* Editors Note: Upfront: As we look at Reunion Sunday only gather (in person) when relevant authorities say you can. And, when you do, follow the guidelines / precautions they give. We must be responsible citizens and love our neighbors. This post on the livestream church is part three of three in the series.
Livestream Church has proven its importance as a tool for maintaining a connection with the community around a church. So many churches have been unexpectedly forced to become digital savvy overnight. I am personally excited for how the church responded going digital. But now that we are here we cannot go back. Countless people are being reached, and this is not the time to retreat.
Going Forward
The Church must plan to support a Livestream service for the foreseeable future. Livestream cannot just be a viewer watching the service, but we must find meaningful ways to engage the viewers to make them feel apart of the service even though they cannot be in attendance.
Online Hospitality
Just like you have a welcome team that greets you at the door consider having a digital welcome team to greet and engage people in the Livestream chat. Take prayer request over Livestream chat and have a staff member bring them to the front to pray for them towards the end of a service.
Consider hosting a pre-service and post-service stream to talk to the Livestream audience directly.
The pastor and anyone speaking ‘on stage’ should always acknowledge the livestream viewers.
Outreach
The Livestream will always be a valuable tool for members that cannot be in attendance but also a useful outreach tool to bring people into the church. Every church, no matter the size, can Livestream.
The key to remember is that Livestreaming to social media does not always have to be about production, but about presence. And as we have recently learned especially when your community needs you most during a crisis event.
Beyond Sunday
Another thing to keep in mind. Don’t neglect the rest of the week on social media. Don’t just pop into people’s news feeds on Sunday. There are plenty of opportunities to connect with people all week long.
The Bible encourages the Church to meet more often as we see the day of the Lord approaching. Why not use the tools available to meet for 5, 10, or 15 min sessions throughout the week?
In Conclusion
I hope this blog series as well as the resources we have created will encourage you to see the opportunities that abound, and that God is in control and has a plan for everything he brings into our lives even that of a pandemic.
Oh! there’s one more thing…
Free Resource: Sunday Reunion Pack
We’ve put together this Reunion Sunday Pack. It gives you ideas, to help you get started, as you imagine the first big gathering. It includes:
- 1 Press Release Template
- Twelve (12) 1920×1080 Slides
- 36 Social Media Posts
- Post for Reunion Sunday
- Post to Promote Health & Safety
- Post For Encouragement
- Streaming Post
- Conversation Starters
- A 30-second video for moment of silence
- Original Editable Photoshop Files
- Reunion Sunday Pack$0.00
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