Smart Churches Are Sending These 35 Texts Before Fall Hits

Texting can take fall engagement at your church to a new level

If you’re not texting yet, this is your nudge to sign up for the Gloo Free Texting Platform.  If you already are—use this to up your game.

Fall is coming faster than you think. While families are still squeezing in one last trip or delaying school supply runs, ministry leaders know what’s around the corner: Back to Church season.

It’s one of the biggest re-engagement windows of the year. Routines return. New people start looking for community. Kids' programs fill up. And yet—if you’re like most churches—you’re stepping into it with:

  • Scattered volunteers,
  • Unpredictable attendance,
  • And a to-do list that feels longer than your summer break.

The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire strategy to re-engage people. You just need to reach them in a way that’s personal, timely, and easy to act on.

That’s why smart churches are doubling down on texting—and this guide gives you a head start.

Whether you're a lead pastor trying to cast vision, a comms director getting fall events off the ground, or a kids ministry leader rallying parents—we’ve put together 35 ready-to-send text ideas organized by role. 

Why Church Texting Matters This Fall

When it comes to fall communication, you’re not competing against other churches—you’re competing against clutter.

  • Email inboxes are full. 
  • Social media feeds are chaotic. 
  • Parents and volunteers are overwhelmed. 

But texting? It cuts through. Here’s why texting wins during back-to-school season:

  • 📬 98% open rates mean your message gets read, not buried
  • 📅 Same-day delivery means it works for last-minute reminders
  • 💬 It feels personal, even when sent to a group
  • 📉 It’s low lift—no design, no long-form copywriting, just real connection

Smart churches are using texting to lift engagement. 

Smart churches aren’t waiting for people to walk back in—they’re using texting to lift engagement before Sunday even starts. With simple, well-timed messages, they’re turning quiet summers into full rooms, active volunteers, and stronger connections. Here’s just a few ways they’re doing that:

  • Invite lapsed families back into the rhythm of Sunday mornings
  • Fill seats at kickoff events
  • Rally volunteers and small group leaders
  • Keep momentum going between Sundays

Texting doesn’t replace your other channels. It amplifies them.

35 Church Text Messages to Send Before Fall 

Whether you’re trying to rally volunteers, launch small groups, or get families back into a Sunday rhythm, the right message at the right time can make all the difference. 

To make it easy, we’re giving you 7 texts for five key roles in your church:

  • Lead Pastors
  • Communications Directors
  • Kids Ministry Leaders
  • Volunteer Coordinators
  • Small Group Leaders

Each section includes information about:

  • Sample messages you can copy and paste to send right now
  • Who to send the message to
  • Why it works

Use these texts to spark momentum, reconnect with people, and step confidently into fall. Whether you send just one or all 35, you’ll be building the kind of connection that fuels your ministry forward.

Texts For Lead Pastors

Lead your church into a new season with intentional touchpoints that feel personal—not promotional.

You’re holding the pressure of vision, momentum, staffing, and spiritual care—often with limited time and unclear signals from your people. Are they coming back? Are they still with us? Are we ready?

The truth is: a few well-placed texts from you can go a long way. You don’t have to chase everyone down individually to remind them they’re seen, valued, and welcome.

These messages are short, simple, and pastoral. They’re designed to help you:

  • Reconnect with people who’ve gone quiet
  • Extend a clear invitation to return
  • Plant seeds of spiritual re-engagement

Text 1: We’re saving you a seat this fall.

Why it works: Vision + personal invitation = post-summer momentum
Send to: Entire church list
Copy: “A fresh season is here. We’re saving a seat for you this Sunday—same time, same place, better together.”

Text 2: You’re still part of this story.

Why it works: Reaffirms belonging without pressure
Send to: Infrequent attenders or those who’ve gone quiet
Copy: “We haven’t seen you in a while—but you’re still part of this story. We'd love to reconnect this fall.”

Text 3: How can I pray for you as a new season begins?

Why it works: Shows personal care + opens the door for follow-up
Send to: Entire church list or pastoral contacts
Copy: “Hey [First Name], as summer winds down, how can I be praying for you or your family? Just reply here—I read every message.”

Text 4: Fall series preview: [Insert Series Name]

Why it works: Builds anticipation and communicates direction
Send to: Entire church list
Copy: “Our new fall series starts soon: ‘[Series Name].’ It’s all about [topic]. I think you’ll love it. Join us on [date] at [time]!”

Text 5: Volunteers needed—and valued.

Why it works: Makes the ask feel meaningful, not desperate
Send to: Former volunteers or trusted leaders
Copy: “We’re building something this fall—and we’d love your voice in the mix. Want to serve again? Hit reply and I’ll follow up.”

Text 6: Back to Church Sunday is coming!

Why it works: Anchors return around a specific moment
Send to: Entire church list or low-engagement attenders
Copy: “Mark your calendar: Back to Church Sunday is August 25! If you’ve been waiting for the right Sunday to come back… this is it.”

Text 7: This fall could be different.

