Messages are an incredibly powerful, yet simple aspect of MinistryPlatform. Working with Messages in MinistryPlatform is as easy as working with emails or text messages in any other program you use. But MinistryPlatform messages are connected to a database used by hundreds and even thousands of users. Because ministry is collaborative, a history of all Messages sent to any contact in MinistryPlatform is preserved.

Basics

• Messages are related to emails, but Messages themselves are not emails. They are stored in MinistryPlatform and may be used to send emails.
• When a Contact has an email address, a copy of the Message is delivered via email to their email address.
• When a Contact replies to that email, the reply goes to the email address of the MinistryPlatform user who sent the message. Replies are not stored in MinistryPlatform.
• If a Message cannot be sent because a Contact doesn't have an email address, this is recorded and viewable in Communications > Messages. If the Message was generated automatically by a Process, a user is assigned a task to find an alternate way to deliver that Message. 
• Messages are created by using the New Message Tool.

Selecting Message Recipients

1. Navigate to any Page
2. Select Tools > New Message Tool
3. Search for and select desired Recipients or launch the pick-list to create or retrieve a Selection.

See Selecting Recipients for other examples on selecting your message recipients.

Uses

You can send messages manually, but you can send them automatically (Set it and forget it!):

• Processes: A Message can be sent as a result of a Process Step. For more information on Processes and Process Steps, see Working with Processes and Process Step - Send an Email.
• Notifications: Notifications are the automated Messages MinistryPlatform sends each day. For more information, see Notifications.

Video Topics: Messages