep everyone in contact no matter where they are in their busy lives. Landline texting can avoid problems like several groups trying to be in the same meeting room at once or trying to organize special events on the same day. This is better than a phone or email chain and far more efficient for your congregation.
Send Event UpdatesThings are always subject to change at a moment’s notice, and what was discussed in the Sunday bulletin or post-service announcement may not necessarily be true by Wednesday. Meetings could be canceled or postponed. Meeting rooms could be changed. A scheduled event could be canceled because of inclement weather. Or, a pastor could be called out of town unexpectedly. Text messages can alert people and make sure your members are kept up to date.
Boost Service AttendanceYou can automatically schedule messages to your congregation on what’s coming up and encourage them to attend. It could be a service with an unusual time, like Christmas, or it could be a special event, such as a guest speaker or online service. Sending out text surveys can also help organizers gauge interest and get a general head count.
“With Trumpia’s text messaging service for churches, you can reach who you need to reach instantly, no matter where they are.”
- Blair Farley, Director of Communications at Mariners Church
“Trumpia has been one of the most effective platforms we’ve been given to spread the word, gain support, and provide information to our church members. We’re already dreaming about how to use it for our next big event!”
- Isaac Chong, Operations Director of Ekko Church