10 Church Invitation Text Messages - Free Sample

Are you a pastor looking for a more direct way to engage your congregation during the week? Are you a ministry leader trying to recruit more volunteers? Social media isn’t working, and something needs to change. 

It’s time to put your church management software to use with mass texts that will get the attention of church members.  

That’s why we’re providing you with a list of sample texts to level up your church communications so no one misses an opportunity to participate in your next worship service.

In This Article: 

Connect more directly with church members and develop trust with potential visitors through church invitation texts designed to get people more involved. 

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Let's say your church is hosting a conference next month, and your summer series of guest speakers is all lined up. It's time to start texting your church family! Before you do, consider some best practices to make sure people don’t unsubscribe before you’ve had the chance to connect with them.   

Consider these tips for how to communicate via text with church members and potential guests: 

• Be friendly and conversational; use the kind of language you would use with friends and family
• Keep it brief to keep people’s attention (you won’t be able to say everything in a text) 
• Don’t forget important details like the date, time, and location of an event 
• Text regularly but not too often
• Pick times that are appropriate for most people (not late at night) and when you will get the best response from people

To get an idea of church texts in action, see the examples listed below. 

1. Inviting First-Time Attendees

Sample: “Welcome to [church name]! We’re so excited to worship together with you at one of our upcoming services. When you visit, please make sure to let someone at our Connections booth know it’s your first time so we can give you a special gift! Until then, check out this video telling you about our heart for Jesus and church mission: [include link]”

2. Reminding First-time Invites

Sample: “We can’t wait to meet you this weekend! Reminder: Service times are at 9am and 11am. Feel free to park in one of our visitor spots closest to the Worship Center. Got kids? Check-in begins 20 minutes before service for children ages newborn - 5th grade. If you have a child with special needs, call [insert phone number] for more information. Youth programs are at 11am only.” 

3. Daily - Bible Verses 

Sample: “Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119:76 

Join us this weekend for a message from pastor Todd on having faith in times of suffering.” 

4. Weekly - Prayer Invite every Sunday

Sample: “Did you know we have a prayer team available every weekend? For those of you struggling with anything from money troubles to body image, we have people eager to pray with you. Meet in the Multipurpose room before or after services.” 

5. Announcement - Worship Set List

Sample: “Psalm 30:11-12 says, “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy…”  

This Sunday, we’re celebrating all God has done through [insert church name] this year. Worship with us at 9:00am or 10:45am. Check out our worship set list as you prepare your heart: [insert link]”

6. Special Event Invite

Sample: “Got plans this weekend? The College Ministry will gather for our annual graduation party on Friday, June 23 @ 6pm. Food and drink will be provided for $5/person. RSVP to save your spot! [insert link]”

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7. Personalized Worship Group Invite 

Sample: “Thanks for your interest in joining the [insert church name] worship team! Come to our Worship Team orientation on October 18th at 7pm to learn more. Attendance is mandatory, but we promise it will be fun! Reply YES to attend.”

8. Volunteer Invitation Texts

Sample: “Calling all helping hands! We’re looking for anyone willing to write a letter of encouragement to our Military Men of Hope stationed overseas. Reply HELP for more information.”  

9. Church Choir Invitation

Sample: “We heard you like music! You’re invited to attend our church choir auditions this Sunday after the second service in the Fellowship Hall. Sheet music will be available at check-in.”

10. Personalized Text - Inactive Members

Hey [attendee name]! We’ve missed you lately. This weekend we’re starting our Advent series and would love for you to join us. Will you be able to attend?” 

Any pastor or ministry leader knows having conversations with visitors, church members, and volunteers fills most of their time. Time before and after a church service is limited and not everyone sees the announcements each weekend. Sounds like it’s time to send a text message!  

According to Pew Research Center, 97% of Americans have a cell phone, and multiple studies report that texts have a 98% open rate.    

By sending texts to your congregation, you can connect more effectively with visitors, attendees, and Chreasters (Christmas and Easter) needing to get plugged in. Not only that but sending a text message is a great way to: 

• Recruit volunteers 
• Encourage contributions
• Ask for prayer requests
• Invite potential guests
• Get comments and feedback from church members
• Share scriptures or other inspiration
• Reach out to a specific ministry or group
• Connect with people one-on-one   

The first step to using church text messaging software is to begin with a quality church management software. Once you’ve compiled a list of member contacts, send everyone an invitation text including an SMS opt-in to make sure your communication is legally compliant.

To build your list, try capturing church members any way you can. This isn’t about numbers (well, you will need their phone number); it’s about effective communication. Invite people to sign up via email, in your church announcements, on banners or signs, and on flyers or new member pamphlets. 

Next, create a sign-up form that’s posted on your website. This is a great way to capture future guests. The form on your site should include things like: 

• Name 
• Phone Number 
• Email Address 

You can request additional details like birthdays and ministries or events they want more information about. This will allow you to send customized messages to each member about groups they are a part of or say thanks for serving at an event. Create message templates and use keywords to set up automated messages for personalized responses. Before you know it, you’ll have everyone on board (yes, even the naysayers).

Text marketing can be utilized for anything from Memorial Day sales to wedding invitations. 

Church text marketing is designed for church leaders and pastors to connect with their congregation to get and keep them in the loop about church activities and ways to get involved. Ultimately, it’s an opportunity for people to take the next steps toward discipleship. 

In these digital days, church invitation letters (i.e., snail mail) aren’t enough. Church text messaging software is critical for regular and effective engagement. 

When is the best time to send out church sms?

Don’t send messages more than once or bombard people with texts leading up to an event. Use discretion when sending texts by asking yourself: Would I text my boss at this time? Is this occasion important for everyone in [this group] to know about? 

How to invite people to church via text?

Keep it casual and make it simple, but include all the important details. Send personalized messages to groups who have opted in for information on special events or volunteer opportunities. Consider creating automated messages using keywords to engage with potential guests, update contact information, or send specific resources.    

How to create a database to send a text message?

The most important step is to begin using one of the top church management softwares to get a jump start on building your contact list. You won’t regret it.