Sharpen These Skills for Church Livestreaming Success
With the internet becoming more accessible, people all over the world are switching from television to digital sources of entertainment. While in the past, Church television was hugely successful, there is another trend taking over: livestreaming.
Why Do Churches Use Livestreaming?
Many organizations and churches are making use of livestreaming, for many reasons: Some are doing to practice social distancing in the pandemic era. Others find it is an excellent way to reach those who may be ill and bed-ridden. Others use it as an effective way to fundraise, grow donors, and ask for online donations. Then, there are churches who have travelling missionaries and members in far-flung fields of service. They too, need a way to stay connected to their church.
There is also the important aspect of leadership. When a pastor can easily livestream a service, host a webinar or prayer meeting, his or her mission expands in incredible ways. It gives you more flexibility as a leader. You can livestream from the comfort of your home, or while on the road. It means that you can work in other missions on your schedule, and have enough time to still ensure that your message is heard and shared.
8 Skills to Hone for Livestreaming
As you begin this journey towards the new way of leading your church you may be looking for digital tools to help you reach your global audience. You might already be familiar with some of them when you are giving your sermons from a live stage. However, it is necessary to develop particular skills when speaking in front of a video camera or audio recording from your home.
1. Public Speaking
Take some time to invest in learning how to be a better speaker. Vocal exercises to improve your range and stamina, breathing exercises to help you reach your full potential. You want to be able to hold your audience’s attention well, as most of them will be tuning into your livestream from just their phones.
2. On-Camera skills
You don’t need a fancy, big production to get your message across. With just your iPhone and some good lighting, you can livestream your sermon. However, a bit of practice in front of the camera, learning how to position it and where to make eye contact will make a difference.
3. Zoom Conference Practices
Learn how to manage your video conferences better, including using keyboard shortcuts and making the conference a motivating, inspiring session. People spend a lot of time on video conferences nowadays—for work, school, and your social life. Read our article on how to have better Zoom meetings today. (LINK)
4. Communicating Digitally
Take a clue from the apostle Paul, who wrote his letters to the church in clear, concise words. He stayed away from fancy language, and spoke straight to their hearts. When communicating digitally, you need to do the same, spelling out your message, and avoiding vague words. There’s nothing worse than watching the livestream of a church leader who can’t hold an audience digitally.
5. Planning Better Sermons
Choose topics that are relevant to the times. See this list of perfect sermon topics that your congregation may enjoy. (LINK) Find out what your congregation is going through by utilizing data and online surveys. Even when you are livestreaming, you can be as interactive as possible.
6. Consider your setup
You may not be physically with your audience, but you can still make the stage inspiring to view. Try livestreaming from your garden, from a nice setup in your living-room. Present yourself authentically, but also go the “extra mile” to ensure your “stage” or location is aesthetically pleasing to the viewers.
7. Use your eyes
In a regular church service, you are standing at a distance from your viewers. However, in a live-streamed video, you are suddenly up close. Hone your storytelling skills, make eye contact with the video camera, hold attention. Even if you pray with your eyes open, it is okay. The viewers feel like you are right there with them—and, you are.
8. Have a remote media team
You may not have a huge television crew on hand, but you can partner with a good media team or online platform host to ensure a great online experience. You should be able to have a sound engineer on hand for bigger live audiences, and someone who knows the ins and outs of the technology you will be using.
Remember: Don’t let the new modern technology overwhelm you. Simply plan to learn and level up on the areas you feel are lacking. Focus on a few things you can improve today for a more successful church tomorrow.
From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. Proverbs 16:23
A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11
At Donorwerx, we have a lot of software available for you too benefit from digital resources and tips for churches who want to move forward in the new era of online giving. Contact us to find out how you can Get started live streaming your sermons today.
