How to Build Permission-Based Communication Channels in 2026
People aren’t ignoring your church—they’re overwhelmed. Here’s how to build communication channels your congregation actually chooses to engage with.
Most people are not ignoring your church because they do not care. They are just overwhelmed.
Marketing emails fill inboxes by the dozens. Text messages buzz all day long. Social media ads follow people from platform to platform. Notifications never stop. Somewhere along the way, many of us learned how to tune things out just to stay sane. And if you are anything like me, your unread inbox number is too embarrassing to say out loud.
The challenge for churches is not a lack of content. It is a lack of attention. People are filtering more than ever. And this means that your church flyer might be beautifully designed and your event email might be catchy and thoughtful, but people still might not actually get the message!
That is why a new approach to church communication is rising to the surface: permission-based communication.
If that phrase sounds complicated or overly technical, take a deep breath. At its core, permission-based communication simply means that people choose to hear from you. And that choice changes everything.
Opting-In: The Key to Permission-Based Communication
If you are used to the old way of doing things, this might feel like a big shift. For years, many churches gathered every email address they could find and sent updates to everyone. But for churches that want people to actually read their emails, “opting in” could be the new best thing.
What is opting in, you ask? Here’s what it may look like at your church.
The Initial Yes
This is the moment someone fills out a connect card, signs up for an event, downloads your app, or checks a box that says, “Yes, you can send me updates.” They are giving you their contact information and saying yes, I want to stay connected.
The Yes to a Specific Thing
If your church has a lot going on, and most churches do, one giant email list can quickly turn into one giant reason people tune out. Instead of sending every update to everyone, let people choose what they actually want to hear about. Monthly events. Kids ministry. Students. Serving opportunities. Prayer updates. Giving reminders.
When people receive the communication they asked for, they are more likely to engage with it.
The Choice of Channel
Some people love a longer email with multiple updates at once. Others just want a quick text with the address and the time. Permission-based communication allows people to choose the how, not just the what.
So when someone signs up to hear from your church, go one step further and ask what kind of communication they actually prefer. Do they want emails? Text messages? Maybe even a printed mailer now and then? Or would they rather stick to just one channel? When people get to choose, they are far more likely to stay subscribed and actually pay attention.
The Re Opt-In
Every once in a while, it is wise to ask again. A simple message like, “Do you still want kids ministry updates?” gives people an easy way to stay connected without feeling trapped.
If they say yes, they are renewing their attention. If they do not respond after a few tries, you quietly bless them and trim the list. Either way, trust is strengthened. When people know they can step away easily, they feel safer staying connected.
Two Practical Ways Churches Can Practice Permission-Based Communication Today
Permission-based communication sounds good in theory, but what does it actually look like in real church life? Here are two simple, realistic ways to implement this communication strategy this year.
1. Clean Up Your Email List with Double Opt-In
Double opt-in might sound technical, but the idea is simple. People say yes twice.
The first yes happens when someone signs up, fills out a form, or downloads your app. The second yes is a follow-up confirmation that says, “Just making sure you actually want to hear from us” before they officially get added to the email list.
This might sound redundant, but it is actually considered a “best practice” in the world of email marketing.
Why? Because attention is fragile. When someone confirms their opt-in, they are far more likely to open future emails. People pay attention to what they intentionally choose.
Double opt-in also quietly improves your lists. The people who stay are the people who actually want to hear from you. That means higher engagement, fewer unsubscribes, fewer emails accidentally ending up in the spam folder, and communication that feels welcomed instead of tolerated. In a noisy culture, fewer people on your list can actually be a gift for your open rates.
2. Stop Posting Links. Start Sending Them Through Instagram DMs
If you spend any time on social media, you have probably already seen this shift.
Instead of posting a link in the bio and hoping people click it, creators now say things like: “Comment ‘GIFT’ and I will send you the link,” or “DM me for more info.” Behind the scenes, an automated response sends the link instantly.
