I have had the pleasure and the challenge of leading our church into the streaming age. I’ve had plenty of experience streaming my own stuff, but for a church service, we needed a little more polish.
After studying all the options, we went with Mevo, a production device that puts you in the directors chair. As you can see, in the video at then of this post, we have control over the kinds of shots we take all from our iPhone. This is a perfect for smaller churches who just want to get decent production quality for a quality price. (note: I am an Amazon affiliate, purchasing the Mevo supports my work in training youth workers)
But what good is quality live streaming with out a live person to interact with the community your streaming to? Once you’ve established with the platform you will stream on (Mevo works seamless with Facebook Live), you must choose someone to manage the online congregation who will join you.
Here’s how I lead the online congregation during the live stream.
Welcome Everyone
Right now, we have a small group that joins us live, as many as a dozen or so each Sunday. Regardless, I greet each one by name and welcome them to service. If the numbers jump to unmanageable state, I will have to rethink how I greet everyone, but right now it feel just like being at our homey church.
Pin Your Greeting To The Top
Once I have started the live stream, I am write a short greeting such as, “Welcome to PGA Live, we hope you experience God’s presence as you watch and participate” This stays up until there is a change in the flow of service.
The Greeting
During greeting time, I ask those who are in the live stream, to greet each other and maybe share where they are viewing from.
Worship
During worship, I invite viewers to participate by asking them to share a praise report or to hit the thumbs up or heart icons if a song is ministering to them.
During the songs I will post scriptures that go along with the songs and will often pin them to the top during this time.
Announcements
During the announcements I add some flavor text as well as other details that they need to know. This gives viewers an opportunity to ask questions about our various activities and events. If I’ve made an event page on FB, I direct them over there to sign up or get more info.
Giving
Giving online is the number one way people are giving. Some churches use Paypal and others a text to give option. No matter which way you choose, if you do not have an online giving option, your online congregation present and future, are being left out of the giving opportunity.
The Message
During the message I do my best to quote our Pastor when he makes a good point or to list his points as he is going along. If you can get your Pastor’s notes in advance, you’ll know what direction he is heeding and you will be ready. Always be prepared because many of the good things your pastor will say are not in their notes.
As my Pastor is preaching, I ask questions that go along with the message giving the online congregation an opportunity to comment or ask questions.
Altar Time/Prayer
During the altar time and prayer I ask the online congregation to pray for those who have responded as well as to post their own needs so we can pray for them.
Closing the Service
When the service closes, I thank everyone for attending and invite them to visit us in person, if it is possible. Sometimes I will leave a closing prayer, benediction, or declaration.
Your church service is probably similar to mine and your live stream will need certain nuances to fit you congregation.
If you have certain live stream practices, I’ve love your input. Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments.
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