Spiritual practices & resources MEDIA IN Ministry GO SOCIAL
How many emails do you delete without opening them? How much mail do you
throw away as soon as you pull it out of the mailbox? If you’re like most, the answer is a lot.
What about text messages—how many of those do you delete without reading? For most people, the answer is zero. Text messaging is one of the few ways to practically guarantee that your audience will see what you have to say.
Congregations can use text messaging to reach their members in these ways: • Connect a youth group or other small group. • Reach specifi c groups with ministry announcements. • Send a weekly Scripture or prayer. • Announce changes in worship time or weather cancellations. • Boost awareness about a special event.
Consider using an application that allows people to choose to receive text messages. This way you have subscribers’ expressed permission to send texts, which could incur charges depending on an individual’s mobile plan.
There are many paid text messaging services, but congregations can opt for one of several free services: • GroupMe—
groupme.com • Celly—
cel.ly • Remind—
remind.com
To get the most out of your text messages, keep these tips in mind: • Use an application that allows people to sign up and allows you to manage your texts.
• Be explicit about how many and what kinds of text messages people will receive.
• Keep messages short and to the point. • Pick one text messaging service and stick with it.
David Hansen Hansen is pastor of Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, Woodlands, Texas. He will contribute social media stories monthly.
44 APRIL 2016
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