25 Ways Your Church Can Start Texting With These Sample Texts

by Kevin D. Hendricks · October 12, 2016

Texting can be a powerful tool for your church to connect with your congregation and visitors. We’ve talked about why texting works—the 98% open rate vs. 15-22% for email—and we’ve talked about how to approach texting—offer inspiration instead of just information. But what does it actually look like?

We put together a list of 25 ways your church can start texting, including sample texts to give you an idea of what it can look like.

Examples & Sample Texts:

Encouragement: Fill people up throughout the week with a quick thought or quote.
“We can’t take any credit for our talents, it’s how we use them that counts.” -Madeleine L’Engle
Bible verses: Share scripture with your congregation.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Prayers: Encourage your church to be a praying church. Give them prayers to say.
We pray for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed and those in prison. Pray for those in any need or trouble.
Prayer requests: Lift up those in need.
Please pray for the Kim family after the death of Gail’s mother.
Devotionals: Share inspiring thoughts with your church.
Consider that the height of greatness is measured by the depth of humility. (Matthew 18:1-5)
Respond to current events: Inject a little grace, hope and love to the conversation.
This election, remember that we place our faith is in God, not candidates or political parties.
Connect with specific groups: Send targeted messages to applicable ministries.
Don’t forget to give your child’s Sunday School teacher a high five!
Promote events: Make sure your big event is at the top of people’s mind.
A foot of snow, rosy cheeks & a giant sledding hill. Bundle up for our winter retreat, coming in January.
Send reminders: Collecting forms and payment can be an administrative nightmare. Send helpful reminders to make it easier.
Ready for a winter blast? Remember: Registration forms for our winter retreat are due this week.
Event changes: Texting is an ideal medium for last-minute changes.
The winter retreat bus broke down. Doh. But no worries, we’re just leaving at 7 p.m. instead of 6.
Holiday announcements: Be relevant and wish your congregation well, whether it’s a Christian holy day or a Hallmark holiday.
Happy Ground Hog’s Day: The end of winter is in sight—you can make it!
Drive traffic: Point people to the content you’re sharing on your website.
Visit OurChurch.com to download a devotional from Pastor Smith.
Request donations: Giving doesn’t have to be limited to passing the offering plate during the service. A major opportunity is end-of-the-year giving.
The youth group is traveling to North Dakota to paint houses next week. Can you donate $25 to support them?
Sermon teaser: Give a preview of the upcoming sermon.
Join us on Sunday as we talk about the dreaded topic of money. And no giving guilt, we promise!
Ask for feedback: Do a poll during the service to get instant feedback on a topic.
Do you have anxiety over money? Text back with “Yes” if you hate talking about money.
Sermon quotes: Share quotes and thoughts from Sunday’s sermon.
“God does not need your money. Tithing is about trust.” -Pastor Smith
Ask questions: Send out prompts to encourage deeper thinking about the sermon.
On Sunday we talked about how money reflects our priorities. What values does your bank statement reflect?
Announce guest speakers: Remind your congregation when you have excellent guest speakers they won’t want to miss.
Former Olympic gold medalist Jamie Shoemaker will join us on Sunday to talk about eternal treasure.
Worship set list: People love music. Share the worship songs you played on Sunday.
Liked worship this weekend? Here’s what we played: Blessed Be Your Name, All in All, Amazing Grace
Recruit volunteers: Share needs and opportunities where your congregation can serve.
This Saturday is spring cleaning day. Grab a broom and help us make the church pretty.
Mobilize your congregation: Get your congregation to swing into action to respond to urgent needs.
The local food shelf is running low. You can help out by dropping off canned goods at the church all day today.
Service cancellations: Let your congregation know when you need to cancel services at the last minute.
The roads are treacherous after last night’s ice storm, so this morning’s worship service is cancelled. Join us online instead!
Traffic details: Give last-minute road closings, detours, parking tips or traffic info to help people get to church.
Summit Avenue is closed for the marathon this weekend, so if that’s your route to church, find a detour.
Emergency notifications: Texting can be the most reliable form of communication in emergency situations.
A tornado has touched down near church. Take shelter in the basement. Praying everyone is safe!
Say thank you: Simply say thanks to your congregation.
Thank you for making Our Church what it is today. We love doing church with you. See you Sunday!