How Churches Are Using SMS Text Message Marketing

Church and text messages may not seem like they belong together, but churches are also getting in on the benefits of SMS text message marketing.

Mobile messages reach people quicker than E-mail and snail-mail, which is why many churches use group text messaging as the main form of communication between the church and its congregation.

Here are a few ideas for using a texting service for your church or ministry

KEEP YOUR CONGREGATION INFORMED

SMS has become one of the most efficient ways for pastors and church administrators to communicate with their congregation.

They can send out church-wide alerts about events and scheduling, services, cancellations, room changes, and anything else they need to communicate

Churches have a wide range of groups within it that all have the same greater goal in mind, but function differently. For example, some have a youth ministry, a group of volunteers, administrative staff, teachers, students, parents, pastors, etc.

GET PEOPLE INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

Churches often use group text message for charity or community service to elicit social response from their fellow church-goers.

This could mean sending out alerts letting people know about clothing and food drives after a natural disaster, or getting the word out about an upcoming blood drive.

Pastors work hard on their sermons, but the sad reality is it can be hard for words spoken on Sunday to have an impact throughout the week

Your sermons may be amazing, but by Monday morning most people have forgotten them. By sending text messages to your congregation throughout the week you can reinforce your sermon and have a greater impact.

Start by sending a simple reminder, reiterating the sermon topic and quoting the most memorable line from your sermon.

Give your congregation the Scripture passage to read ahead of time. It’s an opportunity to help them soak in the words and be better prepared for your message.

GET YOUR CHURCH READING THE BIBLE

You could send out daily scripture verses to encourage and engage your church. There are plenty of daily reading plans or lectionary schedules you could use to pull verses. You could also use memory verses or passages related to Sunday’s sermon.

Prompt more study and interaction by texting your congregation the passage for next Sunday’s sermon and asking questions.

SEND OUT MOTIVATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

Many churches use SMS to send out Bible verses or other meaningful quotes on a regular or even daily basis to their subscribers.

The daily grind can be stressful, and sometimes all it takes are some kind words and inspiration to keep us going. It’s unexpected and pleasant surprises like these that help people keep their faith and their strength through the day.

RECRUIT VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer opportunities are a good way for churches to put faith in action. But recruiting those volunteers isn’t always so simple. Texting can be a better way to engage volunteers.

Next you need to create a list of mobile phone numbers of people willing to volunteer. Let people know what they’re signing up for. Emphasize the opportunity to put their faith in action.

Connect with the appropriate stakeholders to figure out how you can collect those needs and then plug in the volunteers who respond. Prayer requests might be an easy way to get started. Or an elderly parishioner who needs meals delivered.

REQUEST DONATIONS

SMS is a great way to simply inform those who wish to donate exactly where they can do so.

You can configure your keyword such that when someone texts in that keyword to an easy to remember short code they receive back a clickable URL that can take them straight to the church’s donation page.

Get Started With Personalized Mobile Messaging Today!

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