Mass Messaging on the go!
The Mass Contact Module allows staff and leaders to communicate via email, SMS (text message), or Voice messaging, all from the convenience of your mobile device.
Simply select a Group from your integrated People (ChMS) software, construct your message, and send!
Enable Mass Contact in Your Mobile App
Note: Mass Contact is a feature of our integrated People (ChMS) software. To enable this tool within your mobile app, your organization must be using both software solutions.
Also, SMS & Voice Messaging must be enabled within People for those communication methods to be available within Mobile.
In the left sidebar, expand Modules and select Enable Modules.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and under Enable People Features, toggle on the Mass Contact Slider.
Note: By default, Mass Contact will appear at the last position within your mobile app menu. You can reorder Mass Contact to a different menu position as desired.
Customize the Name and Icon
In the sidebar menu, click Mass Contact.
Like other modules, you can customize the display name or icon for Mass Contact by selecting the Pencil icon or clicking the Menu Icon box. Change the icon or name to something of your choice. Note: 12-character limit.
Visibility to App Users
- Important: The Mass Contact menu item will only appear in your mobile app if an individual:
- Is logged into the Mobile App
- Has appropriate ChMS permissions to access Mass Contact.
User Permissions
Again, Mass Contact permissions are managed with People (ChMS).
The minimum permissions a user would need to use Mass Contact in the Mobile App are
- Individuals: View
- Utilities: Mass Email, SMS, or Voice
Permissions Example: In the permission set below, a user could use all three mass communication methods.
Pro-Tip: To limit who can mass-communicate with specific Groups (such as ministry team or small group leaders), we suggest you set up Leader Roles in People (ChMS). This allows individuals to Mass Communicate only with the Groups they lead.
How to Use Mass Contact
- Log in to the Mobile App, then open Mass Contact.
- Tap on the Email, SMS, or Voice tabs
- Tap on Select Group.
-
Keyword Search, then tap on the Group
you'd
like to communicate with.
- Type your message or record your voice message.
- When you're done, tap Send!
-
A confirmation message stating "Your Message was sent"
will
appear (below).
Key Differences: Mass Contact on Mobile vs. People (ChMS)
Mass Contact in the Mobile App is currently a simplified version of Mass Contact in People (ChMS). In other words, some of the more robust Mass Communication tools available in People aren't available on Mobile.
Here's a list of key differences you should be aware of.
- When you send mass communication, while the ability to log an interaction is displayed, it doesn't yet work.
In other words, if you select an interaction type and send, in People (ChMS), an interaction won't be created and associated with each person your mass communication was sent to.
We apologize for any confusion this may cause and expect to add this in a future update.
- As mentioned earlier under User Permissions, to use Mass Contact within the Mobile App, an individual must have the View Individuals permission selected.
- In People, Mass Contact lets you communicate with multiple Groups at once. Within the Mobile App, only one Group can be selected at a time.
- If you add the @NAME or @FULLNAME placeholder in an email or text message, it won't automatically insert an individual's name.
- More robust options like scheduling mass communication, sending communication on behalf of someone else (ex, a pastor), including 'parents of Group Members,' etc., aren't yet available in Mobile Mass Contact.
To use these options, you'll need to send your mass communication via your People software.
FAQs:
How quickly is a mass email, text, or voice message delivered?
Typically, mass email, text (SMS), and voice messages are received within a few minutes.
Note: It's important to understand that mass communication differs from personal email or texting. Once sent, your message is placed in a queue for delivery on a first-come, first-served basis based on processing volume.
You can view mass email delivery statistics in People (ChMS) on the Mass Contact screen. Currently, text (SMS) or Voice Messages don't display delivery statistics.
If you encounter delivery issues or questions, please see Email and SMS Troubleshooting.
Pro-Tip: Want Eyes on Your Message? Text it!
A Mass Text (SMS) is generally the best way to ensure your message is read. Why?
- An astounding 90% of text messages are opened within 10 minutes. 98% are opened overall!*
-
91% of U.S. adults own a smartphone. Moreover, 98% own a cell phone!**
Learn More: 5 Reasons to Use Mass Texting
*Christianity Today: 98% Open Rate. That's Why Churches Are Switching to Text.
**Pew Research Center: Mobile Fact Sheet.
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