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 a Contact Card and Share it

To start, provide your church’s contact information as a contact your congregation can save on their phones. By doing so they are consenting to their carriers they want to receive text messages and e-mails from the church.

To share it, post a QR Code that congregants can scan to save the church’s contact information directly to their phone.

Ensure the contact card includes the church’s name, SMS number, and email address.

Step 2: 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 › It’s important to note that while this is proof of consent, the member will still need to opt in to receive messages. This proof of consent is required by Twilio and other carriers for verification purposes.

Ask congregants to fill out your opt-in form for receiving text messages. This practice, called a "double opt-in," is required by most carriers to ensure compliance with mass texting guidelines.

You can keep the card’s status hidden if you do not wish to display it publicly.

Bonus: Read our User Guide on Preventing Blocked Emails and Texts

To make sure your church's communication reaches everyone effectively, it's crucial your members take specific steps to avoid issues like blocked messages. Follow these steps to ensure that your SMS messages and emails are delivered without any disruptions. Learn More ›

Fees Incurred During the Opt-In Process

Any and all messages sent back and forth during the opt-in process will incur fees. It's important to note, costs per message will vary depending on the platform you use and your region. Common interactions might include:

The initial send
An opt-in confirmation message
A congregant’s opt-in reply
A second message sent from the church

Even if the church does not receive a response message (one-way messaging forums), each message interaction will still incur a fee.

Is Opting In Necessary?

Yes. Every individual you text needs to opt-in to receive text messages. They do this by responding "YES" to the initial opt-in text. Check out the article below to learn more about why your people need to opt-in and how to do it.

Learn more about Opting-In ›

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 or a specific Smart List or Group. ChurchTrac will only send SMS messages to individuals with a phone number in the mobile number field.

If you only want to include the checked names in your message, check the names on the People Screen first.

Then open the Messaging screen and select the "Include only the names that are checked on the People Screen" option.

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!

Similar to the opt-in process, fees apply to each Auto-Replies. Every automated reply sent by your system will also count as a message interaction, incurring a charge. Be mindful of these charges when setting up automated responses.

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

Church Mass Texting FAQS

Can I send a text to just one person? Or a group that doesn't share a Group or Smart List?

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."

How often should I send messages?

Though every ministry is different, the sweet spot for church SMS is between 1-3 texts per week.

Is each recipient counted as a text message?

Yes. If you send a single message to 80 recipients, you will be billed for 80 text messages.

What is the cost of text messaging?

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 ›

What countries are supported for SMS messaging?

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 ›

What is the difference between ChurchTrac's built-in SMS and the Twilio SMS integration?

We have an entire article dedicated to this. Learn More about Built-In SMS vs Twilio ›

I use Text In Church to send SMS messages. Does ChurchTrac replace this?

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 ›

Will I incur fees during the opt-in process?

Yes, any and all messages sent back and forth during the opt-in process will incur fees. It’s important to note that costs per message vary depending on the platform you use and your region.