We developed church invitation text message samples to help you create timely and positive communications from your church to your congregation using a common and efficient method — text messages.
This sounds great, but you’re probably wondering, “How do I invite people to church via text?” This guide helps answer that question with a few smart tips on how, when and why to communicate via text, plus several sample templates to get you started. These templates provide language that invites members, potential members and groups to join church services and other events. You’ll also find sample text messages that provide previews of upcoming set lists, prayer groups, and even church choir auditions.
Table of Contents
How to Invite People to Church Via Text
Church Invitation Text Message Samples
How to Invite People to Church Via Text
Are you ready to start inviting people to church via text? Texting church members can be an effective way to keep the community informed and ensure your organization's events are successful. However, you should follow best practices to ensure members are not overwhelmed with spam or irrelevant messages.
Creating a system to manage your church text messages is a must — it can help you reach out effectively and keep your communication efforts organized. Taking the time to follow best practices for texting church members can make all the difference in building and maintaining relationships within the community.
Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Use a Sign-Up Form on Your Website
A sign-up form on your church's website is an easy way to gather contact information from both current members and potential guests. To collect the best information, use the form to gather details such as:
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
However, if you want to customize your messaging down the road, it's helpful to ask for information such as birthdays and any special church interests (volunteering in the nursery, singing in the choir, etc.).
Adding a section for prayer requests or suggestions from your congregation can also be a great way to gauge how members are feeling and what they are seeking from the church. A quality sign-up form can help you connect with current and potential attendees of your church. If you're having trouble setting up a system to gather this information, try church management software.
Be sure to have members check an opt-in box as part of your sign-up form. This ensures they legally opt in to receive text messages from your organization. Otherwise, your communications might be labeled as spam. That's not good for anybody and can damage your church's reputation.
Text Contacts Regularly
Staying connected with church members is an essential part of effective communication. To keep church members engaged and ensure they are informed about important updates, you should send text messages frequently, not just once a month or around the holidays! Regular text messages are great for engagement; however, there are other benefits to consistent communication. Texting can provide a sense of closeness and create a strong community within the church that will last for years to come. It also helps members stay connected when physical attendance isn't possible and allows them to interact with others from wherever they're located.
Most of all, frequent text messages help keep people up-to-date and signal their involvement in the activities of their church family.
Don’t Spam Attendees
It is important to be respectful when texting your church members and not overdo it. If they receive too many messages, they will most likely begin to opt out of text communication as it becomes too tedious and annoying.
So, use discretion and don't bombard them with irrelevant text messages. Instead, send essential information and don't send text messages more than once (unless they're important, like in the case of asking for volunteers, donations or sending critical updates).
Finding a balance between engaging with church members without being too intrusive is key to sustaining healthy relationships via text message communication. (Keep reading for church invitation text message samples that can help!)
Spell Out the Benefits
Going to church can provide benefits such as forgiveness, salvation and guidance. As a church, your values likely lie in spreading and bringing those benefits to your members, so it's important to spell them out when you interact with your members through texts.
From friendly conversations and inspiring discussions during services to opportunities for volunteering or doing mission work together, there are many benefits for all members when they join you at your church weekly. Texting your members is just a small reminder of how much meaning there can be in taking time out of each week to join together in prayer.
Speak to People One-on-One
Most of your communications will likely be in mass texts to multiple members of your church community at once. However, don't forget to reach out to people one-on-one now and then.
This enables more personal connections and helps foster true relationships in the church. After all, the church isn’t just about music and sermons. It's about building deeper connections with fellow members who have similar beliefs and values.
Texting gives pastors and leaders an easier way to express concern and love for their congregants without being physically present at all times. Additionally, it makes it easier for members to reach out if they need help or want to discuss something spiritual.
Create Message Templates
All these factors are sometimes difficult to manage when you're busy with life and other church activities. That's why it's often easier to use text message templates you can quickly edit and use for most of your communications.
Message templates make it easier for staff to create relevant messages without having to create the content from scratch each time. Additionally, customizing template messages by adding recipients’ names personalizes communication while maintaining an organized structure. You'll need great online giving and communication software to help with this, but it's worth it.
In short, having church invitation text message sample templates ready to go every time you need to craft a new text message is an efficient way to reach out quickly with relevant messages that include personal touches.
Church Invitation Text Message Samples
All caught up on the best practices for church text messaging? Great! Now, you're probably thinking, "How do I invite people to church via text?" The answer is by crafting the right message at the right time.
Remember: you can send text messages to current, past and potential church members for other things besides invitations to church. There are several messaging options when you want to get in touch with your congregation.
