Introduction
We know how important it is for Churches to stay connected to their congregation. The very essence of a Church lies in how connected and supported its members feel.
Times have changed, and people live a significantly fast-paced life today. Thus it has become more important for churches to find avenues to remain connected to their members.
Earlier church updates could be accessed through church newsletters, emails, bulletin updates, phone calls, etc, these methods however fail to work in this day and age.
Why Should Churches Use Texting?
How can you ensure that you stay connected to your congregation in a way that ensures engagement? The answer lies in a relatively old but reliable channel of communication which is SMS or text messaging.
Get this, every person may or may not have access to the internet, but every person does have a mobile device. SMS is a means that is available on every device, be it an Android or an IOS.
SMS can be a great means to send updates to your church members and also creating a personal channel of communication between individual members and the ministry. The 2-way texting feature of messaging allows for a more personal connect as the members can also reply to the message and engage in conversation.
If you are still not sure about the use of texting, here are some stats that will blow your mind!
- According to a recent study by Pew 98% of all text messages are opened and read!
- SMS statistics reveal that, since 2022, 41% of people prefer getting updates via text, and 75% of people 44 and younger like being able to contact businesses, organizations, and churches via text.
- According to a recent survey by The Barna Group, 67% of churches in the United States are already using texting to communicate with their members.
- 91% of pastors report using their personal cell phones for ministry-related communication.
Suffice it to say that texting is a medium you cannot avoid! Here we bring to you some Church use cases for text messaging which are accompanied by church templates.
We are going to be covering the following use cases, you can directly jump to the church sms templates of your choice by clicking on the relevant links. The list is ordered according to a new member’s journey with the church. Each point has 2 templates each that you can use for your church’s texting needs.
List of Church SMS Templates
- Church Welcome
- Plan a visit
- Share contact information
- Service Schedule
- Before Sermon
- After Sermon
- Children’s Ministry
- Bible Studies invitation
- Bible studies reminder
- Daily devotionals
- Prayer requests
- Event outreach
- Event sign-ups
- Event reminders
- Share information about church resources
- Church Donation SMS request
- Follow up Church donation requests (Automated)
- Volunteer request
- Survey and Feedback
- Guest follow up
- Holiday templates
Church SMS Templates for Welcome
“Welcome to [Church Name]! We’re thrilled you’ve chosen to be part of our church family. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you on your spiritual journey.”
“Greetings from [Church Name]! We’re excited to have you with us. We look forward to growing in faith together. If there’s anything you’d like to know about our church, just ask. We’re here to help!”
Plan a Visit
“Would you like to schedule a visit to our church? We’d love to show you around and introduce you to our community. Let us know your availability, and we’ll make arrangements.”
“New to our church? Plan a visit! Our friendly members would be happy to give you a tour and answer any questions you may have. When works best for you?”
Church SMS Templates to Share Contact Information
“Here’s the contact info for our church office: [Phone Number] and [Email Address]. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you ever need assistance or have inquiries. We’re here to assist you.”
“If you ever need to reach out to someone at [Church Name], here are some key contacts: [Pastor’s Name] – [Pastor’s Email], [Youth Leader’s Name] – [Youth Leader’s Phone]. Feel free to reach out anytime!”
Service Schedule
“Our regular service times are as follows: Sunday Worship at [Time], Midweek Bible Study on [Day] at [Time]. We hope to see you there!”
“Just a reminder of our service schedule: Sunday Worship at [Time], and Wednesday Bible Study at [Time]. We’d love to have you join us!”
Before Sermon
“Join us this Sunday as Pastor [Name] delivers an inspiring message on [Topic]. We can’t wait to dive into God’s word together!”
“Exciting news! This Sunday, we’re exploring [Topic] in our sermon. Don’t miss out on this enriching message by Pastor [Name]. See you there!”
After Sermon
“We hope you found today’s sermon meaningful. Reflect on it and feel free to share your thoughts or questions with us. Have a blessed week!”
“Thank you for joining us today! As you go about your week, consider the message we shared on [Topic]. What resonated with you the most? Share your insights!”
Children's Ministry
“Hello! Our Children’s Ministry is a fun and nurturing place for kids to grow in faith. We’d love to welcome your child this Sunday at [Time]. Join us for a great time of learning and play!”
“Exciting news for parents! Our Children’s Ministry offers engaging programs every Sunday at [Time]. Let your child explore their faith in a loving environment. We can’t wait to meet them!”
Church SMS Templates for Bible Studies Invitation
“Looking to deepen your understanding of the Bible? Join our Bible Study group every [Day] at [Time]. It’s a great way to connect, learn, and grow spiritually. Will we see you there?”
