How can you keep your people growing, while there are a million distractions trying to pull their focus away? 
Gloo’s free texting platform provides a powerful solution to this challenge by offering tools like automation and workflows that streamline communication and help guide members on their faith journey. In this blog, we'll explore seven automated text strategies that can help your church members take the next steps in their spiritual lives.
1. Welcome New Members with a Personal Touch
First impressions matter, especially when welcoming new members to your church. With Gloo’s workflows, you can automate a personalized welcome message triggered when a new member texts a specific keyword like "WELCOME." This message can introduce them to your church, share links to resources, and invite them to upcoming events. By automating this initial contact, you ensure that every new member feels valued and connected from the start.
2. Automate Prayer Requests Follow-Up
Prayer is a cornerstone of church life, and following up on prayer requests shows members that you care. Set up a workflow that triggers an automated text response when someone submits a prayer request using a keyword like "PRAY." This text can acknowledge their request, offer words of encouragement, and let them know that someone from the church will follow up personally. You can also use the workflow to add them to a prayer group or schedule a reminder for future follow-up.
3. Encourage Participation in Small Groups
Small groups are vital for fostering deeper connections within the church. Automate invitations to join a small group by creating a workflow triggered by keywords like "GROUP" or "CONNECT." This can send members information about available groups, meeting times, and how to sign up. Additionally, you can set reminders to check in with them after they've joined a group to ensure they're getting the most out of the experience.
4. Guide Members Through a Discipleship Pathway
Discipleship is a journey that requires ongoing support and guidance. Use Gloo’s automation tools to create a discipleship pathway triggered by keywords like "GROW" or "DISCIPLE." Each step of the pathway can be marked by a series of automated texts that offer scripture readings, devotional prompts, or invitations to relevant church events. This helps members progress in their faith at a pace that works for them.
5. Promote Volunteer Opportunities
Engaging members in service is a key part of church life. Automate reminders and invitations to volunteer by creating a workflow tied to keywords like "SERVE" or "VOLUNTEER." This can notify members of upcoming service opportunities, provide links to sign-up forms, and encourage them to get involved. By automating these messages, you ensure that members are consistently informed and motivated to participate.
6. Send Regular Encouragement Texts
Everyone appreciates a little encouragement now and then. Set up a workflow that automatically sends uplifting scripture verses or motivational messages to members who opt in with a keyword like "INSPIRE" or "ENCOURAGE." These texts can be scheduled to go out weekly or monthly, providing regular spiritual nourishment that keeps members engaged and uplifted.
7. Follow-Up on Sermons with Application Points
Sermons are powerful moments of teaching, but the impact can fade if not reinforced. Automate follow-up texts after each sermon with key takeaways, reflection questions, or practical application points. Trigger these texts with a keyword like "SERMON" or by automatically enrolling members who attend services. This helps members apply the sermon’s lessons to their daily lives, deepening their spiritual growth.
Save Time, Maximize Impact
By utilizing Gloo’s free texting platform and its automation features, you can create personalized, automated workflows that guide your church members in their spiritual journeys. These seven strategies not only save you time but also ensure that every member receives the support and encouragement they need to grow in their faith. Start with these workflows, and watch as your church community becomes more engaged, connected, and spiritually vibrant.