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 Help Topics / People & Families / Built-In SMS Messaging

Built-In SMS Messaging

ChurchTrac provides one-way texting through Built-in SMS, allowing you to send messages to individuals, groups, or your entire church directory. You can also integrate with Twilio, a third-party provider, for additional messaging features. Learn More about Built-In SMS vs Twilio ›

  • Before You Text Your Church
  • Sending Church Text Messages
  • 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: 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.

Navigating to the Messaging Tab

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.

Choose who to message

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

Messaging individuals in ChurchTrac

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

Messaging individuals in ChurchTrac

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.

Compose your message

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. However, we provide up to 250 free credits for Plus Plan users based on your Name Tier (credits are per individual, not per text message). If you're on the 75 Name Tier, you receive 75 free credits; the 125 Name Tier includes 125 free credits; and the 250 Name Tier comes with 250 free credits. If you're on a higher Name Tier (500, 1000, or Unlimited), we recommend using Twilio, as you likely send a higher volume of messages. 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.

Do Automatations using SMS work with Built-in SMS?

No, Automations using SMS only work with the Twilio integration, not with Built-in SMS.

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