Direct Messaging
Build deeper relationships through private conversations. SoapBox messaging lets you connect one-on-one or in group chats with your church family.Starting a Conversation
Message Someone New
1
Find the Person
Search for them in the member directory or tap their profile from a post.
2
Start Message
Tap the Message button on their profile.
3
Write Your Message
Type your message and tap send.
From Member Directory
- Go to Community > Members
- Search or browse for the person
- Tap their name
- Select Send Message
From a Post or Comment
- Tap the person’s name or profile picture
- On their profile, tap Message
Messaging Features
Text Messages
Send text messages with:- Full formatting
- Emojis
- Line breaks
Media Sharing
Share rich content:- Photos from camera or gallery
- Videos (up to 2 minutes)
- Voice messages
- Documents and files
Scripture Sharing
Share Bible verses:- Tap the Bible icon in the message composer
- Search for a verse
- Select and send
Prayer Requests
Send prayer requests directly:- Tap the prayer icon
- Write your request
- Send privately to a trusted friend
Group Chats
Creating a Group Chat
1
Start New Chat
From Messages, tap New Chat > Group Chat.
2
Add Members
Search and select people to include.
3
Name Your Group
Give the chat a name (e.g., “Bible Study Friends”).
4
Add Photo (Optional)
Upload a group photo for easy identification.
5
Create
Tap Create Group to start chatting.
Managing Group Chats
Add Members:- Open the group chat
- Tap the group name at top
- Select Add Members
- Search and add people
- Open group settings
- Tap the member’s name
- Select Remove from Group
- Open group settings
- Tap Leave Group
- Confirm
Small groups automatically have a group chat created. You don’t need to set one up manually.
Message Management
Read Receipts
See when messages are read:- Sent - Message delivered to server
- Delivered - Message reached their device
- Read - They’ve seen the message
Deleting Messages
Remove messages you’ve sent:- Long-press the message
- Select Delete
- Choose Delete for Everyone or Delete for Me
Editing Messages
Fix mistakes:- Long-press your message
- Select Edit
- Make changes
- Save
Notifications
Message Alerts
Get notified of new messages:- Push notifications
- In-app badges
- Sound alerts
Customizing Notifications
Per-Conversation Settings:- Open the conversation
- Tap the name at top
- Select notification preference:
- All messages
- Mentions only
- Muted
- Go to Settings > Notifications
- Find Messages section
- Adjust preferences
Do Not Disturb
Silence all message notifications:- Go to Settings > Notifications
- Enable Do Not Disturb
- Set schedule if desired
Privacy & Safety
Who Can Message You
Control who reaches out:- Anyone - All church members
- Followers - Only people you follow
- Connections - Only mutual connections
Blocking Users
If someone is bothering you:- Open the conversation
- Tap their name
- Select Block User
- Confirm
- Cannot message you
- Cannot see your posts
- Don’t know they’re blocked
Reporting Conversations
Report inappropriate messages:- Long-press the problematic message
- Select Report
- Choose a reason
- Submit
Search Messages
Finding Old Conversations
Search your message history:- Go to Messages
- Tap the search icon
- Enter keywords, names, or dates
- View results
Within a Conversation
Search within a specific chat:- Open the conversation
- Tap the name at top
- Select Search in Conversation
- Enter search terms
Message Tips
Respond Promptly
Respond Promptly
Try to reply within 24 hours to maintain connection.
Use Voice Messages
Use Voice Messages
Sometimes a voice message conveys tone better than text.
Be Thoughtful
Be Thoughtful
Consider if your message could be misunderstood. Add clarity or emojis as needed.
Move Important Conversations
Move Important Conversations
For pastoral issues or crises, suggest connecting in person or by phone.
Respect Boundaries
Respect Boundaries
If someone is slow to respond, they may be busy. Don’t spam follow-ups.