While you might already upload your services to YouTube, there is an even more impactful way to reach people and share your messages: livestreaming.
Livestreaming isn’t just for millennial audiences. It is a here-and-now technology that connects people with your house of worship in the moment. It fosters a deep sense of closeness and community that videos struggle to replicate.
We know how it feels to miss just a single service. One skipped day of worship can lead to another, and soon, people are completely out-of-touch, probably when they need it the most.
There are also many people curious about what worship is like and the message overall, but they’re not sure if they’re ready to take the leap and attend a service in person. Should they go without it until they’re ready, or is there another way to connect with them exactly where they are now?
Livestreaming is a great way to reach people no matter where they are.
The Benefits of Livestreaming vs. YouTube Videos
YouTube videos are fantastic marketing tools, and they help your congregation benefit from your services time and time again. However, the thing about videos is they always occur after the fact. Even though they benefit from the services, some people still feel as though they’re disconnected when they watch others singing, praying, and praising together.
Given how popular YouTube is today, you absolutely shouldn’t stop uploading to it if you already are. However, if you want to reach further and build a deeper connection with people, then livestreaming is the best way to do that.
5 Reasons to Livestream Your Worship Services
You may be thinking, “I don’t even know how to livestream! I can barely edit my videos!” We get it. That’s why we’ve made livestreaming for houses of worship easier.
1. Share Your Message with More People
Imagine being able to reach more people no matter how big your place of worship is. Livestreaming has no limits. A small congregation that holds less than 100 can reach triple that amount online. The ability to invite anyone and everyone to hear your teachings is a blessing.
2. Increase Engagement
Discussion is at the heart of devotion. When we gather together, share our love, insights, and perspectives, amazing things happen. During a service, you can’t interrupt and ask a question. You may find something difficult to grasp, and think about bringing it up later, but by the time services are over, everyone is talking to each other, and you don’t feel like you have the chance to really get the one-on-one time you need.
Livestreaming flips this scenario on its head. Instead of having to bide their time, anyone can type a question as it arises. Within minutes, the event moderator can answer it. They can also connect viewers with more resources, like blog posts or the congregation's email to talk further.
3. Create a Greater Sense of Community
Worshipping together is one of the most powerful things we can do. It helps us feel closer to one another, especially in these difficult times. The world can often make us feel isolated and misunderstood. Without enough “soul food,” people may even start to feel like their faith is out-of-touch in modern society.
Whether it’s an elderly person watching from their nursing home, or a young person discovering their faith, livestreaming makes it easier for anyone to feel like the messaging is living and meaningful.
4. Make It Easier for People to Keep Faith in Their Daily Lives
One of the biggest distractions people face today is social media. That’s why livestreaming for congregations is such a great tool — it reaches people where they already are. You can easily promote your livestreams on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to draw your followers closer to your messaging.
When people can hop into a livestream at any time, even halfway through a service, it makes staying in touch easier. In fact, being able to arrive late without feeling like they’re intruding can encourage more people to attend more regularly.
5. Reach People Who Are Hesitant About Attending Services In Person
Some of the people who need to hear your message the most are those most afraid to attend a service. They may have serious doubts, fears, or conflicting beliefs that stop them from taking the first step into your house of worship. So, why not bring your house of worship to them?
Through livestreaming, places of worship can connect to anyone. The truth is that many people are desperate for a loving relationship with a higher power, but they have had experiences that hold them back from an in-person setting. They may also not be fully comfortable in a public place of worship; a livestream lessens their anxiety, so they can focus on the message without feeling any pressure.
