> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.church.directory/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.church.directory/core-concepts/groups/voice-calls.md).

# Voice Calls

Church Directory allows your congregation to make classic voice calls. The voice call tool, utilizing a dedicated number, is meant for one-way communication to phone numbers stored in a users' profiles. Because it is one way, you are unable to receive any call backs.

### What is a voice call?

* A voice call is an actual phone call made to a user in a group to communicate a message to.
* Voice calls are sent by typing out a message (see the "how to" section) to send to a group.
  * Church Directory then uses a text-to-speech mechanism to make the phone calls and read the message to the user. 
* Voice calls do have an extra cost associated with them due to the requirement of using a third party service to make the phone calls.

### How are voice calls counted?

* Church Directory counts voice calls per minute spent calling and reading a message to a users' unique phone number.
* Church Directory automatically filters out duplicate numbers and duplicate recipients.
  * If multiple people have the same phone number, only one call will be made.
  * If a user has multiple phone numbers, a call will only be sent to their primary number.

### How to send a voice call

1. In the Admin, find the group you wish to message, and click on the group.
2. Ensure that the "**Enable messaging by Voice**" option is selected in the "**Messaging**" tab and save changes.
3. Ensure that you are an "**Authorized Sender**" in the Authorized Sender tab.
4. Go to the "**Send Voice**" section available for the group.
5. Enter the message you wish to be read, and click "Send".