SMS consent methods

Reviewable proof for every active opt-in path.

Wayside Church uses clear, sender-specific consent steps for text updates. Providing a phone number alone never enrolls someone in recurring messages.

Website and Keyword Opt-in Written Consent Form

Verbal consent

The exact word-for-word staff script

Staff read this script without shortening it and ask for an unambiguous yes:

"Would you like to receive text messages from Wayside Church, including service reminders, prayer requests, church announcements, and ministry updates? Message frequency varies, and message and data rates may apply. You can reply STOP at any time to opt out, or HELP for assistance. Consent is not a condition of attending Wayside Church, giving, or receiving ministry care. Do I have your permission to send these text messages to this phone number?"

The individual must answer yes before staff enroll the number. Silence, an unclear response, or providing a phone number without permission is not consent.

Verbal workflow

How staff document a verbal opt-in

  1. Staff identify Wayside Church and explain the text-message purpose.
  2. Staff read the exact script above before requesting permission.
  3. The individual gives a clear yes for the specific mobile number.
  4. Staff record the mobile number, date and time, staff member, script version, and affirmative response.
  5. An immediate confirmation message identifies Wayside Church and repeats frequency, rates, HELP, and STOP information.

Paper or fillable PDF

A separate written consent form is available for inspection.

The Wayside written form places the full SMS disclosure beside an unchecked consent box. It can be completed in a browser and printed, or downloaded as a fillable PDF. The completed, signed form is returned to Wayside staff and retained as the consent record; it is not submitted through this website.

Review Written Form Download Fillable PDF

Website and keyword

Users complete the opt-in by sending START.

  1. The user visits Wayside Church Text Updates.
  2. The page displays (877) 826-0218, expected message types, variable frequency, rates, HELP, STOP, and both legal links.
  3. The user reviews an unchecked-by-default SMS consent checkbox and chooses to select it.
  4. The user opens and sends START to (877) 826-0218.
  5. The inbound START message, mobile number, and timestamp become the opt-in record.

Consent records

Each active method produces reviewable evidence.

  • Website and keyword: inbound START, mobile number, and timestamp.
  • Verbal: mobile number, date and time, staff member, script version, and affirmative response.
  • Written: completed form, disclosure version, signature, date, mobile number, and receiving staff member.

Reply STOP to opt out at any time or HELP for help. Read the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.