“We invite you to our Bible Study group where we explore the word of God together. Join us on [Day] at [Time] for a meaningful discussion. Bring your questions and insights!”
Bible Studies Reminder
“Don’t forget about our Bible Study tomorrow at [Time]. We’re excited to continue our exploration of [Topic]. It’s a fantastic opportunity to grow in faith.”
“Quick reminder about our Bible Study on [Day] at [Time]. We hope to see you there for another insightful discussion!”
Church Templates for Daily Devotionals
“Start your day with a dose of inspiration! Check out today’s devotional: [Link]. May it bless your day and guide your thoughts.”
“Good morning! Here’s your daily devotional: [Link]. Take a moment to reflect and find strength in God’s word.”
Church Templates for Prayer Requests
“Is there anything you’d like us to pray for today? Share your prayer requests, and our church community will lift them up in prayer.”
“Our prayer warriors are here for you. If you have any prayer requests or praise reports, please let us know. We’re here to support you.”
Event Outreach
“Save the date! Our upcoming event, [Event Name], is just around the corner. We’d love to see you there. Stay tuned for more details!”
“Join us for [Event Name] on [Date] at [Location]. It’s going to be an amazing time of fellowship and growth. Don’t miss out!”
Event Sign Ups
“Interested in attending [Event Name]? Reserve your spot by signing up here: [Registration Link]. We can’t wait to have you join us!”
“We’re excited to have you at [Event Name]. Please confirm your attendance by signing up here: [Registration Link]. See you soon!”
Church Templates Event Reminders
“Just a friendly reminder about our upcoming event, [Event Name], on [Date] at [Time]. We hope to see you there!”
“Mark your calendar for [Event Name] on [Date]. It’s almost here! We’re looking forward to having you join us.”
Share Information About Church Resources
“Did you know we offer a variety of resources to support your spiritual journey? Explore our library of books, videos, and online materials on our website: [Website Link].”
“Our church is committed to helping you grow in faith. You can use our library any time you want. We also have accommodations for people in need. To know more about church resources click the link here [Link], or call our office at [Phone Number].
Templates for Church Donation Requests
“Your support helps us continue our mission. Would you consider making a donation to [Church Name]? Every contribution makes a difference. You can donate here: [Donation Link].”
“We rely on the generosity of our church community. If you’re able, please consider contributing to [Church Name]. Your gift supports our ministry. Donate now: [Donation Link].”
Follow-up for Church Donation Requests (Automated)
“Thank you for your previous donation to [Church Name]. Your generosity is making a positive impact. If you’d like to continue supporting us, you can donate here: [Donation Link].”
“We’re grateful for your past donations to [Church Name]. Your support is vital to our mission. If you’re able to contribute again, please consider donating here: [Donation Link].”
Volunteer Request
“We’re always looking for volunteers to help with various church activities and ministries. If you’re interested in giving your time and talents, please let us know. Your contribution makes a difference!”
“Our church thrives on the dedication of volunteers. If you’re willing to lend a hand and be part of our volunteer team, please reach out. We’d love to have you on board!”
Church templates for Survey and Feedback
“Your feedback is valuable to us. Please take a moment to complete our survey and share your thoughts on your church experience: [Survey Link]. Your input helps us improve!”
“We’re committed to making your church experience even better. Share your thoughts and suggestions by taking our brief survey: [Survey Link]. Thank you for helping us grow.”
Guest Follow-Up
“Thank you for joining us at [Event/Service Name]. We hope you had a great time. If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to reach out. We’d love to hear from you!”
“We’re thrilled you could be a part of [Event/Service Name]. Your presence made it special. If you’d like to know more about our church or have any questions, please let us know. We’d be happy to help!”
Holiday Templates for Churches
Christmas
Isaiah 9:6—“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given … And he will
be called … Prince of Peace.” See you this Sunday. [CHURCH NAME].
10:30am
[CHURCH NAME]: Remember—Christmas Eve service at 7pm this
Friday, Dec. 24. This will be a special time to reflect on new beginnings.
We can’t wait to see you!
“🎄 Merry Christmas, [Church Name] Family! 🌟 May the joy and love of this special season fill your hearts and homes. Let’s celebrate the birth of our Savior together. Join us for our Christmas service on [Date] at [Time]. Bring your family and friends to share in the blessings of this wonderful day. Wishing you peace, love, and happiness. 🙏🕊️”
Easter
Greetings [Member Name], Easter service is tomorrow, 10am, at [CHURCH NAME]: “They will kill him,
and after three days he will rise” (Mark 9:31).
He is Risen! Join us at 10:30am for a special Easter service. [PASTOR] has
been working on this sermon since last Easter. You won’t want to miss it.
