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.