Unlike other sectors in which SMS text messaging is a no-brainer for greater reach, whether or not to use group text messaging should be a more considered decision for a church community. Keep reading to learn more about church SMS text messaging.
What Is SMS?
SMS is an abbreviation that stands for Short Message Service. It refers to a method of text communication that is used to contact cell phone users both from other cell phones and also from computers and handheld devices. Text messages can be used for private messages, for advertising, and for official communications to large numbers of people who are not present.
Any kind of regular text messaging should be done by having recipients of messages “opt-in.” This means having them make a positive choice to receive communications via text message. When sending advertising, it is imperative to follow the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 (Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography And Marketing) to make sure you’re in compliance.
Your Church Community
Whether SMS contact will be of use in your community will depend on several factors. First, does SMS messaging fit with the message and style of ministry practiced at the church, or could it? In a church that focuses on a simple, unencumbered life, endorsing the use of what may seem to be a luxury item could be viewed as taking the message off-track. The second important consideration is whether your parishioners have cell phones and know how to use them effectively for texting. An older community may not either have the phones or the technology skills. The third question is—even if using text messaging is totally in line with your message—whether your community members can afford the extra cost of text messaging.
If SMS messaging fits the church’s message and fits the congregation, then it’s worth considering the variety of ways in which churches can use text messaging to be in touch with their congregations. It’s important to plan use of church SMS text messaging, inform your community, and secure their involvement before starting out with messages. Also important is not to replace face-to-face contact with electronic communication. There are companies that can assist with SMS text messaging programs and campaigns, or you can evolve a program on your own.
Potential Uses of Church SMS Text Messaging
There are a number of ways that SMS text messaging can be used to promote community by a church. Here are some ideas:
• Reminder of activities dates and time. Whether it’s letting people know about major events, like a church bazaar or a mission, scheduling changes, or special series, text messaging can provide initial awareness and reminders. Training for ministers or workshops would also fit this category.
• Information about special content of regular services. SMS text messages can also be used to create awareness when there is a special service that people would not want to miss, such as the funeral of a community leader, a baccalaureate celebration, a guest minister, or an interfaith celebration. It can also be used to announce the topic of a prayer group’s weekly discussion, for example.
• Spiritual messages. Text messages with daily Bible quotations or inspirational thoughts are a possibility. They could also be used to follow-up on topics raised in a sermon or homily or in a Bible study group or prayer meeting.
• News. When a community is close-knit, sharing news can be an important aspect of community life. If community members are engaged in ministering to their fellows when they are ill or in need, text messaging can be used to alert the community to the needs of their fellows, taking the place of phone trees, for example.
• Participation. Some ministers and pastors have experimented with using SMS texting as a way to elicit congregation participation during services, asking questions about the sermon, for example. Whether to try this should be a carefully considered decision, as it could be disruptive if not executed well or if not supported by the community.
• Communication. For those who text message avidly, it can replace email or phone calls as a way to stay in touch and minister. Whether to use SMS text messaging for personal communication with the Church community is probably best made on a person-by-person basis.
Sources
The Federal Trade Commission’s CAN-SPAM Act website for businesses: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/ecommerce/bus61.shtm