Did you know that text messages have the highest open rate among traditional forms of communication? The ability to text and call your church members is a great way to send important time-sensitive information. Below are several resources that are tailored to churches.

Group messaging platforms can be highly beneficial for churches in several ways:

1. Community Building: They foster a sense of community among church members, allowing for daily interaction, sharing of life events, and mutual support beyond the physical meetings.

2. Information Dissemination: Important announcements, such as changes in service times, event reminders, or prayer requests, can be quickly shared with the entire congregation or specific ministry groups.

3. Resource Sharing: Churches can distribute resources like sermon notes, Bible study materials, or worship songs so members can access them easily from their devices.

4. Prayer Groups: Members can create prayer chains to offer immediate support for those in need, facilitating a collective and powerful prayer effort.

5. Event Coordination: Planning and organizing church events becomes easier with instant communication for volunteer coordination, schedule planning, and task delegation.

6. Inclusivity: It includes those who are unable to attend services in person due to health, distance, or other reasons, keeping them connected with the church activities.

7. Feedback and Engagement: They provide a platform for members to give feedback on church services and events, thus increasing engagement and member involvement.

8. Subgroups for Ministries: Different ministry groups (like youth, men's, women's, outreach, etc.) can have their own chat groups for more focused communications and planning.

9. Cost-Effective: Most group messaging platforms are free or low-cost, making them an economically viable tool for churches, especially small congregations with limited budgets.

10. Security and Privacy: Many platforms offer secure messaging options, which is important for sharing sensitive information and for discussions that require confidentiality.

In essence, group messaging platforms can significantly enhance communication within church communities, fostering fellowship, coordination, and engagement.

While very effective for communicating with teens, make sure to work with your Youth Ministries team to ensure compliance with Safe Church guidelines when using electronic communication with minors.

GROUP TEXTING

• Constant Contact.com: Debuted in August 2022, now you have the ability to pair text messaging with your lists in Constant Contact. The SMS add-on costs $10 a month (on top of your Core or Plus subscription) for up to 500 contacts,

• Flocknote.com: built specifically for churches. With Flocknote, you can text everyone in your church or a specific group or ministry. Capture replies and respond. Church members have the ability to send a text from their phone to get connected with your church and join a ministry.

• GroupMe: brands itself as "the free, simple way to stay connected with those who matter most. Family. Roommates. Friends. Coworkers. Teams. Greek Life. Bands. Faith Groups." It works on every phone, smartphone or not.

• Remind: Designed originally for teachers to contact parents, but able to be used for churches and other nonprofits.

• WhatsApp: Known for its ability to communicate over Wi-Fi, WhatsApp works on Android, iPhones, and Mac and Windows PCs. There is also a business app built for small businesses with special features.

• Clearstream.io: Use Clearstream to instantly communicate with your team and new members via text message. Streamline your first-time guest process. With Clearstream, guests can text a Keyword, fill out a digital connect card, and receive follow-up messages automatically. Engage with incoming messages and two-way conversations using the inbox directly inside your account from your computer or mobile device.

GROUP CALLING

• DialMyCalls: Like robocalling, you can record a message that will be played when people answer their phone. If an answering machine picks up, a voicemail will be left. Also offers group texting and group emailing.

• Call Em All: Automated calling service with the same features as the above resource.