Why it works: Offers hope and an emotional reset
Send to: Entire church list
Copy: “If you’ve been feeling stuck, this fall could be different. You’re invited to something better—and it starts this Sunday.”

Texts For Communications Directors & Coordinators

As the comms person, you’re the air traffic controller of fall ministry. You’re juggling kickoff events, promotions, updates, registrations, and last-minute edits—while trying to make everything clear, timely, and compelling.

But let’s be honest: email gets ignored, social posts get buried, and Sunday announcements get forgotten. That’s why smart comms leaders are leaning into texting—it’s personal, fast, and effective.

These messages are designed to help you:

  • Increase visibility for key events
  • Nudge people toward simple next steps
  • Clear up confusion before it happens

Text 1: Back to Church Sunday reminder

Why it works: Timely + top-of-funnel engagement
Send to: Full list or general attenders
Copy: “Back to Church Sunday is coming! 🎉 Mark your calendar for Aug 25—we’ve got food, fun, and new faces waiting.”

Text 2: Register your kids in 30 seconds

Why it works: Removes friction and boosts early signups
Send to: Families with kids or past registrants
Copy: “Fall programs are filling up! Register your kids now—it takes less than a minute: [link]”

Text 3: Don’t miss these 3 fall events

Why it works: Groups announcements into a single action
Send to: Entire church list
Copy: “Fall’s coming fast! 🍂 Don’t miss: [Event 1] – [Date], [Event 2] – [Date], [Event 3] – [Date]. Details: [link]”

Text 4: Service time changes coming soon

Why it works: Reduces confusion and missed Sundays
Send to: Entire church list
Copy: “Heads up! Our fall service times start Sept 1: 9am + 11am. Set a reminder—and invite someone to come with you.”

Text 5: We need your feedback

Why it works: Builds trust and opens a feedback loop
Send to: Recent visitors, parents, or groups
Copy: “We’d love your input as we plan for fall. Got 60 seconds? Take this quick survey: [link]”

Text 6: Share this with a friend

Why it works: Makes outreach easy and natural
Send to: Entire church list or groups
Copy: “Know someone who needs a fresh start this fall? Forward this invite or tag them in our post: [link to social or landing page]”

Text 7: Here’s your weekly roundup

Why it works: Keeps communication centralized and clean
Send to: Entire church list
Copy: “🗓 This week at [Church Name]: [Event/Announcement 1] • [2] • [3]. Need anything? Just reply here!”

Texts For Kids Ministry Leaders

You’re not just organizing crafts and Goldfish—you’re helping shape faith at home in one of the busiest, most chaotic seasons of family life.

But even the best plans fall flat if parents don’t know what’s happening, when to show up, or how to engage. That’s where texting helps. It’s quick, direct, and cuts through the noise of backpacks, sports schedules, and overflowing inboxes.

These texts help you:

  • Keep parents informed and involved
  • Boost event attendance
  • Build trust that leads to long-term connection

Text 1: Fall kickoff + parent meet-and-greet

Why it works: Encourages return + relational connection
Send to: Registered parents from past semesters
Copy: “We’d love to see you at our Kids Kickoff Night on Aug 16! Come meet leaders, tour classrooms, and grab ice cream 🍦”

Text 2: Your child’s classroom info

Why it works: Reduces anxiety + builds trust with new families
Send to: All registered families
Copy: “Hey [First Name]—[Child’s Name] is in the [grade/age] room this fall! We can’t wait to welcome them on Sunday.”

Text 3: We’re praying for your family this fall

Why it works: Shows care beyond logistics
Send to: All families or segmented by age group
Copy: “As school starts, we’re praying for peace, joy, and strength in your home. You’re not alone in this season.”

Text 4: Reminder: check-in opens at 8:45am

Why it works: Eases Sunday morning stress
Send to: All Sunday registrants or weekly attendees
Copy: “Quick reminder: Kids check-in opens at 8:45am this Sunday. Early birds get the best stickers 😄”

Text 5: Bring-a-friend Sunday is coming!

Why it works: Encourages outreach through kids
Send to: Parents + regular attenders
Copy: “Next Sunday is Bring-a-Friend Day in Kids Ministry! Every guest gets a prize—every kid gets fun. 🥳”

Text 6: Serve with us in Kids this fall

Why it works: Personal invite beats announcement slide
Send to: Parents, youth volunteers, or past team members
Copy:“Love kids? We’d love your help this fall. Whether it’s once a month or every week—we’ll make it easy to jump in. Interested?”

Text 7: What your kid learned this week

Why it works: Helps parents extend discipleship at home
Send to: Parents of current attenders
Copy:“This week in Kids: we learned about kindness through the story of the Good Samaritan. Ask your child: ‘How can we be kind this week?’”

Texts For Volunteer Coordinators

You’re trying to rebuild a team while everyone’s still in vacation mode. Some volunteers are eager, some are ghosting, and some are just waiting for a nudge.

Texting gives you a direct way to connect, check in, and re-engage without sending a dozen emails or chasing people down on Sunday.

These messages help you:

  • Reconnect with past volunteers
  • Set clear expectations
  • Make new volunteers feel seen and supported

Text 1: Fall reboot—are you in?

