10 Ways Churches Can Connect With

How can churches better connect to those around them? Here are 10 ways your church can connect to others with.

Churches and Technology

How can churches better connect to those around them? There are actually many ways your church can connect. Throughout history, the church has been known for taking advantage of the latest technology to spread the gospel. In today’s digital world where nearly everyone has a mobile phone in their pocket, text messaging is the latest tool churches can use to spread the message of Jesus. We’ll explore 10 ways churches can use text messaging to connect with their community, bring in new guests, and make an impact for the kingdom.

How the Church Has Embraced Technology

Jesus commanded the church: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt 28:19-20 ESV). Throughout the ages, the church has met the call of the Great Commission, often taking advantage of the latest technology to do so:

● The Bible was the earliest major book printed in Europe with the Gutenberg printing press (giving us the Gutenberg Bible).

● The world famous evangelist Billy Graham made constant use of new technology, pioneering radio and TV to share the gospel.

● In more recent years, churches have embraced websites, social media, and video (especially during the pandemic to livestream church services) to connect with their neighbors.

Text Messaging Is Next

Today, no one is far from a mobile device. Nearly all American professionals are within three feet of a mobile device 24 hours a day. People are glued to their phones—even eating, sleeping, and going to the bathroom with a cell phone. If you want to reach people where they are, they’re clearly on their devices. That makes text messaging an ideal medium to connect with people. Open rates and response rates for text messaging far surpass email, phone calls and social media. More than ever, Churches are at the mercy of tech companies and their ever-changing rules. A contact list of cell phone numbers is something a church can own and control, ensuring their ability to connect with members, new visitors, and potential guests. Churches can embrace text messaging to connect with people and share the gospel.

10 Ways Churches Can Use Text Messaging

Here are 10 ways the local church can use SMS text messaging technology to connect with people where they are and where they live, and invite them to church and share the message of Jesus Christ.

1.   Invite guests: It can be overwhelming for a visitor to attend a church service for the first time. Text messaging can be a way to invite someone and lessen the anxiety of that first visit. Churches can offer a simple shortcode and keyword combination—text GUEST to 24365 for example—and send someone a text invite with all the details they’ll need. It could include a teaser video of what to expect from the service, parking directions, what to expect when they arrive, and more.

2.   Welcome guests: Churches are always struggling to welcome first-time visitors. Text messaging is an easy way to extend a welcome and share more information. A church can send a welcome message to a first-time guest. The message can include links to more information, including a welcome video from the pastor, upcoming events, and ways to get involved.

3.   Follow up: The best part about text messaging is that people opt-in to receive more messages, so a church can easily follow up. This is a good way to invite a visitor back, answer questions, send encouragement, and to check on them if you haven’t seen them in church for a while. Text messages can also be personalized, so a follow-up text can feel warm and friendly instead of impersonal.

4.   Events: Outreach events are a great way for churches to connect with the community. Text messaging can help churches share more information about an event where possibly more people will attend. Promotion for the event can include a shortcode/keyword combination and/or a QR code to get more details. Then text messages can send further details such as parking info, schedules, reminders, and more.

5.   Share the Bible: With a nod to Gutenberg, churches can use text messaging to share an inspiring verse of the day or week. This is a simple way for churches to make contact and stay in touch, whether it’s members, guests, or others.

6.   Prayer requests: Text messages are an ideal way to share timely and even urgent prayer requests. The immediacy of text messaging means people are reading texts much faster than any other form of communication, which can activate prayer warriors immediately.

7.   Text-to-give: Texting can be a vastly simpler form of accepting offerings or other donations . A simple text link can point to an online donation form. Churches can use a keyword and shortcode that are easily shared from the platform or on a screen, as well as QR code in the bulletin. It can work for regular church services as well as special events, such as mission’s dinners, community outreaches, or VBS.

8.   Alerts: Churches can send out alerts and updates to keep their community informed, such as weather-related closures, emergencies, and last-minute updates. They can also send reminders, making sure members remember to adjust for daylight savings time or to bring a dish for the potluck after the service.

9.  Discipleship: Churches can offer ongoing connection and growth through text messaging. It can be a way for discipleship groups to connect, share discussion questions, and more.

10.   Volunteers: Every church relies on a lot of volunteers to make everything run smoothly, including the ushers who welcome visitors, musicians playing worship music, and so many more behind the scenes. Text messaging can help churches recruit and coordinate volunteers.

Conclusion

As churches work to share the greatest story ever told, they should be embracing the most effective tools possible. In this day and age, that’s text messaging. It can help churches connect with visitors, invite people into the life of the congregation, and see growth and discipleship.