This works for two simple reasons. First, it invites participation. Instead of just scrolling past your post, they take one small step, which usually increases their interest and follow-through. And once they receive the message, they can simply click the link right there in the DM and go straight to your event page, sign-up form, or next steps link without having to hunt for it later.
Second, it signals to Instagram that your content is worth showing to more people, because people are actually engaging with it. A link in a story can work, but Instagram is not always eager to push content that quickly sends people off the platform. A comment or DM keeps the conversation in-app at first, which tends to help reach, while still making it easy for people to click through when they are ready. For churches, this can be incredibly effective.
Instead of posting a long URL and hoping for the best, invite people into a simple next step:
- “Comment ‘SERVE’ to learn more.”
- “DM us ‘KIDS’ for details.”
- “Comment ‘PRAYER’ and we will send the link.”
Where to start? Search for Instagram DM automation tools like ManyChat that connect comments or DMs to an auto-reply with a link. Many churches use these to send sign-up pages, event details, app download links, or a next-steps form without relying on people to hunt for the link later.
How Tithely Supports Permission-Based Communication
If you are ready to take a more permission-based approach to church communication, you do not need a massive email platform or a perfectly curated social media strategy to get started. Tithely’s Messaging tools help simplify the basics so your communication can stay clear, targeted, and timely, without adding more complexity to your week.
- Unlimited Emails: Send church-wide updates or targeted messages without extra cost.
- Group Targeting: Message-specific roles or groups, instead of blasting everyone.
- Text Messaging Included: Every account includes 250 texts per month, with low-cost options if you need more.
- Professional Emails Made Simple: Use a drag-and-drop editor, templates, and personalization fields to keep messages clear and human.
- Delivery Tracking: See what delivered and what bounced so you can keep lists clean and up to date.
- Schedule Ahead: Send now or schedule messages for later so you are not always communicating at the last second.
Build Communication People Welcome
When your messages are targeted, timely, and inviting, people pay attention again. That is what permission-based communication is really about: earning trust, not fighting for attention. If you are ready to shift toward communication that feels clear, personal, and welcomed, Tithely is here to help.
Sign Up for Product Updates
Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
Most people are not ignoring your church because they do not care. They are just overwhelmed.
Marketing emails fill inboxes by the dozens. Text messages buzz all day long. Social media ads follow people from platform to platform. Notifications never stop. Somewhere along the way, many of us learned how to tune things out just to stay sane. And if you are anything like me, your unread inbox number is too embarrassing to say out loud.
The challenge for churches is not a lack of content. It is a lack of attention. People are filtering more than ever. And this means that your church flyer might be beautifully designed and your event email might be catchy and thoughtful, but people still might not actually get the message!
That is why a new approach to church communication is rising to the surface: permission-based communication.
If that phrase sounds complicated or overly technical, take a deep breath. At its core, permission-based communication simply means that people choose to hear from you. And that choice changes everything.
Opting-In: The Key to Permission-Based Communication
If you are used to the old way of doing things, this might feel like a big shift. For years, many churches gathered every email address they could find and sent updates to everyone. But for churches that want people to actually read their emails, “opting in” could be the new best thing.
What is opting in, you ask? Here’s what it may look like at your church.
The Initial Yes
This is the moment someone fills out a connect card, signs up for an event, downloads your app, or checks a box that says, “Yes, you can send me updates.” They are giving you their contact information and saying yes, I want to stay connected.
The Yes to a Specific Thing
If your church has a lot going on, and most churches do, one giant email list can quickly turn into one giant reason people tune out. Instead of sending every update to everyone, let people choose what they actually want to hear about. Monthly events. Kids ministry. Students. Serving opportunities. Prayer updates. Giving reminders.
When people receive the communication they asked for, they are more likely to engage with it.
The Choice of Channel
Some people love a longer email with multiple updates at once. Others just want a quick text with the address and the time. Permission-based communication allows people to choose the how, not just the what.
