Here’s idea from Dave Inman on using text messaging in youth ministry:

Every Wednesday at about 5:00 I have been emailing a short text message to every youth group student’s cell phone. It is usually a thought-provoking question we will begin the lesson with, or a statement that will create interest.  I have found this does 2 things: 1) all the students not on my list are giving me their cell numbers to text them also (showing me this is really working), and 2) the students who have not been coming regularly, or considering skipping have at least 1 church contact a week (almost works as slick as calling, but not quite).
If you are like me, and only have 200 or so texts to use a month from my cell phone, there is a great FREE option.  You can email a text message for free from your computer.  Enter the 10 digit cell number @txt.att.net (Try texting me: 5739154159@txt.att.net). I have an outlook list of students cell number emails, and can send a prayer request, reminder, or Wednesday message in seconds.  This is not necessarily my idea, but a combination of ideas from Greg Stier (Dare2Share leader’s seminar), Sean Warren, and my in-house computer genius, Mark Heflin.
I know this will probably only work for limited age groups, but thought this may be something to share with other youth pastors – we all work for the same boss!  Have a great day, Bro Dave Inman.