How Third Reformed Church Increased Attendance Among Gen Z

Gen Z, the demographic racing up behind Millennials, is even more tech-savvy than its predecessors. Born in the mid-90s, this generation grew up with the internet and mobile devices in their hands — and expect information to be more immediate and accessible than ever before. Up to 78% of today’s teens have a cellphone, and 25% own a tablet.

While the church was already utilizing mass email campaigns and Facebook outreach, Zuithoff wanted to find platforms to communicate in the method students most prefer: texting.

Zuithoff offered students timely updates for opting in to a subscriber list through Web Sign-Up Forms (provided by EZ Texting for free). Within a year working with our platform, approximately 80% of students signed up. Many parents also opted in to keep track of their children’s church schedule.

By texting bi-weekly Reminder Campaigns, attendance spiked dramatically for special events and meetings within one year. Like many organizations, the church hosts meetings that change location frequently or need to be cancelled due to inclement weather. Texting facilitates sending such last-minute updates for immediate receipt, making event coordination easier and more streamlined.