So when someone signs up to hear from your church, go one step further and ask what kind of communication they actually prefer. Do they want emails? Text messages? Maybe even a printed mailer now and then? Or would they rather stick to just one channel? When people get to choose, they are far more likely to stay subscribed and actually pay attention.
The Re Opt-In
Every once in a while, it is wise to ask again. A simple message like, “Do you still want kids ministry updates?” gives people an easy way to stay connected without feeling trapped.
If they say yes, they are renewing their attention. If they do not respond after a few tries, you quietly bless them and trim the list. Either way, trust is strengthened. When people know they can step away easily, they feel safer staying connected.
Two Practical Ways Churches Can Practice Permission-Based Communication Today
Permission-based communication sounds good in theory, but what does it actually look like in real church life? Here are two simple, realistic ways to implement this communication strategy this year.
1. Clean Up Your Email List with Double Opt-In
Double opt-in might sound technical, but the idea is simple. People say yes twice.
The first yes happens when someone signs up, fills out a form, or downloads your app. The second yes is a follow-up confirmation that says, “Just making sure you actually want to hear from us” before they officially get added to the email list.
This might sound redundant, but it is actually considered a “best practice” in the world of email marketing.
Why? Because attention is fragile. When someone confirms their opt-in, they are far more likely to open future emails. People pay attention to what they intentionally choose.
Double opt-in also quietly improves your lists. The people who stay are the people who actually want to hear from you. That means higher engagement, fewer unsubscribes, fewer emails accidentally ending up in the spam folder, and communication that feels welcomed instead of tolerated. In a noisy culture, fewer people on your list can actually be a gift for your open rates.
2. Stop Posting Links. Start Sending Them Through Instagram DMs
If you spend any time on social media, you have probably already seen this shift.
Instead of posting a link in the bio and hoping people click it, creators now say things like: “Comment ‘GIFT’ and I will send you the link,” or “DM me for more info.” Behind the scenes, an automated response sends the link instantly.
This works for two simple reasons. First, it invites participation. Instead of just scrolling past your post, they take one small step, which usually increases their interest and follow-through. And once they receive the message, they can simply click the link right there in the DM and go straight to your event page, sign-up form, or next steps link without having to hunt for it later.
Second, it signals to Instagram that your content is worth showing to more people, because people are actually engaging with it. A link in a story can work, but Instagram is not always eager to push content that quickly sends people off the platform. A comment or DM keeps the conversation in-app at first, which tends to help reach, while still making it easy for people to click through when they are ready. For churches, this can be incredibly effective.
Instead of posting a long URL and hoping for the best, invite people into a simple next step:
- “Comment ‘SERVE’ to learn more.”
- “DM us ‘KIDS’ for details.”
- “Comment ‘PRAYER’ and we will send the link.”
Where to start? Search for Instagram DM automation tools like ManyChat that connect comments or DMs to an auto-reply with a link. Many churches use these to send sign-up pages, event details, app download links, or a next-steps form without relying on people to hunt for the link later.
How Tithely Supports Permission-Based Communication
If you are ready to take a more permission-based approach to church communication, you do not need a massive email platform or a perfectly curated social media strategy to get started. Tithely’s Messaging tools help simplify the basics so your communication can stay clear, targeted, and timely, without adding more complexity to your week.
- Unlimited Emails: Send church-wide updates or targeted messages without extra cost.
- Group Targeting: Message-specific roles or groups, instead of blasting everyone.
- Text Messaging Included: Every account includes 250 texts per month, with low-cost options if you need more.
- Professional Emails Made Simple: Use a drag-and-drop editor, templates, and personalization fields to keep messages clear and human.
- Delivery Tracking: See what delivered and what bounced so you can keep lists clean and up to date.
- Schedule Ahead: Send now or schedule messages for later so you are not always communicating at the last second.
Build Communication People Welcome
When your messages are targeted, timely, and inviting, people pay attention again. That is what permission-based communication is really about: earning trust, not fighting for attention. If you are ready to shift toward communication that feels clear, personal, and welcomed, Tithely is here to help.
podcast transcript
Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
Most people are not ignoring your church because they do not care. They are just overwhelmed.
