This might sound a bit strange for a second but just stay with me.
As I recently covered here on 3 Reasons Your Ministry Should Consider Live Streaming, there’s definitely a value-proposition to having this feature and technology as a part of your ministry.
But somehow the lights have to stay on, right?
For most ministries a live broadcast won’t be “self-sustaining” for a long time. What I mean specifically by self-sustaining is that the live broadcast itself and monies brought in directly from it keep the lights on without help from other parts of the larger ministry.
Many ministries will probably never get there, and that’s ok. You’re not doing it for a revenue stream anyways, right?
But here are 3 things to think about in terms of “income” when it comes to live broadcasts:
1. Online Giving
This one’s obvious. People who engage with your live broadcasts should have an opportunity to give, both guests/visitors and members of the congregation.
Make it easy and inoffensive. Don’t force it down people’s throats and definitely make it opt-in.
2. Movement Toward a Local Institution
This one is powerful as well. Many ministry’s have it as a goal to bring online viewers into local bodies and churches. I personally believe that every online ministry should encourage people to get offline at some point (if physically possible) and to join a local gathering.
Obviously this will increase your attendance and hopefully, God willing, your giving. The point here is that online/live broadcasts can reach a wider audience and through strategic initiatives and guidance bring them to your church (or others).
3. Content, Media, and Products
Some ministries have the blessed opportunity to promote products and media either through rich multimedia (DVD Series) and/or books by authors and/or the pastors/staff.
By setting up a simple ecommerce engine a ministry could promote products that’ll enrich people’s lives.
This is obviously another possible income stream through live broadcasting.
It might be “weird” thinking about making money through online channels but it’s within reason and within your power to do so.
Just remember to do it wisely, not to look like you’re selling something or being a salesman, and always seek to give more than you take.
Any thoughts?
Danny Bixby says
Like.
I think it’s important to realize that these sorts of things have to “break even” in the grand scheme of things.
And in some ways, the pressure may be on from senior staff to make sure that programs like these end up being “assets” as opposed to “liabilities” on the old balance sheet.
It’s just a matter of reality, imo.