Text-to-give services have revolutionized giving for churches, offering a quick and convenient way for members to contribute directly from their mobile devices. This approach to digital giving is especially useful for reaching tech-savvy congregants and those who prefer the convenience of mobile transactions. By integrating text-to-give, churches can boost donations, enhance member engagement, and provide a seamless giving experience.
This article explores how text-to-give services work, best practices for implementing them, and steps to ensure they’re successfully integrated into your church’s giving options.
How Text-to-Give Services Work
Text-to-give services allow donors to contribute by sending a text message to a designated number with the donation amount. This process is designed to be quick, easy, and accessible to anyone with a mobile phone.
How It Typically Works:
- Texting a Keyword: Donors send a specific keyword (like “GIVE” or “OFFERING”) to a designated phone number provided by the church’s text-to-give platform.
- Entering an Amount: Donors are prompted to enter the donation amount they wish to give.
- One-Time Setup: On their first use, donors may need to enter their payment information, which will be securely saved for future transactions.
- Instant Confirmation: After completing the donation, donors receive a confirmation message and, often, an emailed receipt.
Text-to-give services simplify the donation process, encouraging more people to give by eliminating barriers like cash or checks.
Best Practices for Implementing Text-to-Give in Your Church
To ensure the success of text-to-give in your church, it’s essential to follow some best practices that enhance both usability and engagement.
1. Choose a Reliable Platform
Select a platform that offers robust security, ease of use, and reliable customer support. Popular options for churches include Tithe.ly, Pushpay, and Vanco, which are designed with church giving in mind and offer integrations with other church management tools.
2. Use Clear and Simple Keywords
Make it easy for members to remember and use the text-to-give service by choosing simple, intuitive keywords. For example, “GIVE,” “TITHE,” or “OFFERING” are straightforward and easily recognizable for church-related contributions.
3. Promote the Service Effectively
Educate your congregation on how to use the text-to-give option. Announce it during services, include instructions in bulletins, and create informational posts on social media. Consider demonstrating how it works by showing a short video or doing a live demo.
4. Ensure Strong Security Measures
Since donors are entering sensitive financial information, ensure that the text-to-give platform uses encryption and is PCI-compliant. Reassure members of the security measures in place to protect their data.
By following these best practices, your church can create a user-friendly and secure text-to-give experience that encourages ongoing generosity.
Steps to Implement Text-to-Give in Your Church
Introducing text-to-give services requires careful planning and setup. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth implementation process:
1. Set Up the Service with Your Chosen Provider
Once you select a platform, such as Tatango, Snowball, OneCause, Handbid, follow the provider’s instructions to set up your church’s text-to-give account. This typically involves creating an account, selecting keywords, and customizing donation pages.
2. Customize the User Experience
Many text-to-give platforms allow you to customize aspects of the giving experience, such as confirmation messages, donation receipts, and follow-up communication. Personalize these messages to make the experience feel more connected to your church’s mission.
3. Train Your Staff and Volunteers
Ensure that church staff and volunteers are familiar with the text-to-give process so they can assist members if questions arise. This is particularly helpful for congregants who may be new to digital giving or require guidance.
4. Introduce the Service During Worship
Officially launch the text-to-give service during a worship service, providing clear instructions and showing a step-by-step demonstration. This initial introduction helps familiarize members with the process.
5. Monitor and Adjust as Needed
After launching text-to-give, monitor its usage and gather feedback from members. Adjust the service if needed, such as by simplifying instructions or addressing technical issues that may arise.
Following these steps will help your church introduce text-to-give smoothly and ensure it becomes a valuable part of your digital giving strategy.
Conclusion
Text-to-give services offer churches an efficient, accessible way to boost donations and meet the needs of a mobile-first world. By following best practices and carefully implementing the service, your church can make giving easier for members and provide a secure, seamless experience.
In follow-up articles, we’ll explore advanced strategies for promoting text-to-give and integrating it with other church engagement efforts.`
