Texting (MMS)

Lightpost also allows your congregation to text groups for quick communication via MMS.

What is an MMS message?

• MMS messages are similar to SMS, but allow for much longer messages and images.

• MMS messages are different than mobile notifications, which users can receive for various things (worship assignments, group posts, etc) and require the member be logged into the Lightpost mobile application to receive them.

• MMS messages do have an extra cost associated with them due to the requirement of using a third party service to send MMS messages.

Special Notes About MMS

• MMS messages can contain up to 1600 characters.

• MMS messages must contain one image for our service provider and carriers to properly send it as an MMS message, and not multiple, more expensive SMS messages.

  • If no image is provide, a default image will be generated for you that shows the user the name of your congregation and the name of the group that the message is being sent to.

• MMS messages will show up as a different message on some devices.

  • Depending on the carrier and network, the sender number shows up as:

    • "1235551234" for an MMS

    • "[phone]" for an SMS

  • This can appear on a device as two different senders. This is normal and expected due to carrier and network patterns.

How are MMS messages counted?

• Lightpost counts an MMS message as every 1600 characters and optional image sent to each users' unique phone number.

• Lightpost automatically filters out duplicate numbers and duplicate recipients.

  • If multiple people have the same phone number, only one message will be sent.

  • If a user has multiple mobile phone numbers, a message will only be sent to their primary number.

First message confirmation

When an MMS message is sent to a user from Lightpost for the first time, Lightpost sends a total of 3 messages to inform the user about why they're receiving an MMS message from this number.

These three messages will include information such as:

• The first message let's the user know what congregation text messages from this phone number are coming from.

• The second message informs the user how to opt-out of and opt-in to future messages.

• The third message is the first message you are sending to the group.

These messages only happen one time for each users' phone number, regardless of what group the MMS comes from.

How to send an MMS message

STEP 1

• Be sure the "Enable messaging by MMS" option is selected in the "Messaging" tab for the group.

STEP 2

1. Add yourself as an "Authorized Sender" in the tab option on the left.

   1. Only people who are added to the authorized senders list can send an MMS message. This includes Account Admins.

STEP 3

1. In the Admin, find the group you wish to message, and click on the group.

2. Go to the "Send MMS" section.

3. Enter the message you wish to send, and click "Send".

4. A cost estimate is provided for you.

How to view MMS history

1. In the Admin, find the group you wish to message, and click on the group.

2. Go to the "Message History" section.

3. Click on any past message to view details about who received the text messages and any errors or failures.