A common question our Member Experience team receives is, “Can I get a shortcode for my account?”
The short answer: Yes — we can pursue a dedicated shortcode if your church has a specific need for one.
However, we strongly recommend using a local 10-digit phone number because it creates better, more personal connections with the people you’re trying to reach.
Why We Recommend a Local 10-Digit Number
Our research and testing consistently show that people in a church setting trust and respond more naturally to a familiar, local phone number. A local number:
Feels more personal and human
Is viewed as belonging to a real person or ministry
Reduces the chance of coming across as automated, spammy, or sales-like
Supports true two-way conversations — the heart of effective communication
Allows people to save your number in their contacts for easier recognition
Lets you use unique, easy-to-remember Keywords
Because 45% of text messages receive a response, having a real, conversational number helps deepen trust, continue dialogue, and build meaningful relationships beyond Sunday service.
When Shortcodes Might Be Used
While uncommon for most churches, shortcodes are available if your use case truly requires one.
If you think a shortcode is the right fit for your ministry’s needs, our team can discuss your goals and explore the available options with our carrier.
Why Shortcodes Are Not Typically Recommended
Shortcodes come with several limitations that make them less ideal for most ministries:
Extensive application and registration processes
Strict carrier restrictions and acceptable-use requirements
Higher cost and ongoing resource needs
No shared shortcodes — carriers no longer allow shared shortcodes
Keywords must be shared across all users of the same shortcode, making them less flexible
People often associate shortcodes with marketing or automated messaging rather than personal connection
Our Communication Philosophy
Text messaging is most powerful when it helps you reach people personally and build relationships.
A 10-digit local number aligns with this mission by allowing authentic conversation and connection — not just one-way announcements.
If a shortcode still seems like the best fit for your church, we’re here to walk through the possibilities and determine whether it meets your needs.
You can have meaningful two-way communication.
Gathering guest information.
Providing targeted, relevant content.
Alert notifications and simple reminders.
They can save that number in their contacts so that when they get a message from you, it will show up as such, not as some random number.
A 10-digit number means that you can have easy-to-use and unique Keywords.
Shortcodes have to share Keywords because other people and churches are sharing the same shortcode.
Have questions or need help? Send us an email at support@textinchurch.com or chat with us from the Resources tab of your account.
