How Do I Text My Church?
ChurchTrac offers church texting, enabling you to send SMS text messages to a single person, a group of people, or your entire church directory with the built-in SMS or through our integration with Twilio, a 3rd party messaging provider. Learn More about Built-In SMS vs Twilio ›
- Before You Text Your Church
- Sending Church Text Messages
- Setting up Auto Replies
- Church Mass Texting FAQS
Before You Text Your Church
Step 1. Create an Opt-In Form
Churches must follow the same mass texting guidelines as businesses. Per carrier guidelines, all businesses are required to provide proof of how they are collecting their consumer's consent. An online form card is the best way to do this for churches. View an Opt-In Form Card Example ›
Step 2. Have Your People Text You First
The best way to ensure that your people receive your messages is to have them text you first by saying "Yes". With the recent changes made in the SMS industry, this approach is the most failproof way to ensure that you are only sending to individuals who have explicitly opted in.
Step 3. They Fill Out Your Opt-In Form
Have people fill out your opt-in form for receiving text messages. This practice is called a "double opt-in" and is required by most carriers.
Sending Church Text Messages
Step 1. Select the Text Messaging Tab
The Text Messaging Tab is found by navigating to People > Messaging > Text Messaging.
Step 2. Choose who to text
You are given the option to text individuals from a Smart List or a Group. ChurchTrac will only send SMS messages to individuals with a phone number in the mobile number field.
Step 3. Compose and send your text message
Your text message can be up to 160 characters. You also have the option to send your text message immediately or schedule to send it at a later day and time.
Setting up Auto Replies
If you have a Twilio account integrated with your ChurchTrac account, you can create auto-replies that will automatically be sent to someone when they text your church a keyword of your choosing!
To create an auto-reply, go to the "Messages" tab in the Home and Dashboard screen. Then select the "Setup Auto-Replies" button at the bottom of the screen.
In the slideout menu, scroll to the bottom and select "Add Auto-Reply."
In the following window, enter the keyword you want to trigger the auto-reply and the message you want someone to receive when they text your church that keyword. Then select "Submit."
Example: Guest Follow Up
Enter "Guest" as the keyword and a message welcoming a newcomer to your church with a link to fill out your church's connection card. Now, whenever someone texts the word "guest" to your church's Twilio number, Twilio will send this message on your behalf. Learn More about Setting Up Auto-Replies ›
Church Mass Texting FAQS
Of course. Just select the checkbox next to the name(s) on the People screen, then go to the Messaging tab. You will find the option to "Include only the names that are Checked on the People screen."
Though every ministry is different, the sweet spot for church SMS is between 1-3 texts per week.
Yes. If you send a single message to 80 recipients, you will be billed for 80 text messages.
If you send SMS messages with ChurchTrac's built-in messaging, the cost is $0.03 per SMS recipient. Using our third-party integration, you can also purchase a phone number from Twilio and link it to your account. Learn More about Twilio Rates ›
ChurchTrac's built-in messaging is only available in the US and Canada. You will need to use our integration with Twilio to send messages in another country. Learn More about Twilio ›
We have an entire article dedicated to this. Learn More about Built-In SMS vs Twilio ›
Yes! With ChurchTrac Messaging you no longer need to pay for additional apps like Text In Church. We have an entire article dedicated to this. Learn More about Text In Church Alternatives ›