Texting is a potent tool that can help members remain engaged in church life throughout the week. Evidence shows that texting is more powerful than email with people 4.5 times more likely to reply to SMS messages.
Ministry texts are messages specifically designed to support church members in their Christian life and faith. Here are some messaging templates that you might want to consider:
Template #1: Prayer Requests
Churches often engage in prayer drives when there is a profound need, either because of a situation in the local community, or the wider world.
Please pray for {person or situation}, asking for God’s grace in this difficult time.
Template #2: Bible Verses
Sometimes church ministers receive a Bible verse from God that they feel they need to share with their congregation. Other times, they may want to send verses out as part of a series on a particular theme or topic.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:24.
Template #3: Provide Encouragement
Walking in the footsteps of Jesus is challenging. Therefore, church ministries may want to send out messages of encouragement from time to time. These could be in the form of a quote, or simply a statement that encourages people to continue striving.
Don’t pray for life to be easy. Pray to be a strong person.
Template #4: Prayer Instructions
You may also want to give members of your congregation specific guidance on the types of prayers they should be praying during the week. These messages can help direct their spiritual efforts towards the right causes.
We pray for the needy and destitute. We pray for everyone in the legal system or going through medical challenges at this time.
Template #5: Inspiring Messages
Church leaders can also share inspiring messages of hope or redemption from the Bible with members. These lift people up and get them excited about Christian teachings and the message of Christ.
Here are some examples:
Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. – Nehemiah 8:10
Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. – Psalm 34:10
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? – Luke 12:25-26
Template #6: Respond To Current Events
The world is a chaotic place and things regularly happen that church members can find challenging to understand in the context of their Christian faith. Therefore, leadership may wish to send out SMS messages responding to shocking or troubling developments.
Despite the current chaos, God’s hand is in all things. As Christians, the Bible reminds us that now is the time for renewed faith.
Template #7: Timetable Changes
Lastly, you may want to change your current ministry timetable at the last minute.
Our prayer event scheduled for Monday night at 7 pm is cancelled due to illness. The regular schedule will resume next week.