Here are a few common church invitation text message samples. They include texts that invite members to visit for special Sunday services, ask for prayer requests, preview worship set lists, send Bible verses, and encourage members to join the choir. These messages are designed to help visitors to join and engage with your community in various ways.
Feel free to personalize these templates as you see fit!
First-Time Attendees
Sample Text Message #1:
"Welcome to our church! We are so glad that you have chosen to worship with us. We strive to create a warm and supportive atmosphere for all those who come, and if this is your first time here, we would like nothing more than for you to experience the love of Christ through our friendly congregation. We hope that your first visit with us will be encouraging and enjoyable. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or needs; we are always available to offer support. We look forward to seeing you soon!"
Sample Text Message #2:
"We are so glad you are joining us! We want you to know that you are always welcome. When you arrive, please make yourself comfortable and let one of our friendly greeters know this is your first visit. They will be happy to answer any questions you have and show you around if needed. Thanks for taking the time to join us — we look forward to getting to know you better!"
First-Time Attendee Follow-Up
Sample Text Message #1:
"Thank you for joining us at our service this week. We hope your experience was a positive one and that you will come back to visit us soon. At [CHURCH NAME], our community is full of friendly faces, inspiring music and a meaningful message from our pastor, so we would love to have you back in the pews any time. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments you may have about church life at [CHURCH NAME]. Thank you again for taking part in church services with us; it was great to have you here!"
Sample Text Message #2:
"Thank you for joining us for church this past Sunday. We hope your experience was meaningful, and that the stories and scriptures we discussed left an impression on your heart. Our church is a welcoming flock, eager to share in the joys others are finding in a lifetime of faith. Feel free to reach out if there’s anything we can do for you or answer any questions about our church you may have. Thank you again for coming, and we look forward to seeing you at church again soon. Follow this link to learn more about our church services, groups, and volunteer opportunities: [INSERT URL]."
Inactive Church Members
Sample Text Message #1:
"Hey, [NAME]! We hope you're doing well. We wanted to check in to see how you're doing. We miss having you at church with us and wanted to let you know we'd love to have you come back soon. Our doors are always open for you and we'd love to welcome you back. We hope that this message finds you in good health and peace. Let us know if one of our staff can reach out with assistance or if you need any prayer requests."
Sample Text Message #2:
"Hi, [NAME]. This is [PASTOR NAME] from [CHURCH NAME]. How have you been? We've noticed you haven't attended in a while and wanted to reach out with a gentle and loving message to make sure everything is okay. At [CHURCH NAME], we're always here for our members to provide guidance, support and community. We hope you come to join us on Sundays as soon as you can so you can experience the joys of being among others in worship. Sending peace and blessings!"
Sunday Prayer Invite
Sample Text Message #1:
"Hey [NAME], what are you doing this Sunday? Sundays are a time to connect with family and friends, and most importantly, to pause and remember our loving Creator in prayer. This Sunday at [TIME], we invite you to join us in prayer. Let's come together as a church family to seek God's blessings on our lives!"
Sample Text Message #2:
"Sunday is a special day of the week, and it's a great time to pause and find solace in prayer. We invite all church members to join us for Sunday prayers — come for hope, spiritual growth, worship, fellowship and encouragement. Whether you live next door or halfway across the world, we would love to have your presence this Sunday as we worship together under the power of God."
Event Invite
Sample Text Message #1:
"What are you doing on [DATE]? We invite all church members to join us for a very special event taking place at the church on [DATE]. We hope that you'll join us! Please RSVP via the link below if you plan on coming and let us know how many people will join you. We look forward to seeing you then. [INSERT RSVP URL]"
Sample Text Message #2:
"Join us for an upcoming event at the church on [DATE]! We have something special planned and we would love for you to join us. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, join in some fun activities, and learn more about our faith. We look forward to seeing you on [DATE]."
Personalized Worship Group Invite
Sample Text Message #1:
"Hey, [NAME]. Based on your interest and church activities, we think you'd be a great addition to our [WORSHIP GROUP NAME]. Through this group, we offer a worship group that is highly relational, warm and open to newcomers. Together, we strive to bring glory to God through worship and service-oriented deeds in the community. Be part of something great and join [WORSHIP GROUP NAME] today! Learn more: [INSERT LINK URL OR GROUP DETAILS]"
Sample Text Message #2:
"Have you been thinking about joining a worship group? Here's your chance! Join us in worship every [DAY OF THE WEEK] from [START TIME] to [END TIME]. It's easy — just bring yourself (and a friend if you'd like)! Come find comfort and peace amid worship with our community. Invite your family and friends to join you, too. We would love to meet them! Reach out to [STAFF NAME], the leader of this worship group, with any questions.
