5 Ways Text Messaging Can Impact Your Church’s Congregation
If you are a church leader, consider the use of text messaging in your communication and engagement strategy with your congregation.
Mass text messaging is not only easy to implement, it is effective too, as it takes an individual an average of just 90 seconds to respond to a text.
Still not sure about the use of text messaging for your church? Here are 5 ways text messaging can impact your church’s congregation.
1. Texts Are Efficient
With an open rate of 98 percent compared to just 20 percent for emails, text messages are read — first and foremost.
With text messaging, you can send out links to your latest newsletter, updates or changes to upcoming events, room changes, pleas for volunteers, and so much more.
Whereas composing an email can take substantial time, texts are much simpler and easier to craft. For example, if you are looking to quickly update your congregation, or if an emergency has forced a temporary closure, texting is far superior and faster than other communication methods.
2. Texts Can Be Targeted
Churches serve a broad range of people, and so you may not need or want to communicate with each constituency group every time you send out a text.
Such customization with SMS text messaging platforms is not only easy, but can often be scheduled so messages regarding standing meetings can automatically go out to the proper groups each week.
Each constituency group can receive specific messaging while still receiving church-wide messages when necessary. For example, volunteers can receive weekly updates on assigned tasks, while different weekly messages can be sent to the youth group.
3. Text Messages Can Encourage Involvement
Another way text messaging can impact your church’s congregation is when it is time to rally around a community cause.
The holidays, for instance, are a busy time for churches, as leadership often looks outside their walls to address community needs. Texting your congregation to solicit feedback about community needs is a great way to encourage congregation involvement.
Of course natural disasters sometimes occur, and you may need to rally the congregation on a moment’s notice. With text messaging, your plea for assistance can be sent to your entire congregation in minutes.
4. Text Messaging Can Help Foster Inspiration
In this ‘new normal’ of COVID-19, it is important for churches to stay connected with — and inspire — their congregations in unexpected ways.
With mass text messaging, you can send out inspirational quotes or kind words that can help make someone’s day. The best part is that these messages can be put directly into the hands and hearts of your congregation through their phones.
If you want to inspire your congregation, sending the occasional uplifting quote or Bible verse can serve as a gentle reminder that none of us are alone.
5. Texts Reach Gen Z and Millennials
While text messages are read by all age groups, studies show they are particularly effective with Gen Z and Millennials.
In fact, many reports show these age groups prefer texting over any other form of communication.
If you are concerned about your church’s future growth, you need to use text messaging to attract and maintain the attention of Gen Z and Millennials. By engaging with younger generations through text messaging, you help create the funnel for your church’s future membership.
