Using Technology for Virtual Worship
Stream worship, preaching, and teaching through social media and/or your church website. Encourage people to engage with your services this way. Have someone dedicated to monitoring the live chat to encourage further connection.
Video series with step by step instructions on going FB live with Dr. Jonathan Smith and Mr. Cameron Helwege:
- Episode 1: Live Stream on a Budget | Instructions for using software to Live stream to Facebook
- Episode 2: Meetings & Ministry in a Virtual World
- Episode 3: Testing out Zoom
If you need any help, please contact Rev. Dr. Jonathan Smith at 912-678-5631or email him.
Taking Your Worship Online: A guide for beginners and everyone else
Creating Live-streamed Worship in 3 Days
Facebook Live: Click here for instructions and tips.
Instagram Live: Click here for instructions.
YouTube Live: Click here for instructions.
Outreach: Free Streaming
Podcast: Becoming a Virtual Church with Rev. Ben Gosden & Molly Carlson
Free coaching from Georgia UM Commission: If your church is exploring digital avenues and in need of some guidance, email design@umcommission.org. Donations made toward this free service will go directly to support their work with students.
Not ready to stream? Try videoing your sermon/teaching and posting it to social media or your church website. Include suggested discussion questions, spiritual disciplines, or personal reflection to help people respond.
- Production tips for video
- What video hosting services should your church use?
- YouTube Basics: How to upload a video
Resources from United Methodist Communications
Streaming worship on multiple platforms: Is your church already live streaming worship on Facebook, but looking to take it to the next level? Learn what you will need and some solutions to help you get started. Presented by United Communications staff: Steven Adair, director, local church services; Matt Crum, senior solutions architect, global communications development, and Lane Denson, manager, web development. Originally streamed Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
Streaming worship on Facebook Live: Looking to start or enhance the livestream of your worship services on Facebook? Check out these tips and tricks to help you use Facebook Live to bring your church into the homes of your congregation and to reach new people out in your community. Presented by Steven Adair, director, local church services, United Methodist Communications. Originally streamed Monday, March 30, 2020.
Copyrights and licenses: What licenses do you need to cover copyrighted material that your church is using while livestreaming your worship services and events? Learn how to make sure your church is covered! Presented by Steven Adair, director, local church services, United Methodist Communications, and Diana Sanchez-Bushong, director of music ministries, Discipleship Ministries. Originally streamed Saturday, March 28, 2020.
Zoom for worship and small groups: Zoom can help keep your congregation connected with one another even when you're not able to be in the same space. Presented by United Methodist Communications staff: Danny Mai, chief operations officer; Matt Crum, senior solutions architect; and Shelia Mayfield, director of global communications development.Originally streamed Friday, March 27, 2020.