Connecting Through Calls
How Churches Are Using Calls to Build Stronger Connections
Staying connected with members, guests, and the wider community is essential for any church, but traditional phone systems often fall short. Whether it's missed calls, staff needing to use personal phones, or delayed responses to urgent needs, these communication gaps can hinder ministry efforts and reduce member satisfaction. Text In Church's Calling was built with churches in mind and bridges this gap by providing churches with a simple, effective solution that ensures calls are handled professionally, efficiently, and with care.
Protecting Staff Privacy and Enhancing Professionalism
Problem
Personal Cell Phone Use and Privacy Concerns
During the pandemic, Central Peninsula Church faced significant communication challenges. With staff working remotely, returning calls meant using personal cell phones, which raised privacy concerns. Members of the team, including pastors, preferred not to share their personal numbers with everyone. Additionally, the church was paying tens of thousands of dollars annually for an outdated phone system that no longer met their needs. The unexpected passing of their receptionist further strained their ability to handle incoming calls efficiently.
Solution
Switching to Text In Church's Calling Feature
To address these challenges, Central Peninsula Church implemented the Calling feature from Text In Church. This solution allowed staff to use their cell phones for church calls while displaying the church’s number instead of personal numbers. The platform was easy to use, even for less tech-savvy team members, ensuring a smooth transition.
Result
Personal Cell Phone Use and Privacy Concerns
The change provided immediate benefits:
Calls now display the church’s name, enhancing professionalism.
The solution saved the church significant costs compared to their previous provider.
Staff members no longer have to share personal phone numbers.
Voicemail transcription enabled quicker follow-up, ensuring no call was overlooked.
Streamlining Call Routing with the Digital Receptionist
Problem
Missed Calls and Inefficient Routing
At Josh Antley’s church, the team struggled with missed calls and inefficient call routing. With a large building, staff often had to physically run to answer ringing phones. Most team members held full-time jobs outside the church, making it difficult to manage calls during business hours. Callers frequently left voicemails that were missed or not promptly returned.
Solution
Implementing the Digital Receptionist
By using the Digital Receptionist feature of Text In Church, the church automated call routing. Callers could now select options to reach the correct department or person without staff needing to be at their desks.
Result
Improved Efficiency and Responsiveness
The change provided immediate benefits:
Calls are automatically routed to the appropriate staff member.
Voicemails are transcribed and emailed, ensuring prompt follow-up.
Staff can answer calls from anywhere without exposing personal numbers.
The church reduced the number of missed calls and improved overall communication with members.
Connecting with Members During Critical Moments
Problem
Delayed Pastoral Support During Urgent Situations
Churches often encounter situations where members need immediate support. Without an effective call system, urgent calls may not reach the right person in time. Josh Antley’s church experienced this challenge when members required quick access to pastoral care.
Solution
Direct Access to Pastoral Staff
Using the Calling feature and Digital Receptionist, members could select options to connect directly with their pastor or other ministry leaders during emergencies.
Result
Immediate Support and Strengthened Member Relationships
One notable instance involved a woman experiencing an anxiety attack. She called the church’s number, navigated through the Digital Receptionist, and was connected directly to Pastor Josh. He was able to provide immediate prayer and support, illustrating how the system facilitates timely care during critical moments.
Other churches, like Elevate Community Church, reported similar success, with members reaching pastors during family crises, enabling prompt pastoral care.
Increasing Mobility and Accessibility for Staff
Problem
Limited Flexibility with Desk-Bound Phone Systems
Brownstown Christian Church faced difficulties managing calls when staff were away from their desks. Their traditional phone system tied communication to office phones, limiting accessibility when working in different areas of the building or off-site.
Solution
Mobile-Friendly Calling Feature
With Text In Church’s Calling feature, staff can answer calls from their mobile devices while displaying the church’s caller ID.
Result
Enhanced Flexibility and Fewer Missed Calls
Staff members can answer calls anywhere on campus or remotely.
The church experiences fewer missed calls, improving member communication.
Call handling has become more efficient, even during events or off-site work.
Managing After-Hours Calls and Voicemail Transcriptions
Problem
Missed After-Hours Calls and Delayed Responses
Riverside Church struggled with managing calls outside of regular office hours. Members calling after hours often left voicemails that went unnoticed until much later, delaying responses to important inquiries.
Solution
Voicemail Transcriptions and Automated Routing
By enabling voicemail transcription and automated call routing, Riverside Church ensured that after-hours messages reached the right team members promptly.
Result
Faster Follow-Ups and Improved Member Satisfaction
Voicemails are transcribed and sent to staff emails for immediate review.
Members receive faster responses, improving their experience.
The system has enhanced overall communication efficiency.
Key Takeaways
Protect Staff Privacy: Make calls from personal devices without revealing personal numbers
Enhance Member Experience: Ensure calls display the church’s number, maintaining professionalism.
Improve Availability: Answer calls and voicemails from anywhere, ensuring members’ needs are met promptly.
Save Time: Voicemail transcriptions allow for quicker follow-up without the need to check phone systems manually.
Create Meaningful Connections: Facilitate personal conversations during urgent situations, like prayer requests or crisis care.
Increase Flexibility: Staff can stay connected whether they are in the office, on campus, or working remotely.
Improve Response Times: Automated call routing ensures calls reach the right person quickly, improving member satisfaction.
Try Text In Church for 14 Days
Experience professional, efficient calling that strengthens connections—without sacrificing privacy. Start your 14-day free trial today. Try Text In Church now.
