Would you like to try streaming a service?
We already have over 130 services being live streamed or available by conference call. If technology is not your forte please do not pressure yourself to have a go, but instead log into some of the fantastic services already available. For resources to help you prepare your own live streamed services please see below.
Streaming services
If you would like to try your hand at streaming services, telephone conferencing or video conferencing please read and watch our selection of guides which includes details on safeguarding and key security information.
Purchasing advice
Parish Buying are now offering four audio-visual supplier options for your church to choose from. Each supplier is unique and offerings range from installations of permanent equipment to portable equipment that you could set up yourself. For full information please visit:
Parish Buying Audio equipement | Weblink
Cyber risks and online church
Ecclesiastical recognise many are asking about the insurance implications of using digital technology. They have identified some common examples of how digital technology is being used in churches along with the related insurance and risk management considerations please download the pdf here.
Next steps
Many churches moving online have been blessed with a growing number of people engaging with their offerings. By their presence, these people are showing an interest in the church. It is challenging to adapt our methods to the digital world, but some ideas and suggestions are emerging, all rooted in our usual relational approach.
- Be welcoming - some churches are forming a group of people who can welcome online vistors and follow them up afterwards.
- Be authentic - many people are choosing to engage with their local churches, or churches where they have a connection, not the slickest online services.
- Be encouraging - try asking people questions they can comment on during a video or post an online poll. Facebook offers an easy messaging service asking new visitors to like and follow your page and make sure you answer comments! One church asked families to build an Easter garden to show at the service the following Sunday.
- Be invitational: a common message is how much easier it is to invite to an online service or event. Ask people to invite others. This is a great way to deepen engagement.
People are experimenting with many things - could you try any of these ideas?
- Informal Zoom gatherings where people can chat immediately after a service.
- Pub quizzes by Zoom.
- Weekly music or nursery rhyme sessions for young families.
- Online Christian basics courses, e.g. Alpha, Christianity Explored, Start.
- Shorter, simpler and more regular spiritual offerings to complement the services.
- Online bible study sessions.
- Zoom get-togethers for young people, e.g. Pizza and Prayer online for young people in South Hartismere.
Opening the Doors
This Church of England initiative offers a simple set of resources that churches can take and make their own as and when it is appropriate for them to do so. They include:
- Posters and invitations, digital and hard copy, that churches can use to invite the parish to worship
- Liturgical resources, provided by the Liturgical Commission, as well as some others produced by Fresh Expressions practitioners as their contribution
- In due course, resources and guidance to help churches prepare for Advent and Christmas.
Opening the doors | Weblink
Further training opportunities
Webinars from the Church of England Digital and Evangelism and Discipleship teams cover a number of topics including live streaming - please visit their page here.
Understanding your analytics
Facebook says that 1000 people have seen my video…or have they? Do check the ‘Insights’ on social media platforms. They will let you know how long people have viewed your video for, whether they have the sound on! Find out where they are located, demographics breakdown and when is the best time to post your information to reach the most people. Look at engagement figures as well as just reach or impressions as these tell you more about whether people are staying long enough to like and comment on posts, share information and properly engage in your post.
How to? Understand your Facebook Insights | PDF
Charting your Insight trends template | PPX
Online Promotion
An easy way to reach new audiences is to ‘boost’ your posts. Choosing simple metrics such as geographic area, key words and demographics you could reach an entirely new audience – just set your budget and stick to it – this is low cost so a couple of pounds a post could be effective.
Remember to advertise your online services and other activities on A Church Near You.
For a Social Media basic guide download this guide:
How to? on Social Media | PDF
Counting online attendance
We recognise that collecting information on virtual church offerings may not be a priority for some. However, for those who are keen, the Church of England has produced a simple excel spreadsheet which enables churches to keep a record of the different things they may offer here