From Legacy to Connection: How Bible Center Church Stays Rooted and Relevant with Text In Church
A 70-Year Legacy of Faith and Service
For nearly 70 years, Bible Center Church has been a steady presence in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded by the grandparents of Trashawnda Ward, the church’s legacy is steeped in faith, family, and community impact. From worship to preschool programs, afterschool care to mental health resources, Bible Center has always sought to meet needs both inside and outside its walls.
But when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, one question became urgent: how do you keep a multi-generational congregation connected when you can’t gather?
As Director of Training and Administration, HR assistant, and Minister of Music, Trashawnda wears many hats. At the height of the pandemic, one role became especially critical: communicator.
“When the pandemic hit, it became mission-critical to stay connected,” she recalls. “We used to rely on Sunday announcements and phone trees. But we needed more.”
Text In Church Becomes a Lifeline
That “more” came through Text In Church.
Instead of relying on outdated methods, Bible Center began sending texts and voice messages that reached members where they were. Seniors received consistent updates. Young adults, who ignored calls and emails, actually responded to texts. Parents in preschool and afterschool programs got reminders and event updates.
And personal touches made all the difference.
“People are super excited like, ‘They remembered my birthday!’” Trashawnda said. Birthday and anniversary texts replaced traditional cards which ended up saving time and money while delighting recipients.
With Text In Church, Bible Center didn’t just adapt, they reimagined communication.
From Guest Follow-Up to HR Onboarding
The platform quickly expanded beyond Sunday reminders. Guest follow-up became consistent, ensuring that first-time visitors didn’t fall through the cracks. In fact, they tracked 93 first-time guests in a single year, documenting each step of their discipleship journey.
It also became a vital HR tool. Staff onboarding, communication with current and former employees, and sharing community resources all ran through Text In Church.
“We love Text In Church over here. It’s really integrated into the lifeblood of what we do,” Trashawnda said.
Related: One Tool to Simplify Church Staff Communications
Ministry That Scales with the Mission
Today, Text In Church touches nearly every aspect of ministry at Bible Center. Children’s Church RSVPs, ministry-specific reminders, outreach invitations, and even mental health resource distribution are all streamlined through the platform.
“Our young adults won’t respond to calls or emails, but they will text back. That’s been transformational,” Trashawnda explained.
With a smile, she adds, “I am the Text In Church cheerleader. Even with small churches, this tool is powerful.”
Rooted and Relevant
Bible Center Church’s story is one of legacy and innovation. Proof that a historic church can stay both rooted in its mission and relevant in its methods. For Trashawnda and her team, Text In Church isn’t just software. It’s ministry in motion.
Want to learn more about the power of Text In Church and how it can help you in your ministry? Attend a demo and get your questions answered live.
