Case Study: Third Reformed Church achieves 80% student opt-in and increased event attendance with EZ Texting

How Third Reformed Church Increased Attendance Among Gen Z

Third Reform Church in Pella, Iowa (regular weekend attendance 2,500–3,000) needed a faster way to keep a 400‑student middle- and high‑school group informed. Student Ministry Leader Craig Zuithoff found Facebook and mass email weren’t immediate enough for time‑sensitive updates and wanted a communication method that matched how students actually communicate.

Zuithoff set up an EZ Texting account, collected opt‑ins via web widgets and direct sign‑ups, and used name fields to create sub‑groups. He sends routine reminders twice weekly and last‑minute location or cancellation texts as needed; after a year about 80% of students (and many parents) opted in, event attendance increased, and last‑minute changes are now communicated reliably.

Third Reformed Church

Craig Zuithoff

Student Ministry Leader