One rather inexpensive (and underutilized) technology available to churches today is SMS (Short Message Service) or “texting.” It has a number of advantages over social networks, emails, digital newsletters, and other more “sophisticated” technologies.

1. It comes directly to a device that most people won’t go anywhere without.
2. The messages are normally short and to the point. Perfect for the short attention spans of today.
3. It is instant, can be quickly crafted, sent and shared.
4. It is relatively inexpensive.
5. With the right tools the messages can be written ahead of time and then “scheduled” for delivery.
6. One person can manage it.
7. Most text messages GET READ!

Here is a case study done by one of my favorite websites (churchtechtoday.com) highlighting Palermo Church which found great benefit from a texting strategy. Read through their journey and see if your church might be in a similar position to take advantage of such a technology.

Application/audience

One of the texting solutions mentioned in the case study is SendTree. Their pricing seems very reasonable and within reach of most congregations. Their smallest package cost $9 a month and then 3 cents per text or voice for up to 250 contacts.

Some of the possible uses of a texting solution could be:

1. Announcements that perhaps didn’t make the bulletin or after service sharing or just need more emphasis
2. Quick notification of event changes or cancellations
3. Quick devotional thoughts or prayer requests
4. Encouragement to attend upcoming events
5. Follow up thoughts or applications from sunday sermon or readings
6. Create smaller groups of recipients and use texting to inform or encourage them (teens, ladies, moms, small group Bible study, Sunday School teachers, etc.)

Related resources

• CallFire
• EZTexting
• MemberCaller

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