This step is all about turning your communication tools into real, relational ministry.
✉️ Step 1: Send Your First Group Text
Head to the Messaging section in your dashboard. Then click:
Create New Message → Text Message
You’ll have the option to title your message. This isn’t required, but it’s helpful for organizing your communications later (ex: “Leadership Welcome Message”).
Select Your Recipients:
Choose individual people, or...
Select your Leadership Team Group (this is what we recommend for your first practice message).
🧪 Sample Message Template (Feel Free to Use This):
Hi {First Name}, it’s [Your Church Name]! We now have texting 😊 We’ll be using this number for guest follow-up, updates, and member communication. Save it in your phone!The {First Name} variable will auto-populate based on what’s saved in your People section.
🔢 A Quick Note on Character Limits
SMS messages allow 160 characters per segment.
You can send up to 459 characters total across 3 segments—this still counts as ONE message per person!
Want to shorten or polish your message? Use the built-in AI assistant to rephrase, enhance, or trim your text with one click.
🎨 Add Some Extras (Optional, but Powerful)
Here’s what you can include in your message:
Emojis – Friendly but they reduce character count (to ~70 per segment).
Media – Add a photo (500KB max). Each image counts as an additional message per recipient.
Links – Include Connect Cards, landing pages, or use the built-in link shortener to avoid blocked URLs (like Bitly or TinyURL).
Templates – Save frequently used messages or signatures for future use. Just remember: applying a template will overwrite your current message draft.
Once your message looks good, click Next, select your phone number (if you have more than one), and choose to Send Now or Schedule.
⏰ If you schedule during typical “quiet hours,” TIC will give you a heads-up just in case.
📬 Step 2: Master Your Inbox
Once your message is sent, it’s time to explore the Inbox.
Here’s how to navigate it like a pro:
Filter by Number – Choose a specific phone line or view all inboxes at once.
Unread vs. Read – Messages stay unread until someone replies or manually marks them as read.
Reply Directly – Click a message to reply in real time. This also marks it as read.
Archive or Favorite – Keep your inbox clean and organized.
Notes – Add internal notes on conversations for your whole team to see.
Inbox Tabs:
All – Shows every message across all phone numbers.
Archived – Where read/managed messages go.
Pending – Includes scheduled or sending-in-progress messages.
Sent – Your complete history of sent messages, with delivery status indicators (green = delivered, red = failed).
📱 Don’t Forget the Mobile App!
Text In Church has a free mobile app available on Apple Store and Google Play, so you can stay connected with your team and your people—without being tied to your desk.
✅ Your Action Steps
Craft and send a message to your Leadership Team group.
Personalize it, keep it under 459 characters, and use the first name variable.
Check your inbox and reply to any messages you receive.
Download the TIC mobile app to manage messages on-the-go.
Once that’s done, you’re ready to move on to the final steps of your onboarding journey. You’re not just sending texts—you’re building trust and making people feel known, noticed, and loved. 💬❤️