Top 10 Tips For Quality Livestream Worship Services Pt.1by Jonathan A. Johnson
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation…” Mark 16:15
COVID-19…just hearing that can cause a traumatic response. The pandemic was such a traumatic experience for everyone. However, the pandemic also pushed our postmodern society into the “virtual space.” In the education arena, from Pre-K all the way to the highest ranks of academia, everything was virtual. In the business and professional world, we went virtual with daily meetings to keep organizations and corporations operational. Nevertheless, I would argue that the spaces where the push towards technological advancement made its greatest strides was within the walls of religious houses of worship.
The call for isolation to protect everyone’s health, was a benefit, but also a hinderance to traditional church fellowship. I applaud all those who found a way to get cameras and audio equipment, so that people at home could experience kind of church-related normalcy, but also to bring encouragement during those dark days.
We shifted quickly to having church on zoom, and other streaming platforms. We were busy recording and editing programs for Sabbath School, Divine Worship, AY, etc. Then some churches started streaming from inside the sanctuaries, still with no live audience but speaking to the camera. Nowadays, most, if not all churches are back in full traditional church activities with no mask, no registering for seats, and no restrictions.
During this time, Mark 16:15 was accelerated and the known world was saturated with the word of God. Wherever there was a computer or televison you could hear the gospel being preached to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. If you wanted a good sermon, music, testimonies, or even just a prayer, it all was just a click away. Thanks to the medium of YouTube, Facebook, and other streaming platforms, we all were able to reach people throughout the entire world.
However, today, in some places the streaming culture is choking the life out of authentic worship experiences. Livestreaming isn’t for everyone. It’s either overly produced or not well put together at all. This is gonna make me sound really old, but oftentimes it seems like people are focused on the performance and talent, rather than on the sacrifice of praise and the gift of grace. Worship is for an audience of One. Instead, some are simply trying to outdo each other. It’s great to see churches making an impact in the world with livestreaming technology, but while some churches do this well, other churches need more assistance.
We can and must do better. Here are the top 10 tips for creating a quality livestream worship service.
10. Engage your online audience.
Whoever is watching at home, at work, or on the road should feel as much apart of the worship experience as those who are in the building. Talk to directly to your online audience during the children’s story, offering, sermon, and during the appeal. Find a way to capture their contact information, and stay in contact with them. It should be just like if they were walking in the physical front door, they should be able to feel that same love over the internet. They can also tell if you are being genuine or not. You never know who you are going to reach or what people are going through. For that one moment, you may be the only Jesus they ever see.
9. Eliminate the “dead spots.”
This cannot be overemphasized. Moments where there is nothing happening, and no one is talking are production killers. Everything should be seamless; with no major gaps between each segment of the service.
8. Use up-to-date equipment.
If it’s over 3 years old it may need to be replaced. Updated equipment may cost, but it will greatly enhance your production process, and it will increase the overall quality that people can see on-screen.
7. Hire a media director/producer.
Now we get to the personnel, this is very important. Having someone who is knowledgeable, approachable, and creative will be beneficial. If you pastor a large church, this person should not be a volunteer, unless they do this professionally and want to “donate” their gifts to God and the church. This person will know where the church is, and where it needs to go. They will be able to put a “crew” together and train them to produce a quality service. Also, encourage your youth and young adults to be involved. They can learn from this skilled professional, and this is one thing will help to keep them in and a part of the local church community. Media helps to give them a voice, and allows them to contribute in making a quality product.
6. Hire an audio engineer.
The same qualities recommended for the media director apply here but the media director is not the audio engineer. They will work together, but they are not the same thing. Audio is very crucial for giving a good service, so it needs it own dedicated person. Remember this principle: Bad audio demolishes good video.
As we navigate this highly technologically savvy age, and we aim to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world, I leave you with the words my parents would tell my siblings and I every time we would go out. “Remember who you are and whose you are.” Let your church be unique to the context that you reach, but remember it’s all about Christ and Christ alone. Just do and be the best, according to Christ that lives in you. In the words of Jesus, “Go…”
Jonathan A. Johnson is a producer for Oakwood University Broadcasting Network and a Media Production Consultant, currently residing in Huntsville, AL.