All posts tagged churches using texting

Diving into Text Messaging

by Tim Schraeder on 07/30/2009 in Church Communications, Echo 09, Notes, Resources, Social Media with 3 Comments

Dawn Nicole Baldwin is a strategist with a passion to help churches reach people more effectively. She lives this out as founder and lead strategist of AspireOne and as a senior partner with Jarbyco, a mobile communications firm specializing in live events that works with organizations such as Park Community Church, Lifechurch.tv and Youth Specialties.

A former staff member of Big Idea Productions [creators of VeggieTales] and Willow Creek, Dawn Nicole frequently contributes to today’s leading-edge thinking of integrating Christianity and culture but is best known as a change agent who is intent on stretching imaginations, connecting people and making a difference.

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How Texting Works

  • Think of your phone as a tool for connecting with your audience in an intentional and controlled way.
  • Texting is permission based.
  • We have to think differently about texting than we do any other communication channel (i.e. direct marketing, email, etc).
  • We need to be intentional and keep the special privilege and relationship we have with people.
  • Some people say texting began in 1989 with a Motorola beeper.
  • Japan first adopted text messaging; America is a bit behind.
  • Texting the Great Debate. Texters in all countries use “lol”, “u”, “brb” and “gr8.”
  • ~(_8^(\)   – Homer Simpson
  • When American Idol used texting for voting, we got it.
  • In the 3rd quarter of 2006, over 12 billion texts were passed through AT&T’s network.
  • 87% of the US population has mobile phones.
  • Over 110 billion text messages are sent every month (up 1,000% from a few years ago).
  • Adults send/receive 357 text messages per month on average; compared to 204 phone calls.
  • Teens/young adults send 1,742 text messages per month.
  • Texting is a communication channel of the future.
  • 87% of 13-27 yos send text messages… 73% of 15-37 year olds… 44% of 28-39 year olds; 18% of 40-49 year olds.

Textology Terms

  • SMS – Short Message Service
  • Shortcode – Your “address” … hard to create/approve with all carriers.
  • Keywords – tell the system what to do. There’s more flexibility with keywords.

Applications of Texting in Church

  • Text-to-Screen – user initiates contact. (asking questions to the pastor, etc); allows church.
  1. Granger Community Church did a whole weekend called “Ask Anything” where people could text in their questions to the pastor.
  2. Park Community Church does Q&A in every service. (that’s me!)
  • Surveys & Polls – allows people to share their opinion and gets people engaged so they can participate, not just listen.
  • Text Alerts – church initiates conversation with their church. Churches set up texting groups to alert them about upcoming events and news.
  • Promos - an opportunity for an audience to engage and win something… think radio content.
  • Bouncebacks – get people specific information about events/opportunities. (Example, you have a BBQ… you can have people text the word BBQ to your shortcode and a message bounces back to them with info about the BBQ).
  • Two-Way Messaging – think ChaCha. Example: During church service times, you could allow people to text questions and have someone respond to them personally. (Mental note: We need to do this at Park!) It’s a great way to give them next steps… can change the way you communicate.

Bottom line… you need to check out Jarbyco!