A Growing Trend: Churches Have 1-800 Numbers.

Check any 1-800 directory and you will find hundreds of ministers and churches listed within. Clergy members nationwide have recognized the advantages of offering parishioners a free, convenient way to contact them 24 hours a day.

Busy ministers are always on the move. In times of crisis, parishioners and community members may suddenly need counsel and comfort. With a 1-800 number, ministers can be in constant contact with anyone in need.

To help their ministries grow, members of the clergy are finding innovative ways to stay connected to their congregants. Some ministers are using one toll free line to stay connected and another toll free line that conveys a taped message about an upcoming event or a devotional with uplifting words of faith. These messages can be very comforting to people in need.

Clergy members often have tight budgets. Ministers will find that there are several service providers that offer plans at affordable rates—in some cases 40 percent lower than the big phone companies. (Tollfreenumber.ORG for example)

Members of the clergy must be instantly available to comfort and advise their congregation, or anyone else who may need them. A crisis can occur at any time. Caring ministers who want to be there 24/7 for their parishioners are discovering that toll free numbers keep them in touch with their flock.