Ask most churches if they have an online worship service and you will probably get a lot of heads nodding. Between better technology and a pandemic that pushed us to go virtual, online worship is now common. Yet many churches still struggle to provide a strong experience for those in the online pew. This article offers best practices to enhance your online worship experience before, during and after your service.
Planning ahead
Creating a positive experience for remote congregants begins before Sunday morning. What you do during the week can set the stage for a service everyone can enjoy.
Livestream link
Your online congregants cannot participate if they cannot find your livestream. Too often, the link to a YouTube or Facebook page is buried on the church website or lost in an email. Place a clear link to your livestream channel in a prominent spot on your homepage, social media and e-newsletters. Consider adding a QR code to printed materials so the link is always easy to access.
Bulletin
Along with the livestream link, make your bulletin available before the service on your website or by email. During worship, you can also post an on-screen QR code that links directly to the bulletin. Aim to make joining the service as seamless as possible.
Pro tip: Even the best preparation will not matter if your livestream struggles due to weak Wi-Fi. Consult a tech expert for help determining the bandwidth you need.
Just before service
Online worshippers often sign in a few minutes before the service starts. Provide something helpful or attractive for them to view, such as a calendar of upcoming events or a photo reel.
Monitor the chat
Assign a team member to watch who joins the livestream. This allows the pastor or worship leader to welcome viewers more personally, possibly even by name. That same team member can also respond to comments. Consider posting a question or two for online viewers to answer in the chat, then acknowledge their responses during the service.
Pro tip: Keep engaging your online congregation during the week. For example, invite them to submit prayer requests that can be lifted in worship. Encourage them to share selfie photos of themselves watching from home, which can be used on social media or shown in a future photo reel. These simple touches help bring them into your sanctuary.
During service
Lighting and sound
Lighting and sound play a major role in creating a good online experience. Make sure your stage is well-lit from the front. Overhead lights or backlighting from windows can create shadows that distract viewers. Poor audio can quickly turn people away, so use the correct audio feed to make sure words, music and other elements sound clear online and in person.
Speaker position
Be mindful of where speakers stand based on your camera setup. A wandering speaker who moves in and out of frame can be jarring for online viewers. A few discreet marks on the floor can help. Also check what is behind the speaker. Too much clutter or too much empty space can distract from the message.
Slides
Slides for song lyrics, Scripture and prayers help online viewers follow along. However, if a slide stays on screen too long with nothing else visible, the online audience may feel forgotten. Consider a split-screen view that shows both the platform and the lyrics, or use closed captions so viewers can see real people while participating.
Engage with online viewers
Look for natural moments to acknowledge your online congregation. For instance, during the passing of the peace, look into the camera and say, "We extend the peace of Christ to you, our online viewers, wherever you are, and we are grateful you are with us today."
Remember that in-person worship includes a great deal of visual and social interaction. Online viewers rely solely on their screen, so everything shown should be as engaging as possible.
How did you do?
It is tempting to consider the service finished once the benediction is given, but do not miss the chance to review how it went. Gather staff to watch a recording of the service during a weekly meeting. If possible, ask someone to watch the livestream in real time from home or from another room and provide feedback. You can also invite a trusted church member to share their online experience.
Pro tip: If time and resources allow, consider creating a service tailored specifically for online viewers. This could include tighter camera shots and a more conversational style, such as a fireside chat format.
Some people will visit your church online before ever entering your building, if they choose to visit in person at all. These potential new members will look for a service that is clear, visually engaging and meaningful. Balancing online and in-person worship can be challenging, but these practices can help you welcome online congregants as a valued part of your church family.
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Simultaneous streaming to Zoom and other platforms with OBS
Rebeca Ervin has more than two decades of experience as a journalist and legal and nonprofit marketer. She enjoys working with teams to implement strategy and vision through strong and effective communication. Rebeca is a lifelong United Methodist and native of San Antonio, Texas. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Anthropology from Harvard University and a Master’s in Theological Studies from the Iliff School of Theology. In her free time, Rebeca enjoys photography, writing, traveling abroad, and spending time with family..