Connect WhatsApp Business

Outside the 24-hour window, WhatsApp only allows messages that use Meta-approved templates. Before connecting, the church must complete the telecom registration in Settings → SMS & WhatsApp.

TL;DR

Communications → Messaging → WhatsApp Business → Connection → Connect WhatsApp, authorize with Meta, and wait for the standard templates to be approved.

Steps

1. Open Communications → Messaging and click the WhatsApp Business button (/admin-church/messaging/whatsapp).
2. On the Connection tab, click Connect WhatsApp. If you see Set up Communications first, click Go to setup and complete the payment and registration in Settings → SMS & WhatsApp.
3. Click Connect with Meta, sign in with Facebook, and authorize WhatsApp Business. If the quick method is not available, use Advanced configuration (manual entry) with the access token, WABA account ID, and phone number ID from Meta Business.
4. Meta may send a verification SMS to the number. The connection status updates automatically.
5. When you connect, Ministrium asks Meta to create 4 standard templates (welcome, event reminder, general announcement, and follow-up) in Spanish and English. Check their status on the Templates tab; approval usually takes under 24 hours. If any are missing, use Create Ministrium standard templates or Retry templates.
6. Use Sync with Meta to bring in templates you approved in Meta Business Manager. Only approved templates appear when you create a WhatsApp New Campaign.