1. One Consistent Flow vs. “Smart” Conditional Paths
PastorsLine:
PastorsLine used a “smart” data capture approach that changed the experience based on what information already existed on a contact’s profile.
If a person’s name, email, address, or birthday already existed, the system could:
Skip the question entirely
Send an alternate message instead of asking again
Confirm existing information using merge fields
Admins could choose whether to:
Skip a question if data already existed
Or force the question to be asked and overwrite existing data
This allowed one Data Capture to behave differently for new guests and long-time members.
Text In Church:
Text In Church Data Capture uses a single, intentional question flow that every person walks through.
Each contact receives the same questions, in the same order
No questions are conditionally skipped based on existing data
2. Custom Data Capture Is a Major Advantage in Text In Church
Text In Church allows you to:
Create custom fields
Capture virtually any type of information
Save responses directly to those custom fields
Build Data Captures around your church’s unique processes
3. Triggers and Keywords
PastorsLine:
Allowed multiple keywords to trigger the same Data Capture or automation
Text In Church:
currently uses a single keyword per Data Capture
Keeps activation simple and clear for contacts
4. What Works the Same
Despite the differences, several things work similarly:
You can capture the same core types of information
Contacts can be added to automated workflows after completing Data Capture
Data Capture works well for:
Guest follow-up
Event sign-ups
Volunteer interest
Prayer requests
Profile updates
Have questions or need help?
Email us at support@textinchurch.com or chat with us from the Resources tab of your account!