“🌼 Happy Easter, [Church Name] Family! 🐰🌟 Rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Join us for a special Easter service on [Date] at [Time] as we celebrate the hope and new beginnings He brings into our lives. Don’t forget to invite your loved ones to share in this blessed occasion. Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and the promise of eternal life. 🙏✝️”
Good Friday
[Member Name], We can’t wait to see you Friday, 7pm, for our Good
Friday service! Special hymns, candlelight, and liturgy (with food after).
Don’t miss it!
“🌿 On this solemn Good Friday, we reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins. 🙏 Join us for a special Good Friday service at [Church Name] on [Date] at [Time] to remember His love and sacrifice. Let us come together in prayer and contemplation. May this day remind us of the hope and redemption that Easter brings. 🕊️✝️”
Palm Sunday
“🌿 Hosanna in the highest! 🌿 Join us for a joyous Palm Sunday celebration at [Church Name] on [Date] at [Time]. Let’s wave our palm branches and remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Come and be part of this special service as we begin Holy Week together. 🙏🌟”
“🌿 Today, we commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Join us at [Church Name] for a blessed Palm Sunday service on [Date] at [Time]. As we wave our palm branches, let’s also reflect on the path that led to the cross. Wishing you a meaningful and reflective Palm Sunday. 🙏🌿”
Why Should You Use a Church Texting Software?
If its texting we are talking about, you might question, ” Can’t I just use my own phone for texting?” and the answer to that is, ” yes you could, if perhaphs your congregation members are very less and you have no plans to grow church members.”
But if it isn’t the case, you definitely need a texting software. Let’s break this down.
- Its virtually impossible to manage all member conversation on your mobile phone. They are not going to be segregated and can cause confusion.
- You can only send limited mass texts or broadcast texts through mobile devices and there is no scope of personalization in this method.
- You cannot automate text messaging leading you to put in extra effort for repetitive tasks.
A church texting service will have a feature to accommodate all of the points we just discussed.
How to Get Started With Church Texting?
Texting all members of your congregation whilst ensuring personalization for each of them requires the help of mass texting software. A mass texting software such as Emitrr will let you:
- Segment congregation members into their respective groups for more personalized communication.
- Send mass text messages.
- Create workflows and sequences to never miss a customer message
You can follow these steps to send your first mass texting campaign on Emitrr:
- Navigate to “Send >> New message” on the top right navigation panel.
- Add recipients by either searching your contact list or directly adding the number in the recipient box.
- When you add more than two recipients you will receive a prompt asking you whether you would like to send a group text or message recipients individually. Select the latter to send mass text messages.
- Add the recipient to the box.
- Add the message.
- Send the message immediately or schedule it for later.
You can also start a manual text campaign by following these steps:
- Go to “text campaigns” on the left navigation panel.
- Select “Create campaign”.
- Complete the shown steps.
- Send the message immediately or schedule it for later.
Both these above-mentioned methods will allow you to send mass text messages to your congregation.
What are Some Product Capabilities of a Church Texting Software Like Emitrr?
Best Practices to Follow for Church Texting
Here are the top 7 best practices that you must follow for church texting:
1. Permission and Opt-In
Regardless of the industry, the TCPA mandates that business text messages be sent to members only if they have obtained explicit consent from them. Members should have the option to opt in. Opt-in’ can be designed on Church websites, social channels, or through sign-ups sent through email. Another noteworthy rule to remember is that TCPA mandates text communication should not happen before 8 AM and after 9PM.
2. Clear and Concise Messages
As a church leader, sending long paragraphs on a text message will not be effective. People do not receiving long texts. Keep you message to the point and concise.
3. Timelines
Be mindful of your members’ time and avoid texting at times when they might be busy. Send texts during appropriate hours, and weekdays, and avoid weekends.
4. Reduce the frequency of texting
No one liked to be bombarded with messages every 2 hours. The same principle applies when it comes to church texting as well. Be mindful and only send messages that are important.
5. Personalization
Personalization helps create a personal bond with the member. Each member should feel like they are getting personal attention. Use recipients’ names and property details to make messages relevant.
6. Use segmentations
Segmentations will allow you to create specific member groups based on their needs. This will help you to send messages that are relevant to these members and hence also expect a better engagement. In some cases, you may not have to send communication to your entire contacts list.
7. Call to Action
Ensure that the texts that you send include a clear call to action wherever needed.
Conclusion
A church texting software can help you streamline conversation with church members, allowing you to personalize messages and connect with as many members as you wish. The myriad of texting features in a church texting software makes it super easy for conversation management and better engagement. If you wish to get started with church texting schedule a demo with us today!
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