Group Chat
TimelyChurch includes a built-in messaging feature for groups, allowing members to talk to each other without leaving the platform. This article covers where group chat lives, how to use it, and how to turn it off.
Where Group Chat Is Available
Group chat is available for Private Groups and Public Groups. It is on for new groups, so the Chat tab appears on the group page straight away. Teams and classes do not have a Chat tab.
When the chat is first used, TimelyChurch creates the group's conversation and adds every active member who has a login.
Using Group Chat
Accessing the Chat
- Open the group page.
- Click the Chat tab in the tab bar.
- The Group Chat panel loads the recent conversation, with the number of members at the top.
Members who have a login also find the group's conversation, named after the group, in Messages in the member portal.
Sending Messages
- Type your message in the Type a message... field at the bottom of the chat panel.
- Press Enter or click the send button.
- Your message appears in the conversation with the time it was sent.
Messages are limited to 5,000 characters each.
Viewing Messages
- Your messages appear on the right side of the chat in an indigo bubble.
- Other members' messages appear on the left side in a gray bubble, with the sender's name displayed above the message.
- Each message shows the sender's initial in a circular avatar and the time it was sent.
New messages from other members appear on their own every few seconds -- you do not need to refresh the page.
Who Can Access the Chat
- Active group members can view and send messages.
- Leaders and admins can open the chat from the admin group page.
- Anyone else who opens the chat area sees "You must be a group member to access the chat."
Member Sync
Chat participants follow the group's membership:
- When a new member is added to the group, they are added to the chat conversation.
- When a member is removed from the group, they leave the chat conversation.
Disabling Group Chat
Leaders and admins see a Disable Chat button in the chat panel header.
- Open the group page and click the Chat tab.
- Click Disable Chat.
When chat is disabled:
- The Chat tab is hidden from the group page.
- The chat conversation and its message history are kept.
Note: Once chat is disabled, the Chat tab -- and the Enable Chat button inside it -- is no longer shown on the group page, so the chat cannot be turned back on from there. Before disabling chat, make sure the group no longer needs it.
Things to Know
- Each group has one chat conversation.
- Chat is only for members. There is no guest access to group chats.
Tip: Group chat works best for quick coordination and fellowship. For longer discussions or formal announcements, consider using the Email button on the group page instead.