This past weekend marks 4 weeks that many of us have been online. Here are some things I’ve noticed about our ABNWT church streams:

• Make sure your website directs me to the live stream.

• Engage with me in the chat box.

• Tell me what is going to happen in the service. If I’m not a regular attender, it’s helpful to know what to expect.

• Smile. It makes me want to engage

• Tell me about the resources that are available and ways I can get involved to help. 

• Use a pre-service loop (slides) or a countdown or opener video. I’m anticipating something good. 

• You don’t need to remind people that they’re not in the building, they know that they are not in the building. Just thank them for joining church today.

• Talk to me, not at me.  Look at the camera when you talk. Try and keep your notes up high so you don’t keep looking down. 

• Engage me on social media by asking questions.

• Remember to watch your “Christianeze” language. There are non-Christians watching.

  • If you tell me a Bible character, give me context for who that is. 

  • The term “word of God” has no context for an un-churched person.

  • Use English terms and keep it simple.

• Don’t speak so long. Try and keep it 30 minutes or less

• Remember to practice what you’re going to say before you go live. 

• Open your eyes when leading in worship, don’t keep them closed the entire time.

• Remember that audio bounces of flat surfaces. Try to use rugs, blankets or other soft elements to help absorb bounce when shooting in rooms with flat

• Test your audio. If it distorts or other instruments over power, it distracts.

• If you’re filming on your church stage, clear it of clutter.  Remove barriers like podiums or tables. 

• Watch your headspace. Don’t leave a lot of room between the top of the head of those involved and the top of your screen.

• Film in wide-screen format, not portrait. 

• Make sure you don’t walk off the “screen” or turn your back to the camera. 

• If you’re using lyrics, make them large enough for people to read.  Maybe go down to 2 lines for slide. 

Remember that online church lets you “tweak every week”.  You should always be improving and developing yourself.  If you would like me to look at your live feed from Sunday and give you some helpful tools to improve, please email me at Antoniuktim@hotmail.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Guest Blog by Tim Antoniuk. Tim is a creator, producer, designer, and director. He loves the church and all things tech. He is a church online specialist.