Product Details
Our guest shares practical advice for implementing or continuing online worship.
To download this summary, click here.
Guest: Matthew Schultz, pastor and ministry consultant, has successfully shepherded multiple churches through times of transition and has helped not-for-profit agencies and churches of all sizes reimagine their ministries. Matthew currently pastors a congregation in New York state.
Introduction:
Summary:
What obstacles did you face in doing online church during the COVID-19 shutdown?
- How will I lead by example?
- How will I make this sustainable? (For example: in-home, devotional service; no music; readings and PowerPoint running on a television behind him)
What advice do you have for churches to consider in doing online church going forward?
- Think about your audience:
- Current members will want it to be familiar.
- Expand options to include traveling members.
- Can be outreach for those not familiar with your church.
- Consider the time factors:
- How long does it take you to put your online service together?
- How long can or will your audience watch?
- Will you do parts—or all—of a service?
- Is outreach a priority?
- Be conversational
- Avoid “churchy” words
- Make it accessible (use a Bible translation that’s easy to understand)
- Be mindful of time length
- Equipment is important!
- Lighting: consider purchasing a camera light
- Camera: many options are available, but it should work well with sound system in use
- Sound system: consider an external microphone
- Length of online offering—optimal length for engagement seems to be 35–45 minutes
- Cost of materials, a wide range of options exist:
- Consider short- and long-term options
- Consider production quality and ease of use
- Expertise
- Do you have members (young or old!) who can advise you or take ownership?
- Explore options for professional companies who can set this up for your church
Thought Starters:
- Do you need to upgrade or tweak your processes or equipment?
- Take a close look at what you’re currently offering. Is it reaching the audience you intend?
Resources:
- Carey Nieuwhof blog
- Carey Nieuwhof Eight Early Tips for Producing Digital Content During the Current Crisis
- Carey Nieuwhof 7 New Disruptive Church Trends Every Church Leader Should Watch
Mevo.com (camera and app mentioned)
