Remind (Formerly Remind 101) is a text-based (or app-based) communication system designed specifically for schools to send out quick reminders to students, parents, and staff. But don’t let the education-specific language scare you away, Remind is open for everyone to use…for free!
Yes, it’s free, but it’s also actually fully functional and easy to use.
Have to see it to believe it?
[Video via YouTube]
Are you convinced yet? Then, head over to Remind.com and sign up (as a teacher) and create your first “class.” It’s a very simple process, but I’ll include some images to help make the process even more clear.
Some things to remember as you set up your Remind account and put it into use:
– Whatever you name your list will be used to create your “class code,” which is what people must use in order to join the class. Make sure to edit that into some a little more presentable.
– Also, make sure you download the “instructions” PDF so that your church knows exactly how to join. You can also add people yourself via email and phone number, though you need to have their permission first.
– Finally, don’t over us this! Reserve it for important reminders. I wouldn’t use it more than once a week, maybe even only once every other week for truly important/urgent reminders. It’s definitely not something to use for your weekly announcements, nor for daily devotions.
I’ve used Remind for about a year at school and have found it to be very helpful. While there are both iOS and Android apps for Remind, I’ve found the web version to be the most useful.
Anthony says
I wrote a small post about Remind last October when I started using it. It is a great way to keep in contact with students and parents. http://cityyouthworker.com/best-way-to-stay-connected-with-your-students/
Phil Schneider says
That’s awesome, Anthony! Thanks for sharing!
Stacie says
I’m looking into a way to quickly communicate with our Church family when situations come up… we were wondering is there a way when we send out this group message, we don’t want to get reply’s back…something different from a group text from our phone.
Phil Schneider says
Absolutely. All of my Remind groups are set to no-reply. In your list settings, uncheck this: “People in this class can see and message each other.”
Then, in the actual message, open up the settings and change the messaging to “One Way.”
That should do it!
Amy Morren says
Why is it not recommended for daily devo use?
How can you use it w/o ppl having to download the app and just send as text messaging?
Phil Schneider says
Because a daily devotional would likely require more characters than a text allows. Plus, there are such better platforms/mediums (Facebook Groups, podcasts, YouVersion) for a devo.
When you create your group, you’ll be able to download instructions that show how to sign up via text.
Jaime says
I am a director of a church program for about 100 kids. I would am wondering if we may sign up and use Reminds? If not, are there other programs available that work in a similar way?
Thank you
Phil Schneider says
I don’t see why you couldn’t? I looked and couldn’t find a single thing about group limits.
Sam says
I used to run a local DQ and I used it to notify my employees of available shifts or store closures (the weather up here in Canada can do that to an ice cream shop). It’s a great system.
I haven’t thought of it for church uses… what types of messages would you send through it?
Phil Schneider says
Similar things – service cancellations, volunteering opportunities, etc. If you’re running a youth ministry, you could also use it to help coordinate and communicate with your group while out and about.
Sam says
Hmm… yeah I guess I never thought about that. Just thinking too that it could be a handy way to remind people of outreach activities or extra giving opportunities.
Thanks for bringing this to light as a ministry tool… sometimes we don’t think to utilize the things that we use on a regular basis outside of ministry.
Phil Schneider says
Great ideas re: outreach and giving!
If we don’t use it, we don’t think about it. Totally agree.
Bob says
how can you set this up if you are not in a school district. I want to do it for my church group.
Thanks,
Bob
Phil Schneider says
Same as you would for a school. Just mentally replace “school” with “church.”
Jessica Myers says
Is there a way to not have it ask if you are a student, parent, or teacher? We are looking to use it for our Upward League at church and teacher doesn’t apply.
Phil Schneider says
No, sorry. It was designed specifically for schools.
Dana Swain says
i am a pastor and looked at this app. we are looking for a app to start texting our congregants. Is this strictly for schools or could a church use it.
Phil Schneider says
Yes, I believe so. I think, in some of their PR material, it even says this. Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner.
Alicia says
Does this become like a chat room where everyone can reply?? Or is it strictly sending the text to everyone in the group ??
Phil Schneider says
It depends on your settings. You can sort of make it like a group text. If you want a chat room feel, you’d be better off using Slack.
Jessica Wiseman says
How do I set this up for my daughter, under 13, to use for our church’s Student Ministry? They already have one set up, but it won’t allow her access.
Phil Schneider says
To be added to a list includes a lot of variables that only the owner of the list could explain. You’ll need to contact the ministry’s leaders.
Joy Willis says
I’m curious as to why this won’t work for daily devotionals. We’re looking for a service for this and wondered why remind wouldn’t be a good option. Thanks for your help!
Phil Schneider says
I don’t know why it wouldn’t, Joy. Might as well give it a try.
Karen Curry says
We are looking for a way to send daily encouragement from the Pastor to the congregation during our church fast. Why do you think this service would not be good for this? Thank you so much for you help!
Phil Schneider says
I think Remind would be fine for that. My caution was against messaging people too often. You’d become white noise, or worse, a bother.
Laney says
Do you use lists for each ministry and maybe even leadership? Or just one massive class? I’m thinking of having youth, youth parents, kids ministry, music ministry, and maybe news, and urgent updates all their own classes. That way people can decide which notifications they want from our church.
Thoughts?
Phil Schneider says
I think you should do what you think you’d need. Answering that question would really require me knowing more about your communication needs.
That said, I’d keep the lists specific and invitational. You don’t want random people joining lists that they have no business being on.
Lesli says
Hello, I’m searching for a volunteer reminder program. I need an app or software program to give a 24 hour reminder notice to specific volunteers scheduled for service each weekend. I need the reminders to just go to designated volunteers each weekend rather than an entire group. Is there a setting for such limitations on this app? Thank you for your time.
Phil Schneider says
You can build separate groups/classes in Remind, but a free account does have limits. You’ll have to look into.
Noel says
Hi Phil!
Definitely a great use case for text messaging in churches. Texting shows itself to be more useful every day.
We’re seeing more “text to screen” functions in use, where people can text their questions or comments and then have them (after being moderated) projected up onto a screen.
That and surveys, to gather data and responses from everyone. Whereas text to screen allows people to ask via text message, being able to deploy surveys via text message enables you to ask questions of them.
Thanks and have a great day!
Noel
Phil Schneider says
Hey, Noel. I’ve see a few of those services. Don’t you work for a company that provides those services? I feel like you should disclose that when you make a comment that promotes those services.
Especially when that wasn’t the point of the post.
Eric Dye says
LOL Busted.