Church Text Messaging

Text messaging, or "texting" is the common term for sending short" (originally 160 characters or fewer, including spaces) text messages from mobile phones using the Short Message Service (SMS). To get the most out of those 160 characters or less, an entire new lexicon has been developed to shorten words and phrases. For example, “I love you,” is shortened to "ily" or "ilu". It’s a whole new form of shorthand called "textese" or "chatspeak."

Using Text Messaging

Similar to micro-blogging, text messaging is a way to communicate short tidbits of information with individuals or groups. With more people migrating from email and computers to text messaging and cell phones, especially youth and young adults, it is becoming an important way to keep in touch and communicate effectively. Consider these quick and easy church text messaging ideas:

• Send announcements and last-minute reminders.
• Share birthday wishes.
• Provide Bible verses and short devotions.
• Conduct contests, quizzes and polls.
• Create a prayer chain and praise reports.
• Introduce the weekend’s upcoming Sunday school lesson or sermon.
• Get quick feedback about an idea or question.

Several years ago, when text messaging was making its global debut as the latest and greatest form of digital communication, a contest was held for the best text message of the Lord’s Prayer. Matthew Campbell of York, England, was the winner. Here is his translation:

dad@hvn,ur spshl.we want wot u want&urth2b like hvn.giv us food&4giv r sins lyk we 4giv uvaz.don’t test us!save us!bcos we kno ur boss,ur tuf&ur cool 4 eva!ok?

Some SMS services that churches are using to communicate include:

• Txt Signal
• Tatango
• Church Texting Manager

Learn more:

• Teens! Can They Hear You Now?
• United Methodist Mobile Campaign Tested in Pittsburgh
• Bishop Sends Messages of Comfort During Gustav
• Micro-blogging for Ministry
• Social Networking for Churches

_______________

Suggested services and websites are for example only. United Methodist Communications neither endorses or guarantees the reliability or terms of use and services for these suggestions nor does it benefit in any way from listing the service or website as an example or by subsequent use of a third party directed from this site.