Step-by-Step: How to Send Mass Text Messages with Planning Center + Text In Church

Clear and consistent communication is one of the most important parts of leading a church. But when you’re juggling Sunday services, volunteer coordination, and ministry needs, sending timely updates to your people can feel overwhelming. That’s where mass texting comes in.

Mass texting allows you to reach your congregation instantly with the information they need most. And if you’re already using Planning Center to manage people and events, adding Text In Church’s Planning Center texting integration is the simplest way to bring texting into your workflow.

This article will walk you through why churches should use mass texting, how the Planning Center + Text In Church integration works, and three real ministry scenarios where it makes a difference.

Why Planning Center Users Need a Texting Solution

Planning Center is one of the most widely used church management systems. It helps you keep track of people, schedule volunteers, and plan services. But when it comes to sending mass text messages, Planning Center doesn’t have a built-in option.

That’s where Text In Church steps in. With the Planning Center Text In Church Add-On, you can send personalized text messages to any list in your Planning Center People account without exporting contacts or switching systems.

👉 Read our complete guide to Planning Center texting

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How the Planning Center + Text In Church Integration Works

Here’s a quick overview of what the add-on makes possible:

Log in to Planning Center and open your People lists.
Choose the group of people you want to text.
Select “Send text with Text In Church Messaging.”
Write your message, schedule it if needed, or send it instantly.

It’s that simple. No spreadsheets. No copy-pasting phone numbers. Just seamless communication right where you already manage your people.

If you’d like to see this in action, we’ve included a short video tutorial below that walks you through the process step-by-step.

Step-by-Step Strategy: Sending Mass Text Messages

Since the mechanics are quick and easy, let’s focus on the strategy. Here’s how to approach mass texting in a way that builds trust and strengthens connection with your church community.

Step 1: Define the Purpose

Before sending a text, ask yourself: What action do I want people to take? Is it attending an event, staying informed, or responding with a commitment? Clarity helps you keep messages concise and effective.

Step 2: Choose the Right Audience

With Planning Center + Text In Church, you can text the groups who need the update like volunteers, small group leaders, or parents. Targeted messaging keeps communication relevant.

Step 3: Keep It Short and Clear

A good mass text should be under 160 characters when possible. Focus on one message and one call to action.

Example: Don’t miss our Fall Festival this Saturday at 5 p.m.! Invite your neighbors and join the fun. Details: [link]

Step 4: Schedule at the Right Time

Use Text In Church to schedule messages in advance or send real-time updates. Timing matters (e.g., volunteer reminders sent a day before, weather alerts sent immediately.)

Three Real Ministry Scenarios for Mass Texting

1. Event Promotion

Whether it’s Easter, a fall festival, or a midweek Bible study, promoting events is essential for attendance. A text reminder cuts through the noise and makes sure your people know what’s happening.

Example: You’re invited! Our Easter services are at 9 and 11 a.m. Bring your family and celebrate with us. Details here: [link]

2. Weather Updates

Unpredictable weather can quickly affect services or events. Texting gives you a direct line to let people know about cancellations, delays, or online-only services.

Example: Due to icy roads, tonight’s small groups will meet online. Join us here: [link]

3. Volunteer Reminders

Volunteers are the backbone of ministry, but keeping schedules straight is a challenge. Mass texting makes it easy to remind your team when and where they’re serving.

Example: Hi team! Reminder: You’re scheduled to serve in Kids Ministry this Sunday at 9 a.m. Thank you for making a difference!

👉 Learn how to build a volunteer appreciation strategy that actually sticks

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Why This Integration Matters

Here’s why churches love using Text In Church for Planning Center texting:

Time-saving: Send mass texts without exporting contacts.
Accurate: Keep contact lists synced between Planning Center and Text In Church.
Engaging: Reach people on the channel they check most often—their phone.
Flexible: Send one-time texts, reminders, or scheduled messages, all within your existing workflow.

👉 Check out the top 10 ways to use the Planning Center Integration with Text In Church

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Next Steps for Planning Center Users

If you’re already a Planning Center user, the Text In Church Add-On is the simplest way to start sending mass text messages right from your account. It’s easy to set up and even easier to use.

If you’re not yet a Text In Church member, this is the perfect time to start. Begin your free 14-day trial today and see how much easier communication becomes when your church has a reliable texting solution.

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