faq

How quickly can our church start using Mobile Outreach?

Most churches launch within one week. Basic setup takes about an hour. Import your member data, create initial groups, and send your first message the same day. Our onboarding team guides each step, ensuring smooth implementation. Complex integrations or large databases might require additional time, but basic functionality starts immediately.

No technical background required. If you can use email and browse websites, you can manage Mobile Outreach. The interface designs for ministry leaders, not IT professionals. Video tutorials and live support help with any questions. Many successful users describe themselves as “not tech-savvy” before starting.

Yes, every church receives a 14-day free trial with full features. No credit card required to start. Test with your actual member data and real ministry scenarios. Most churches know within a few days if Mobile Outreach fits their needs. Extend trials available for churches needing more evaluation time.

Built specifically for churches means every feature supports ministry needs. Visitor follow-up workflows, prayer request management, and pastoral care tools don’t exist in business platforms. Household grouping, attendance tracking, and ministry-specific reporting address church realities. Privacy protections respect sensitive pastoral information.

Unlimited staff accounts included with every plan. Each user has individual login credentials and customized permissions. See who sent which messages and track task completion by user. Real-time synchronization prevents conflicts when multiple people work simultaneously.

Members receive standard text messages and emails – no app required. They respond using their regular messaging apps. Optional member portal provides additional features for those wanting deeper engagement. Keep communication simple for less tech-comfortable congregants.

We integrate with major platforms including Planning Center, Church Community Builder, Breeze, and others. Synchronization keeps member data current across systems. API availability enables custom integrations for specialized systems. Our team helps configure connections during setup.

iOS apps work on iPhone and iPad running iOS 12 or newer. Android apps support version 6.0 and above. Web interface works in all modern browsers – Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. The mobile web version provides basic functionality on any smartphone.

Yes, port existing numbers to maintain consistency. The porting process typically takes 1-2 weeks. We provide temporary numbers during transition if needed. Some restrictions apply to toll-free or VoIP numbers.

Every plan includes unlimited contacts, groups, and keywords. Staff accounts, basic integrations, and standard support come standard. Email messaging included alongside SMS capabilities. No setup fees or hidden charges. Clear pricing means predictable budgeting.

How do message credits work?

Plans include generous message allowances suitable for most churches. Additional messages purchased in affordable blocks if needed. Unused credits roll over for three months. Monitor usage through real-time dashboards. Upgrade or downgrade plans monthly as needs change.

Church plants receive special first-year pricing. Small churches qualify for reduced rates based on congregation size. Multiple campus discounts available for larger ministries. Contact our team to discuss your specific situation.

Bank-level 256-bit encryption protects all data transmission and storage. Servers located in secure data centers with redundant backups. Regular security audits ensure ongoing protection. Staff undergo background checks and sign confidentiality agreements.

You control all access through granular permissions. Assign roles limiting visibility to appropriate ministry areas. Audit logs track who accessed what information when. Remove access instantly when staff or volunteers leave.

Your data belongs to you. Export all member information anytime in standard formats. Upon cancellation, access remains for 30 days to retrieve data. We delete all information permanently after the retention period unless you request otherwise.

Every church receives email and chat support during business hours. Phone support available for urgent issues. The video training library covers all features. Monthly webinars introduce new capabilities. The community forum connects you with other churches sharing best practices.

Initial onboarding includes personalized training sessions. Recorded sessions allow review anytime. Role-specific training helps different team members learn relevant features. Ongoing webinars keep skills current as features evolve.

Churches report 35-50% improvement in visitor retention within 90 days. Member engagement increases through consistent communication. Staff save 5-10 hours weekly on administrative tasks. Prayer request response times drop from days to hours.

Mobile apps update monthly with improvements and fixes. Major features release quarterly after thorough testing. All updates included in subscription – no additional charges. Release notes explain changes clearly.

Quality matters more than quantity. Most churches send 2-3 general updates weekly plus targeted ministry messages. Personal messages for birthdays, visits, and follow-ups add individual touches. Monitor response rates to find your congregation’s preferences.

Don’t overwhelm members initially – start slowly and build communication frequency. Avoid mass messages for personal situations. Test messages with small groups before church-wide sends. Remember technology supports ministry but doesn’t replace personal connection.