How to Send a Text or Chat Message in SteepleMate for Admins and Group Leaders

How to Send a Text or Chat Message in SteepleMate (Admins and Group Leaders)

SteepleMate's messaging feature enables church admins and group leaders to send individualized mass messages to selected groups or individuals. Although sent to multiple recipients, each message is received as a one-to-one conversation, ensuring personal communication. This guide will walk you through sending messages via SMS or chat using SteepleMate’s tools.

Important Note:

  • SMS/MMS rates vary, so please review your account for the most recent rates.
  • Chat messages via the mobile app are free!

Step 1: Navigate to the Messaging Tool

  1. Access the Messaging Feature

    • From the left navigation menu, click on Communicate.
    • Then select Send Messages.

  2. Create a New Message

    • Click Create New to start composing your message.

Step 2: Choose Message Type

  1. Select Message Type

    • Choose between Text (SMS) or Mobile App Chat Message.

  2. Compose the Message

    • Enter a subject for the message.
    • Write the message text and optionally upload an MMS image.
    • You can schedule the message to be sent at a specific date and time if desired.

  3. Additional Options

    • Send to parents for group members: Useful for sending a message to parents of youth group members.
    • Send to mobile app instead when possible: If the recipient is an active mobile app user, they will receive the message through the app chat (free of charge).
    • Send to members of sub-groups: Includes members from sub-groups if applicable.

Step 3: Choose Recipients

You can choose to send your message to individuals, groups, or everyone.

Sending to Individuals:

  1. Manually Add Individuals
    • Click Add Individuals Manually.
    • Search for the person by typing their name, then select them from the search results.

Sending to Groups:

  1. Choose Groups

    • To send the message to a group, click Groups.
    • Select the group(s) you want to send the message to.
    • If needed, remove a group by clicking the group name under the Chosen Recipient Groups section.

  2. Multiple Groups

    • You can send the message to multiple groups by selecting more than one. Once done, click Continue.

Sending to Everyone:

  1. Select Everyone
    • If you want everyone in your system to receive the message, select Everyone.
    • This option may be disabled if it is not turned on in Organization Settings, as sending to a large group can be costly depending on the number of recipients.

Step 4: Review and Confirm the Message

  1. Review the Summary Screen

    • After selecting recipients, the Summary screen will display.
    • Review your message and confirm your recipient list.

  2. Choose the Number to Send From

    • If you have more than one phone number in the system, choose the number to send the message from using the drop-down menu.

  3. Cost Estimate

    • The Cost Estimate table shows the potential cost of the message based on the number of recipients.

  4. Recipient Status

    • Mobile App Users: If the recipient is an active app user, they will receive the message through the mobile app chat (labeled as “Mobile App” under their name).
    • SMS Recipients: If the recipient has a phone number in the system, the message will be sent via SMS/MMS (their phone number will be listed under their name).
    • No Contact Information: Individuals without a phone number or who are not mobile app users will not receive the message.

Step 5: Finalize and Send the Message

  1. Edit Recipient List

    • To remove someone from receiving the message, click their name. The name will be crossed out, and your cost estimate will update accordingly.

  2. Send the Message

    • When you’re ready, click Send Now to deliver the message.