Why it works: Simple re-engagement without guilt
Send to: Past or lapsed volunteers
Copy: “Hey [First Name]—ready to jump back in? Fall volunteer spots are open and we’d love to have you on the team again.”

Text 2: New volunteer orientation this Sunday

Why it works: Sets a clear, low-bar next step
Send to: New sign-ups or interest form leads
Copy: “We’ve got a quick volunteer orientation this Sunday after the 11am service. Come meet the team and see what it’s all about!”

Text 3: We couldn’t do this without you

Why it works: Builds morale and shows appreciation
Send to: Active volunteer team
Copy: “Just wanted to say thank you. You showing up makes Sundays happen—and we notice. You’re making a difference.”

Text 4: Serve once a month this fall?

Why it works: Removes “every week” pressure
Send to: New prospects or busy parents
Copy: “We’re looking for once-a-month volunteers this fall. Flexible, fun, and you won’t miss church. Interested?”

Text 5: Need a sub this weekend?

Why it works: Normalizes real life + supports the team
Send to: Current schedule for that week
Copy: “Can’t make your volunteer slot this Sunday? No stress—just reply here and we’ll find a sub.”

Text 6: Fall schedule is live!

Why it works: Creates clarity + prevents surprises
Send to: Entire volunteer team
Copy: “Fall volunteer schedule is up! Check your serving dates here: [link] Let us know if you need to swap.”

Text 7: Bring a friend, serve together

Why it works: Makes recruiting fun + relational
Send to: Current volunteers
Copy: “Serving’s more fun with friends! Invite someone to join your team this fall—we’ll train them and pair you together.”

Texts For Small Group Leaders

As a small group leader, you’re not just coordinating dates and snacks—you’re creating spaces where people feel known, connected, and challenged to grow.

 

Texting lets you cut through the noise and reach out in a way that feels personal—even if you’re managing a list of 12+ people. These messages help you:

  • Reconnect with former group members
  • Invite new people in
  • Set expectations and build energy for launch

Text 1: Fall groups are launching soon!

Why it works: Helps reconnect existing communities
Send to: Former group members
Copy: “Hey [First Name], we’re getting the group back together! Let me know if you’re in for fall—we’d love to have you.”

Text 2: Thinking about joining a group?

Why it works: Low-pressure invite to new folks
Send to: Visitors, new members, or event attendees
Copy: “Looking to connect this fall? We’ve got groups for every age and stage. Want help finding one?”

Text 3: First group night—mark your calendar

Why it works: Creates urgency + builds rhythm
Send to: Current or confirmed group members
Copy: “Our first group night is Sept 10 at 6:30pm! We'll meet at my place—details to come. Can’t wait to kick things off.”

Text 4: Can’t make it? Still part of the group.

Why it works: Reinforces belonging without shame
Send to: Absent or semi-regular group members
Copy: “Missed group this week? No worries—you’re still part of this community. We’ll save you a seat next time!”

Text 5: Bring someone new this week

Why it works: Promotes relational outreach
Send to: Current group members
Copy: “Know someone who could use a place to belong? Invite them to group this week—we’ve got room.”

Text 6: Quick check-in—how can I pray for you?

Why it works: Builds deeper connection outside of group time
Send to: Group members (individually or in small batches)
Copy: “Hey [First Name], how can I be praying for you this week? Feel free to text back—I’ve got space to listen.”

Text 7: What stuck with you from this week’s group?

Why it works: Encourages reflection + reinforces spiritual growth
Send to: Whole group after a gathering
Copy: “Real quick—what stuck with you from last night’s group? Shoot me a word, phrase, or takeaway if you’ve got one.”

Pro Tips for Texting with Impact

A good text doesn’t have to be fancy—it just needs to be thoughtful, timely, and easy to act on. Here are a few best practices to help your messages land well:

  • Keep it short and skimmable. Aim for under 160 characters when possible. Think headlines, not paragraphs.

  • Send to the right group. Target messages based on role, past attendance, or interest—not your entire church list every time.

  • Use group messaging to save time. Tools like the Gloo free texting platform let you message small groups without blasting everyone.

  • Add links for deeper info. Use texts to point to sign-ups, RSVPs, or event pages—not to explain everything.

  • Don’t overuse emojis—but don’t be afraid of them either. A well-placed 🎉 or 🙌 can warm up a message. Just don’t go full emoji salad 🥗😜🔥💯.

  • Always invite a response. Whether it’s “Reply if you’re in!” or “Need prayer? Let me know,” texts work best when they’re a two-way door.

Ready to Start Sending?

Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or communications pro, texting can help you cut through the noise and connect with real people in real time. These 35 texts aren’t just messages—they’re momentum starters. Use them to re-engage your church and step into fall with confidence.

If you’re not texting yet, this is your easiest on-ramp:
👉 Start texting with Gloo for free—no credit card, no stress, just better communication starting today.

 ✅ Already using Gloo? Drop these ideas into your groups now and Upgrade to Gloo+ at 40% off through July and unlock more groups, workflows, partner perks and so much more.