Marketing emails fill inboxes by the dozens. Text messages buzz all day long. Social media ads follow people from platform to platform. Notifications never stop. Somewhere along the way, many of us learned how to tune things out just to stay sane. And if you are anything like me, your unread inbox number is too embarrassing to say out loud.
The challenge for churches is not a lack of content. It is a lack of attention. People are filtering more than ever. And this means that your church flyer might be beautifully designed and your event email might be catchy and thoughtful, but people still might not actually get the message!
That is why a new approach to church communication is rising to the surface: permission-based communication.
If that phrase sounds complicated or overly technical, take a deep breath. At its core, permission-based communication simply means that people choose to hear from you. And that choice changes everything.
Opting-In: The Key to Permission-Based Communication
If you are used to the old way of doing things, this might feel like a big shift. For years, many churches gathered every email address they could find and sent updates to everyone. But for churches that want people to actually read their emails, “opting in” could be the new best thing.
What is opting in, you ask? Here’s what it may look like at your church.
The Initial Yes
This is the moment someone fills out a connect card, signs up for an event, downloads your app, or checks a box that says, “Yes, you can send me updates.” They are giving you their contact information and saying yes, I want to stay connected.
The Yes to a Specific Thing
If your church has a lot going on, and most churches do, one giant email list can quickly turn into one giant reason people tune out. Instead of sending every update to everyone, let people choose what they actually want to hear about. Monthly events. Kids ministry. Students. Serving opportunities. Prayer updates. Giving reminders.
When people receive the communication they asked for, they are more likely to engage with it.
The Choice of Channel
Some people love a longer email with multiple updates at once. Others just want a quick text with the address and the time. Permission-based communication allows people to choose the how, not just the what.
So when someone signs up to hear from your church, go one step further and ask what kind of communication they actually prefer. Do they want emails? Text messages? Maybe even a printed mailer now and then? Or would they rather stick to just one channel? When people get to choose, they are far more likely to stay subscribed and actually pay attention.
The Re Opt-In
Every once in a while, it is wise to ask again. A simple message like, “Do you still want kids ministry updates?” gives people an easy way to stay connected without feeling trapped.
If they say yes, they are renewing their attention. If they do not respond after a few tries, you quietly bless them and trim the list. Either way, trust is strengthened. When people know they can step away easily, they feel safer staying connected.
Two Practical Ways Churches Can Practice Permission-Based Communication Today
Permission-based communication sounds good in theory, but what does it actually look like in real church life? Here are two simple, realistic ways to implement this communication strategy this year.
1. Clean Up Your Email List with Double Opt-In
Double opt-in might sound technical, but the idea is simple. People say yes twice.
The first yes happens when someone signs up, fills out a form, or downloads your app. The second yes is a follow-up confirmation that says, “Just making sure you actually want to hear from us” before they officially get added to the email list.
This might sound redundant, but it is actually considered a “best practice” in the world of email marketing.
Why? Because attention is fragile. When someone confirms their opt-in, they are far more likely to open future emails. People pay attention to what they intentionally choose.
Double opt-in also quietly improves your lists. The people who stay are the people who actually want to hear from you. That means higher engagement, fewer unsubscribes, fewer emails accidentally ending up in the spam folder, and communication that feels welcomed instead of tolerated. In a noisy culture, fewer people on your list can actually be a gift for your open rates.
2. Stop Posting Links. Start Sending Them Through Instagram DMs
If you spend any time on social media, you have probably already seen this shift.
Instead of posting a link in the bio and hoping people click it, creators now say things like: “Comment ‘GIFT’ and I will send you the link,” or “DM me for more info.” Behind the scenes, an automated response sends the link instantly.
