Head-to-head · Church Text Messaging Software
Shepherding Connections vs Gloo Communications
Shepherding Connections leads on 2 checks, Gloo Communications on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 8 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreShepherding Connections · 9.0/10
- Lowest starting priceShepherding Connections · $29/mo
- Free planboth
- Most featuresShepherding Connections · 6 of 6
Shepherding Connections scores higher on our rubric for church text messaging software: 9.0 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.
Shepherding Connections is cheaper to start at $29/mo against $49/mo. Shepherding Connections offers mobile app; Gloo Communications doesn't publish it.
Shepherding Connections is the better fit for budget-conscious churches wanting automation. Gloo Communications is the better fit for churches wanting high-volume free or low-cost messaging.
- Shepherding Connections fits best
Budget-conscious churches wanting automation
- Gloo Communications fits best
Churches wanting high-volume free or low-cost messaging
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Side by side
| Feature | Shepherding Connections 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | Gloo Communications 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #3 in Church Text Messaging Software | #5 in Church Text Messaging Software |
| Best for | Budget-conscious churches wanting automation | Churches wanting high-volume free or low-cost messaging |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $29/mo (best) | $49/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| Support | Email, Phone, Docs | Docs |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 3 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Shepherding Connections 6/6 · Gloo Communications 5/6 | ||
| Two-way messaging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scheduled messages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recurring messages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audience segmentation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Church software integrations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Included messages | Not published | 5000 messages/mo |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Shepherding Connections is the SMS-focused application in Shepherding Tools, designed for pastors, elders, outreach teams, and churches managing announcements and follow-up. Its feature set covers SMS announcements, a two-way texting… Read the review → |
Gloo Communications is a church-focused communications suite for ministry leaders and church communications teams. It supports outbound SMS and MMS, group-based contact segmentation, broadcasts, scheduled text series, menus, polls, video… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Shepherding Connections — where it wins
- Two-way texting, sequences, keyword replies, and scheduled sends
- Visitor connect pages, segmentation, consent, and opt-out tools
- Web, iOS, Android, and integrations with church software
Where it doesn't
- Free Forever excludes SMS messaging
- Messaging is limited to United States and Canada numbers
- Connections is currently in beta
Gloo Communications — where it wins
- Free plan includes SMS, MMS, groups, workflows, and 500 monthly credits
- Paid plans include 5,000 monthly credits and unlimited groups
- Supports prayer inboxes, polls, video messaging, and church integrations
Where it doesn't
- Gloo Free is limited to 500 message credits per month
- The listed platform is web only
- The 5,000-credit tier starts at $49 per month
- Shepherding Connections9.0/10 · Free plan · paid from $29/mo
A broad church texting toolkit with a free entry point and automation features.
Visit siteFull verdict → - Gloo Communications8.3/10 · Free plan · paid from $49/mo
A church-focused messaging suite with a free tier and a 5,000-credit paid upgrade.
Visit GlooFull verdict →
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All church text messaging software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026