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Getting Started with Text Messaging

Invite Others to Opt in to Text Communications

Before you can send text messages to your congregation, each person must explicitly opt in to receive texts. This is required to comply with messaging regulations and to respect your congregants' communication preferences.

Why Opt-in Matters

In addition to federal opt-in requirements, texting is a direct and personal channel. Sending messages to people who haven't opted in can result in complaints, blocked numbers, or regulatory issues. A clear opt-in process and communication ensures that only those who want to receive texts will hear from you and that your messages are welcomed.

How to Invite Congregants and Staff to Opt In

  1. Via Group or Bulk Email - Send an email to your congregation letting them know your church is now using text messaging to share updates, announcements, and important information. Include a clear call to action — for example, a link or instructions directing them to opt in through your church's communication platform or member portal. Send Opt-In Emails for Text Messaging

  2. Via Email Form on the Opt-Out Management Dashboard - Sometimes people opt out of text message and want to opt back in. They can text START to your number, or you can send them an email with an opt-in form from the Opt-Out Management dashboard. Help Someone Opt into Texting

  3. Share How to Opt-in through Various Communication Channels - Congregants can opt in simply by texting the word START to yoru assigned number. You can share this number in your bulletin, on your website, in the Newsfeed, during announcements, or in any other communications so people know where to send that message. To locate your number, go to Communications > Text Messaging. On the right of this page, you'll see information about your plan, including your assigned text messaging number.

After someone opts in, they will begin receiving texts sent through your church's assigned number. If they ever want to stop receiving messages, they can reply STOP at any time to unsubscribe.

Tips for a Successful Opt-in Campaign

  • Announce the availability of texting as a method of communication across multiple channels (email, social media, bulletin, signage, the newsfeed, verbal announcements) to maximize awareness.
  • Clearly explain what kinds of messages people will receive and how often, so they know what they're signing up for.
  • Remind your staff and congregation periodically. New members especially may not be aware of the option.
  • Going forward, ensure text messages (and all other communication) is targeted to the relevant audience. This reduces the chances of people opting out of church communication channels.
Tip: During your campaign, you can export opt-in-records to a .csv format to track progress or plan follow-up.

Select Who Can Send Texts

Configure texting to allow selected individuals to send messages to those who opt in.

After enabling texting, the people you grant permission to can send texts from any location in Realm where you can already send an email. This includes group and team rosters, dashboards, pathways, and queries. Only individuals who opt in to text messaging will receive texts. Texts are one-way communication and recipients cannot respond to them.
  1. In the top-left corner, click your site name then Realm. Then click Communications > Text Messaging.
  2. Click Edit Settings.
  3. Under Texting Options, toggle One-Way Texts on.
  4. If not already set up, you may need to enter a Text ID. These are familiar to most people who receive texts from their favorite shopping experiences or utilities. They are included with every one-way text to tell the recipients who the text is from.
    Text ID Examples


    		Text IDs are familiar to most people who receive texts from their favorite shopping experiences or utilities. They are included with every one-way text to tell the recipients who the text is from.
  5. Under Texting Users, select one ore more names to grant permission to send one-way texts. Administrators automatically have this permission. You may want to add group leaders, communication directors, and other staff responsible for communication.

    Screenshot showing where to add users who can send one-way texts.
  6. Click Save.
Next, you'll need to send an email asking people to opt in to text messaging. This is a federal requirement.

Send Opt-In Emails for Text Messaging

Individuals must fill out the opt-in form to receive text messages or text START to your assigned text messaging number.

In order to remain in compliance with federal regulations, individuals must opt in before they can receive text messages from Realm. You can send an email to all unregistered individuals that includes a link to the opt-in form they can fill out to provide their consent.

Unregistered individuals are those who:

  • have a phone number on file.

  • are not currently opted in to text messaging.

  • are not currently opted out to text messaging.

Tip:

You can also click Send Opt-In Email in the Text Messaging section of an individual's profile page to send the email to just one person.



  1. In the top-left corner, click your site name then Realm. Then click Communications > Text Messaging.
  2. Click Send Opt-In Email.
  3. In the dialog box, click Send Opt-In Email to confirm.
An email will be sent to any unregistered individuals with phone numbers on their profiles, requesting their consent to opt in to receive text messages from your church or parish.

Share Texting Opt-in in a Newsfeed Post

If you've enabled text messaging, you could tell people about it by creating a Newsfeed post.

After you've enabled texting, you can let groups and teams know about it by posting on the Newsfeed. This encourages people to opt-in to receiving text messages from their group leaders.
  1. In the top-left corner, click your site name then Realm. Then click Communications > Text Messaging.
  2. Click Share on Newsfeed.
  3. In the Create in drop-down menu, select the group you want to share with. To post on the Newsfeed of all groups that use texting, select All Enabled Groups and Teams.
  4. Enter the title and instructoons for opting in.
  5. Click Post.
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Last updated: June 9, 2026