In an age of instant communication and digital overload, churches face an important question: how should they stay in touch with their members? From event reminders to prayer requests and weekly updates, communication is vital to keeping a church community connected and engaged. But what’s the best method — text or email? Understanding your congregation’s preferences can significantly impact how well your messages are received and responded to.
Understanding the Pros and Cons of Text or Email Communication
When considering whether to use text or email to reach your church members, it’s important to evaluate the strengths and limitations of each method. Both have their place in church communication, but the key is finding the right balance—and knowing your audience.
Text messaging is fast, direct, and hard to ignore. Most people carry their phones with them throughout the day and tend to check incoming texts almost immediately. That makes texting a great option for time-sensitive messages, such as service cancellations, last-minute event changes, or reminders about a small group meeting happening later that evening. With open rates as high as 98%, text messages are one of the most reliable ways to grab someone’s attention.
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However, texting has its limitations. It’s not ideal for delivering large amounts of information or for communicating complex ideas. It can also feel intrusive if overused or sent at inconvenient times. Churches that rely too heavily on text messaging risk causing fatigue among members who may feel overwhelmed or bothered.
Email, on the other hand, is better suited for longer-form communication. Newsletters, sermon recaps, upcoming events, and spiritual reflections can all be shared more effectively through email. People can read emails on their own time, and they provide space for visuals, attachments, and more thoughtful messaging. While email open rates are typically lower than texts—often hovering around 20%—they remain an important tool for deeper engagement.
The main drawback of email is that people are often flooded with it. Church emails may get buried under dozens of work messages, promotional ads, and unread subscriptions. Unless your subject line is compelling or your members are actively engaged, your carefully crafted message might never be opened.
Why It Matters Whether Members Prefer Text or Email
Choosing whether to communicate primarily by text or email isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a pastoral one. Communication affects relationships. If church members feel out of the loop, overwhelmed, or ignored, it can erode trust and connection. On the flip side, thoughtful and timely communication helps members feel seen, included, and valued.
Different demographics within your church will have different preferences. Younger members may gravitate toward texts or even social media messages. Older members might be more accustomed to checking email or even prefer printed bulletins. Working parents might appreciate quick reminders via text, while retirees may have time to read a more detailed email.
