Text-a-word keywords
A poster word people text to opt in. The church picks the word. Unknown senders become people.
Communications → Keywords is the pulpit line: “Text VISIT to [number].” VISIT is only an example — each church types its own word. STOP, START, HELP and the usual opt-out synonyms are reserved by the carrier and cannot be claimed.
Keywords need a Church number. Paid churches request one free under Communications → Number (usually fulfilled in 24–48 hours). Until then, plain SMS can still use the shared Disciplo line.
01
Create the word and the reply
Open Keywords. Create needs permission to send. Write 2–32 letters or numbers, no spaces. The auto-reply must name the church, say that rates apply, and tell them they can reply STOP. If STOP is missing, the system adds it.
02
Choose what else happens
Follow-Up is on by default. You can also add them to a list, a group, start a sequence, open a prayer request, or put a form / giving / event link in the reply. A stranger who texts the word is created as a person (source sms_keyword) and marked SMS-consented. A known number runs the same actions. JOIN and PRAY are different keywords — each has its own reply and actions.
03
The reply is an ordinary scheduled send
The auto-reply goes through Scheduled, not a raw Telnyx send. Consent, credits and the dispatch worker still apply. Quiet hours warn; they do not hold the reply. If the person appears but the text never arrives, open Deliverability for the last drain time, then ask whether US 10DLC is approved.
04
Request your Church number
Keywords and MMS only work on a Church number. After you subscribe, open Communications → Number and request the free primary line. HQ assigns it within 24–48 hours. Existing shared-line keywords move onto that number automatically. Optional secondary numbers can be bought and released later (monthly rent on the Disciplo invoice).