Volunteer Invite
Sample Text Message #1:
"Calling all givers! We are looking for church volunteers to join us in serving our church family. Volunteering is an amazing way to get involved and help others. As a church volunteer, your assistance will be greatly appreciated and valued. Come join us on this journey of selfless service and making a difference in the lives of those around us. Sign up here to join our upcoming volunteer initiatives: [INSERT LINK URL]"
Sample Text Message #2:
"Are you looking for a way to strengthen your relationship with God and contribute positively to your community? Now is the perfect time to volunteer at your church! As a church volunteer, you can get involved in fun activities while embodying the church's core values. Follow this link to learn about our upcoming volunteer opportunities or text VOLUNTEER to learn more: [INSERT LINK URL]"
Church Choir Invite
Sample Text Message #1:
"Hey [NAME], you're invited to audition for the church choir! As an active member of the church community, joining the choir is an opportunity for you to help support a friendly and joyous atmosphere within our church. Auditions being on [DATE], so be sure to mark your calendar! If you're interested in auditioning, please sign up for a time slot here: [INSERT CALENDAR LINK]"
Sample Text Message #2:
"We are hosting church choir auditions on [DATE] and would love for you to come and join in the singing. It doesn't matter if you are a professional musician or someone who has never held a microphone before — all voices are welcome! Our church choir offers an incredible chance to experience music in a unique setting and make lifelong memories and friendships. Sign up to audition here: [INSERT CALENDAR LINK]"
Worship Set List
Sample Text Message #1:
"This Sunday, we will be worshipping through a variety of uplifting songs as we come together to celebrate the Lord. Our worship set list includes old favorites like ”How Great Thou Art” and new worship songs such as “Holy Spirit Come.” Let us all come together this Sunday with our praise and worship Him in spirit and truth. We look forward to joining our voices together in worship!"
Sample Text Message #2:
"WORSHIP SET LIST ANNOUNCEMENT: We are excited to present this week's worship set list for Sunday worship service. We have an amazing diversity of worship music that will keep us lifting our hands and hearing God's Word from a variety of different artists. We're looking forward to worshipping together with the sweet melodies that reflect our love for Jesus, helping us to exalt Him in all we do! Join us this Sunday and experience the joy of worshipping through music."
Bible Verses
Sample Text Message #1:
"As we start this week, let us remember to draw our inspiration from the Bible. This week, take comfort in Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” We are reminded from this verse that God is always with us and in times of need, we can turn to Him for strength. Let these words be a reminder that no matter what this week brings, we have a strong foundation upon which to stand."
Sample Text Message #2:
"Hey [NAME], how are you feeling this month? We know it's been a trying year, and inspiration from God can bring motivation and solace. As we progress through this week, the Bible verse of Joshua 1:9 serves as an inspiration for us all: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Let this serve as a reminder that God is always by our side and will give us courage in moments of fear or challenge. May we all find inspiration in these words to get through the week."
Respond to Current Events
Sample Text Message #1 (Unfortunate Events):
"As we all work to process [CURRENT EVENT], we understand that members of our church may feel troubled and uncertain. In this challenging time, we want to remind our members that God is with them and will provide strength and resilience as they traverse life's unpredictable waters. Although the current cultural landscape may feel worrisome, you are never alone. If you or a loved one is struggling to process [CURRENT EVENT], please reach out to one of our pastors or church leaders for guidance: [INSERT URL LINK TO SCHEDULE A TIME WITH A PASTOR OR LEADER]"
Sample Text Message #2 (Unpredictable Events):
"As current events continue to unfold in our world, our church strives to be a resource for our members. We are here to provide helpful guidance and biblical perspective during these unpredictable times. We want all our members to know we are here, and we will do whatever it takes to help foster spiritual growth and faith together as one church family. Have a prayer request for you or someone you know during these tough times? Let us know: [INSERT PRAYER REQUEST LINK]"
Ask for Feedback
Sample Text Message #1:
"We want to hear your voice! We value your feedback and we are keen to develop a better community for our members. Please take the time to fill out our online survey so we can learn more about your experience with the church services we provide and how we can improve: [INSERT SURVEY LINK]"
Sample Text Message #2:
Hey, [NAME], you are valued here at [CHURCH NAME]. We value you, your presence in our community, your opinion, and your feedback. Whether it's about our services, activities or even the way we do things, we want to make sure we are doing our best to provide a space for everyone to grow and feel connected. Please take some time this week and give us your feedback on our church: [INSERT SURVEY LINK]"
We hope this guide to creating text messages for your church and the church invitation text message samples help you meet church members where they are, by communicating with them quickly and easily, with timely information, questions and encouragement.
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