By understanding and honoring these preferences, your church shows care and intentionality. It’s not about choosing one method over another—it’s about choosing the right method for the right people at the right time.
How to Find Out What Your Members Actually Prefer
If you’re wondering whether your congregation prefers text or email, the best approach is simply to ask. Create a short survey—either online or in-person—and ask your members how they would like to receive different types of communication. For example:
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How do you prefer to receive event reminders?
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Do you read the weekly church email newsletter?
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Would you like to receive prayer requests or urgent updates via text?
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What is your preferred method of contact for last-minute changes or weather-related cancellations?
You might be surprised at the variety of responses, which can help you segment your communications more effectively. Modern church communication tools and apps even allow members to choose their preferences during sign-up so you can tailor your messaging from the start.
RELATED: Church Tech Can Improve Pastoral Care
Best Practices for Using Text or Email in Church Communication
Once you know your members’ preferences, develop a clear communication strategy that makes good use of both text and email. Here are a few best practices:
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Reserve texts for urgent or brief messages. Don’t overload people with unnecessary texts, but use them strategically for reminders, quick updates, or encouragement.
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Use email for regular updates and deeper content. A well-crafted weekly email with links to sermons, devotionals, and announcements can be a valuable touchpoint for those who engage with written content more thoughtfully.
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Keep your contact lists up to date. Make sure you’re sending messages to the right people by regularly updating your church database.
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Be consistent. Whether you’re using text or email, consistency helps people know when and where to expect messages.
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Respect boundaries. Allow members to opt in or out of specific types of communication. This shows that you value their time and preferences.
Meeting People Where They Are
In the end, the question isn’t just whether your church members prefer text or email—it’s about how your church can be most effective in loving and serving people in a connected world. Communication is a ministry. Whether it’s a short text reminding someone of a Bible study or a thoughtful email recapping Sunday’s message, every interaction is an opportunity to build community, encourage faith, and strengthen the bond between church and member.
By listening to your congregation and communicating with intention, you show that your church isn’t just speaking—it’s also paying attention.
