Churches Unveiling SMS for Adding Parishioners to Their Assemblies

While some churches have never latched on to the computer age and never even contemplated sending E-Mails. Many churches have already advanced past the E-Mail stage & are currently sending text messages to their congregation.

Mobile marketing companies are utilizing text message marketing all the time so why can't churches get their share of pie?

Churches everywhere are now sending out SMS text messages to get information out and to ask their congregation questions via text. Text messaging is a new way to stay in touch with the congregation that is immediate and effective!

The pastor can prepare his sermon by sending out questions to his congregation via text and use the responses in his sermon.

It’s a great way to get the pastor and the congregation on the same page. It is a way to keep the congregation involved in church, while at the same time keeping them engaged listening for a response they may have given.

Churches can use the text message to increase attendance on Sunday or just ask their congregation what they would like to see that would improve their experience.

Older members of the congregation may see SMS Text Messages as invasive or too-high-tech. Even the older members of the congregation will soon understand that SMS Text Messages could change the face of the church experience forever.

*The possibilities can be endless by using SMS for everything from daily devotionals, to activity updates, to ad hoc giveaways keeping the congregation continually involved.

Another positive aspect of text messaging is the process of giving to a cause that your particular church supports. A text messages can be sent out reminding the congregation of a specific charity or possibly reminders to bring clothes for Goodwill or Toys for Tots.

The most apparent group that can be moved to become more involved in the church is the younger church goers.

As the church utilizes sending and receiving information via SMS Text … it will teach the youngest members not only more about the church but it will create a feeling of community.

This method of communication is second nature to today's youth, so it will make it easier for them to connect with and discuss things with the older church members.

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.

MULTIPLY THE POWER OF YOUR SERMONS

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 weekly sermon.

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.

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.

REQUESTING 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.

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