Spread the word via text messaging

Mobile devices give parishes many options for communication

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By Douglas Plank

One of the greatest commands of Christendom is to spread the gospel throughout the world. Consider the truth and opportunity available to parishes to spread the gospel via mobile devices: In the U.S. alone there are:

  • 257 million data capable mobile devices in consumers’ hands
  • 5 billion text messages are sent each day
  • 1.5 billion text messages were sent in 2009
  • 91% of people in the United States have a cell phone

Using SMS and PSMS mobile tools (text messaging) can greatly enhance the scope and ease of communicating, financially supporting, empowering, and in general serving those a ministry or church desires to help. But how?

Start with the basics. Just like building your email list—start building your mobile list. Get the mobile numbers of those attending, serving, supporting, and benefiting your parish. There are easy opt-in requirements established by the mobile industry designed to prevent spam while ensuring the quality and right to communicate via mass text messages. So build your text broadcasting lists to share a weekly encouraging word or prayer request, announce an upcoming Bible study, or share a Scripture verse. Use broadcast texting to alert parents that the youth group’s arrival is delayed an hour due to traffic, so meet at the church parking lot 30 minutes later. In emergencies, you have the ability to communicate brief important messages to your entire list including pushing them to a specific URL for more detailed information.

You can also use mobile technology to solicit feedback. Questions for the pastor engages those being served in a meaningful way that leads to trust and familiarity.

Associating your ministry with mobile technology that is easy to use can also influence giving. You can also connect with your donors through their mobile devices. That makes it possible to fundraise over mobile phones with micro donations of $5 or $10 billed to the donor’s cell phone. Some communities are seeing a 15% to 30% incremental increase in total funds received at worship.

Mobile capability can help parishes spread their good word and work across their town and across the globe.

Douglas Plank

Douglas Plank is the CEO of MobileCause, mobilecause.com.