Explorer Program Deprecation

Gloo has made the strategic decision to conclude the Explorer Program as part of our ongoing effort to simplify our offerings and focus on tools that deliver the greatest value to church leaders. Over the last four years, the program successfully connected over 465,000 people.

To continue supporting outreach efforts, Gloo is partnering with VisitorReach and offering participating churches up to $3,500 in credits to help them keep building meaningful, local ministry connections. The Explorer Program will officially sunset on January 5, 2026, with all customer data and communication tools remaining fully accessible during and after the transition.

Explorer Deprecation FAQ

Why is the Explorer Program going away?

The strategic decision to conclude the Explorers Program was part of our continued effort to simplify our offerings and focus on the products that deliver the greatest value to church leaders.

Do you see it coming back at any point?

Do you see it coming back at any point?

At this time, there are no plans to restart the program.

When does it officially shut off?

When does it officially shut off?

The program fully shuts off on January 5th, 2026. After this date, no new Explorer messages will come in.

Will I still be able to communicate with the Explorers I already have?

Will I still be able to communicate with the Explorers I already have?

Yes. Any existing Explorer records in your People section remain part of your contacts. You can still continue follow-up just like any other contact.

Will the Explorers tab be removed from the Workspace?

Will the Explorers tab be removed from the Workspace?

Yes, the dedicated inbox for Explorers will be removed from the navigation, but Explorer conversations will be moved into the general inbox. You'll retain access to conversations with Explorers.

Will any Explorer data be removed? (Messages, names, phone numbers)

Will any Explorer data be removed? (Messages, names, phone numbers)

No. All your Explorer conversations, names, phone numbers, and message history will remain.

Will there be any refunds or prorated credits since Explorers were part of Gloo+?

Will there be any refunds or prorated credits since Explorers were part of Gloo+?

No refunds or prorated credits are being issued. Although the national Explorer Program is ending, Gloo+ continues to include multiple features such as New Movers, unlimited messaging, workflows, groups, VisitorTap discounts, Content Studio, memos, and more.

Can we get a refund on our Gloo+ subscription because Explorers are ending?

Can we get a refund on our Gloo+ subscription because Explorers are ending?

At this time, refunds are not available. However, if your church needs help maximizing all the other Gloo+ features, our team is happy to walk with you on maximizing your Gloo+ benefits.

Is there any way to continue reaching Explorers?

Is there any way to continue reaching Explorers?

Not the national Explorer Program. But you can create your own local version of Explorers.

How can I recreate something like Explorers on my own?

How can I recreate something like Explorers on my own?

One easy and effective option is to create your own “Not Alone” workflow.
 Here’s how churches are doing it:

  • Create a keyword like NOT ALONE, PRAYER, or HELP

  • Add it to postcards, magnets, slides, social media, and your website

  • When someone texts the keyword, they enter your workflow

  • Your team receives the message and replies just like you did with Explorers

Churches are connecting with:

  • Local college students

  • Visitors

  • Community members

  • People needing prayer

  • Single parents

  • People looking for support or direction

How many Explorers did the program reach in the last four years?

How many Explorers did the program reach in the last four years?

465,033 unique Explorers matched to an organization.

What other options do I have to reach people digitally?

What other options do I have to reach people digitally?