Digital technology has taken ministry to a new level. From increased visibility to branding, industries understand the importance of having an online presence. Churches all over the world have recognized the power of technology in their marketing & media strategies.
Live streaming for churches is essential for churches that want to remain relevant and reach a bigger audience. Some have been hesitant to move in this direction, but attendance holds steady as congregations implement live streaming.
In many cases, churches have reached a global audience.
To have a successful online presence, organizations have to look beyond providing an alternative to their existing membership. Instead, they must look at it from a biblical perspective. Discipleship is moving beyond the walls of the church to reach the lost and unchurched.
Is your church ready for a change? Keep reading for nine essential tips to improve the quality of your services while streaming live.
What is Live Streaming For Churches?
In 2018, the percentage of internet users that watched online video was 85%. A portion of what those users were watching was live video.
When people think of live streaming it is often in reference to social media. People are using their camera phones to record concerts, rallies, and even people committing crimes.
On the other end of the spectrum, businesses are now using live streaming to broadcast conferences and to do product demonstrations. News outlets are even streaming their news programs via social media.
In essence, live streaming is simply recording what you’re doing and broadcasting it to platforms on the internet. It’s done with the help of a Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTML), encoders and streaming programs.
What Will You Need?
With the right streaming app, you can live stream from a smartphone or tablet. For churches looking to stream church services, you’ll want to invest in quality equipment.
Most churches today have a media ministry comprised of volunteers with some media production experience. Their experience can guide the church in purchasing the right equipment and producing a professional product.
1. Get the Best Audio Equipment
Sound quality is important with any production. Churches have a lot going on. Whether it is the choir singing, the dance ministry performing, or the pastor giving the sermon, the audio has to capture the sound from any direction.
Your media ministry needs to be able to control the audio devices from the choir stand to the back pew, as well as handheld microphones.
2. Make Sure You Have the Right Lighting
Lighting is another key factor.
Does the church use regular lighting, LED lights, is there only lighting on the pulpit? Your team will need to understand how the light projects the sanctuary when on camera.
3. Use Multiple Cameras
For effective and high-quality live streaming of church services, investing in multiple cameras is the way to go. Have a mixture of mounted cameras and handheld cameras!
With the use of a control board, your streams can be multi-dimensional giving the online audience a more intimate experience. They will get to view the service as if they were sitting among the congregation.
4. Insert Graphics Technology
There are various apps available that will allow you to integrate graphics into your live streaming church service. These graphics will work similarly to the ones congregants are seeing on screens located inside the church.
The graphics will show the online audience the scriptures being read, bullet points from the sermon and other useful information.
5. Stream Live on Your Church Website
The best functionality of live streaming for churches is the ability to stream on multiple platforms. The most important is your church website. It is a valuable resource because that’s where you want to eventually direct your online traffic.
Discipleship comes in various ways. When the church extends an invitation to viewers to join the church or ask for prayer, they can quickly access the links.
Streaming live from your church’s website will also help you capture essential analytics about viewers. This includes where they are watching from and how often they return to the website.
6. Incorporate Streaming to Multiple Platforms
Although your primary streaming location is your church website, you also want to offer other platforms to view your services. The most popular are Facebook and YouTube.
With the right programs, you can simulcast from multiple platforms without needing additional equipment.
7. Use Apps to Encourage Online Giving
Yes, there are apps for everything and these apps are easily integrated into your live streaming service. Tithes and offerings are essential to church operations. You’ll need ways for your online audience to give.
Technology has churches covered with apps, like Givelify, Text to Give, and online giving carts on their websites. Churches are also designing their own apps that have a donation feature.
Donations to churches are tax-deductible and for this reason, churches will ask for contact information to send you a receipt and year-end statement.
8. Respect The Privacy of Your Worshippers
Don’t become so focused on your online community that you forget the people filling the pews.
If your church is going to offer live streaming, check your state’s laws, regarding public recording. In some places, you will need to post a public notice stating that you are recording and by entering the sanctuary individuals are giving consent.
The church is still a sacred space and parishioners have a certain expectation of privacy. Try not to capitalize on personal experiences and moments of emotional reactions.
9. Use Clips to Promote Your Church
Clips from your sermon’s and other church events are readily available for promotional use.
Take the highlights and post on social platforms to encourage people to watch your next service or join an outreach initiative.
Are You Ready to Go Live?
Live streaming church services have many benefits and those benefits can begin as soon as you get started.
Churches today are promoting their online campuses and creating online-focused strategy to grow their online audience.
Contact us today to see how we can help you start live streaming by next Sunday.