This works for two simple reasons. First, it invites participation. Instead of just scrolling past your post, they take one small step, which usually increases their interest and follow-through. And once they receive the message, they can simply click the link right there in the DM and go straight to your event page, sign-up form, or next steps link without having to hunt for it later.
Second, it signals to Instagram that your content is worth showing to more people, because people are actually engaging with it. A link in a story can work, but Instagram is not always eager to push content that quickly sends people off the platform. A comment or DM keeps the conversation in-app at first, which tends to help reach, while still making it easy for people to click through when they are ready. For churches, this can be incredibly effective.
Instead of posting a long URL and hoping for the best, invite people into a simple next step:
- “Comment ‘SERVE’ to learn more.”
- “DM us ‘KIDS’ for details.”
- “Comment ‘PRAYER’ and we will send the link.”
Where to start? Search for Instagram DM automation tools like ManyChat that connect comments or DMs to an auto-reply with a link. Many churches use these to send sign-up pages, event details, app download links, or a next-steps form without relying on people to hunt for the link later.
How Tithely Supports Permission-Based Communication
If you are ready to take a more permission-based approach to church communication, you do not need a massive email platform or a perfectly curated social media strategy to get started. Tithely’s Messaging tools help simplify the basics so your communication can stay clear, targeted, and timely, without adding more complexity to your week.
- Unlimited Emails: Send church-wide updates or targeted messages without extra cost.
- Group Targeting: Message-specific roles or groups, instead of blasting everyone.
- Text Messaging Included: Every account includes 250 texts per month, with low-cost options if you need more.
- Professional Emails Made Simple: Use a drag-and-drop editor, templates, and personalization fields to keep messages clear and human.
- Delivery Tracking: See what delivered and what bounced so you can keep lists clean and up to date.
- Schedule Ahead: Send now or schedule messages for later so you are not always communicating at the last second.
Build Communication People Welcome
When your messages are targeted, timely, and inviting, people pay attention again. That is what permission-based communication is really about: earning trust, not fighting for attention. If you are ready to shift toward communication that feels clear, personal, and welcomed, Tithely is here to help.
VIDEO transcript
Most people are not ignoring your church because they do not care. They are just overwhelmed.
Marketing emails fill inboxes by the dozens. Text messages buzz all day long. Social media ads follow people from platform to platform. Notifications never stop. Somewhere along the way, many of us learned how to tune things out just to stay sane. And if you are anything like me, your unread inbox number is too embarrassing to say out loud.
The challenge for churches is not a lack of content. It is a lack of attention. People are filtering more than ever. And this means that your church flyer might be beautifully designed and your event email might be catchy and thoughtful, but people still might not actually get the message!
That is why a new approach to church communication is rising to the surface: permission-based communication.
If that phrase sounds complicated or overly technical, take a deep breath. At its core, permission-based communication simply means that people choose to hear from you. And that choice changes everything.
Opting-In: The Key to Permission-Based Communication
If you are used to the old way of doing things, this might feel like a big shift. For years, many churches gathered every email address they could find and sent updates to everyone. But for churches that want people to actually read their emails, “opting in” could be the new best thing.
What is opting in, you ask? Here’s what it may look like at your church.
The Initial Yes
This is the moment someone fills out a connect card, signs up for an event, downloads your app, or checks a box that says, “Yes, you can send me updates.” They are giving you their contact information and saying yes, I want to stay connected.
The Yes to a Specific Thing
If your church has a lot going on, and most churches do, one giant email list can quickly turn into one giant reason people tune out. Instead of sending every update to everyone, let people choose what they actually want to hear about. Monthly events. Kids ministry. Students. Serving opportunities. Prayer updates. Giving reminders.
When people receive the communication they asked for, they are more likely to engage with it.
The Choice of Channel
Some people love a longer email with multiple updates at once. Others just want a quick text with the address and the time. Permission-based communication allows people to choose the how, not just the what.
So when someone signs up to hear from your church, go one step further and ask what kind of communication they actually prefer. Do they want emails? Text messages? Maybe even a printed mailer now and then? Or would they rather stick to just one channel? When people get to choose, they are far more likely to stay subscribed and actually pay attention.
