Is your church making the most of text messaging?
An article in Christianity Today reported that 60% of recipients open texts within 1–5 minutes after getting them, and 97% of messages are read within 15 minutes. This means that while email and social media still play a role in communicating outside of your church walls, text messaging has emerged as one of the most effective ways to reach people where they are: on their phones.
Knowing this, the next question is, “How can churches best use text messaging to enhance engagement with members and visitors?”
We’ve worked to identify some best practices, insights, and tips so your church can use text messaging effectively.
The Strategic Value of Church Texting Platforms
The best church communication strategy starts with ensuring your messaging is consistent, seamless, and targeted.
Platforms like Ministry Brands Amplify provide churches with a centralized system to manage email, social, and SMS, so text messaging doesn’t become just “one more thing” to manage. With integrated texting, churches can send personalized, targeted messages and automate follow-ups, all while maintaining compliance with communication laws.
There is great value in a unified system!
Midweek Engagement Ideas: Stay Connected Beyond Sunday
Once you’ve chosen a texting platform, the next step is to create a strategy to stay connected beyond Sunday. Engagement shouldn't stop at the church doors. Creative, recurring touchpoints throughout the week can nurture spiritual growth and foster a stronger sense of community. Consider sending:
- Monday morning devotionals to help members start the week grounded in Scripture.
- Wednesday prayer prompts that invite people to pause and pray together.
- Friday reminders for small groups or ministry events.
- Weekly Bible verses or thought-provoking questions to spark reflection.
These micro-engagements can keep your congregation spiritually aligned and relationally connected, even during busy weeks.
Turning Visitors into Engaged Members
Text messaging can also be an important tool to use when engaging with guests. First-time guests often determine whether they’ll return based on their initial experience and how the church follows up. A personalized text message within 24 hours can go a long way in expressing appreciation and offering next steps.
You can also create automated welcome sequences that include things like:
- A short survey to understand their interests or needs.
- An invitation to a newcomers’ lunch or membership class.
- A link to a ministry or event that aligns with their life stage
These small touches can turn a one-time visitor into an actively engaged member of your church family.
Using Texts for Inspiration and Encouragement
Another easy, but powerful way to use text messaging is to reach out with encouragement. These texts could include Scripture, sermon highlights, quotes, and simple words of support.
You can also create care-based text flows to support people through hospital stays, bereavement, or job loss. A simple “We’re praying for you today” text can remind someone they’re not alone.
Streamlining Church Logistics and Event Coordination
Text messaging isn’t just for guests, it can also be a strategic tool your church administration uses to manage moving parts. From volunteer coordination to last-minute service changes, text messaging simplifies communication across ministries. You could send reminders for:
- Volunteer shifts and training sessions
- Event details
- Mission trip or service information
- Schedule updates due to inclement weather or facility changes
When people receive clear, timely information, participation improves, and staff and volunteers are better equipped to serve.
Enhancing Generosity with Text-to-Give and Campaigns
Lastly, and maybe most powerfully, generosity often grows when giving is simple and accessible. Text-to-give options allow members to contribute during a service, respond to a campaign, or give spontaneously when moved.
You can also run text-based stewardship campaigns by sharing stories of impact, inviting recurring gifts, or providing year-end giving reminders. These efforts create touchpoints that connect the generosity of your members with the mission of your church.
Next Steps
Text messaging is more than just a communication tool; it’s a ministry opportunity. When used creatively and intentionally, it builds trust, encourages spiritual growth, and strengthens community connections.
To explore how your church can maximize text messaging, check out Ministry Brands Amplify. Our all-in-one platform empowers churches to send effective, compliant, and personalized messages that keep your congregation connected, informed, and spiritually engaged. Try your free demo here.