The Re Opt-In
Every once in a while, it is wise to ask again. A simple message like, “Do you still want kids ministry updates?” gives people an easy way to stay connected without feeling trapped.
If they say yes, they are renewing their attention. If they do not respond after a few tries, you quietly bless them and trim the list. Either way, trust is strengthened. When people know they can step away easily, they feel safer staying connected.
Two Practical Ways Churches Can Practice Permission-Based Communication Today
Permission-based communication sounds good in theory, but what does it actually look like in real church life? Here are two simple, realistic ways to implement this communication strategy this year.
1. Clean Up Your Email List with Double Opt-In
Double opt-in might sound technical, but the idea is simple. People say yes twice.
The first yes happens when someone signs up, fills out a form, or downloads your app. The second yes is a follow-up confirmation that says, “Just making sure you actually want to hear from us” before they officially get added to the email list.
This might sound redundant, but it is actually considered a “best practice” in the world of email marketing.
Why? Because attention is fragile. When someone confirms their opt-in, they are far more likely to open future emails. People pay attention to what they intentionally choose.
Double opt-in also quietly improves your lists. The people who stay are the people who actually want to hear from you. That means higher engagement, fewer unsubscribes, fewer emails accidentally ending up in the spam folder, and communication that feels welcomed instead of tolerated. In a noisy culture, fewer people on your list can actually be a gift for your open rates.
2. Stop Posting Links. Start Sending Them Through Instagram DMs
If you spend any time on social media, you have probably already seen this shift.
Instead of posting a link in the bio and hoping people click it, creators now say things like: “Comment ‘GIFT’ and I will send you the link,” or “DM me for more info.” Behind the scenes, an automated response sends the link instantly.
This works for two simple reasons. First, it invites participation. Instead of just scrolling past your post, they take one small step, which usually increases their interest and follow-through. And once they receive the message, they can simply click the link right there in the DM and go straight to your event page, sign-up form, or next steps link without having to hunt for it later.
Second, it signals to Instagram that your content is worth showing to more people, because people are actually engaging with it. A link in a story can work, but Instagram is not always eager to push content that quickly sends people off the platform. A comment or DM keeps the conversation in-app at first, which tends to help reach, while still making it easy for people to click through when they are ready. For churches, this can be incredibly effective.
Instead of posting a long URL and hoping for the best, invite people into a simple next step:
- “Comment ‘SERVE’ to learn more.”
- “DM us ‘KIDS’ for details.”
- “Comment ‘PRAYER’ and we will send the link.”
Where to start? Search for Instagram DM automation tools like ManyChat that connect comments or DMs to an auto-reply with a link. Many churches use these to send sign-up pages, event details, app download links, or a next-steps form without relying on people to hunt for the link later.
How Tithely Supports Permission-Based Communication
If you are ready to take a more permission-based approach to church communication, you do not need a massive email platform or a perfectly curated social media strategy to get started. Tithely’s Messaging tools help simplify the basics so your communication can stay clear, targeted, and timely, without adding more complexity to your week.
- Unlimited Emails: Send church-wide updates or targeted messages without extra cost.
- Group Targeting: Message-specific roles or groups, instead of blasting everyone.
- Text Messaging Included: Every account includes 250 texts per month, with low-cost options if you need more.
- Professional Emails Made Simple: Use a drag-and-drop editor, templates, and personalization fields to keep messages clear and human.
- Delivery Tracking: See what delivered and what bounced so you can keep lists clean and up to date.
- Schedule Ahead: Send now or schedule messages for later so you are not always communicating at the last second.
Build Communication People Welcome
When your messages are targeted, timely, and inviting, people pay attention again. That is what permission-based communication is really about: earning trust, not fighting for attention. If you are ready to shift toward communication that feels clear, personal, and welcomed, Tithely is here to help.
Sign Up for Product Updates
Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
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